Minivan Nissan Quest 2004 is a bright representative of family cars of the early 2000s, combining a spacious interior, comfort and good reliability. Released in the third generation (body code V42), this minivan was the Japanese brand's response to the growing demand for practical cars for large families. However, like any used car, Quest has its own characteristics that you should know about before purchasing.
In this article we will look at technical specifications, typical problems And nuances of operation Nissan Quest 2004, and also give recommendations on choosing a suitable copy on the secondary market. We will pay special attention to the engine VQ35DE, transmission and electrical equipment - the components that most often require attention after 20 years of operation.
Specifications Nissan Quest 2004
Under the hood Nissan Quest 2004 The only engine installed was a gasoline one. V6 volume 3.5 l (VQ35DE) power 240 hp at 6000 rpm. This motor is known for its reliability, but it has a number of features that we will talk about later. Transmission - only 4-speed automatic (RE4F04B), which, paired with the engine, provided smooth, although not the most dynamic acceleration.
The dimensions of the minivan are impressive: length 5110 mm, width 1970 mm, height 1780 mm. Wheelbase 3000 mm guarantees space for all three rows of seats. Depending on the configuration, Quest was equipped with rear air suspension or classic springs, which affected comfort and load capacity.
- 🔧 Engine: VQ35DE 3.5 l, 240 hp, gasoline
- ⚙️ Transmission: 4-speed automatic
RE4F04B - 🚗 Drive: front (FF)
- 💺 Number of seats: 7 or 8 (depending on configuration)
- 🔋 Tank volume: 76 l
| Parameter | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Fuel consumption (city) | 14–16 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (highway) | 9–11 l/100 km |
| Maximum speed | 190 km/h |
| Acceleration 0–100 km/h | 9.5–10.5 s |
| Trunk volume (max.) | up to 2500 l |
Feature Quest 2004 is the all-wheel drive system All-Mode 4WD, which was offered in top trim levels. However, most models on the market are front-wheel drive, since all-wheel drive increased fuel consumption and complicated the design.
- Petrol V6
- Diesel
- Hybrid
- Electric
Weaknesses and typical problems
Despite the reliability Nissan Quest 2004 has several "diseases", which appear after 15–20 years of operation. The main problems are related to engine, transmission and electronics. Let's take a closer look at them.
VQ35DE engine: what to look for
Motor VQ35DE is famous for its endurance, but it has weaknesses:
- 🔥 Oil leak through valve cover - a common problem, especially if you do not monitor the condition of the gaskets. Over time, oil gets into the spark plug wells, which leads to friction.
- 🔊 Knock of hydraulic compensators when cold - often occurs after 200,000 km. It can be solved by replacing the oil with a more viscous one or flushing the system.
- 🔄 Timing chain stretch - after a mileage of 250,000 km, the chain may begin to “rustle”, which requires immediate replacement.
Critical feature: VQ35DE engines until 2004 had problems with oil leakage due to the design of the piston rings. In 2004, the problem was partially corrected, but when purchasing, be sure to check the oil level and the presence of carbon deposits on the spark plugs.
Gearbox RE4F04B: risks and solutions
Automatic transmission RE4F04B is considered reliable, but has its own nuances:
- 🛑 Jerks when switching - often associated with worn solenoids or low transmission fluid levels.
- 🔥 Box overheating — if the automatic transmission cooling radiator is clogged, the oil loses its properties, which leads to accelerated wear of the clutches.
- 🔄 Worn torque converter — manifested by vibrations at speeds of 60–80 km/h.
⚠️ Attention: If during a test drive the transmission “kicks” or delays shifting, this may indicate the need for a major overhaul. The cost of such repairs often exceeds the market price of the car itself.
Electronics and interior: what breaks most often
Electrical equipment Quest 2004 not highly reliable. Frequent problems:
- 🔌 Malfunctions of the climate control unit — damper motors fail, which leads to incorrect operation of the stove or air conditioner.
- 🔊 Audio system failure - radios Bose lose sound due to oxidation of contacts.
- 🚗 Problems with ABS sensors — the malfunction light often comes on due to corrosion on the connectors.
They suffer in the cabin plastic trim elements — over time they creak and crack. They also often fail electric window lifters and door locks.
Prices for Nissan Quest 2004 on the secondary market
Cost Nissan Quest 2004 on the Russian market varies from 300,000 to 800,000 rubles, depending on condition, mileage and configuration. Average prices by region:
| Region | Price, rub. (mileage 150–200 thousand km) | Price, rub. (mileage 250+ thousand km) |
|---|---|---|
| Moscow and region | 600 000 – 800 000 | 400 000 – 550 000 |
| St. Petersburg | 550 000 – 700 000 | 350 000 – 500 000 |
| Regions (Ural, Siberia) | 450 000 – 600 000 | 300 000 – 450 000 |
| South of Russia | 500 000 – 650 000 | 350 000 – 500 000 |
The price is greatly influenced availability of service history. Instances with confirmed service from official dealers or verified service stations cost 15–20% more. Cars with leather interior, DVD system And air suspension.
⚠️ Attention: Be careful with offers that are too cheap (below RUB 300,000). Often such cars have hidden problems with the engine or gearbox, and may also be stolen or have “overwhelmed” mileage.
Before purchasing, be sure to check the car's history through services like Autocode or CarVertical. Pay special attention to the number of owners and accident records.
How to choose a Nissan Quest 2004: buyer's checklist
Upon examination Nissan Quest 2004 Please pay attention to the following points:
Engine: check the oil level and any leaks|Gearbox: test drive for jerks and delayed shifts|Suspension: listen for knocking noises on bumps|Electronics: check the operation of all sensors and instruments|Interior: inspect the condition of the plastic and electrical controls-->
It will also not be superfluous check compression in cylinders (norm for VQ35DE - 12–14 bar) and transmission fluid condition (it should be red, without a burnt smell).
If the seller refuses diagnostics at a service station or does not provide documents on changing the automatic transmission oil, this is a reason to be wary. The best option is to buy a car with mileage up to 200,000 km and complete service history.
Maintenance and operation: tips for owners
To Nissan Quest 2004 served for a long time, follow these recommendations:
- 🛢️ Engine oil - change every 7,000–10,000 km (better to use
5W-30or5W-40from Mobil 1 or Castrol). - ⚙️ Transmission fluid - update every 60,000 km, even if the box works fine.
- 🔧 Brake system — pads and discs wear out quickly due to the weight of the car, check them every 20,000 km.
- 🔋 Battery — the original battery lasts 3–4 years, after which it may not cope with the load from electronics.
in winter Quest requires special attention:
- ❄️ Before frost, check the condition spark plugs And high voltage wires.
- 🚗 If the car spends the night on the street, use preheater or at least remove the terminals from the battery.
- 🔧 After driving through slush, be sure to wash arches and bottom - this will prevent corrosion.
Regular maintenance is the key to longevity Nissan Quest. This is especially true for engine and gearbox oil, since replacing them is cheaper than repairing worn components.
Alternatives to Nissan Quest 2004: what to compare with
If you are considering Quest As a family car, it's worth comparing it with its main competitors:
| Model | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Sienna (2004) | More reliable, fewer problems with electronics | More expensive to maintain, less power |
| Honda Odyssey (2004) | More dynamic, better handling | Problems with the gearbox at high mileage |
| Chrysler Town & Country (2004) | Cheaper, more options in the database | Low reliability, difficulties with spare parts |
| Kia Carnival (2004) | Easier to repair, cheaper parts | Less comfortable suspension, worse sound insulation |
Nissan Quest compares favorably with competitors spacious interior And powerful engine, but loses in the reliability of electronics. If trouble-free operation is important to you, it is better to take a closer look at Toyota Sienna. If you need a balance of price and quality - Quest remains a good option.
Secret life hack for Quest owners
If you start having problems with your air suspension, you can replace it with regular springs from Nissan Elgrand (fit without modifications). This will save money on repairs and simplify maintenance.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the 2004 Nissan Quest
❓ How much does a major overhaul of a VQ35DE engine cost?
Cost of capital VQ35DE on average is 150,000–250,000 rubles, depending on the region and degree of wear. The price includes replacement of rings, bearings, timing chain and gaskets. If the block requires boring, the price will increase by another 30–50%.
❓ Is it possible to install gas equipment on Quest 2004?
Technically yes, but there are some nuances: the engine VQ35DE is sensitive to gas quality, and if configured incorrectly, it may valve burnout. The best option is a 4th generation LPG with high-quality nozzles (for example, BRC or Lovato). Average installation cost - 50,000–80,000 rubles.
❓ How often should the timing belt be changed on a Quest 2004?
B Nissan Quest 2004 worth it timing chain, not a belt. According to the regulations, it is designed for the entire service life of the engine, but in practice it is recommended to check it every 150,000–200,000 km. When the chain stretches, a characteristic rustling sound appears when it is cold, and it must be replaced (the cost of the work is 20,000–30,000 rubles).
❓ Which oil is better to fill in the RE4F04B automatic transmission?
For the box RE4F04B original oil is suitable Nissan Matic D or its analogues: Mobil ATF 3309, Castrol Transmax Dex III. Volume for a complete replacement - 10–12 liters. Important: when changing the oil, be sure to change automatic transmission filter and wash the pan.
❓ Where is the best place to look for spare parts for Quest 2004?
Main sources:
- 🛒 Official Nissan dealers — original spare parts, but expensive.
- 🌍 Online stores (Exist.ru, Autodoc) - a wide range of analogues.
- 🔧 Showdown — you can find used parts in good condition (for example, air suspension or climate control unit).
- 🇯🇵 Japanese auctions — if you need a rare part (for example, a rear bumper or an original radio) Bose).