By Josh Rosenberg
While historically high new and used car prices have forced buyers to look for "older" vehicles that may have aged well as a way of saving money, the issues of reliability and dependability have become even more crucial.
So here, we'll review the general pros and cons of the 2013 Rogue and then list areas of possible mechanical issues that have arisen over time and which should definitely be checked before a purchase.
But first, and very importantly ...
Things To Do When Considering An "Older" Rogue
Locate Lower Mileage Vehicles: They are certainly out there to be found with careful and patient shopping. Be willing to drive a distance if you have to.
Vehicle History and Maintenance: Ask for the vehicle history report (CarFax or AutoCheck) as well as documented maintenance and repair records. If not provided by the Dealer or private seller, it's usually best to move on.
Pre-Purchase Inspection: Have the vehicle independently inspected before making a final decision. This usually will cost in the $150-$200 range but is well worth it given the potentially thousands in savings over the long term.
And My #1 Price Tip: Please always get online price quotes at auto sites such as CarsDirect.com and Edmunds.com (both, actually), whether looking for a new or used car. Competition among dealers for your business does amazing things to prices, and it's so easy. It really does make a difference.
Overall:
The Nissan Rogue's popularity stems from its appealing blend of capable and smooth-riding road manners with the space and cargo versatility of a compact crossover SUV, while also offering a sharp and distinctive exterior.
On the inside, the Rogue features a refined level of design and materials quality that gives it an upscale overall look and feel that's one of the best in its class.
That said, the Rogue isn't perfect either. The only available transmission is a CVT (continuously variable transmission) which can be noisy when highway cruising. And while the four-cylinder engine provides satisfying power, there's no optional V6 choice.
In addition, the rear seat doesn't slide or recline and the Rogue's attractive and curvy lines also somewhat hamper its rear visibility, while limiting its maximum storage capacity.
2013 Nissan Rogue Pros
Smooth Ride: The Rogue offers a smooth driving experience thanks to a suspension tuning that does a good job absorbing road bumps and rough spots.
Engaging Drive: In addition to its smooth ride, the Rogue possesses engaging and agile driving dynamics. Its car-like handling is further enhanced by an impressive and responsive steering system, very good body control and excellent highway stability.
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Energetic Engine: The four-cylinder engine provides better-than-expected acceleration. In independent performance tests, a front-wheel-drive Rogue went from a standstill to 60 mph in just 8.6 seconds, a very good time for a four-cylinder crossover.
Nice Interior: The Rogue's interior is quite refined and consists of high-quality materials. Most shoppers will find it a pleasant surprise not usually found in a compact crossover in this price range.
Comfortable Seating: The front seats are particularly comfortable and supportive. While the rear seats are also comfortable, they also have a downside (see below).
All-Wheel Drive Option: The Rogue is available with an all-wheel-drive option, providing better traction and stability in adverse weather conditions.
2013 Nissan Rogue Cons
CVT Transmission Only: The Rogue offers only the CVT, lacking both manual and traditional automatic transmission models. While the CVT is generally quite good, it's somewhat noisy at full throttle, making for a constant hum on the highway which some may find bothersome.
No V6 Engine: Also missing is a V6 engine option. While the four-cylinder is quite capable and will likely satisfy most drivers, performance is compromised when carrying a full load.
Reat Seat Issues: The rear seat doesn't slide or recline, limiting its versatility as well as passenger comfort to some extent.
Cargo Space: Cargo space is adequate but mediocre. There's 28.9 cubic feet of storage with the rear seatbacks up, which is about the segment average. With the rear seats folded, cargo room increases to 59.7 cubic feet, but is less than most rivals.
That said, however, the SV model has a standard fold-down front passenger seat which allows for packing away longer items up to 8.5 feet long.
Visibility: The same curvaceous design lines which limit its cargo capacity also interfere with rear visibility to some degree.
Outdated Technology: The technology and infotainment system in the 2013 Rogue might feel outdated compared to newer models, lacking some of the latest connectivity features.
Road Noise: Some drivers have reported that the Rogue can be noisy on the road, with more noticeable wind and road noise compared to other vehicles in its class.
Other strong choices of the time in this segment would include the redesigned and engaging Ford Escape, the refined Chevy Equinox, the sporty Kia Sportage, the then newly updated Honda CR-V and the always-a-contender Toyota RAV4.
2013 Nissan Rogue Reliability And Mechanical Problem Watchlist
The 2013 Rogue is generally considered to have about average reliability and is expected to last about 200,000 miles with proper care. And it's important to note that the severity and frequency of any problems can vary between individual vehicles. Proper previous owner maintenance and prompt repairs also play a crucial role in an individual car's condition and longevity.
But all used car models have their own specific mechanical issues that develop over time and need to be evaluated as they get older and change hands. While certainly not reported across the board, here are some more common mechanical issues reported by 2013 Rogue owners that should be checked before purchase:
Transmission Issues: One of the more common problems has been with the continuously variable transmission (CVT), including issues such as shuddering, hesitation, or failure. CVTs are known for being more susceptible to certain types of problems than traditional automatic transmissions.
Oil Consumption: There have been reports of excessive oil consumption in some Rogue models. Owners have noted the need to monitor oil levels more closely than usual.
Suspension Problems: A few drivers have reported issues with the suspension system, including problems with struts and shocks. This can result in a less smooth ride and increased road noise.
Air Conditioning Problems: Some owners have experienced issues with the air conditioning system, including failures or insufficient cooling. This can be a concern, especially in warmer climates.
Electrical System Issues: Complaints about various electrical problems, including issues with power windows, door locks, and the vehicle's lighting system, have been reported.
Brake Problems: A few owners have reported premature wear on brake components, such as brake pads and rotors, which may require more frequent replacements than expected.
It's important to emphasize that these issues are based on reported cases, and not all owners will experience these problems.