Is there a cheaper alternative to OEM Nissan Matic - S ATF?

Question

Hi Scotty

I'm in South Africa.

Please give me advice. I drive a Nissan Navara D23 4×4 .7speed automatic. 2017 year.

I want to replaced the gearbox oil. Has done 90000km. No problems. I don't believe the BS from agents of gearbox oil for life.

Nissan say you can only use Nissan Matic S ATF.

It is extremely expensive and they can only sell me 20 L at over R4000 .

Is there a alternative oil that's compatible with matic S or even beter I DON'T know if matic S is a synthetic atf.

Castrol is freely available by us .I don't mind to pay for a good quality oil but i don't want 20L from agents at that price.

Please advise.

Greetings from South Africa 🇿🇦

Chuck Tobias · Accepted Answer

There is a fairly in-depth discussion of this topic here:

https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/nissan-matic-s-alternatives.308171/

What you have to balance though is the cost savings of using an aftermarket fluid that claims to be compatible versus the cost of transmission replacement if the cheaper fluid isn't really up to specification.

Chuck Tobias · Answer

Posted by: @pietervandermerwe I agree, but some oil company is making matic S for Nissan and  then Nissan sell if for a fortune.  This is true but what we don't know is whether Nissan is rebranding an existing transmission fluid off the shelf, or having an oil company make a proprietary product to their specifications.

InThrustWeTrust · Answer

Idemitsu is the one producing OEM Nissan Matic - S ATF.

Honestly, I’d take up the dealer’s offer of 20L for R4000.. As long as they sell it to you in sealed containers of 1L each, it can last you for probably the next 10yrs. Plus, you won’t have to worry about sourcing it every time you have to replace your ATF.

Where I am, it retails for ~ R180 and is extremely difficult to find (I hear it’s imported from Thailand).

DO NOT use ANY other fluid other than the OEM Nissan Matic - S. Nissan automatic transmissions are extremely sensitive to the fluid being used in them. Always use only the exact ATF that’s mentioned in your Nissan vehicle’s owner’s manual.

All the best!