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Comments
I agree, thanks for your thoughts
these numbers are subjective, and based on my experience. other opinions may vary.
Kevin
tidester, host
The great thing is I had an offer from another dealer for a different vehicle. Theirs didn't have the towing package. I called him and told him I was looking at it and what they offered it to me for. He said if we can sell to you at the same price, ours having the towing package, would you buy? I said, I would entertain it for sure. He called me back a few minutes later and said it was a go. I never made an offer to anyone! I like that. I think they are wanting to see a few on the road. Anyway, this was my first experience with a Nissan Dealer and I have to say they were the best I have ever dealt with!
and not fall prey. Car sales are slumping, people
are jobless, car lots are over stocked. Even though
the Armada is new, it won't be long that you'll see
the lots starting to fill. Be patient and get your
price.
After three days of driving the Armada, I returned it to the dealer and said that I could not drive this vehicle any longer. They had a service tech ride with me in the vehicle and after 15 minutes he confirmed that noise level and "pressure feeling" created in the cabin was not acceptable.
Nissan advised the dealer that the sound was due to excessive roof vibration. Nissan instructed the dealer to remove the entire headliner and to apply a bonding agent to the roof support beams to improve the attachment of the roof. It took about three weeks for the dealer to have this work performed at a local body shop. This repair reduced the noise about 20%, but the noise was still excessive. Nissan then flew out 3 engineers from the factory to investigate. They confirmed that the booming resonance was from the roof and they installed additional sound absorbing material under the headliner. This reduced the noise by approximetly 50%. The vehicle is much better than before, but the resonance is still noticeable at about 30 mph to 65 mph when riding over bumpy surfaces. Making the roof quieter also made the exhaust noise more noticeable. I plan to take the Armada in to the dealer next week and insist on further improvements to reduce the exhaust noise / vibration.
Except for these noise issues, I really like the Armada. Nissan definitely has some problems to work out. I suggest that any Armada owners that have experienced these problems insist that their dealer file a complaint with Nissan and demand an immediate repair as I have done. Maybe then Nissan will work quickly to design improvements to eliminate these flaws rather than supplying band aid fixes.
Has anyone else received a repair for these problems? I would like to know if Nissan provided the same fix for you.
The dealership was great and even though I was a little hesitant about having everything as promised it was a very good buying experience. The nissan dealership and internet salesperson were very helpful and knowledgable.
The vehicle drove great and handle extremely well during the 250 mile trip home. I heard no resonance. The trip computer in the vehicle said we got approx. 18 mpg. driving the speed limit (70 mph with cruise)
All in all I could not be happier and feel very confident in saying this board gave me the confidence and tips I needed to pull off the deal.
I had an LE coming from my local dealerhsip that they said would be here next week, but they had not gotten a VIN number. I became concerned that the vehicle would not arrive until January and the price the dealer quoted was $1500 off list. ( they had been selling all armadas at list so far and gave me my deal only because I was personal friend). Anyway, the internet deal and 4 hr drive saved me an additional $1500 over my hometown deal.
Thanks to all
PS Hey h2o dude, I like Sirius too.
I was truly leaning toward an Armada. I think it is a fine vehicle in just about every other area, especially the engine. However, I think I am going to pass on the Armada and give it a couple of years to mature.
Looking to buy the new PFA - probably a base SE with the Bose and tow package only as I would be maxxing the wallet with the purchase. Does anybody know if the Sedona color with the Sand interior has the orange color dashboard? ugh - I hope not. I dont know if the pics I have seen was from an earlier prototype or a production vehicle.
Re. the resonance issue.... I have had the experience w/ my 01 PF with the back windows rolled down halfwasy - felt like my ears were going to pulse off. But it seems the PFA makes this noise w/ the windows up? Sounds like a major concern to me. I have had an 00' Maxima SE as well. I personally am sold on Nissans. I am convinced of their product and reliability. In my experience, Nissan should (and probably will) resolve the issue.
Can't wait to drive this awesome beast - I hope I'm not disappointed...Thanks in advance for the advice on how/when to purchase.
noticed anything unusual regarding to this resonance
issue. But on one test drive where I sat in the second row seats, with my ear close to the window,
I did notice wind noise (howling) with the windows
rolled up.
If you are dissuaded by the resonance issue, whether
it occurs or not, you should test drive the vehicle
first before you buy and examine all the details.
If it works, then it works. If it has issues, request another. /hehe
not be during introduction of a new vehicle,
rather later when the lots fill up. I've been
to four dealers and inventory varies, one dealer
had about ten Armada's, another had three. The point
is, shop around within a 25 mile radius and you may
be surprised to find some lots stocked. The general
rule to get the best deal on any car is to work a
deal on what the dealer has in inventory, because
they need to move these 'pigs' out of their lots.
But, the internet has modified the rules of purchasing, I would still work the same deal
if the vehicle is a special order with only
desired options. The consumer has more options
today vs. old school methods of car buying, that
is being fed the vasoline for 6 hours to knock
the price down. Today, I do all my inquiries via
email, if they don't like it, then I find another
dealer.
Most salesmen that I've been dealing with lately
hate the idea of email communcations because they
lose the advantage to give you the vasoline treatment, where in your face strategy is where
they have an edge. Most will tell me they don't
have email accounts which is hogwash. /hehe
I feel sorry for the car saleman, it must be
a rough job given the average consumer has
more ammunition via internet research and resources.
They have a Nissan Dealership in DC.
You can check their inventory on any model anytime and see exactly what they're ($/% off MSRP) offering on each and every model.
They however don't haggle from their posted prices so if your a good negotiator, you'll probably be able to do better at a regular dealer.
For those that simply want a quick, simple discount from MSRP (or want a little additional ammunition in their own negotiations, ie, "I can always go to carmax" or "Can you beat this carmax deal") they're IMO, a good resource.
Oh, I have a SE in Smoke with the Bose package and Tow Package, floormats, microfilter, cargo tray option. Perfect options for me. (although it will be rare if I ever use the towing package)
No resonance issues for me, thankfully. No other issues with over 1k miles, although I think I'll check into the grill guard, as I'm not too crazy about the open space that I see there now.
An SUV that can only sit four in the first two rows, defeats the major reason many people claim to buy an SUV, more space. Now, granted you have the third row seat, but space is really limited, and the third seat gives up all your space for cargo. If you are going to use a third seat all the time, a Surburban would be better, and a Mini Van the best of all.
In comparing vehicles, the Tahoe has better seating in terms of the middle row bench. The Exedition also has better seating for three across the seat, and their third rear seat is the best. In terms of vehicle comfort, the Sequoia is the best, as three people can fit across the seat in comfort. And, the entire vehicle says comfort. So, I see why a lot of people opt for the Sequoia, even though the engine is not as powerful.
I have to also agree with the reviews regarding cloth vs. leather. The cloth seats did feel much better. The leather felt stiff and hard. I believe Nissan put forth a good first effort, but they do have some work to do.
After really spending some time with the Armada, I don't think Nissan is going to take many sales away from Tahoes/Yukons, Sequios, or Expys. I do think they have shaken up the industry with a lot of innovation, and that is good. I have not checked out the new Durango, but I will try to do that today as well.
Hopefully, the Titan will have fewer shortcomings.
Anyway here's the condensed version.
After a year of searching for the right vehicle to replace our GMC 1ton truck for our dog show hobby, we've just bought an Armada. I feel like we got a pretty good deal, it is a Sahara Gold Off Road-SE with the tow package, floor mat set, cargo tray, rear splash guards, microfilter and destination charge for 36997. The MSRP was 40,880 so this purchase was actually under dealer invoice. We picked it up last friday and are very happy with it so far, although I still wonder what's wrong with this picture as the price seems quite low compared to what another dealer in our area wanted. I think with the fold flat seats, we will have enough room for all the dogs, creates, cooler, shade tarps, grooming kit etc. etc. Are favorite feature is the rear sonar, it makes parking a snap.
Does anyone know about the grill guard? Edmonds shows it as an option for 550?, but my dealer is not aware of a grill guard even being available. I hope I never need it, but this morning I counted 14 dead dear on the road.
>>appears to have a flaw in their design, it has >>been reported way too much on this board.
I've test driven two different Armadas, no
resonance problem noted. It has been reported
way too much here, by chance could it be
just a few people? /hehe
>>(2) The rear bench seat is really useless for
>>sitting three people. The middle folding part
>>of the bench seat is not comfortable at all. It
>>is hard, and straight as a board. It is not
>>practical for seating.
I've checked out all the SUV's on the market,
realistically they are all only good for
six adults, two people in each row.
>>Now, granted you have the third row seat, but
>>space is really limited, and the third seat
>>gives up all your space for cargo.
Very true. The only SUV that beats the Armada
is raw cargo is the Suburban. But the Suburban
fails miserably if I want to haul a sheet of
4x8 plywood, you have to remove the 3rd row
seat whereas the Armada you fold the seats.
Catch 22. No vehicle will satisfy every need.
Armada leg room in the 2nd and 3rd row
is better than Suburban, not to mention
easier accessibility. These issues I've checked
out in detail.
>>If you are going to use a third seat all the
>>time, a Surburban would be better, and a Mini
>>Van the best of all.
The Suburban is over-rated. It's more of a
chore to get into the 3rd row seat than
the Armada and the leg room is not as good
as one thinks. Suburban sacrifices leg room
for boxy cargo area. Mini-vans are cool,
but I hate FWD. /hehe
>>In comparing vehicles, the Tahoe has better
>>seating in terms of the middle row bench.
The Tahoe and Suburban 2nd row bench is the
same and inferior to Armada. Believe me, I really
want a Suburban but every time I go and check
them out, I get dissapointed because the Armada
has more leg room. I've been trying to justify
not buying an Armada because I don't like the
exterior appearance, but in reality it has
better functionality than GM products which are
now outdated with the advent of Armada. I have
to give Nissan credit as I never thought that
I would even consider their products.
>>The Exedition also has better seating for three
>>across the seat, and their third rear seat is
>>the best.
After 20 years of watching friends buy Ford
and myself one, I came to the conclusion long
ago that these vehicles just don't last past
5 years. Build quality is not up to my expectations. I went to the Edmunds Expedition
forum to get some feedback - because I'm always
open minded, and most people there are complaining
about the vehicle as a whole falling apart.
>>In terms of vehicle comfort, the Sequoia is the
>>best, as three people can fit across the seat
>>in comfort. And, the entire vehicle says
>>comfort.
I really really wanted the Sequoia to work out
because GM has engine issues as much as I
like Suburban. I was hoping the Toyota would
just leap past the Suburban, but it failed
miserably. It's engine is underpowered and the
vehicle is overpriced. Leg room is worse than
GM or Armada throughout the vehicle. I was
really bummed.
Just talking out loud, but I wonder if having the sunroof might help the issue if it is actually the roof buffeting in the wind.. The sunroof will add a small amount of weight (downward force) to the roof and they might (don't know for sure) add additional reinforcement when a sunroof is added at the factory..
I drove a loaded LE (with sunroof) as well, and didn't notice the problem.
thyalntyr--I have noticed this problem on several boards and it was even mentioned in Autoweeks review of the vehicle, so I think you are underestimating the issue. You say you have driven 2 vehicles without the problem, I have driven 2 vehicles-one with the problem..I would dare say they are having the problem in at least 15-25% of the vehicles.
and no...there was no wind deflector.
I agree, the assumption that SUV's are made for hauling a large group of people is bunk. Now, the Sequoia, although smaller in hip room, seats three across the middle much better, the bench seat goes straight across, no contour, and the middle seat is like the other two seats. Again, I think that is why a lot of people opted for the Sequioa. I think if you don't mind the Armada being able to seat just four people in the first two rows, you should definitely give it a look. Because, it has some nice features.
you are absolutely right. the problem there is that the other 2 seats are like sitting on plywood.
with the massive captains chairs. /hehe I've been
entertaining this option over SUV. But, these conversions lack utility, forget hauling around
some lumber. /hehe
SUV = Sports Utility Vehicles
not
CUV = Comfort Utility Vehicles
/hehe
Too bad you can't buy a 'cargo Armada' with
interior stripped, for customizations. It would
probably cost $25k. /hehe
I disagree with bmwdoug that the middle 2nd and 3rd row seats in the Armada are uncomfortable- Im 6'2", medium build and they are plenty comfortable for me to sit in for a 20-30 minute ride downtown or to Grandma's. I dont think they were designed to be super comfortable for someone my size (or any adult) for much longer than that, because the probability of someone my size needing to ride in one of those positions for much longer than say 40 minutes is pretty low. The average owner might pack 8 adults into a fullsize SUV in order to take just one car to dinner, a basketball game, out to lunch with coworkers, etc, which the Armada would handle as well or better than any other fullsize out there. But how often do 8 or even 6 adults get into a fullsize SUV for a long road trip, or even just a ride appreciably longer than one of the short-ride situations above? In my experience, not very often. If there are 8 people in the car for a long ride, chances are half or more will be kids, who would be plenty comfortable in the seats as they are. Now if we really want to talk reality, I'd say its safe to assume that 90% of long trips will be taken with 2 adults in front, 2-3 kids in the 2nd row and the 3rd row folded down in order to hold all their stuff. If this is the case, the Armada is the best car on the market for its intended use in my opinion.