Nissan Armada

aggiedog

Don't the second row seats recline?

dennis89

My Armada with the resonance problem is an SE 4x4 without a sunroof. I agree that the sunroof might actually help. Anything to stiffen the roof and reduce vibration would help.

steveo_ga

We purchased an LE 4x2 (Tech Pkg/DVD) drove it across the southeast over thanksgiving, we absolutely love this car, it was built for cross country driving!!!! It doesn't have the resonance problem described, however, we did notice an air pressure change in the cabin one time that popped our ears, there is no other noise in the interior while cruising.

I researched cars till I was blue in the face and decided to gamble on the first production year of the Armada, given the size nitch it's in , styling (I'm sick of the same old frames/interiors year after year) and most importantly the feature/price ratio is great (I think the technology package is the best bell and whistle option deal out there for SUVs).

We have 2000 miles on the odometer and our dirty laundry list is only:
1. A Squeaky overhead rear console over bumps (Recently fixed)

2. The "Hill Holder" transmission/brake combo needed to be adjusted (it tended to role back a little on steep hill starts, like a manual transmission)

thylantyr

>>I think the technology package is the best bell
>>and whistle option deal out there for SUVs).

$3900 ouch. /hehe

ateixeira

I test drove one with leather and agree 100% - the middle seat in the 2nd row is rock hard and not comfortable at all. There is plenty of space, but you would never want to sit there unless you lost a bet.

The outboard seats are fine. I didn't try cloth so I can't say if it's any better. The driver's seat is great - like a King's throne. I guess the Court Jester sits in the middle 2nd row.

I did drive the Quest back-to-back, and the cloth seats on that van are very comfortable, the 3rd row roomier and easier to access.

The 3rd row is also very tight, especially compared to the Expedition.

The powertrain is excellent, but I need a family car and this was not a good fit for us.

-juice

rshe

That's the mother-in-law seat, you don't want that one too comfortable anyway.. LOL

olisito

Hello all,
I came across this yahoo Armada Group. Only has two members but I figured it would get more with a little publisity

http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/NissanArmada/

A nice place for all of us Armada owners to hang out and what not.
Cheers!

04 LE 4x4 TechPkg, DVD, loaded.

ateixeira

That's funny you say that, because we were shuttling my mother-in-law back on Columbus Day. That's one of the reasons we're looking at bigger vehicles.

-juice

drich2

either I am missing it or my LE does not have an ash try/cigarette lighter. I have never seen a vehicle without one. Does it exist in the armada? I am a non smoker and think it is great if there is not an ash tray.
ony have 500 miles on mine, but loving the way it drives and handles. So far have not missed my Lexus LS 400.
There have been comments about the seats. IMO, these seats (leather) are the best of any SUV we have driven and is one of plus factors for purchase. Also ditto from the wife.

ateixeira

The front seats are great - I called it a King's throne, even. It's the middle of the 2nd row that feels like a penalty box.

-juice

aggiedog

Most ash trays are now optional since more and more people are kicking the habit. My 02 Max doesn't have one. I don't think it matters to smokers anyway as most of them just throw their cigarette butts out the window. They don't like the smell in the car (go figure).

rshe

For those who have ordered and Armada. I just talked with my dealer and the Armada I have on order, isn't even showing up in his system as having been started..It's been on order for a month and based on the fact that it's the 3rd, I'm not holding a lot of hope of getting it this year (which I wanted for the writeoff).. He said that they are using up a lot of the line to pump out Titans...

drich2

where is the best place to find out so operatinal issues on the nav?
I know Nissan has a help line but so far they have not called me back from yesteday. I have read the book and am still not clear on a couple of things. Duh! Anyway, is this something I can ask on this board? I don't want to tie up space for personal use if there is a better place to get help.
 Thanks

bowke28

the ordering process goes like this:

orders are placed during the 1st week of a month. im assuming your order was placed the 1st week of november, but correct me if i am wrong. the schedule for a build date is not set till the 1st of the following month. yours could fall ANYWHERE from the 1st to the 31st. thats just how nissan does it. it takes about 2 weeks from the build date to arrival...so if yours is built late, expect delivery in the middle of january.

if the yearly write-off is that important, you can pay for it as soon as they get the VIN. the vehicle does not have to be on hand to contract, but im sore you can think of many reasons why this is taking chances.

rshe

In the infamous words of Johnny Carson "I did not know that"! Thanks for the info...Your correct, my order was sent in the 1st week of Nov. I was curious how long after it appears on the system, it would take. We talked about invoicing once we had the VIN, but with the resonance issues, I'd be a little nervous. Technically the IRS say the date put into service, but we'll see. Sounds like Nissan is betting the farm on the Titan. And from what I see it appears to be a good bet. Thanks again for the info.

bobbio56

it seems that you cannot even get a "guess date" from the nissan folks as to when you can get a fully loaded armada....i am going for le with tech and all else except dvd..i want to add an aftermarket one as they tell me the combo of all options is not on their radar screen yet...anyone have suggestions...especially given this buffeting issue i think adding anything to the roof is just asking for trouble..by the way i have test driven 2 le's very hard and up to 80mph and found no buffeting. one with s/roof one w/out...fyi...thanks

bowke28

the guess date, if you ordered now, would be sometime in the last half of february to the 1st 2 weeks of march. get on it now, or you will keep being told..."nothing on the horizon".

webdevgal

We bought our Armada LE on November 1. We LOVE it and have had no problems with it except for the two times that I have now been rear-ended in the last two weeks. The first time (about two weeks ago) we were in a construction zone and the lady was travelling about 10mph in a Cavalier and hit the hitch. It did cause damage to the hitch (broke the plastic from around the electrical connection and bent the thin sheet metal underneath the actual hitch) - the whole hitch has to be replaced. It also cracked the plastic around the screw in the front-most overhead unit (we don't have a sunroof) - it may have been torqued too tight at the factory causing extra stress on the plastic when I was hit. Since this vehicle is so new, the local Nissan had a challenge of identifying the exact parts in the system, since many of the systems do not yet reflect the Armada. The lady's insurance agent had to use the parts identified by Nissan, because they also could not pull up parts.

Then, a few nights ago, I was hit again by a Chevy S10 while I was stopped at a stop light. The man was travelling about 40-50mph and skid about 15 feet before he hit me. Since I was at an intersection, there was nothing I could do to get out of his way even though I saw him speeding towards me. The Armada absorbed most of the impact and left me unhurt for the most part (which is good because I'm pregnant). The rear bumper is like steel. It did cause the side of the bumper to be slightly cracked, and it did bend the bumper down and separate the outer covering from the rest of the bumper. It also bent the frame of the Armada underneath and as a result, the front driver and passenger side door are not in alignment and have to be slammed to close. It does not appear that we can get the spare out now because the supports that go up near the wheels are bent. This is so upsetting because we haven't even made the first payment and now we have a brand new vehicle with a bent frame and unknown problems going forward resulting from this idiot who was swerving in and out of traffic driving like a maniac.

While we're very upset about the damage, I can only say that had I been in any other vehicle that we own (T-Bird, Accord, Cadillac), my vehicle would have been much more damaged and I probably would have been seriously hurt. If you want a safe vehicle, then the Armada is the one.

bowke28

glad to hear you are ok...

a question:

did you purchase GAP insurance? or did you lease?

ateixeira

Glad you're OK. At least it's protecting the pregnant driver, the most precious feature in the vehicle! :-)

Demand OE replacement parts, I'd even push for a Nissan dealer to do the actual repairs. Let them deal with the other person's insurance directly. Tell them you want it totally perfect, and it problems creep up later you expect it to be fixed for free. You should also demand a loaner, paid for by the other party's insurance.

Meanwhile, let it be a reminder to the rest of us to drive safely! Whew.

Take care.

-juice

webdevgal

I couldn't believe it. It's not like the Armada is invisible - it's huge and ours is white. Nissan will be fixing the vehicle for us and we're lucky that since it is so new, pretty much the only place you can find parts from is Nissan, so they will be coming from the factory.

My concern is the frame and what it has done to the doors and possible other areas. It has caused a weak point at the points where it is bent which will result in these points not being as strong if I were to be hit again. Also, with being hit at that much force, what else will happen that I have not yet discovered. I already hear rattling where I didn't before. We did purchase GAP insurance, too.

bowke28

good. there is an outside possibility that the bent frame could cause a car to be totalled...if that happens, the GAP will pay off whatever the insurance doesnt.

crikey

Glad you are OK. I hope that maniac never gets the privilege to drive again -- either by prohibitive insurance rates or by suspension of driver's license.

teddybear3

Got to drive my new le 4X4 in snow today. Was on a snow covered road. From a full stop in 2 wheel drive, full gas, neat results. The second slipping is detected, controlled acceleration takes over but no spinning. Turn off the stability control and put in 4LO, full stop, full throttle, lookout, its wild. All wheels spinning and could get out of hand in a hurry. This Armada is superior to the my wife's MDX or our old ML320. Hoping for deep snow for more testing.

archiman

Just got home with the a new Deep Water Blue LE 4 x 4 with all the gadgets. I spent some time sitting in the car and programming the navigation system. However, wondered if anyone had heard (or figured out) if it is possible not to have the idiotic language come up every time you start up the vehicle and have to hit "I agree" with the joy stick.

All in all...we love Armada! After many months of research and test driving, this was definitely the best choice! What a smooth ride.

bobbio56

when you say all the gadgets...did you find a dvd and gps combo?

blockislandguy

Drich2, so after ordering an Armada from a dealer who is "a personal friend" and then driving 4 hours to get one cheaper, are you going to have your "personal friend" do the warranty work"? What are you going to tell your friend when your car comes in? With friends like you....

Bowke28, a while ago you mentioned that you would sometimes show a customer the invoice and then ask for a reasonable offer above your cost. I don't know how others feel but this customer would go for that approach. Its direct, clear and non-manipulative. Without too much thought I'd probably offer say $500 (more on an Armada) over the invoice and we would have a productive win/win transaction that would get me back at work in 30 minutes where I could make some real money and not alienate someone who I want a relationship with. The grinders or those that drive 8 hours (four hours each way) need to get a life and think about the idea of reciprocity.

teri4

I looked at an Armada SE yesterday and love it. Would love to hear comments from those who have towed with theirs already and how the Armada's perform when towing. We have a 6000 lb boat/trailer so we are well within the 9100 lb limit. Thanks so much for any and all comments.
Teri

drich2

I resent the implications and tone of your comments. Before you jump to judge someone, you might want to have all the facts.

I don't have to justify my decision, but>>>>

I called my friend before committing to the armada I purchased and gave him the quoted price. He said he would love to sell the vehicle to me, but could not match the price since they did not get get many armadas. He also told me that he would service the vehicle even though I bought it elsewhere. He also said he was happy that I got what I wanted. I would not have traded his friendship for he $1500 I saved, that's why I called him before sealing the other deal. He also knows I will buy more vehicles from him, as I have bought 2 new corvettes and a new regular pathfinder in the last 5 years.

bowke28

thanks for the compliment. my "invoice close" is for people who are 1 of 2 things:

1) offering significantly below cost without being reasonable.

2) wont commit to an offer.

in the 2nd example, i leave that number in their head as they shop other dealers.

edloeser

Just FYI, I made a deal on an LE 4X4 that had been ordered on the factory on November 1. My dealer called today to give me the VIN and to let me know that it will arrive between the 18th and 22nd of this month. So at least in my case an order placed in November will arrive before the end of the year-

rshe

Thanks for the heads up.. I'm calling to bug my dealer now LOL...

rshe

Ordered a LE with Tech, DVD and bench in Oct. Due in late Dec. Dealer just called and said Nissan has run out of Tech. Pkg and cant deliver mine until 2/04. ..Offered me one with no DVD and rear bucket seats, which does me no good. What a goat screw

Contemplating a Sequoia..

bowke28

thats B.S. your dealer probably didnt order it.

rshe

That's why I threw it out here, to get your opinion on it.. I was thinking that way as well. The did say they could show me the order sheet and exact day/time they ordered it though..

fremar1

I ordered a smoke LE 4X4 with tech package, DVD, and split bench on 11/07. Based on edloeser's post, I called the dealer today. He said mine is being built this week and should arrive in a couple of weeks. I forgot to ask for the VIN. I did receive a copy of the order sheet on the day I ordered it. One of us isn't getting the straight story.

rshe

Fired off a bunch of messages to Nissan Corporate. It will be interesting to see if I get a response..The more I hear, the more I think this dealer is screwing me..I will raise such a stink about this, Nissan will have to deliver one to my door. If I find out it's the dealer, I will flame them in this and several other threads, so no one uses them..Thanks for the responses..

rshe

Do you have the North America CEO's email address, I'd love to fire him off an email and let him know what I think...

aggiedog

Don't know what color you're looking for but Sheehy in Manassas has a Blizzard/sand with tech, dvd and 2 row bench. You may want to check them out. Unless of course, they are the dealer that screwed you.

rshe

Thanks for the info and yes they are.. I would consider a white suv, but cant stomach the tan and gray interior.. What was Nissan thinking...I ordered one with Steel interior so it all matched.

aggiedog

Yeah, I wanted the sand but once I saw it with that gray I almost hurled. I can't believe they think that looks good.

soldaustin

As far as your overhead console goes. I think it was probably already cracked. I opened up the first compartment you are talking about a week ago just to look and I noticed the screw had been tightened too much also and the plastic is cracked. When I reached up to touch it. I just barely touched it and the plastic fell apart. So that is one thing on my list to get replaced. It is making me now go through the whole thing to see if that might have happened somewhere else. I think this is the sunglass holder.

rshe

I don't think it's a matter of looks, I think it saves them a few bucks--that they can make almost all of the interiors the same and just change the color on the seats and dash panels..

ateixeira

I found that strange too, the interior colors don't match. Two tones of gray are OK, two tones of beige are fine, but gray and beige?

-juice

rshe

Fired off several e-mails to Nissan. All I got back was one canned e-mail. This is why Nissan loses out to Toyota.. Their vehicles are great, but they need customer service retraining on all levels.

pfa04

Bought my Armada (SE 4x4, canteen) at the end of October ($1,000 over invoce). Love the car, everything was OK (except slight resonance at ~45mph). Last week, at about 800 miles, "Check Engine Soon" light came up and was on while driving. Looked at manual, it was indicated that there could be the problem with emmision. Checked gas cap (first suggestion in the manual), it was tight. Took car to the dealer. Upon inspection, they performed DTC, but code did not return anything. They called tech line and found that a limited number of vehicle are missing exhaust seal on the left side at front tube. Therefore gasoline/oxygen mix was incorrect and triggered "Check Engine" light.
Dealer has installed new gasket. Problem has been fixed. Took only 2 hours.
Still love my car, but wonder, what else is missing ?
Would be nice to have power lift gate option for SE, and folding outside mirrors (like in mine Maxima'04).

berisimus

I filled out paperwork at my Nissan dealer on November 18th to special order an LE 4 by 2, smoke, graphite interior, with technology package and bench seat. After reading rshe's various posts I decided to call my dealer. The salesman (so far they haven't let me speak with anyone else) said he would let me know by tomorrow if there would be a delay on my order due to the tech option. I finally have a computer generated order form to complement the handwritten purchase agreement signed in November (not sure if it is a confirmation from Nissan Corporate or from the dealer) with what appears to be a 7 digit order number, but no VIN. The date on the order is 12/4 (despite that fact that the dealer told me he would be placing the order in November). On the top right corner of the form it says "Production Month: 01/2004", so I am guessing that, absent delays, I should get my vechicle by the end of January or the first part of February. I wanted the tax write off this year so it looks like I am ### out of luck. I'll re-post if I hear from my dealer that there will be any additional delays due to the Tech option.

thylantyr

Is this the business write off you folks speak
of ?

rshe

Yes. Section 179 I believe. It is for business owners on vehicles with a GVWR of 6000 lbs. or more.

h20ski

does anyone have the up to date information on the credit? I think it still is in effect for up to $100K?
Thanks.
(2 weeks, 600 miles now on a Smoke LE 4x4 with DVD and 2nd row bench- fantastic vehicle, awesome in the snow too!!)