Nissan Laurel 2000: pros, cons and secrets of long service

Introduction: Why Nissan Laurel Is the 2000 still in demand?

Released in 1997 and produced until 2002, Nissan Laurel in the back of the C34 became the last representative of the legendary line of business sedans that once competed with Toyota Chaser And Mazda Luce. The 2000 model is a mature car with a well-functioning design, which even after 20+ years remains a relevant choice for connoisseurs of reliable Japanese technology. What is the secret of his longevity?

Firstly, simplicity and maintainability. Unlike modern cars full of electronics, Laurel 2000 is easy to service even in a garage. Secondly, durable engines series RB And VQ, which, with proper care, easily overcome the mark of 300–400 thousand km. Finally, this is one of the last sedans with classic rear-wheel drive, which makes it interesting for fans of dynamic driving. But there are also pitfalls—we’ll talk about them later.

Technical characteristics: engines, gearboxes and suspension

In 2000 Nissan Laurel was offered with three types of engines, each of which had its own characteristics:

• 🔥 RB20E (2.0 l, 130 hp) - naturally aspirated in-line 6-cylinder engine, known for its unpretentiousness. Ideal for a quiet ride, but rather weak for a heavy body.
• ⚡ RB25DE (2.5 l, 190 hp) - the most popular option. Balance of power and reliability, but requires attention to oil pump after 200 thousand km.
• 💨 VQ25DD (2.5 l, 200 hp) - V-shaped six with system NEO Di. More modern, but picky about the quality of fuel and oil.

Gearboxes presented 4-speed automatic (RE4R01A) and 5-speed manual. The machine is reliable, but sensitive to overheating - Changing the automatic transmission oil every 60 thousand km is critical for its durability. The mechanics are simpler, but less common.

The suspension is classic for Japanese sedans of that time: double wishbones at the front And multi-link rear. The service life of shock absorbers and silent blocks is about 100 thousand km, but when driving on bad roads it can be halved.

Typical problems and weaknesses

Even legendary Japanese cars have “diseases”. U Laurel 2000 they are:

Knot	Problem	Reason	Solution
Engine RB25DE	Knocking sound near the oil pump	Worn pump gears or bearings	Pump replacement or repair with flushing of the system
Electrics	Camshaft position sensor failure	Contact oxidation or sensor wear	Replacing the sensor (part number 23731-40X00)
Automatic transmission	Jerks when shifting in 2nd or 3rd gear	Worn clutches or solenoids	Diagnostics and repair of valve body
Body	Corrosion of thresholds and arches	Paint chips and lack of anti-corrosion treatment	Welding new elements or anticorrosive

Particular attention should be paid ignition system. On motors RB Ignition coils often fail (part number 22448-40X00), and on VQ25DD - spark plug wells, which can “sweat” when the seals wear out.

⚠️ Attention: If the indicator on the dashboard comes on CHECK ENGINE with code P0340 (camshaft sensor malfunction), do not delay diagnosis. Driving for a long time with this error can lead to a failure of the valve timing and damage to the valves.

Prices on the market and what affects the cost

Cost Nissan Laurel 2000 on the secondary market in Russia and the CIS varies from 250,000 to 600,000 rubles, depending on condition and configuration. Here are the key factors that determine the price:

• 🔧 Engine and gearbox condition. A car with a confirmed service history (receipts, records) is 20–30% more expensive.
• 🎨 Body and paintwork. Cars without traces of corrosion and with original paint are valued higher. Repainted copies lose up to 40% of their value.
• 📋 Equipment. The presence of a leather interior, climate control and power accessories adds 50–100 thousand rubles.
• 📊 Mileage. The optimal range is 150–200 thousand km. Cars with 300 thousand km mileage are cheaper, but require investment.

The most expensive copies are versions with an engine VQ25DD and full power accessories, especially in the body Medalist (luxury version with chrome elements). Cheap options usually have a motor RB20E and a manual transmission, but they are more difficult to sell due to low demand.

Repair and maintenance: what the owner needs to know

Service Nissan Laurel 2000 does not require supernatural skills, but there are nuances that are worth remembering:

1. Engine oil: for RB25DE optimal 5W-40 or 10W-40 (synthetic or semi-synthetic). Replacement interval - every 7–8 thousand km, if you drive in the city.
2. Brake system: pads last about 30-40 thousand km, discs - 80-100 thousand km. When replacing, use original calipers (40520-40X00), since the non-original often jams.
3. Coolant: Replace every 2 years or 40 thousand km. On VQ25DD use only Coolant L248 Premix — other liquids can cause corrosion of aluminum parts.

It is convenient to use a scanner to diagnose errors ELM327 with the program Nissan DataScan. It allows you to read fault codes even in older models without a CAN bus.

Change the oil in the engine and gearbox|Check the condition of the battery (capacity of at least 60 Ah)|Treat the locks and seals with silicone grease|Rinse the cooling system and fill in new antifreeze

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Tuning and modifications: what can be done with Laurel?

Thanks to its simple design and reliable motors, Nissan Laurel - an excellent base for tuning. Here are the popular destinations:

• 🚀 Engine: On RB25DE they often install a turbo kit from RB25DET (motor from Skyline), which adds 50–70 hp. without major modifications to the block.
• 🎵 Exhaust: Replacing a standard muffler with a direct-flow muffler (for example, HKS Hi-Power) improves sound and slightly increases power.
• 🛞 Suspension: Installation of springs Tein or shock absorbers KYB reduces roll when cornering. For drag racing use rigid bushings Nismo.
• 💺 Interior: Replacing standard seats with sports ones from Nismo or Recaro, as well as installing a steering wheel with a smaller diameter (for example, Momo).

For fans of external tuning, body kits in the style of Blitz or Mine’s, as well as window tinting (the permitted norm is no more than 30% light transmission on the front windows).

⚠️ Attention: When installing the turbine on atmospheric RB25DE be sure to strengthen the gearbox (especially automatic) and upgrade the cooling system. A standard radiator will not cope with the additional load, which will lead to overheating.

What happens if you don’t change the automatic transmission oil?

If you ignore changing the oil in an automatic transmission RE4R01A Already after 100 thousand km, wear of the friction discs and solenoids will begin. This will manifest itself in the form of jerks when switching, and later - complete failure of the box. Repairs will cost 80–150 thousand rubles, while an oil change costs only 3–5 thousand rubles.

Alternatives: what to compare with Laurel 2000?

If you are considering Nissan Laurel as an option for purchase, it is worth comparing it with the main competitors of that time:

Model	Pros	Cons	Price (thousand rubles)
Toyota Chaser (X100)	More reliable engine 1JZ-GE, better corrosion resistance	More expensive to maintain, weaker dynamics	350–700
Mazda Luce (HG)	Comfortable suspension, rotary engine 13B-REW in top versions	The rotary motor is capricious, spare parts are expensive	300–550
Mitsubishi Diamante	Spacious interior, engine 6G74 very reliable	Weak box F4A32, boring design	280–500

Laurel beats competitors in terms of price/quality ratio, especially if you care rear wheel drive and the possibility of easy tuning. However, in terms of comfort it is inferior Toyota, and in terms of reliability - Mitsubishi.

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions

What is the fuel consumption Nissan Laurel 2000?

Consumption depends on the engine and driving style:

• RB20E: 10–12 l/100 km (city), 8–9 l/100 km (highway).
• RB25DE: 12–14 l/100 km (city), 9–10 l/100 km (highway).
• VQ25DD: 13–15 l/100 km (city), 10–11 l/100 km (highway).

When driving aggressively or in traffic jams, consumption may increase by 20–30%.

Is it possible to put the turbine on atmospheric RB25DE?

Yes, but some improvements will be required:

1. Installing a turbo kit (for example, from Garrett T28 or HKS GT-SS).
2. Replacing the fuel pump with a more efficient one (part number 16600-40X00).
3. ECU tuning (chip tuning or installation Power FC).
4. Strengthening the gearbox (especially automatic).

The budget for everything about everything is from 150 thousand rubles. Power after tuning will be 250–300 hp.

What kind of oil to pour into automatic transmission RE4R01A?

Officially recommended Nissan Matic D (article KLE22-00004). Alternatives:

• Idemitsu ATF Type-J - complete analogue, but cheaper.
• Mobil ATF 3309 - Suitable for cold climates.

The volume for a complete replacement is 9.5 liters, for a partial replacement - 4–5 liters.

How to check Laurel before purchasing?

Please note:

1. Engine: is there any knocking when cold, the condition of the oil (there should be no metal shavings).
2. box: smooth shifting, no jerking or slipping.
3. Body: Check the sills, arches and underbody for rust (especially under the seals).
4. Electrician: all sensors work, no errors on the dashboard.

Be sure to drive the car - pay attention to the pull to the side (may indicate problems with the suspension or wheel alignment).

How long does a timing chain last? RB25DE?

Timing chain life on RB25DE amounts to 150–200 thousand km, but with aggressive driving or poor-quality oil, it may stretch earlier. Signs of wear:

• Knocking noise when starting cold.
• Unstable idle speed.
• Error P0011 (displacement of valve timing).

Replacing a chain with tensioners and stabilizers will cost 20–30 thousand rubles (including labor).