Nissan Altima

blazerb

Can anyone recommend a dealer in the Boston area. Looking at a 2.5sl.

afty

I bought my Altima 3.5 at Glick Nissan in Westboro. I worked with the Internet Manager there, and he gave me a great price on my Alty. I was very happy with my experience at that dealer.

If you have any questions, you can email me at the address in my profile.

vocus

Spending a day with your pregnant wife test driving cars? Sounds kinda like fun, unless of course it's hot outside.

Kirstie_H

Which costs more, the $12,000 car or the $15,000 car? Sounds simple, but as we all know, the purchase price isn't all that's involved in the true cost of a vehicle. Check out the article and new tool at Edmunds.com:

True Cost to Own (TCO): Revealing the Hidden Costs of Car Ownership

http://www.edmunds.com/advice/specialreports/articles/59897/article.html

kirstie_h

Roving Host

Edmunds.com

pap5

Hi, all. Just visiting from the BMW 5-series forum. After staying in Phoenix on business last week, I rented a 2.5 S for a sidetrip to Sedona. Typical fleet car w/about 4,100 mi. on the odo. Noted a couple of things that I considered strange for such a low-mileage car: Constant vibration noise from the headliner (non-sunroof car), and, more ominously, intermittent howling from left front at speeds above 75 mph. Reported latter to the rental agency for their inspection. All in all, however, a comfortable and enjoyable car. Would love to try a 3.5 SE someday. BTW, we had a 91 Maxima SE for 10 years, and I still drive the 280ZX I bought 20 years ago. I continue to have a soft spot for Nissans/Datsuns.

automan227

My father currently has a '99 Nissan Altima that is coming off lease in 2 months. Today I went with him to the Nissan Dealer and looked at a new Altima. It was much more in price then his current one but still I negotiated. It was a Silver Nissan Altima 2.5 S with an Automatic Transmission. No other options. Here is what I got quoted on a new lease.....

2002 Nissan Altima 2.5S
$1250 Total Due at Signing (Includes the dealer paying off the remaining payments on the current Altima- a total of about $800)
$295 per month
39 Month Lease
12,000 Miles per Year

I was hoping to go lower (about $270 per month) but it took a lot of negotiating to get it down this far. I called several other dealers in the area and they said they could not even come close. The closest I got with the same terms was $315 per month.

Before they decide, I would like to know if this is a good deal.

I appreciate your quick responses.

AS

33chevy

Hi this is not my car as you can guess from my sign on but belongs to my son-in-law and is now parked in my driveway since it can't be trusted to make a 45 mile trip back to where he and daughter live! It is a 4cyl automatic with 127,000 miles and serviced regularly and not a neglected car. Just went to Florida and back a few months ago..runs like new...until a few days ago. He took it to a his regular service shop in Corning, New York (which handles all car service ,not a Nissan service shop) for rough idle and just stop running while going down the road problem . From what I see on the service bill.... the shop shot-gunned it and did fuel and air filters/ plugs, rotor and cap and set timing. Seemed to run ok for the 45 miles to visit us but in trying to return home..it went about 15 miles and the engine just bucks a little like not getting gas or ignition and just stops. You pull off the road..it refuses to start but wait five minutes and she runs like a top..it made the trip back to our place after doing the above and returned with no trouble so it may have been able to go further but couldn't be trusted since of the way it acts. It has not had a new fuel pump during it's life so I am questioning maybe that to be the culprit. I put 2 cans of dry gas in it before the 15 mile failure trip. So that should have possibly taken care of poor fuel but with poor fuel it would be running rough all time but not the case here. Anyone have any similiar symptoms?

I am on the Impala sedan section of Edmunds and find very helpful info there..are you guys as good? Thanks if you have any ideas. Bye for now

felisarn

I just negotiated this deal which is not set in stone yet. They are locating the vehicle for me. A 2.5S,peuter grey,automatic, conveniece package, ABS package, fog lights, for 20,180. They also gave me 8300 for my 99 Mercury Cougar, 25,000 miles fully loaded, and a broken sunroof. the sales man and I wrote up a contract that whatever car they found if it had other options that had been already installed such as minor things like mud flaps, etc, that I would get them all at invoice. So I put $100 down on the car contingent on whether or not the car was acceptable to me.

My other question is whether or not I should shop other Nissan dealers in my area in the mean time for a better price on the car as well as trade-in value, or will the dealers not play that comparison shopping game with me? thanks for the help.

Felisa

automan227

After I got that price quoted by the first dealer i went to, I then went to several other dealers and comparison shopped. They told me that they think the dealer was low balling me and that if that really is the price to go buy/lease the car.

That sounds like a good deal from what I can tell considering that the dealership I went to wanted a 20,304 for a base altima with Automatic tranny and sunroof.

Does anyone think that the deal I got offered on an altima is a good one? See post #3307.

AS

andrelaplume

Anyone know what a fair price to pay for a 6/75 Extended warranty with $0 deductible would be? Does Nissan let you shop around and purchase from any dealer or must it be purchsed from the dealer where you bought the car?

ateixeira

I tried to convince her to try an Altima, but she prefers the Maxima (do your victory dance Obi) and that fell out of our price range.

We ended up with a Legacy wagon, which offers Pathfinder levels of space for a price of just $17,827 (plus only tax). Hard to beat, considering it has ABS w/4 discs, AWD, PW/PL/PS, cruise, keyless, carpets, A/C, etc.

That money would buy only a very basic Altima. The side crash test scores turned her off, and the fact that she preferred the Maxima meant she wasn't willing to stretch into the 3.5SE price range.

Oh well, thanks anyway to all the folks here for the tips and advice. This thread has been fun lately, civil and polite.

-juice

vocus

Congrats on the new car purchase! What color did she get? And did she get stick too? Just wonodering.

My co-worker has one of those Outback wagons, and they are very spacious inside. I wouldn't mind having one of them, but I have no use for a wagon.

speedracer3

Congrats on the purchase. Enjoy your Suby...even though it's not a manly car like the WRX (laugh).

porknbeans

Nice choice. With all of the trade-offs that go on during the purchase process the Suby is one that doesn't have many negatives. Especially when you factor in the price you got if for. I didn't realize they were so inexpensive. Good luck and keep us informed, including when the other seat gets filled with your new arrival.

afty

Congrats on the Legacy purchase! And even though you didn't buy an Altima, we just might let you stick around. ;-)

ateixeira

Yeah, stick, wagon, color is Wintergreen Metallic, sort of a light green/gray chameleon color. It's the wife's car - I have a Forester and a Miata.

Ours is actually the plain Legacy L, no Outback two-tone, no raised suspension, no gold wheels. It lacks a couple of features but is priced more competitively. It's lighter and I'd say feels quicker, too.

But Outbacks outsell all other Legacys 3 to 1, they are so trendy!

-juice

bigzheng17

also something weird. carpoint says 2002 legacy gt msrp is $22859. but edmunds says it's msrp is $24200, although tmv is $22449. still that's a big difference in msrp! also all legacy model has almost 2000 lower invoice on carpoint.

ateixeira

We got an L, though, not a GT. Subaru had a $750 dealer incentive, which is even better than rebates because you don't pay state tax on the difference. So I got invoice-$750-$100 discount, plus 6 free oil changes at any Subaru dealer. MSRP for our car was $20.7k.

The same dealer sells Altimas, also at no-haggle prices, but it was hard to find a lightly equipped 5 speed that had ABS. Not anywhere near our price, anyway.

-juice

bigzheng17

a while ago i called a nissan dealer about 2.5s, she told me at that time she has no 2.5s on lot equiped with abs

ateixeira

What models have ABS standard? Only the SL, right? Too much for a 4 banger, IMO.

I like that Subaru made ABS standard on every car they sell, makes it easier to shop. 5 speeds are easy to find, too.

-juice

vocus

That's a really good deal you got on the Legacy. They are also top-rated for the offset crash test performed by the IIHS (http://www.iihs.org). And they come with AWD and ABS for that $17K you paid. VERY good deal!

I have seen Jettas (mine is one of them) go for more than $17K, and they are smaller and less powerful. Also, these were 2.0s!

andrelaplume

Anyone know what a fair price to pay for a 6/75 Extended warranty with $0 deductible would be? Does Nissan let you shop around and purchase from any dealer or must it be purchsed from the dealer where you bought the car?

mney6

What kind of vehicle?

ateixeira

Thanks, vocus. I offered her a look at a Passat, but a 1.8T wagon was a bit more than she wanted to spend, plus 5 speed manuals are impossible to find.

-juice

vocus

I just remmebered you are in about the same area as I am. Where did you get the Subie, Fitz?

ateixeira

Yes, and to bring this back on topic Fitzmall.com also sells VWs and yes, Nissans.

So I was able to compare real-world prices and features back with no hassles.

-juice

maxamillion1

Congrats on your purchase! I have always liked the Legacy and Outback, but the dealer in my area just went out of business. Anyway, I hope you enjoy the Legacy L, it's a great value.

As far as ABS on Altimas....I have yet to see a 2.5S with ABS, all the Altimas I have seen just about have the Convenience pkg., auto mirror, flaps, and floor mats for an MSRP of $21,514.. NO Altima has ABS standard in the US. Not even the high, expensive 3.5SE!! It's a shame, because isn't it standard on AT least the 2.5SL and
3.5SE in Canada?

ateixeira

Yeah, bundled with front side and side curtain air bags for $650 invoice, per my guide book.

In fairness, Accord 4 cylinders only have ABS on the pricey EX. Camry makes them a la carte options, $258 for ABS and $430 for the bags, or $688 for both.

Subaru made ABS standard, the L does not offer the side and curtain airbags. But the side impact test scores were good enough without them.

-juice

jrct9454

...ABS is an option for Accord LX 4 cyl cars [and standard on all V6s, regardless of trim level], but it is true these tend to be rare birds on dealer lots compared with the ready availability of EXs.

However, to the point that it is mandatory to buy an EX Accord to get ABS, such is not the case.

The Japanese in general continue to be a bit schizoid and all over the map in terms of their commitment to safety features in this class of car. They continue to want to force you upmarket in terms of either trim or badge to get what you want. A particularly galling example is Mazda forcing any buyer of ABS/Side Bags to take a sunroof on certain Protege models - the two features have nothing to do with one another and thus a safety minded buyer winds up paying more than twice the value of the safety package alone, as well as sacrificing headroom. Examples of this abound in most of the Japanese makes priced under $25k...

volcano2

Hi all. Maybe a slightly dumb question, but this checkup is supposed to be free, right? Except for the oil/f/l, of course. I was told that by the original dealer, who said I could go to any dealer, but they're the best, blah, blah, blah. I'm not going back to him because I don't trust him & didn't like the service. If the inspection is charged for, how much is it?

Thanks.

andrelaplume

My father has a 2001 Xterra and was considering an extended warranty...I wanted to find out what a fair cost on the extended 6/75, 0 deductible plan was, and if he had to buy it from the dealer where he purchased the car?

ateixeira

Accord LX has an ABS option only for automatics - we wanted a 5 speed. It wasn't offered with that combination. Annoyingly, the VP and SE models are also all automatics. And they don't have ABS either. Sheesh.

I totally agree with you, though. To get ABS on a CR-V you have to take a sunroof and alloys wheels, so to get safety you have to pay for appearance items.

Subaru is the exception. ABS is on every car they make, period. Even the base Impreza wagons have it. AWD, too.

-juice

lsc

The fact that my Altima doesn't have ABS and traction control bothers me. It's a good thing that I'm an excellent driver (yeah right). Getting those items the way they are packaged would have put it out of my price range. I wish it was standard like it is on all safety concious companies.

A quick tip on the Altimas w/ black interior. Try using Armor All non-greasy finish formula. It makes a huge difference. The plastic doesn't look as cheap.

maxamillion1

...because of the recent crash test scores! I don't care if Honda and Toyota don't offer ABS standard on their cars, Nissan should set an example for the big Japanese manuafacturers and make ABS standard. When Nissan begans adding little nifty safety and convenience features standard while keeping a good price, they will beat Toyota and Honda at their own game. Now if Toyota and Honda were to make ABS standard on all of their cars, Nissan would follow suit. It shouldn't be that way though. Performance is nice, but it's not everything. Nissan needs to take a good look at "refining" the new Altima.

Here are my suggestions:

1) Make ABS standard
2) Redesign the entire interior,and use better material.
3) Add adjustable rear headrest(the new Mazda6, Camry and probably the new Accord have this feature.)
4) Add a V6/Luxury variant.
5) Add a power passenger's seat(afterall, this new Altima costs as much as last year's Maxima, and the Maxima came with a power passenger seat if you ordered leather.)
6) Fix the gas release button, add it to the door where the trunk release is found
7) Make clear taillights optional.(They look OKAY, but I prefer red ones.)
8) Add Frost leather to the mix
9) Add blond leather to Seascape and Opal Blue. Wasn't Blond available with Opal on the 2001 Altima?
10) Give the SE sportier-looking rims

Do not get me wrong, I still love and want the Altima, but the more I look, the more I want the Mazda6. The Altima is bigger and better looking, but the new 6 seems superior in areas where the Altima lacks. (Interior material/craftmanship) I mean right now I drive a 1992 Honda Accord DX(the Basic Accord) and it has better material than even the top of the line Altima. I can't help but complain! It's a shame that Nissan would do some of the stupid things they do!

Also, why can't I get a fully loaded Altima 3.5SE with manual transmission and ABS. In order to get the Altima with ABS and Leather, the sunroof option is deleted! That is so stupid IMO. Does Nissan not want to make a sale. My goodness, that is really dumb,it almost makes you want to choose the Maxima.......

I wish Nissan did like Honda

2.5S
Basic, like an Accord LX, power driver's seat, ABS

2.5SX
Power sunroof(Maybe make it optional), Bose audio, sunshade, convenience pkg.

2.5SL
Leather upholstery, power sunroof(maybe make it optional),power front seats with heaters, automatic climate control(the 4cylinder Camry has it.), ABS

3.5SX:
Just like the 2.5S plus the V6(similar to the Accord LXV6) Options:Sunroof, Xenons, BOSE

3.5SE:
The way it is now,only with ABS standard, maybe even make the BOSE standard.Add power passenger's seat with leather.

3.5SLE: The V6 SL, added stability control, real wood trim, dual-zone automatic climate control, power passenger's seat.

Here are the options for each model:

2.5S: NO options
2.5SX: Power sunroof, BOSE audio
2.5SL: Power sunroof
3.5SX: Power sunroof, BOSe audio, Xenons
3.5SE: Power sunroof, Xenons, Leather pkg.(which includes dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, power passenger's seat.)
3.5SLE: Power sunroof

With minimal options like these, Nissan would save comsumers money, and it would cut down on the manuafacturing cost, thus saving them money. This is all my opinon though.

My perfect Altima:
Nissan Altima 3.5SLE, 5spd manual with Power sunroof

Colors:
Noveau Ruby w/Blond, Frost or Charcoal
Satin White w/ Blond, Frost or Charcoal
Opal Blue w/ Blond, Frost or Charcoal
Mystic Emerald w/ Blond, Frost or Charcoal
Seascape w/Blond, Frost or Charcoal
Velvet Beige w/ Blond
Polished Pewter w/ Blond,Frost or Charcoal

stebu

"I wish Nissan did like Honda"

Or maybe Nissan could just start making Honda's ;-)

ateixeira

It's too costly to make a moonroof an a-la-carte option on that many models. Dealers would have to stock a dozen variants of the car. Besides, the aftermarket can serve that purpose - it's easy to add a moonroof to any car. A local ASC certified shop said they'd install a 17"x30" ASC power roof, one touch open/close with a lifetime warranty, for just $895.

But I agree about ABS, because that's not something easily added. It should be standard, at least on the S models and up.

Not like Honda, though. I was just pointing out you can't get a 5 speed with ABS for much less than $20k. Honda needs to make ABS standard too, or at least offer it on LX and SE models with 5 speeds.

-juice

mney6

2001 Xterra 4x4 with less than 36000 miles.
A good price on Nissan Gold Preferred would be 833.00.

sbmd

I recently bought a 2001 Altima GXE which had about 15K miles at the time. A couple of weeks ago I started hearing a rattling/vibrating noise which sounds like it's coming from the under the hood or dash (can't tell exactly which). I usually hear it when I'm at a stopped in traffic. I've checked for loose hoses, etc. under the hood but can't find anything. I don't think it's a big deal but it's annoying the heck out of me. Has anyone had this problem or any suggestions on what else I can check out myself. I want to avoid taking it in if possible.

mney6

It's warranty work.

loucopits

I had priced Altimas and it looks like the quote you got is very good. I also had a '99 Cougar, 24k miles, loaded with everything except sunroof, perfect shape. Dealer will put it on his lot at about $11.5K (it was a lease return). Dealer claims '99 Cougars are in demand, and the ones I see advertised cluster around $11,500 to $11,995.
I ended up buying a 2002 Solara SE, much quieter and smoother than the Altima.

implicit

Maybe not major but htis is how it starts and spreads. Paint just chipped of the front end of my Altima close to the head lights and it's starting to rust. Doesn't the warrenty cover this?
Please I need advice quick.

sbmd

It's not a question of whether it's warranty work or not. It's just an inconvenience to take time out of my day to take it to the shop if it's something simple that I can do myself.

ateixeira

Try this - pop the hood with the engine idling and try to trace the problem. Wearing gloves, grab onto different parts and pieces and see if that gets the rattle to stop. If so, you found the source.

Dealers have "ears", really headphones with sensitive microphones to trace the source.

That rust is a bad sign, shouldn't the steel be galvanized? A warranty probably only covers perforation, though. I'd get naval jelly and clean it carefully, then wash it and apply touch-up paint. Do this ASAP to prevent any more surface rust.

-juice

grspry

Hey, I'm interested to know what kind of ad fees people are paying on Nissans, specifically the Altima. I'm about to purchase a 3.5SE and the dealer wants me to pay a $500 midwest ad fee. Now, I know ad fees are often a legitimate cost that the dealer must pass from the manufacturer on to the customer, but $500 sounds a little steep. What has everyone else paid?

cfocfo

FYI - I was told the ad fee was $ 325. When I stopped laughing, the salesguy said "everyone" pays the ad fee. After reading posts here, it appears many DO pay something, so we get to watch more of their commercials.
$ 500 seems steep.

afty

It should be itemized on the dealer's invoice. You could ask to see it.

phillyguy2

Nissan is already taking steps to upgrade interiors. The first is the NEW leather on the 2.5SL. Recent shipments have eliminated the perforated vinyl inserts and replaced them with full leather. This is still the 02's, so additional changes will have to wait for 03's. When I compared other makes and models, I still came up with the 2.5 as the best value package as well as a new style that will be around for a while. Dealers are now moving on the prices( around $200 over invoice), so it's not fair to compare MSRP's. The Accord can be purchased at fire sale prices because the 03 will be dramatically different and Toyota is,well,Toyota. Still, different strokes for different folks.

ateixeira

I was able to find Camrys at $200 over invoice as well. Shop around and you'll find deals on any brand.

-juice

bqwaiet

Anyone know any thing about why altimas.net is down? I have not been able to connect for a couple of days. I can ping it, but I see they are rejecting cnxns to port 80. Any info?

tia,
bqwaiet

bqwaiet

I paid $400 for the advertising fee. I got my car for $100 under invoice, , a good deal hard to get I think. I did however see a confidential Nissan document w/ floor plan A pricing, which showed the dealer still made $1487 on me!! whaddaya gonna do?