I would expect an independent mechanic to have acccess to basic information for all vehicles he might be expected to work on be it via Chilton's manuals or other sources. The last independent I went to had a library in the shop. Otherwise, please don't touch my truck.

And I am not surprised that a Nissan dealership would provide misinformation either. I too have had 5 quarts put in by the dealership service dept. It boggles the mind but I have grown to expect it and watch out for it.

There are good Nissan mechanics and suck-ass ones, just like there are good independents and not so good. Merely having the word Nissan on your shirt is no guarantee of anything.