The concept behind CVT transmissions has been around for decades, though it
has never been commercially viable for mass production until now, as the
costs are about 25% higher to build than a conventional transmission.

That being said, CVT transmissions that have been built prior to Nissan's
use of the concept have show themselves to be more durable over time partly
due to fewer moving parts. This is why Honda and Toyota will be following
suit with Nissan and introducing similar-style transmissions over the next
few months and years.

As for Saturn, I could possibly mention them being the Plastic Vega of the
Nineties, but I wouldn't want to jump on a brand that doesn't sell any cars.
As to how a Saturn dealer would know that a Nissan CVT with 70k on it has
issues, when the CVT for that model has only been out one year (DAMN!
Someone does some DRIVING!), I would say that jealous guesswork is not an
attractive trait.

Hope this helps

North Plainfield Nissan
www.jerseynissan.com