Category: Nissan

5 Things You Should Never Do in a Car With CVT

On By Wes MonkenIn CVT, Nissan, transmissionLeave a comment

What is CVT?
CVT stands for Continuously Variable Transmission. Quite simply it is a very efficient transmission design where it gets the most power to the wheels operating the engine at the most efficient RPM.

Nissan has lead the way with CVT transmission. Nissan started using them in 2002 and most of their product line has a CVT. Many manufacturers have followed Nissan’s lead and today have started using CVT transmissions in the pursuit of reaching the government mandatory mpg increases. The benefit of CVT is the fuel mileage increase, but an additional result is not feeling a “shift.” CVT’s do not have traditional gears like most automatic transmissions. A CVT has two cones that move in and out to create infinite gear ratios.

When I am giving a test drive, I often point out that on a traditional transmission you will see the RPM’s of the engine reach around 3,000 RPM (under light driving) prior to shifting down to about 1000 RPM’s prior to climbing again. On a CVT the RPM’s rise and lower slowly so there is not a traditional “shift” where a gear changes. Many automotive enthusiasts prefer the traditional transmission. I don’t understand the desire to feel a transmission shift as my belief is that the goal of any transmission should be to not feel it shift.
Why does Nissan use CVT in most of their vehicle?
Utilizing and becoming a leader in CVT has allowed Nissan to be a leader in fuel economy. Nissan came out with CVT on the 2002 Murano and within a few years all of their sedans. Today, most of their SUV’s and Crossovers utilize this technology. Believe it or not, the model T Ford transmission design had many similarities to a CVT.

Here is a video by Jason Fenske of Engineering Explained talking about vehicles with CVT.

5 Things You Should Never Do in a Car With CVT

 

If You Own A Nissan – Read This

On By Wes MonkenIn NissanLeave a comment

Blog by Ryan Williams

Do you have a smart phone?  Almost everyone has a smart phone right!  How many apps do you have on your phone?  There are apps for everything these days that are helpful, and plenty that aren’t helpful.  Nissan has introduced an app to make it easier to learn all the features of your new Nissan.  The Nissan Quick Guide App has everything that your owners manual offers you, but it has every vehicle Nissan makes in one easy app.  Sounds impressive right?  Now lets up it a little more, the app also has information on model years back to 2012.  Impressed?  Maybe that isn’t very impressive, but it is even better because in each option you choose throughout the lineup the app has a video tutorial.  Video tutorials on nearly every aspect of your Nissan.  Did you forget how to program your Homelink garage door opener?  Reference your vehicle and touch Homelink on the options page and you have a video that shows you how to operate the Homelink opener.  Better yet this app is free at the Google app store or the iphone app store.  Don’t waste time flipping through pages or searching endless videos to find your model year.  Get the Nissan Quick Guide App and you will have all the information in the palm of your hand.

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2016 New Nissan Titan Coming to Monkens

On By Wes MonkenIn NissanLeave a comment

We have an all new 2016 Nissan Titan X D Crew Cab 4wd Platinum model with cummins diesel coming in next week. Cummins diesel is a big draw in the world of trucks. This truck is designed to hit the sweet spot for those looking for capability without sacrificing driving quality. The Titan X D is a heavy 1/2 ton truck, more capable than a 1/2 ton, but a better ride and drive than a 3/4 ton. 200,000 people a year are trying to find that “in between truck”. They want the drive of a 1/2 ton truck but the capability and durability of a 3/4 ton.

Nissan is confident they “nailed” this market and it will have lots of industry firsts:
* LED lighting throughout the bed of the truck so the whole bed is illuminated
* Integrated 5th wheel trailer hitch
* One person can test all trailer lights functionality using the keyless remote while outside the vehicle
* Integrated camera for backup alignment of a fifth wheel PLUS the vehicle lets you know when the ball is centered over the hitch.

Video on 2016 Nissan Titan

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3 Tips About Your Credit Score

On By Wes MonkenIn automobiles, Chevrolet, Chrysler, dealership, General Motors, NissanLeave a comment

Monken Blogger – Lance Marcum

What is a credit score?
According to Credit Karma, “A good credit score is crucial for financial success. A credit score is a three digit number calculated from your data-rich credit report and is one factor used by lenders to determine your creditworthiness for a mortgage, loan or credit card. Your score can affect whether or not you are approved as well as what interest rate you are charged. A good credit score is generally considered to be 720 or higher. Lenders, however, can each have different standards for what they consider to be a good credit score, so it‘s important to keep building your score to receive the most favorable interest rates and highest rates of credit approval.”

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1. What does my credit score need to be to purchase a vehicle?
Generally speaking, if someone has a credit score under a certain level, they will need to have someone who is willing to co-sign with them. It’s difficult to assign a number as there are many variables that go into a credit score. A co-signer is someone that goes on the loan with the buyer. The person with the higher credit score helps the person with the lower score to get approved at a lower interest rate. Sometimes banks will require more money down from a buyer with a lower score in order to minimize the risk of both the buyer and the loan institution. As you can see from the chart above, 600 and above scores will generally get loans without the assistance of a cosigner. Banks also look at what is called “debt to income”. Ideally, they like to see that debt to income is below a certain percentage before approving the loan, regardless of credit score.

2. How do I find out my credit score?
If you have a credit card, they generally offer a free credit report when logging in to your account. Sites such as creditkarma.com also offer free credit reports that do not affect your score by showing up as an inquiry.

3. How can I improve my credit score?
A number of things will help to improve your credit score. Among them are making payments on time and getting rid of any collections that may be on file. In addition, opening a credit card and paying the bill in full each month helps to establish credit (for example, put all of your gas purchases on the card and paying it off at the end of the month). Discipline is the key to all of this. Spend less than you make and pay bills consistently and your credit score will generally improve.  It is important to remember that a great credit score isn’t necessarily an indicator of being in good financial standing, it could just mean that a person has lots of borrowed money that they pay consistently on.

3 Reasons to Own an Altima

On By Wes MonkenIn NissanLeave a comment

Guest Blogger – Salesman – Kip Harper

This fall has brought great change to my family.  Our oldest child, Anthony, went  away to college, and I recently purchased my first ever Nissan vehicle.

Kip with Altima

I have owned my 2015 Nissan Altima  for almost 4 months and I have fallen in love with this car. Here are 3 great reasons that I have found for owning a Nissan Altima:

1. Great fuel economy.  The Nissan Altima gives me 38 miles per gallon.  I usually drive a pickup truck, but this Altima is saving me alot of money on gas with my commute of 50 miles a day. The savings is unreal!

2. I love the feel of the road while driving.  With the Vehicle Dynamic Control,  I have noticed the Altima feels very stable during cornering .  Also, the responsive electric power steering with speed sensitive steering makes driving this car fun and exciting.

3. The size of the Atima with great trunk space and leg room in front and back seats is another reason I love this vehicle.  The Altima is one of the biggest cars in its class which makes it an even better value for a family to drive or for a member of your family to commute from work or school with the great space for all your needs and wants.