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Nissan Altima
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Comments
One of my co-workers wasn't so happy after a ride yesterday in my Jetta because it looks exactly like her 2001 Audi A4 inside, which she paid $5000 more for.
Even loaded V6 Camry would cost more than 3.2 Acura TL. Wouldn;t you rather buy Acura TL for that price & get the lux-buyer treatment at the dealers (& watch Acura NSX while you are there for Service, Seep free Coffee & dounuts!!) :-))
Wdoran: I have read that the 4 cylinder engine is a bit loud and coarse in some publications, but don't know for sure as I have not driven one.
True that Passats have better interior materials, but they are not as well made as their competitors. Not only is the Passat's reliability questionable, but when you do have to fix the car it will cost you a pretty penny to do so.
I've never seen any such attachment to VW's anywhere. I've owned a couple and I like them, especially the Passat. But, IMHO, the VW brand has never been held in higher esteem then Honda or Toyota or even Nissan. I think, in some ways, it's been more of a struggle for VW since it's still haunted by the econo box stigma of the old Beetle and Rabbit days. And the build quality funk VW went through in the 80's and 90's didn't help matters either. VW has come a LONG way. But, luxury brand... I don't think so. At least not yet.
I do think that the new Altima is a glorious return to Nissans historically sporty image. They lost their way, as well, in the mid-90's. But, the revamped Nissan and Infiniti line is putting them back in the game in a big way.
That Passat had cloth and a 5 speed, so it would be priced well above even that loaded Altima if it had leather and auto.
I'd order this:
20859 5 speed 3.5SE
693 ABS and air bag pkg
259 cold pkg
60 mats
737 moonroof
$22,608. Now that makes sense. And yes I used the invoice price because prices are close to that now, not the MSRP.
My wife would probably add leather, but that would still be just $23,880. The interior is fine for that price level.
The Passat's price pushes it up against the new Infiniti G35. $30 grand gets you a leather lined, 260hp, RWD, monster. Watch out, VW. And that interior is fine, you even get the cool clock. ;-)
The TL was notably absent, but they were testing premium family sedans, not near luxury cars. I guess they were one tier below the TL and G35. Though low-end models of those are a good alternative, for sure.
-juice
I still think the interior is too cheap for the price. It needs to be a little fancier, IMO. Are they going to make any changes next year on it?
Even with the Bose and HIDs you're talking $25,091. That's about the average transaction price for a new car, so the interior is still acceptable at that price point. The power, features, and interior space are well above average, too.
I doubt they'll change the interior. Blame Carlos "le cost cutter" Ghosn if you don't like it. But there's always Infiniti to move up to. The G35 looks very promising in the $30k price range.
I just don't see the Altima costing you $30 grand, not today. Not unless you walk in with blind folds and scream "rip me off please!"
-juice
But he really turned Nissan around. Ahead of schedule, too.
-juice
Excuse my short absence but I'll be out in the back yard digging a foxhole so I can duck out of the way of the soon to be incoming verbal missiles.
It's still FWD with an open differential. I'd prefer to see an AWD or at least a front LSD option first (like the CL-S). Tighten the steering (it's overboosted), and work on shifter feel (it's too notchy).
Though I'm sure Nissan would be more than glad to sell me a G35, which ought to address all those concerns. Could that be the perfect car?
Nope, it's not free! And the rear styling could be prettier.
-juice
Make sure you do not add in the Nissan spoiler price to what you decide you will pay before you go to the dealership unless you specify that that is what you want when the papers are written up. Be sure that you are aware of where your dealership installed accessory parts are coming from.
Nissan North America says it is legal because I did not specify that I wanted a NISSAN part.
Sounds like a bait and switch to me.
Shouldn't it be that they need to specify when I am getting an aftermarket part?
But if the dealer added his own price sheet, then no, that should tip you off that it's aftermarket.
-juice
I plan on telling the dealer how much over invoice
that I am willing to pay.....there are 3 dealers in my area & I can play one off the other if need be.
I am looking to buy this car for around $18,500.
Also considering the Toyota Camry...I will likely test-drive both. I would like to check out just how loud the "front tire road noise" is in the Altima.
Im tryin to get somebody to give me a price on the v6 3.5 240 hp engine! is it possible to swap this into a se-r or a 1st gen alti? the new alti
is running 14.9 on the 1/4 mile and thats a heavy car, what about that perfomance in a coupe. Thats what im trying to do any body got any info??
If your really want a fast SE-R, you could buy a JDM SR20DET engine and drop it in. Those things are monsters and supposedly very easy to mod. Also works for the 240SX.
I doubt Nissan would sell the engine separately. Try junk yards, see if you find one that was totalled from behind or from the side.
That would be quite a project, though. You'd spend a lot less if you called Mr. Oscar Jackson and slapped on one of his wonderful superchargers, about $3500.
-juice
1. what type of gasoline should i put in it? 87, 89 or premium?
i don't think prem is necessary, but would 87 be enough? i plan on driving the car for a long time.
2. oil change. how many miles really? 3K? 5K? 7.5K? i'm so confused.
3. i've heard that nissans in general tend to have alot of electrical problems, anyone know of any for '01 altimas?
4. do you hear a slight noise (on the right side by the glove compartment) when pressing the brakes to shift transmission from Park to Drive?
thank you so much!
-Silvia
1. She drinks regular. 87 should be fine.
2. Nissan recommends every 3750. I personally do every 3000.
3. I dont know of any typical electrical concerns.
4. The noise you hear when you change gears is normal. Its a safety feature that requires you to push the brake in order to shift. No worries!
Enjoy it!
SID
We've been looking at the 2.5 S automatic, with leather for about three weeks now. Every other car we look at always brings us back to the Altima. The only thing I do not like, as many have posted, is the interior dash. The Jetta is so cool inside. But I guess this is supposed to be a family type car. We are going to look at the Civic tonight and then make out decision.
I have one question of those of you who dislike the dash but now own, does it grow on you or are you still not happy with it?
Thanks
If your pricing puts a 175hp mid-sizer up against less powerful compacts, then to me the choice is easy.
-juice
I will say that several of the interior bits are cheap, as people have said. For example, the carpeting feels cheap, the shift boot is vinyl instead of leather, the cover to the cupholders and the dash storage compartment are flimsy, etc.
Honda and Toyota are guilty of cost cutting, just take a close look at the carpets and headliners. They aren't as good as they used to be on those very same models.
If interior materials are a high priority, get a Passat 1.8T. The Accord and Camry aren't much different from the Altima.
-juice
I guess I'll have to let this little peeve go.
Hopefully, we will chat soon and on a better note.
Thanks
I may get aftermarket leather w/ heated seats.
They were saying that it would cost another $2-300 to have it installed, if you don't want to do it yourself. Also I think the heated seat element with the switch sells for $129 for the front 2 seats. The leather is a lot better than factory and you can also get full leather (like BMW 750iL) for $849. I don't know if the quality will be as good as the BMW (I'm sure it's not) but I like the fact that every part of the seat will be leather.
My old J30t didn't have heated seats because it was a '93 and I used to freeze my butt off (literally) every winter.
BTW, those prices are excellent. I usually see leather from $900 to $1200 installed.
-juice
-juice
After work tonight( Max has a little part-time job.) I went to Vic Bailey VW...
Now, if you know me, you know that I love both Volkswagens and Nissans. I have a strong love for both the Passat and the new Altima, as well as the current Maxima, but I have got to say that Nissan really goofed up with the interior of the new Altima, the car is just TOO GOOD for an interior THAT BAD! I mean, it's not quite GM bad, and everybody knows that just about every GM car has a cheap interior, but it's not on Honda or Toyota's level, which really upsets me. Don't even mention the Passat! I think I would have probably given up some of the little features for better interior materials. For example, I would be happy if they had used better materials, and just not have Xenons optional. Also, I think Nissan and Toyota should feel gulity for making people pay for ABS on these cars, all cars in this class should have it STANDARD!! As for the fake wood, I think if I have to pay EXTRA for wood trim, it should at least be REAL WoOD TRIM!! Nissan, this is flat out ghetto. Very sad indeed.
I wonder if Nissan plans to revise the interior for 2004, I doubt it will happen for 2003, considering the 2003 Maxima is coming out in June, and the redesigned 2004 Maxima is coming in Jan/Feb of 2003. Nissan has an almost perfect car, but the interior is the only problem, I can't help it. I drive a 10 year old 1992 Honda Accord with better materials. I still love the Alty, but I think I am starting to like the Passat more, but when it comes to reliablity, the VW, even with it's superior craftmanship, can't touch the Altima.(According to previous models.)
While I am on the subject, I would like to see an Altima that is similar to the Maxima GLE...
I'd like Memory seating
One-touch roof
Power passenger's seat
Keep the 5-speed(I don't like autos.)
"Luxurious" suspension setting.
The Name "Nissan Altima 3.5SLE" Sounds too tight! I like that
Drop the "2.5 Base", has anyone actually seen one?
I understand that some of these things are a little much, but I just expect a lot from my first new car, I don't want to be worried that my armrest might break, like I have heard a few complain about.