BUY

The one real engine flag on the VQ35 is a timing-chain rattle. The chain guides and tensioner wear with age and produce a rattle, loudest on a cold start and usually easing as oil pressure builds. It is most concentrated on the 2004-2008 Maxima (VQ35DE): 120 federal complaints there name the timing chain and 28 the tensioner, with further timing-chain and tensioner reports scattered across the Murano, the V6 Altima and the Infiniti VQ35 cars (G35/FX35/M35). Caught early it is a chain/guide/tensioner job; left to worsen, a slack chain can eventually jump timing. Nissan addressed it through warranty and service bulletins, not a recall.

Check — On the test drive listen at a cold start for a rattle from the front of the engine that quiets as it warms; ask for records of any timing-chain, guide or tensioner service. A persistent rattle together with a camshaft/crankshaft timing fault code is stop-and-inspect.