Hey Scotty, not sure if you will see this but I hope you do! I recently discovered your videos on YouTube and have really enjoyed them. I was hoping I could ask you a question and see what your advice would be! Also, I have not been to this site before, but figured not to click "private topic" so maybe others can share their experiences.

I recently purchased an extra car for my new job. I needed a daily for all the extra miles I am going to be driving. It’s a 2009 Nissan Altima S(2.5L) Sedan. I have literally taken apart the entire car and cleaned/replaced/serviced worn parts ( excluding the engine block and transmission for now). It is a one owner car and I personally know the owner. Car runs great and feels good. However, this has Nissan’s CVT transmission that “is not serviceable”. The car has 182,000 miles on the odometer and I have no clue if the transmission fluid or filter has ever been changed. The previous owner had the car serviced, but is not sure if any transmission service was done. He also doesn't remember paying a hefty bill for a service, which leads me to believe it probably hasn't had that service done. The service history with Nissan does not specify that service and neither does CarFax (however this was before CarFax started putting details about individual servicing on the car history). When I pulled the dipstick out it was basically seized to the channel that the dipstick is placed. After some finesse I was able to get the dipstick out and check the fluid. The fluid showed up on the dipstick but it was low (below the minimum line, and to note this was done "COLD"). The fluid didn't have any bad smell/odor, the fluid isn’t straight black or burnt looking, and I also didn't feel anything concerning when feeling the little bit of oil on the dipstick. I honestly couldn't tell if it was the color of the fluid was red or not. I checked because the factory fluid is not red, so if the fluid is red then I know it has been changed and could make my ultimate decision off that information. I thought it had a slight red tint to it, but was not sure. I tried sticking a borescope down the channel, but with it being so narrow and dark, the borescope didn't pick up much color. They have CVT service kits available for this car (fluid, gasket, filter), but I don’t know what I should do. This was the one item I didn’t want to mess with. The “internet mechanics” always seem to have crazy/dumb input with just about zero knowledge and I am not going to go off that. My friends that are Master Mechanics say that they would probably leave it be. Now, just like you know, there is no such thing as not serviceable. CVT's especially need to cared for correctly and they could last a decent amount of time. If not taken care of, a fluid flush could do more damage than good. I just want the car to be reliable for my job (as much as it can lol). What do you think is my best choice of action? Thank you!

Also, another thing to keep in mind. I did check the fluid the "correct" way (drove the car around and warmed it up, then went back home and stopped at a level service, waited and let the car idle for 10-15 minutes, and the checked the fluid level with the engine still on and idling). The fluid did not even show up on the dip stick. I won't explain the process on how many times the fluid level was correct and then be low again after I would double check it a couple more minutes later. All in all, I had to add TWO FULL quarts of Nissan CVT fluid to get the fluid to the correct level. Now that is very concerning because that is A LOT of fluid missing. The time I drove it home was a long drive and there was no sound, smell, or feeling of anything wrong with how the transmission was preforming, which I find extremely odd with how low the fluid level was. Now that the fluid is at the correct level, it was surprising to me that nothing feels different/better or worse. I guess now I at least know the fluid level is correct. There possibly might be a very tiny leak coming from part of the gasket for the transmission pan, but I have not confirmed that just yet. Should I flush it and change the filter? What do you think? I want it to last as long as possible.

***Nobody has to explain the part of the fluid having the friction material in it and if you flush it, it might start slipping or acting up. Truly, the fluid shows no sign of that being the case (so far). I have an idea on what I should do, but curios what you think.