And the CLA is built to hit a lower price point then the regular C. At least the dealer experience should be better than Nissan, but you are going in there with their lowest priced vehicle. Sell it right before the warranty and free maintenance expires.

I thought there was a TSB for this?

Unless they can verify its wear and tear on the clutch plates and not the failed internal seals issue, they are full of **** and it should be covered.

Search the TSB forum and also be prepared to phone Nissan corporate -- good luck!

Im a mercedes benz technician, and I would not recommend the cla. It just feels very cheap and you will be very disappointed with the performance. Even the cla45 amg isnt impressive to me. I also would definitely sell it right before the 4 year/50k mile mark, because once it goes out of warranty and things start to break it can be very expensive.

Understandable. I understood the "expenses" that came with a sports car. I do my research before buying cars, nor am I naive. I also know plenty about aftermarket parts that work, as I put 15K into my '08 Si before the Z. Any expense I had for that was acceptable, something that I said "hey, that's a part of the game." Not something like a steering wheel lock stranding me and then a clutch failing before 30K. I know you aren't trying to take it out on me, but stop justifying the BS. Should I allow myself to accept mediocre? No.

Considering what my job is, it automatically is, new or not. I have a job in sales now. I can't be driving a RWD sports car in all kinds of weather, day in and day out. This was my DD.

Well, the nice thing between different humans is the difference in opinion. What "good service" is to you may not be the case with me. I have a close friend who has had a C300 for 3-5 years now and said he's treated like gold. I went to the same dealer as him. Does that mean I get the same service? Of course not, but I like my chances. At least I get a loaner when/if this car breaks (unlike Nissan) and the warranty is already better than theirs from the get go. Also, I've never seen someone be so upset that someone else is buying a car that you don't pay for. I dealt with enough fanboys in my Honda days, don't be that guy.

Again, I do my research before I buy a car. I've looked at all this stuff. Also, way to point out the one horror story and hope that would help your case. That story ended up working out in the end. Shall we do a Google search on the 370Z's known issues and compare? ;) I didn't think so.

That's a lot easier to accept than the steering wheel lock and a failed clutch, as I stated. My 3rd gear had that issue VERY rarely (where it'd be a bitch to go in). I accepted it and replaced all of that when I started putting a lot of money into that car.

Trust me. I did. For the hundredth time, I do my research. The part they labeled it as is not covered. They likely beat around labeling it the CSC because they knew I KNEW that it could be covered that way. There was no beating around it, I got screwed.

I'm happy with the performance. I've driven the car. A 4-cylinder turbocharged engine with 200HP vs. a V6 with 325HP. Do you think I expect the same exact performance? No. It has pep like my Si did and that's why I loved my Si. It was my pocket rocket. Now, I don't expect my CLA to be that exactly, but it has a great mix of fun, tech, and luxury. Nor does it feel cheap by any means. I was able to afford plenty for it...feeling "cheap" isn't an issue, I can assure you.

My mom had a BMW 3-series in the past. I'm familiar with "luxury car expenses" and how they happen to break right after the warranty runs out (ironic, eh?). After the lesson I learned with the Z, I'll be buying the extended warranty after the 4/yr, 50K runs out.

Bash all you want (certain few). It's not your decision to make. I didn't randomly just start hating Nissan, they've pushed me to this point. I love my Z. Never once do I recall saying I physically hate my car. However, I hate being treated like a naive clown and that's why I'll be leaving happily. Stop acting like Nissan is paying you a dime to justify their issues, especially in customer service. I have a job in sales now, as I stated. That is a factor as to why I'm getting rid of it. Stick isn't your friend in traffic every day and when you have to stop business to business (I'll miss it, I've driven stick for 6 years now). Nor is having a low vehicle with no trunk space. The CLA is a lot more fuel efficient and has technology to help that even more so (the start and stop), it was an easy sell and I got a hell of a price on it. The 4-MATIC was the cherry on top. I won't have to worry about winters up here so much anymore.

On your way out, can you at least name the dealer that jerked you around? It's not "Nissan" that gave you the problem, it's the place you took the car. It's entirely possible that, had you towed it to another dealer, your repair would have been covered. I'd still be going to Nissan Corporate and pushing for a reimbursement.

Wow someone had their panties in a knot this morning. I'll leave it at enjoy your new car.

I have not run into one person that finds grinding gears, rattling vtc actuators, 2 qts oil consumpsion in 1k miles, leaking rads etc acceptable, you seem to miss my point, stuff breaks, think about the process of building a car, all the moving parts, different manufactuers of parts, something is going to break, unfortunatly it happen to you, we can empathize, but chances are, you will never own a car that will not...your CLA will break at some point, if it doesnt, you got luck with this car...I work for one of the most reliable car brands and they break, its life, does not make Hondas poor cars, nor does failing csc's or steering locks make Nissans bad cars...Nor does slapping a Benz star on a low cost model make it reliable...Nissan is not nearly as strict with their dealers as Honda either, we are required to take training, and our least experienced advisor has been here 3 years...I know our local Nissan dealer has had 5 different advisors in the past year...So there is that as well. However, they put a trans in my car no questions asked when 2nd gear went, maybe cause I know the manager or not, but they had no choice, they couldnt prove abuse, so they were stuck.

Chuck, I don't know why you think I'm pulling stuff out of thin air. I have no problem with people perhaps "not agreeing with me," however you haven't gone through the BS. I'm telling you that I actually have. I've dealt with the phone calls, I've dealt with Consumer Affairs, I've dealt with being jerked around, so please stop. Put yourself in my shoes. Then maybe make a comment. We're all adults here, let's act like them.

You continue to defend a company that hasn't paid you a penny. You have clearly had a good relationship and "life" with your vehicle. Unfortunately, I have not. I am speaking for myself, not you. Realize that. My dealer was Sheridan Nissan in New Castle, DE. "It's the dealer, not Nissan." That's 100% false. Why? Because when something varies dealer-to-dealer, that's an issue with the head of the food chain - Nissan themselves. If Nissan stood by their product (it's not the dealer making the product, simply selling it), they'd have rules that blanketed their entire company...not dealer-to-dealer. That's the issue. Those are loose ends. You think I accepted getting screwed and didn't blow up Nissan Affairs? Did you not read the prior pages? Trust me, I put in my work. I'm not going to continue to fight a battle I can't win. I did for a period of time that fit. It's a month later now, what's done is done.

Not at all. Did you expect to receive a nice comment in return when all you (and Chuck) have done is make back handed remarks? It's the internet, there is nothing anyone could say on here that would "get my panties in a bunch." I deal with much worse on a daily basis in person. If you can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen. You've added nothing positive/productive to this thread, why would I treat you with such respect? But, thanks for the well wishes.

I gave you my honest response. Just like I stated above (to Chuck), put yourself in my shoes. Never once did I say "Nissan sucks and everyone else is better and I'm going to make an unfair statement and all 370Z's are turds, WAAAH!" This car has become nothing short of a nightmare in a 7,000 mile span. I love the car like a damn child. I'm 24, the thing might as well be my child with the way I treat it. But, again, like I said, I will not accept medicare service and being treated poorly when there are other options out there. That's the beauty of the modern day car world - there's always something or someone better. That works in my favor here, not Nissan's.

I haven't missed your point. I don't deem it "acceptable," as much as I do livable. I can deal with that. I can deal with expense luxury prices. I can deal with little stuff that would typically bother others and turn them off about a car. Why? Because anyone in their right mind knows that stuff. However, the 3rd gear issue (which wasn't a huge one with me because it VERY RARELY happened) isn't even comparable to being stranded in a parking lot, twice, to get towed, twice, and end up on the hook with nothing but excuses. That's comparing apples (3rd gear) to oranges (stranded twice). I got lucky with the steering wheel lock, as I somehow got that covered BEFORE the recall. A failing clutch within 7K miles of that happening was the last straw after hearing the poor, pathetic excuses from Consumer Affairs.

Just like you stated in your first post, I'm not attacking you. I appreciate your insight, but I'm not naive. I stated that in the beginning. I just didn't realize an internet forum required my life story and reasoning as to why I'm getting rid of a car without getting flamed from a couple fanboys. I'm not referring to you or anyone specific, just a generality.

I'm sure some of this "hostility" is because it's a "BENZ." I know the stereotype that comes with that and it's unfortunate. But, it comes with the territory, I get it. Everyone hates everyone who drives a BMW/Benz/Lexus, etc.

Did everyone miss the part where I said a large reason I'm trading in too is because the car isn't practical for me anymore. For clarification: sales rep. I cold call often. I have to drive A LOT. I'm getting in/out of the car A LOT. I'm in traffic every day on the way home. I need a trunk. I need a back seat. I need better gas mileage. The car is no longer practical! It was when I bought it and the 2 years I had it, I had fun. But, I'm looking forward to my new "child." I love what I do, I'd love it even more if I had a car that fit and made it easier.

You make me happy. Thank you for your honesty

I was trying to be nice...but I work next to the benz store, my father managed benz for 2 years, and they gave him the option of witch store he wanted(formerly did gmc, Pontiac, Acura,Isuzu, Chevy etc all for the same company) and after managing EVERY service dept, he took Honda permanently, I quote, "benz is a nightmare" and we constantly have techs from benz(and acura-but only because they do not turn the hours we do) wanting in our Honda store...they hate working on those things...Again I understand that you cannot fully appreciate my standpoint, because you cannot, I am in business, I 100% understand WHY you are frustrated, no one wants their vehicle to break, but it happens...I put a wheel bearing in a 2012 pilot today(not physically), its a little more than a year old! We have a lot of "happy" 2014 owners that cannot get their tpms lamps to stop coming off because of a software issue on them, it NEVER ends, human beings are incapable of producing any product without error, its a fact of life. We get cars on the hook too, had 2 towed in today...one a 2011 no start and the other a 2013 accord that we literally cannot figure out(no we are not incompetent, have some of the best tech in western PA and I would bet money on that), every warning light has come on 4 times now even after numerous calls to tech line and software updates, if it wasn't owned by the local community college I feel there would already be a lemon law case in process, luckily we have a good relationship with them, and they understand it was a first model year, and its broke. Again, you just have to step back and take the emotion out of it, our expectations are so high because of multiple reasons, advanced technology, the economy, etc, we are trained to want perfection...but we cannot have it, and at lease in our short lifetimes, will never partake in anything such, at least in the automotive sector


On your second note, I rather see a salesman roll up in a "practical" brand car, honda, ford, toyota, chevy, etc rather than a benz, lexus, infiniti,etc...to ME it sends the wrong message, if you can afford a luxury car, your company is paying you too much, which means I am or going to overpay for your product, yup, it comes with a stereotype.

Hey, I appreciate the honesty. That's why I've continued to talk to you like an adult. I know you're just being honest and you clearly know your stuff. However, I'm not going to go into every car assuming "this one is going to be a dud." Why? Because I'd never buy a car period! The difference between the Z and the two others I've owned? This one BECAME the dud. However, I still loved the car. I'm not dumping it just because it broke. I'm dumping it because it turned into a headache ON TOP OF horrid customer service. Horrid.

I get what you're saying about the "practical sales car," however that's your opinion. The luxury car stereotype when it comes to money is stupid. I'm overpaid because I can afford a 29K car (36K the way I have built)? No. Everyone's living situation and lifestyle is different. For the record, I'm not putting myself into a situation I cannot afford (not that that's anyone business, just putting it out there). You know how much my fully loaded '08 Si was? 28K. My Z when I drove it away with only 7K miles on it? Worth 38K. I got it for 29K. Basically the same price as the entry level Benz.

The facts are they're making these cars more affordable for a reason - to compete with the companies you just said. Most of the Benz dealers are saying this car's competition has been misconstrued. They built it to take away from the Camrys and co. because they want someone to say "well, if I can have them both for the same price...I'll always take the Mercedes." Debatable (the competition part), but I can see it. The CLA for me gives me what the I want. It meets in the middle The Z has the power I'd like and the look (and unfortunately this one gave me issues). The Honda had the reliability I loved (but cheap interior and I wanted to step up from the Honda world when I got the Z). The CLA has the best of both for me. A luxury interior, a sporty styling, technology I love (I graduated with an IT degree) and it's practical. The risks that come with every car are worth the reward in this case. They no longer are with the Z and the treatment I've gotten from Consumer Affairs has pushed me to that point. I'm not getting it because it's a damn Mercedes Benz. I'm not that person...my female cousin is and I actually resent her for it (Bimmer). She put herself in a car she can't afford because of the name it comes with. I resent the names, but I'm not going to NOT buy something I want because others will judge me. I'm buying it for me, not them. Also, most places I go to, me or my car isn't even seen. I'm not seen until I'm standing at a receptionist desk, lol!

As I said in the beginning of this post though, I appreciate you keeping it straight. :hello:

Nissan dealers are independently owned and operated. Nissan has very little control or influence over the dealers. If you don't like your dealer, go find another.....

I hear you, trust me, when they did that ridiculous cheap lease on the c class they came to all the employees and showed us what we could get, I for a second almost did it last year, but I came to my senses...to counter your statement, we are car guys, we know what model is what, and the cost associated with them, the general public is not, they see brands... thus the stereotype, I only aim to guide and educate people, everyone must decide for themselves, I could have bought an evo x (or mustang...it was close) instead of my Z and had a hell of a lot faster car for less, but its a grocery getter that will literally fall apart, and I would be a s2k owner not a Z owner if I was for A) not being a fatass, and B) the Z car heritage, im a sucker for the 70's datsuns.

As are most all dealers, but we all still have standards to uphold, and Honda is STRICT compared to most.

Independently owned and operated, but where do you think they get their rules from? They don't pull them out of the sky. Joe Blow didn't open a Nissan dealership because that's the car he wanted to sell and made his own rules/prices/etc. Like JoePro said, there are still mandates they have to follow. Certainly, do some do things different? Obviously. However, just because one is willing to "bend the rules" to fit something under warranty doesn't mean they're doing their job properly. My mechanic even said "I could label it transmission, but when I send it back and they see it wasn't a direct cause...that's our ***. I can't do that." I respected his honesty. The higher ups, Consumer Affairs, are what killed it for me. Not my dealership. CA broke the camel's back. The phone conversations were a joke. An absolute joke. It was nothing more than a constant reading off a sheet of paper in front of them for answers they knew were crap.

I would've been an S2K owner instead of an Si (and likely would've been happy with that and never looked at a Z) had it not been retired when I started looking for the Si. I wanted my first new car and there were no new leftovers for the S2K. I loved/still do love those things. Throw a hardtop on it, things are gorgeous. I can back the Honda statement. Honda treated me like gold and I knew my life with that car would be treated as such. It helped that I knew the salesman and he was a family friend now that we have bought 3 Hondas from him. He STILL sends me birthday cards every year, 10+ years now. That's customer service.