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I'm out of ideas. Anyone else know what the Accord has over the Altima? :P
Interior room, especially in the rear headroom area.
There are things I like about the Altima over the Accord, too, but as a 6'5" college student, good fuel economy and lots of room are very high on my importance list.
The Accord does have a larger interior. At the same time, the Altima has a larger trunk w/ 60/40 split folding rear seat. You can't fit any passengers in the Accord's back seat with it folded down.
I'm also a College Student, and after much research and painstaking comparisons, I purchased the Altima. You have to give up something no matter which car you choose, so take your pick.
That may be true, I am way to young (emotionally, at least) for the old folks home Accord. It was just what was available and a deal when i was shopping, a mistake I won't make again.
I was just mentioning the pure advantages the 08 Accord carries over the 08 Altima, to answer a question. I think you make good points all around.
That being said, can't say I blame Honda one bit. target the demographic with the most money. they have the fit, civic, and CRV for the younger crowd.
and on a separate note, Its always confused me as to why you drive a midsize family sedan grad. :P for the same or less money you could be cruising around in a civic Si. :shades:
It is not the same or less money. My '07 Accord EX was almost 3k less than the CIvic SI sedan w/o nav. And I am pretty sure the Civic SI needs premium. Also, the Civic SI only comes in a beautiful, well spaced, short throw close ratio 6 speed manual through a true not wussy* electronic limited slip differential (similar to the SE-R Vspec).
* Note- traction control is wussy limited slip, the electronically adjustable mechanical limited slip differentials in the WRX STI and EVO are not considered wussy.
I didn't even look at the Civic Si because it's just too small for my taste. Yes, I'm a college student and I LOVE to go fast, but I needed something more practical than a compact sports car... that's why I bought the Altima. It's the best of both worlds. :shades:
I am glad you got the Altima then. "Personal luxury coupes" scream Monte Carlo to me and bring up visions of people beating their chests and turning left for 500 miles.
At 6 foot 5 inches tall, I'm most grateful that she put forth the extra money to move up to a midsize car. I may be in a grandpa car, but it sure has been nice on all my trips. I travel a good bit (my folks used to live 12 hours away, now they live 5 hours away on the Alabama gulf coast - I'm in Birmingham), and having the extra power of the 2.4L over the 1.8, as well as the extra room, while not paying much of a mileage penalty, is fantastic.
And, I sure wouldn't have a four-door; way too impractical for me. Besides, I think the 4-door is pretty good-looking (better than the 08s by a wide margin), and my best friends love taking my car when we go somewhere together (coming from a Mazda 3i, a 2003 Mitsu Eclipse GS, and an Acura 3.2 CL). Yeah, I end up driving more than they do, but that's ok. I trust my driving more than theirs (I'm the only one out of all of them who hasn't had a wreck that I caused, knock on wood).
Anyway, enjoy that Accord. It's a very nice ride.
Small world, isn't it?
Mississippi State has a great school for Broadcasting, and I hope you enjoy it there. It's a complete 180 compared to Birmingham from what I hear. I still have to decide where I'm going to get my Masters so I can start teaching. I'm not even sure what I want to get my Masters in yet. All I know is I'd like to eventually be a HS band teacher. We'll see where the wind (and my car) takes me.
I wish you the best in teaching HS Band; it's a tough job!
TheGraduate
PGHS '05
My question to this group is maint. and repair? I know from previous ownership that the Accord runs like a clock. Never was it in the shop for anything major. Just oil changes and tires .... the normal stuff. I am wondering about the Altima. We have a 2001 Infiniti (basically Nissan) that has 188,000 miles and runs great. But, that vehicle was made in Japan. Now a days .... I don't know if the Nissans are really made in Japan.
All I know is my 2003 Navigator has cost my tons on $$ on maitenance. I had a warranty that took me to 75,000 miles so the repairs before then were more of a nuisance than a cost problem. But, after the 75,000 miles I have put over $5,000
into the Lincoln and it only has 96,0000 miles. Way to much in my opinion.
So, I want my next car to be QUALITY. Any opinions on this subject?
Thanks,
Laurie :shades:
Next disappointment was that the Navigation system did not have a back up camera like so many other new vehicles that I have taken for a test drive. Also, not even a back up audible sensor. Another surprise.
The one plus I saw was the 100,000 miles of maintenance free service. Only needs to do oil changes, air filter, and tires. That looked good, but I guess I am ruling the Accord out based on how I felt drving it. I wasn't "wow"ed.
I next went and test drove the Acura TL, but that is for a different forum.
I do give that a thumbs up
Now, I am going back to the Nissan dealership to test drive the Altima again. I am refining my search ....
Laurie :shades:
maintance and repair? well, thats a tough one. I've owned three of them (still have 2) and have never had a days problem with any of them, though the altima is only a little over a year old and about 11k on it. none of my nissans have ever left me stranded, has failed to start, or been on the back of a tow truck/wrecker. 2 of the 3 nissans have NEVER been repaired for anything, and the first one never required more than 7-8 hundred in repairs in its 12yr 224k mile lifetime (still running when I got rid of it)
as for maintanence, very minimal. oil changes, tires flushes, and tune ups. all normal. But, the cvt in the new altima will cost considerably more to service (60k) than a normal auto trans would.
but, some people have had problems with nissan vehicles, and their overall quality ratings have dropped some in recent years. I would confidently buy another (and probably will in a couple years) nissan, but I would deffinitly get the extended warranty.
She's 5'2" and very small. I won't guess how much she weighs because I've been taught better than that!
The ONLY number you should be looking at is the final "Out The Door" price that includes all fees, taxes, extended warranty, etc. If money is no object, though, I think the Altima is the better car.
Altima's will only be more expensive in the fall with no rebate, so I figure it is now or never, plus I got a decent offer on my ancient car from a private person. Money is always an object. Still I really liked driving that Altima. I guess I want a reason to justify why I am spending more money.... mean why is this car more expensive? Is it really that hot an item? And I worried if it will stand the test of time.. have over 200,000 on my current Camry and the Civic I had before got 243,000 miles before I sold it for $1500 to make the downpayment on the Camry! Btw, the reason my brother wanted me to get the Accord was because of the VSC, but I drive very conservatively. As a matter of fact, my brother said not to bother test driving a V6 as "it would be wasted on me." Thank you!
IMO, I think the Accord has less power than the Altima. I like the tight steering on the Accord better b/c it's closer to my '08 G35 in term of handling. However, if you like a softer ride and less bump, the Altima is a better choice.
Resale value is not much an issue if you keep your car 7 years or longer.
You know, I like that Altima a lot and may take one more test drive before I make my decision. I did the math this morning. The Altima will cost me $2090.00 more out the door than the Honda, or I can get a Honda with Nav for $500 bucks less than this Nissan! Not to mention that .09% financing with Honda. I shopped quite a bit... and it has been tough to find what I want in the Altima but I got the best quotes from both dealerships... and I researched many! My mechanic says the price difference is all about inventory, and it is true Nissan's with Connection are rare! Is $27,300.00 too much to pay for the Nissan SL with Conn?
On the other hand I do not want to talk myself out of getting the car that feels to fit me (Nissan) because of money alone. It is not only that it is a smoother ride. I think because I put so many miles on my Civic (242,000) and almost $200,000 on the Camry, those car rides are kind of well...boring...dare I say....like an old shoe?
Oh my God did I really say that!? :surprise: THe Nissan feels different and more new and exciting. :shades: Thoughts please?
If you got a good deal on the Altima 2.5 SL w/ connection pkg, it would be less expensive than a similarly equipped Accord EX-L 4-cyl.
I will admit that the Accord has a smoother and more refined ride, but the Altima will be more fun to drive, and it's significantly lighter. It's your pick as to which one you want.
If you got a good deal on the Altima 2.5 SL w/ connection pkg, it would be less expensive than a similarly equipped Accord EX-L 4-cyl.
Something is definitely wrong here...I haven't yet seen what I would call a comparable Altima/Accord pricing comparason in which the Accord was priced cheaper. Further investigation would definitely be in order before buying...
So that is something to think about when you look at your next new car, pull the door handles, shut the doors, close the trunk, look at the engine. These details make a difference for me, it tells me that they cared about everything, all the way down to the door switches.
I did get the Honda quote in internet writing and by phone by a reputable dealer.
But I love the Altima. Thank you mp.
. I'm sorry to hear about the new cell phone law in California. The 2.5 SL's w/ connection pkg is fairly rare by itself, but seeing as bluetooth could be a huge asset now, it would make them pretty difficult to find. I bet this is the last generation of cars that bluetooth is a high-grade option. Next generation, it will more than likely be mainstream technology due to demand for it. I would also be willing to wager that there will be more 2009 Altima SL's due to the inclusion of bluetooth. Nissan/Honda/Toyota needs to capitalize on these markets due to demand for technology like this.
Btw what color/interior/year is your Altima and how do you like it so far? Bye for now.
Maybe its because they are made in Mississippi, or maybe there are differences to CA cars that increase their prices significantly.
I purchases a 2.5SL in January (fully loaded with all options) and couldn't be happier. Good luck!
Yes, if you need the car now, you should buy it now. The '08 might get a little cheaper in another 1 or 2 months but you might not be able to find the exact car you want. I don't think you will see a big incentive on the '09 until Feb. or March of next years.
I own a Silver 2008 Altima 2.5 SL w/ Connection pkg. It's only available with a black interior (very sporty and luxurious looking.) I purchased it in late April and have put over 5000 miles on it. It's driven like a dream so far. I'll even admit that I liked the '08 Accord EX quite a bit, but I think the Altima is a better car this generation. Assuming you get a good price on it, it's tough to beat. You can always get a Sonata for about $3k less, but this car is so much more fun on the road!
Let us know what you come up with. If you can't get the Nissan dealer to drop the price down below the Accord, either go to another Nissan dealer (if that's even possible), or buy the Accord. Both the Altima and Accord are fabulous cars this generation.
Haha, nope, I just try to share my opinion here. If you like to trade in cars within 2 or 3 years like me, getting '09 is not a bad idea. :P
Big brother keeps telling me I will regret the blonde leather because I will alway be cleaning it. But sitting on those black seats in the summertime can hurt I fear!
Anyway I admit, it is a nice look. I will keep you posted. So happy you are enjoying your Altima! :shades:
So with an Engine in the Accord being so strong as is, it would be nice to have a sporty transmission, but would the affect their mileage per gallon quota? I am not sure, but why not give the option! Who says a family car has to be boring?
Sounds like the Altima and the Accord are stacking up quite high. All cars have their faults though.