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Comments
mkamdar...
what if someone said you got ripped off??? what could you possibly do then?
I am planning to pick it up this evening - I haven't signed anything or given any deposit. I thought it was a fair question to pose - looking for some reassurance that I did ok negotiating. Didn't mean to get you all riled up!!!
put it this way...i have yet to discount one...so you did just fine.
If you read that post carefully then you would have realized that I was the "one person who installed it". I wrote the post. And in my post I mentioned that I did see something attached to the back of the radio but did not find the other end anywhere in the car.
I also removed both 3rd row side panels (the big ones on each side) and could not find a dangling sat cable anywhere.
I can only lead you to the water (or the post in this case). It's up to you to read the entire thing.
Yeah I has seen what you had said in your post about not finding the other end of the cable. I am just hoping that someone else finds it, and lets us know.
I figure it could save some of us a lot of time and trouble if Nissan put it somewhere usable.
I put the comment on another board and someone said that he thought is was the autoleveling shutting down. I guess that is possible ( I didn't even know the armada had autoleveling) I did time the noise and it is
2 1/2 min. after the ignition is off (at least in my vehicle)
I did find the only negative I have seen ( have not had any problems thank goodness) so far, but the trim around the second row driver's seat release is not there. It is ok on the passenger side. I know it is not a big deal to replace, but coming out of a lexus I am used to better quality control. It makes you wonder what else is not there?
If I find the answer to the dash noise I will post it.
Dave
Thanks for your help.
Picked up a SE 4x4 Smoke in Tucson. Live in Phoenix. Windshield busted in transport to the dealer. Windshield replacement is in but window moldings did not come with it so I am waiting.
Has very little resonance but notice it every now and then. Moldings around rear doors does not have a good fit. Lots of wind noise. Will have that looked at when get windshield replaced.
Put on door edge guards and noticed that when the rear door is opened, it catches on the front door edge guard. I bought the long black guards with the glue in the middle. Need to look for thinner ones.
I had U-haul put on a class IV hitch as I did not need the towing package from manuf. They were the only ones that had them in Phoenix. U-haul rep said they supply them to Nissan for the Armada and that is why.
I've had my PFA since just after Thanksgiving and there have been a few instances in high winds when I've gotten a high pitch whistling noise. It seems more noticable in cross winds. I have recently noticed that in a couple of places around the doors, the rubber seal is not attached to the body. You may want to check your's if you are getting excessive wind noise. The loose sections are fairly small, so you have to carefully run your finger around the seal while slightly pulling it away from the body. I did have one area with a gap of about 4 inches. You could easily slide your finger between the seal and body.
sitting in the left 2nd row seat, at highway speed
the wind noise near that window was too high.
Small issues that need ironing out. First model
year vehicles always need the white glove inspection preferably before signing the papers.
/hehe
The frequencies of external vibrations cannot be controlled easily since they depend on the combined effects of engine rev., AC, fans, tires, shock/suspension, road conditions and winds...
The INTRINSIC FREQUENCY of a structure, however, can be altered by a designer through changing the structure's shape or mass.
The key to avoid resonance is to keep the I.F. far away from the external vibration frequencies.
It might be the case in PFA that its roof I.F. is too close to the external vibration frequencies under which it will normally operate. It shouldn't be too difficult for Nissan to fix this problem in future production. Adding some reinforcement ribs in some strategic locations or some damping materials like foam paddings can easily resolve this kind problem. How much this will help the existing PFA owners remains to be seen.
It is easy to explain why tire thread patterns, tire pressure, traveling speed and road conditions can affect the resonances. Because they all affect the magnitude and the frequencies of the external vibrations.
1. New model
2. Rattles (roof, moonroof, doors ETC)
I've also noticed a lot of you have the split bench 2nd row instaed of the captains...why?
I test drove one and liked it (power, size)
but because it's new (first year) very weary of purchasing it.
1. New model
2. Rattles (roof, moonroof, doors ETC)
I've also noticed a lot of you have the split bench 2nd row instaed of the captains...why?
I test drove one and liked it (power, size)
but because it's new (first year) very weary of purchasing it.
I understand your concerns I don't have the resonance issue like some other people do but my moonroof does rattle and a lot of wind noise from it- but I believe this is just an adjustment and will be easily fixed. I have the captains chairs in my PFA, the major reason we got this over the Sequoia, my wife really liked those for my two daughters (9&7). My daughters have no problems getting in or out and they can easily operate the chairs to get into the third row.
I have just ordered the front splash guards, bug deflector, wind deflector for moonroof and an additional rear crossbar for the roof rack from my dealer I will have them installed on 1/29 along with the adjustment of my moonroof.
I have about 1,100 miles on my PFA and I love it the power is amazing, I love starting it up and hearing the deep rumble of power, with that said I certainly am paying for the power in the form of gas mileage about 15MPG's in mixed driving.
The internet is a powerful tool for research and
after you do some research, you need to go out
and check these vehicles out in detail. I've test
drove two and had no serious issues, one had wind noise
near the rear...but at another dealer
in the showroom they had a broken seat lever.. /lol
Another dealer had one with chipped paint near the
top of the hood./lol
But I've seen 10 on the lot that looked good.
The point is, you should always examine the details on the one you plan to take home, any
vehicle not just PFA.
Every vehicle has problems, everyone always
complains about every vehicle.
The complaints that concern me the most are
engine, transmission, suspension, etc. complaints.
Considering that the only complaints I've read
about are only about resonance and some sqweeks
n' rattles, this is far better than powertrain
issue.
2004 Dodge Durange non-Hemi - recalled for throttle sticking is one example. This is not
cool, more serious.
As long as there are no powertrain and chassis
complaints, then the rest is easy.
First model year always raises a red flag, but
if I had to buy a first model year I'd rather
choose Japanese over American designs. American
designs seem to take 3 years to fix all the
gremlins.
Look at the Suburban TSB's, 90+ over three years
I think. Toyota Sequoia had 20+ for the same time
period.
Armada will probably have one TSB and it's been
out for a few months.
P.S. I never did see a reply from bowke28 to rshe's question (post 1401) whether he thought every armada would have to have this done. Would Nissan issue a recall for this? I'm trying to decide whether to take delivery of mine or let it go.
Kelly, here's a link for you:
You, Your Vehicle and the Technical Service Bulletin (TSB)
Steve, Host
if the vehicle comes in for that specific reason, nissan will fix it. but if someone doesnt have the issue, theres no reason to fix something that isnt broken.
Second, I would take everything I read here with a grain of salt. Let's face it..we don't know who the people that post these messages are, nor the reason for their posts. The only one you can trust on here is bowke, as he's a salesman and you KNOW he's lying (kidding). In terms of the actual purchase, I found the messages dealing with actual price paid most helpful...although even then you're just taking someone's word for it. It's a good way to judge the actual market value.
Third, put on the black cadillacs and hit the showrooms. When you see and drive either one, you either like it or you don't. If you still can't decide, make your best deals and go for the cheaper one.
I chose the Armada. Certainly doesn't mean I'd never buy a Toyota, though.
PFA pros:
engine power;adjustable pedals; more head and side air bags for front, rear and 3rd row; rear parking sensor, 6 CD in dash, rear quarter power windows; 4 wheel independent suspesions; DVD nav (optional)
PFA cons:
1st year quality; no power retractable outside mirrors; no 3rd row split-folding chair, no auto-climate control, no rear reading light.
Sequoia Limited
Pros:
toyota quality, retractable outside mirrors, 3rd row split-folding chair, automatic climate control, front and rear reading lights.
cons:
less engine power, no rear parking sensor..less air bags.
and PFA is full time 4wd while sequoia is part time 4wd. I hardly drive off roads, so I dont know what difference will the full time 4wd and part time 4wd make.
From the paper, I like the PFA better, but I really want to have retractable outside mirrors. also the first year quality worries me a bit too.
If they're not, get down there, run the gauntlet of salespeople and test drive one or more of each. I seriously think that'll make up your mind for you. I was originally going for the 2wd LE, but wound up with the 4wd SE w/leather and DVD for less than the LE...and am very happy with my decision. I know the LE comes with puddle lights, but since I don't even know what they are I figured I could do without them. The SE 4wd is on-demand and not full time. I wasn't aware that the LE has full time 4wd. I'm probably just out of the loop.
As far as wind noise, etc. remember, these aren't Lexus LS 400's, they are large trucks with a lot of mass to push through the wind. I understand some people are having problems, but to complain about a whistling noise when you experience high winds at high speeds? Simple physics will explain that.(those mirrors alone!)
Sequoia vs Armada- drive them both, they both have their plusses and minuses, I chose The Armada for the towing capabilities, cargo room (without unbolting the second row in the Sequoia) and the ride.(Armada has that wonderful Imndependednt rear suspension) It was a close call though. Price was originally a factor too-to load up a Sequoia Limited your almost at 50 grand, my Armada LE with the DVD and Nav system (not available in the Sequoia)listed for a hair over 46. Like I said, drive them both, they are different enough behind the wheel that it should make the decision easier.
Can someone explain the system in the Armada?
I live in reno and drove to Sacramento via I80 over donner pass. The PFA handle some of the twistys like a race car. It handles extremely well. It didn't feel like a truck. The power of the engine going uphill is exilerating. The Seqioa doesn't compare. Very impressed with the PFA. Felt very comfy if in a long trip.
As for Climate Control it does have a dual climate control if you get the tech package. Mine has it.
Since I live at around 5K feet above sea level,
resonance is not an issue. While in Sacramento I did notice just a tiny bit. One item that buyers should do once they do a fisrt drive of the PFA and that is close all windows. Including the very rear ones on the side via a button on the left side of the steering wheel. If those are left open the PFA will resonant. Does Nissan has a fix for the resonance issue???
First year introductions from Japanese makers are not ussally a problem. They are the best in the world at it. They will have little quirky things but ussually they will not leave you stranded on the road. Toyota, Honda, Nissan and its subsidaries are known for thier excellent records for first year intros. No sweat.
>>1st year quality; no power retractable outside
>>mirrors; no 3rd row split-folding chair, no
>>auto-climate control, no rear reading light.
According to Nissan it has "Dual Zone Automatic Temperature Control'. I'm almost sure it has
rear reading lights. Double check.
>>Sequoia Limited
>>Pros:
>>toyota quality
A friend of mine read a statistic on a trade
magazine, he's a car freak. It said that for
every four problems found in a car assembled
in the USA, the same car would only have one
problem if assembled in Japan.
That said, Toyota Sequoia and Nissan Armada
are assembled in the USA.
>>cons:
>>less engine power, no rear parking sensor..less
>>air bags.
Add,
less 2nd and 3rd row leg room. My wife is short
and her knees hit the front seats. /lol
I wanted the Sequoia originally but she really
shot it down due to two reasons. Lack of power,
the engine noise was to high for her at high revs
and weak leg room.
>>I hardly drive off roads
Why chose 4x4 considering both vehicles have stability
and traction control ? Save yourself some $$$
Final words. When I was shopping for a vehicle
I had my mind set on certain vehicles due to
internet research and testimonials, but nothing
beats a test drive, it reveals all.
You won't find a perfect vehicle, they all have
issues. You have to pick the more important issues
and figure out which vehicle excels in those
areas.
I would buy an Armada right now if it wasn't
so ugly on the exterior. The rest of the vehicle
is fine and it drives the best out of all I drove.
I would buy a Suburban right now if the interior
was more modern in functionality like the Armada,
ie, 2nd row leg room is unmatched, 3rd row bench
fold down is very cool, makes it easy for me to
haul sheets of wood. Plus, the Vortec isn't the
engine for me inlight of recent events..
I would buy a Ford right now if I could convice
my wife, but her current Ford is falling apart
and it tramatized her. Check out the Lincoln Navigator.. better engine than the Expedition.
I would buy a Trailblazer EXT because it's seats 6,
lowest cost and their I6 engine is decent, but
I wouldn't tow with it. But you can't easily
remove the rear seats unless you have a wrench - lol
I would buy a Durango Hemi, but for $2k more
I would gain more functionality with an Armada. /lol
or you can select 4w HI
4w Lo
or Auto mode
-Still Loving my Galaxy LE in Mass- Tigger
I'm very happy with the PFA SE Journey Package+Tow Package that I currently have.
The problem is that I'm a tech freak and would love to have that NAVIGATION and the works package (Pudle lights, power lift gate,etc..)
LE Technology Package adds about $4,000.00:
• Nissan Navigation System* with GPS , DVD atlas and seven-inch color LCD monitor
• Information Center
• Dual Zone Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)
• In-cabin microfilter
This package includes LE Sunroof Package contents.
LE Sunroof Package:
• Power glass sunroof with one-touch open/close
My question is Would it be a smart move considering the fact that my PFA Blizzard SE Journey Package has 1400 miles. I don't know if I would get good trade-in value for it.
Any suggestions?
Do a search on google for car depreciation and look for a calculator if you want a good idea of what your trade might be. My suggestion is hold on to it for at least two years before you consider trading, depending on how or if you financed it may take that long for it to be worth more than you owe..
The Sequoia -
For my size 6' 6" it felt very cramped. I felt like the windshield was right in my face. I was always trying to get the seat to go back further and never felt comfortable. For a big vehicle I was very surprised in it's lack of drivers room. The head room was great! It does feel more refined than the PFA in it's leather and appointments. Honestly for me if I don't fit comfortably the other issues don't matter... On to the Armada.
THE PFA - I could actually stretch my left leg out straight! This may seem odd to some but important to me as I travel 25K miles a year and want to be comfortable! I liked being about to shift on the console versus the column as it allows for easier downshifting. I felt the ride of the PFA was smoother and less truck like than the Sequoia. Independent suspension must help here. As mentioned on many other posts the power was terrific on this vehicle and it does handle well for a big truck. The head room was not as good but acceptable and comfortable for my size. While I do not have young children the back door handles are in an odd place for small children to reach... I noticed the new 05 Pathfinder has the same deal, dumb. While the interior does not feel as refined as the Sequoia, it was acceptable. As far as noise level goes... It was similar if not the same to the Sequoia. I did not hear a resonance problem on the sunroof LE version I drove. Was it as quiet as my Saab, ummm no but it's a TRUCK so I was not expecting it to be.
For me (the tall guy) the Armada is the winner hands down. The fact that I fit better and I don't feel cramped like I did in the Sequoia is good enough for me. The other minor issues of refinement are not critical for me although I do plan to look at the Infinity to see if it would be worth the extra money. That said I'd still be happy with the Armada even if the Infinity did not exist.
I did drive an Expedition and it was a nice vehicle but the power up a hill was terrible... Not sure I can stomach another Ford product when compared with the Japanese quality. I know, I know all cars can have quality issues but my experience with Toyota and Nissan over the years has been much better than domestic products.
Oh and for what its worth... I love the way it looks!
Steve, Host