Credov's researched list of the 4 faults the Nissan Latio is known for (2005–2012), 3 of them serious or costly. Each one says what to look for when you check the car, so you can spot it before you buy. Not every car has these faults: they are the ones worth checking on this model.
What to look for: Look at the car on level ground for one front corner sitting low, and check each spring's bottom coil for rust.
Why it matters: Road salt makes it much worse, so JDM imports from Hokkaido and the snowy north of Japan are the higher-risk cars in NZ, but springs also broke on cars from warm areas. Fix is new springs (do them in pairs), around NZ$400-900 fitted, plus a tyre if it has been cut.
What to look for: Feel both rear wheel centres after a drive for one much hotter, and check the car rolls freely in neutral.
Why it matters: MLIT recall 3426 (5 September 2014) covers 49,582 Note (DBA-E12), 2,622 March (DBA-K13) and 8,268 Latio (DBA-N17). The notification states a manufacturing jig scored the rear brake upper spring, the spring can fracture and in the worst case braking force is not fully released when the pedal is let go.
Sources: 1
What to look for: Drive it warm and listen for a rising whine, and feel for slip or flare on acceleration.
Why it matters: Old or wrong fluid and heat speed up the wear. Fix is usually a used or reconditioned CVT, about NZ$2,000-4,500 fitted in NZ, more for new.
What to look for: Feel each corner of both mirror glasses for rocking or a gap between the glass and its backing.
Why it matters: MLIT recall 3485 (12 December 2014) covers 109,719 Note (DBA-E12, excluding heated mirrors), 43,325 March (DBA-K13) and 10,116 Latio (DBA-N17). The notification states the mirror adhesive is too weak, UV exposure reduces it further and the glass can fall out, leaving the driver unable to see behind. A missing or loose mirror glass is also a warrant-of-fitness problem.
Sources: 1
Got a question about a Nissan Latio? Ask Credov: a noise, a warning light, a part or how to fix it.
On top of the faults above, every Credov inspection covers the basics: fuel smell, leaks or filler rust, engine oil leaks, power steering fluid leak, drive belt cracks or squeal, rust underneath: chassis and mounts, engine mounts, engine oil level and colour, coolant level, colour and leaks, head gasket failure signs, cold start: rattle, knock or smoke, rough or hunting idle, engine running hot on gauge, gearbox or diff oil leak, swapped gearbox without lvv and more.
Researched by Credov from manufacturer recalls and service bulletins, owner reports and workshop sources. Repair prices are typical ranges, not quotes. See also fault codes and repair costs.