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Comments
I ask her all the time about the '05s -- she says they aren't even on the radar at this point.
Don't know what would benefit her to lie about it, and I can't imagine there would be many changes ??
What did your dealership do to fix the problem? We are experiencing the door rattle but also the passenger side door doesn't always want to close all the way. Thanks for your help!
I do hate the fact that the nav is disabled while moving. We see no problem allowing on person to navigate while the other drives. To be fair it isn't hard for me to imagine a court case where somebody tries to blame the automaker for their in attention to the road while driving.
Also, I know a guy that said after two failed transmission he would never buy another Chrysler van. I guess nobody is perfect.
The DVD and Nav don't share any screen. So, they can perfectly be used in tandem. We've used them on many occasions.
Actually, I purchased my Quest from Bowser by Century III Mall. Not because it was closer, but because they gave me the better deal. Any Nissan dealership should be able to service your minivan after purchase. Since your in Mt. Lebanon, I would think McMinn would be more convienent (although I wouldn't purchase from them).
I think there is a mod you can do to allow passenger control of the nav while driving. search around
I have a 2004 Nissan Quest SL
Color: Coral Sand
Miles: 8,600
9 months old.
New MSRP: $28,720.00
Options:
SL upgrade package
Floor mats
In cabin micro-filter
mud guards
Dealer installed front
drivers and passangers windows
tinted.
Thanks
Steve, Host
I put a posting in at "Real World trade-In Values", a couple of days ago, but haven't gotten a response from anyone.
Eyeblind
Some people say to deduct a mileage charge, but I'm not sure what works (.50 cents a mile?). You could also see if any have been listed on eBay Motors recently.
Steve, Host
Dealer may give you a little more on the trade-in if they can make more money on the new car deal.
youve oversimplified it quite a bit. if retail is $23k, you should deduct about $3000-$4000 for trade-in.
lets say trade-in is $19000. you have, on average, $500-$1000 in detailing, repairs, and maintenance. this leaves about $3000 in markup. rarely do people say "OK" to the sticker price, so the room makes it possible to show a healthy discount AND make that $1000.
this is the problem with people trying to outthink the dealers, and is a big reason why people are so uneducated about wholesale values and trade-in values.
the other misconception is that the dealer "makes money" on your trade-in. they dont. they make money on the guy that buys your trade-in. you have every right to make more on your own car by selling it yourself. if you choose not to, then you forfeit the extra money.
I had one added to my 2004 Quest SE, Hitch is fine, but having an issue with the Turn Signals. U-Haul added a 3 wire to 2 wire convertor, but when I hook up to my new trailer the Turn Signal only flashes once. Went back to U-Haul and we tried it on their trailer and the Turn Signals worked fine. The only difference I can see is the U-Haul trailer has LED tail lights, and my trailer has light bulbs. Any help would be appreicated on how to solve this.
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: MFG Bulletin Number: 04034
MFG Bulletin Date: 20040308
Component: EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.
Details: DVD PLAYER INOPERATIVE. NISSAN ARMADA 2004 ALSO INCLUDED. *TT
MCS Check Date: 20040407
I think we may buy a Quest this weekend. I've called ten dealers and the best deal I got so far is invoice and the doc fee waived. I'd like to get an extended warranty but I have no guide as for price. I want one from nissan with the longest term available, deductible is negotiable. Can anyone help or steer me in the right path for this info? Thanks
a 100k mile b2b warranty with no deductible through the manufacturer can run in the $2000 range.
normal markup in a warranty...nevermind. you already beat them up to get to invoice on the van...im not gonna be responsible for keeping ALL profit away from them. good luck.
devsienna "Toyota Sienna: Prices Paid & Buying Experience" Apr 21, 2004 8:00pm
Steve, Host
Our Silver SE with Beige Interior has a Beige steering wheel with Aluminum accents.
I noticed that it did not have a Nav DVD with Software Manual. I read the Nav System Manual, and it said it should be included. When I asked the Sales Manager, he said all information is loaded onto the Nav System, and there is no other Nav DVD or Software Manual (like the one you get when you order a MAP upgrade from Zenrin).
Should I press the Dealer, or are they telling me correct - that there is no Nav MAP DVD included with a new vehicle?
Also, how do you tell what SW Version is loaded, 6.1 or 6.2, for the NAV System itself?
the parts guy is wrong about the headsets. they retail for $51.95 each here, and are available by order. contact either the parts manager or the service manager for better help.
You'll need to pop the DVD out of the NAV system to determine the software version number (it's imprinted on the DVD itself). We purchased our Quest back in November and received v6.2
You can also plug wired headphones into the rear-av slot. When we have more than two passengers for trips, 2 will use wired and 2 will use wireless ... Just-a-thought (maybe you don't really need the additional headsets)
I have three little boys so I do need a third pair of headsets. They called me back and said they could order ($59.60!). They tend to get the wires tangled, pulled and snagged, if you know what I mean :-).
Steve, Host
That being said, I would like to express my slight dissent concerning your article on your 2004 Minivan Comparison Test. Please keep in mind that I am also an avid fan of Nissan and their products. This by no means signifies that I am not a fan of any other carmakers. Separating myself from my afinity for Nissan, I analyzed your comparison test very carefully and came to the conclusion that much of the Nissan Quest's criticisms centered around personal and/or subjective opinions, which in turn caused it to have a lower scoring at the end. I think personal and subjective opinions shouldn't even be considered as part of a comparison test. Everyone has their own personal style and opinion. Things of that nature should be left to the consumer and not made part of the final outcome concerning scoring for an evaluation of competing cars. The reason I state this is because it seems as though the Quest was, in fact, KNOCKED for being styled differently than all the other boring minivans, even though you oppose to this notion on your review. It should have been given more "props" for it daring to be different and stylish - and SO much more fun to look at and be in - compared to the other breadboxes on wheels - mind you, I am not mocking minivans since, on a whole, I love them :-). Personally, I also think ergonomics are also a matter of opinion - what can be considered misplaced by one can be considered perfectly placed by another. I have test driven the Quest and I did not find anything wrong with the gauges and instruments being in the center of the dash. Actually, I found it to be very convenient and felt it gave me a better view of the road - and the controls were all at my fingertips. It was refreshing.
I have made a listing of all the Nissan Quest's advantages over the other minivans in your comparison, based on YOUR OWN "Editor's Evaluation" and "Specifications and Performance" sections of your test - a listing consisting of no less than 33 points in favor of the Quest. Due to these observations, it is difficult to understand why the Quest was not placed at LEAST in second place - or at least given more respect than it was given in your reviews, instead of being called "a distant third". Here it goes:
1. Quest placed #1 in Engine Performance;
2. #1 in Braking Performance;
3. #2 in Suspension Performance;
4. #2 tied in Tire Performance;
5. #2 Steering Performance;
6. #1 tied in Visibility;
7. #2 in Fun to Drive factor;
8. #1 tied in Front Seat Comfort;
9. #3 Rear Seat comfort (not bad placing);
10. #2 Interior Design (baffles me concerning your scathing criticisms of the interior);
11. #1 Headlight illumination (all way tie);
12. #2 Expanding/Loading cargo (also confuses since it's the only van in your test with fold flat second row seats);
13. It is the longest minivan;
14. The widest minivan;
15. The tallest minivan;
16. Has the longest wheelbase (all of the above translates into more passenger room);
17. It is the lightest minivan;
18. It has the MOST front headroom;
19. It has the MOST front legroom;
20. It has the second best front shoulder room;
21. It has the MOST rear headroom;
22. MOST rear legroom;
23. MOST rear shoulder room;
24. Tied with most power
25. Has the 2nd best fuel economy
26. Has the 3rd best acceleration - even though tenths of a second is what divides the top three AND if you would have tested the SE version with the 5-speed automatic the Quest would've faired better in this regard, and overall as well.
27. Third best quarter mile acceleration (same reasoning in #26 applies)
28. Second best quarter mile speed
29. "Five Star" and "Good" crash test ratings (ties for all)
30. Offers Road Side assistance - something Honda and Toyota do not offer
31. Has fold flat second row seats
32. Has most desirable features as standard or optional
33. And the consumer comments in your test reflected the same level, if not more, positivity for the Quest compared to the other minivans.
Again, all the points above make it difficult to understand why the Quest wasn't placed higher in your test or at least given more respect than it was. I wasn't expecting to see it in first place - I KNEW the Toyota was going to place first (it was a given) - but was still disappointed with the outcome of the "distant third" placement and comment the Quest received
It also is confusing to me why you would test and compare the Nissan Quest SL (middle trim line) version against the TOP OF THE LINE Ford Freestar, the TOP OF THE LINE Honda Odyssey EX with leather and DVD, and the almost TOP OF THE LINE Toyota Sienna XLE (Toyota has TOO many trim levels and designations), especially considering that the SE version of the Quest offers the 5-speed automatic transmission, which markedly improves performance, and includes all of the optional features you bought for your SL along with the better BOSE stereo system, which would've also helped it in the Stereo Evaluation portion. Also, a slight obervation, the color you chose for your Quest is hideous. A "Smoke" colored Quest, instead of the Baby Dookey Beige you acquired, would've helped with the styling/subjective portion of your evaluation as well.
Well, I hope to receive a response from you - and my ultimate desire would be for this to be published in your "Letters to the Editors" section :-) - and I hope to receive an answer to my question as to why the Quest finished in third instead of at least second place, or at least ahead of the Odyssey, and did not receive the respect it deserves, especially considering the above listed 33 advantages of the Quest.
Thank you,
Hector A. Diaz (aka "Nissanfan")
Avid Edmunds.com visitor
It seems majority of "people" can not appreciate the new design of Quest. I just love it and enjoy being different!
Letters to the Editors.
The eds did give the Quest the performance title in the Final Rankings page.
Steve, Host
1) Toyota Sienna
2) Nissan Quest
3a) Honda Odyssey
3b) Kia Sedona
4c) Ford Freestar
Not sure why they trashed the Ford seats. They are not that bad. Not as good as the top 2 but not too hard like the Honda either. They were fine.
Nevermind :-)
Steve, Host
I have a hard time understanding this ranking:
Evaluation - Cargo/Passenger Space - Entry/Exit
Toyota Sienna 9.3
Honda Odyssey 8.8
Kia Sedona 8.3
Nissan Quest 8.0
Ford Freestar 7.8
The Quest has THE largest passenger doors in the industry, with the tallest center headroom ... The Quest should've been rated much higher here!
The evaluation also killed the center console functionality:
Evaluation - Design - Audio System Design/Operation
Toyota Sienna 9.5
Honda Odyssey 8.0
Kia Sedona 7.0
Ford Freestar 6.8
Nissan Quest 5.5
Evaluation - Design - Secondary Control Design/Operation
Toyota Sienna 9.0
Honda Odyssey 8.5
Kia Sedona 8.0
Ford Freestar 7.5
Nissan Quest 6.0
I agree the controls are a bit confusing to operate at first, but after using them a few times, they're fine, actually somewhat likeable. Even if I give the nod to the other mini vans, it's not by this variance! Are they really 45% worse (9.5 vs 5.5) than the Toyota. Of course not! Typical 1st experience subjective negativity that skews statistical comparisons!
I too have felt many of the comparative statements/reviews I have read seemed a bit jaded against the Quest. I have never owned a Nissan until now, but the experience of personally examining the Quest versus the others was enough to persuade me.
The Quest definitely has more interior space. maybe you can stick a single larger item (aka the CR cargo test)in the back of a Sienna, but that's nuts. Families carry lot's of smaller items, not one gargantuan item. That's what trucks are for. Anyway, the Quest passenger area is much roomier. The Sienna makes me claustrophobic in the back. The Quest's substantially larger sliding doors are a big plus too.
Speaking of CR, why is the Quest's "projected" reliability rating only average? They apparently based it on the previous Quest which shares nothing with this one.(look at the reliability score in the back of the mag). Perhaps a better gauge would have been ratings based on Nissan's newer products. They rate pretty high. Also, take a look at the Consumer Ratings on Edmund's site. Seems that people who have Quest like them.
One can move around and stretch out better in the Quest better than the others. This was a primary reason we were looking at minivans in the first place.
The split-or-not third row seat was a non issue for us.
All wheel drive was also non-issue. I live in GA. no need for it.
I really like the center console. It is not hard to use nor is it confusing. Learning some new software packages can be confusing, but come on people! i don't mean to be insulting, but I can't imagine someone not being able to acclimate to this in a very short period of time. It was invisible to me.
Loading a DVD isn't a big deal either, my wife and I both can do it without even looking and then we use the remote to control the player.
I do think side sunshades would have been a nice touch (Kudos to Toyota), but I simply transferred my old rear window shade from our Camry over and it works fine.
I hate Toyota's "wood". Not because it's fake, but because it is ugly to me (Lexus does it better, but of course it's real in that case). I also don't care for a lot of chrome. I like the brushed metal look and honest materials. I like the plastic on the sliding doors of the Quest. It's soft on top where you touch it and easy to clean. I have small kids -nuff said.
All of these test should have used a 5 speed Quest. Maybe the price averages didn't hit just right to allow this, maybe Nissan should have made the 5-speed available on the SL. All I know is that the SE is a really nice, comfortable, easy to live with and functional product.
We began our search wanting and expecting to buy a Sienna or an Odyssey. We looked at the Quest first on a whim, but kept coming back to it. By the way, I really grew to despise Toyota's option packages. Honda and Nissan do this soooo much better.
When all was said and done we bought the Quest and have been blissfully happy ever since. This is a good vehicle and I don't understand how it can be rated a distant third to the other minivans.
We like our Quest, and hey, it's decent looking too! Of course that is my opinion, but isn't that the point.
What Makes Edmunds.com Different?
Steve, Host
person doesn't want one with running boards. Can they just take them off and use them on another one?
That's the reason I purchased the Quest. It is such a wonderful, refreshing and contemporary styling.
IMHO, it sets the pace of future styling of all minivans.