Long-Term Update 5: 2011 Nissan Quest LE

A couple months back, I took the Quest along a curvy stretch of Mulholland Highway on my way home. The low-fuel warning light had come on a few miles earlier, but with an indicated range of about 30 miles, I figured I was fine -- after all, the nearest gas station was only about three miles away. After a medium-fast left-hand sweeper that leads uphill, the Quest sputtered and stalled. It was only about 6 p.m., but it was completely dark and there was not another car in sight. Obviously, I figured the Quest had run completely out of gas. I coasted it back downhill to flat ground, and on the second restart attempt, it fired up. I drove it ever so gingerly to the gas station, filled it up, and figured that was that. Not quite. About a month later, photographer Mike Shaffer called to tell me that the Quest, parked in front of his apartment, wouldn't start. He phoned the local Nissan dealer, who sent out a guy to take a look. Assuming it was a dead battery, the service technician attached cables and attempted to jumpstart the Quest. Nothing. So he towed it into the dealer, who informed us the fuel tank needed replacing. Apparently, when the Quest is parked downhill with a quarter tank or less of gas, the fuel is not reachable, which, yes, makes it impossible to start. Thankfully, that's all behind us now, as the dealer performed the no-cost NTB11-068A service bulletin, which included the installation of a new fuel tank and pump.

At the Quest's 22,500-mile service, I also had the original equipment Toyo A22 tires replaced, as their wear bars had become even with the tread. For the replacement set, I opted to try another set of Toyos, this time the Versado CUV, a tire designed specifically for crossovers and minivans. Compared to the T-rated (top speed of 118 mph), 300-treadwear A22, the Versado boasts a V speed rating (149 mph) and a treadwear of 440. Thus far, the $720 set of Versados are delivering comparable ride quality and slightly sharper handling and steering response.