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Comments
The Armada has been a great vehicle so far- I'm at around 2600 miles, but the build quality far exceeds my old Chevrolet. After owning nothing but American cars all these years, I guess I'm finally converted to a Japanese brand. They really do make better vehicles.
-Nathan
Thanks,
Nathan
I have 35% on my Forester, you can still easily see through it.
20% is pretty dark, you may have to squint to see inside. Most factory tint is about this dark, or close.
5% is limo tint, basically.
-juice
I found out the front two are indeed tinted at 35%.
-Nathan
BTW, Nice ride adjmcloon - Where can you get a brushed aluminum kit?
The most extreme version sounds like a helicopter in the car - the same as the sound you get in many cars when the back windows are down and the fronts raised.
Some contributors have had this noise fixed, some are still struggling. Nissan do not appear to have issued a TSB yet - maybe they haven't confirmed the cure.
Drove my Armada tonight and definitely heard it..really the first time I've noticed since I got it so maybe it's getting worse. It's more of a pressure thing than a sound I noticed..if it is a sound it's very low- probably all the way down to 15-20 hertz which is below some peoples' range of hearing.
I read a post a while back about someone actually speaking to a Nissan engineer- are you around?
-Nathan
Coincidentally my Suburban had some mechanical "issues" so I'm just going to drop a new engine in it. Going to have a bigger cam put in. Think it'll have something around 330hp when it's done. That will make it a fun car to drive around. So I guess it wasn't meant to be to get the Armada just yet. I really hope Nissan gets the problem resolved soon. It's still tops on my list. Good luck chasman.
-juice
For those who are looking, the issues I have are almost expected, considering. But now that she has broken in (1,600 miles), she has seemed to loosen up just enough to be extremely fun and yet comfortable to drive. Her acceleration has also seemed to increase, I can definitely see a 0-60 in 7 sec. claim being accurate
For some reason, I am still getting around 11 mpg, but every few weeks seems to add a bit more (at first, I was getting 8-9). But then again, if you can afford such a vehicle, gas money most likely won't be too much of a concern.
I have taken her "mudding" and driven her on every terrain I can find around here, and she has handled EVERYTHING I have thrown at her. The DVC is wonderful, almost emulates having 4x4. Almost...
By the way, I had to do an "emergency braking maneuver" to avoid an idiot who pulled in front of me ON THE HIGHWAY going 35 mph (while I was in the fast lane going about 65). I pressed hard, no slip detection, no ABS kicking in, no skidding. A simple, quick, extremely controlled brake.
In comparison to my previous '96 Grand Prix, my full-sized SUV has less than half of the body roll! I can take turns (although not reccomended...) going 15-20 mph faster than my car could... but then again there is a large gap in age and technology there. Impressive, nonetheless.
If you can deal with the minor (and for some, major) warranty repairs, which has been well worth it, this vehicle should not get passed by. If possible, I would recommend test-driving one that is already broken in, although this will be much easier in a few years... For mine, anyway, there is an extreme difference in overall driving experience (excluding the "getting used to" phase, of course).
Regarding questions about dash kits, etc. I got my brushed aluminum dash kit at http://www.wooddash.com Good service and product for sure.
The ventvisors, bug shield and wheels came from ebay..the one, the only.
Changed the pics around on cardomain if anybody cares:
http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/547845
Also, I found a link where Nissan posts their TSB's. This might be helpful if, like me, you're waiting for the resonance TSB to come out. Check it:
http://www.nissan-techinfo.com/nissan/TSB/Nissan/Armada_TA60.asp?- mscssid=
Regards,
Nathan
If i wanted to get "exceptional" gas mileage in my vehicle, buying an SUV wouldn't have been a consideration for me. I love my Armada and I know the mileage isn't gonna be the greatest. I"m just making a statement about it. thats all. I don't know if you noticed it or not, but i did put a smiley face at the end of my other post which was meant to show that I'm being lighthearted about the entire gas mileage thing.
Joe
Smoke/graphite interior LE w/Tech, aftermarket xenons and sat radio, wireless cellular kit (considering chroming exiting OEM rims)
i had a lady looking at a titan earlier and she saw the mileage numbers on the sticker.
"im sorry, but i need a truck that gets AT LEAST 25 MPG"
i told her she would probably have to wait a number of years, since they dont exist. even a 2WD regular cab 5-speed 4-cyl. ranger is rated at 19 city, 24 hwy.
im just venting here...seems kinda like the people that complain about adult entertainment while sitting at home with a varitable library of it.
---rant over
;-)
So far, so good with everything else, a couple minor issues, the headliner moulding across the back loosened up on one end on a particularly nasty trip through pothole hell (My chevy would have shed a fender or other major body part on this trip, so not really concerned) and my moonroof whistles quite a bit on the highway. BUT, It doesn't leak, and I would rather live with it than have it adjusted and risk creating an issue with pressure, resonance, etc. So far, brakes still seem great, I go down a steep mountain on a daily basis (Work in the valley dude LOL)I melted the rotors on my Chevy within 5000 miles due to this commute (and MR Goodwrench can stick his rotors where the sun don't shine)...I'm going to have them checked anyways next time I'm in for service. (incidentally, the mountain is also why I burn mid grade, my Chevy always knocked going up the mountain unless I burned super, guess i'll have to try regular this summer when gas is 3 bucks a gallon) At this point, I so not hear any clicking coming from the rear end, kinda hard to tell with all that exhaust kinkling from the heat this monster generates, but i'm still listening...
Chasman, I'm so sorry to hear about all you have dealt with. I came to Nissan from GM to extracate myself from this type of nonsense. It's a shame that something so vital could be overlooked during development on an otherwise impressive vehicle. I wonder if there is much talk about this on the Infiniti QX56 board. I'm also wondering what this is going to do to the trade in value down the road. Guess that's all I have to say right now <looking back at the epic i just wrote hehe>
-Tigger
Tejas Baby!
I test rode a car in its first year, then ordered the next year's without taking a test ride. I needed a pillow to drive it cause the seat backs were different. Pretty dumb? Got nowhere with the dealer and Ford. I went to an upholsterer to put extra padding, saw the velcro strips hadn't been placed right, etc. Then I found another dealer for service. They were more than twice as far, but what a difference.
Any chance of someone recommending a different dealer? I recall a few others with better luck with a resonance fix. That your interior was damaged does not speak well for the dealership trying to fix the resonance.
People handle things differently. I tend to get down on myself if I think I should have known better. Once more, thanks for the posts and good luck.
Curious on if you heard anything about your order? Mine was suppose to be here yesterday and I finally got ahold of someone at the dealership who said they would check monday on what the status is. I hope after all this waiting it doesn't end up being like some of the problemsome ones!
When I take off, I hear a popping noise but to me it sounds like it is in the front end. I know these can fool you.
I also have a loud noise (sorta like a helicopter) that comes from under the hood after the Armada heats up. My wife noticed it. I thought it was the fans kicking in and hitting on something but the dealer said they checked and nothing was wrong. They couldn't get it to do it. They said when the fans came on there was no unusual noise. So it looks like I have something else to deal with.
I have had a bad rattle that sounded like it was coming from the steering column area but after the second time in the shop they found it. They didn't fix it but found it. It is the overhead console. (the front section) The reason why they didn't fix it is they have me another one on order since mine is broker around the first mounting screw. (first pop up compartment) I don't think this is causing it because if I hold the light it quits.
Now for the resonance. I didn't have it at first and I really listened. Or thought I did. Maybe it is something you just don't know what to listen for or hear. Anyway it is constant now. I drive down the street and it does it over any slight bump. Heavy winds, it is horrible. The only way I can describe it is sorta a pressure sound that bumps. It is not a solid sound, just a skip then sound. Another way to describe it is when you open a window on most any vehicle, you get this noise like the wind is buffering and holding you back. Same sound.
I told the dealer and they said I am the first to talk about this and they didn't have a clue what to look for. I told them about reading on Edmunds but they said they hear all the time and if I wanted to print something off, they will look at it. I will do this next time.
I do like the vehicle overall though. Stiff ride and does have some rattles but a nice vehicle. I am just upset that it has so many problems. Nothing that can't be fixed but if they keep giving it back to me with nothing done, then what is the point?
My take on the resonance thing is every vehicle probably has it but you just have to tune to it at first. If you are looking, just know it will be there. I really didn't notice mine until around the 3,000 mile or so mark as I have posted before.
Also there is a defect in the drivers seat design. If you sit on the edge of the seat, it will start to close the back in on you. A friend also has one and he has complained about it and hates it. I had warned him. So if you slide in and are sitting on the edge for a second, the controls will activate. Try it and I am sure you will find the same thing.
Sorry for the long post but I think this answers a few questions others have had. I would wait until some issues are worked about before buying or know going in that you will have some and you will at least feel better about the purchase that you know in advance.
(unless you were trying to time it to coincide with an event...lol)
I'll be posting pics of my aluminum dash kit on cardomain soon...check out "Nathan's Nissan Armada" under the listings.
Sorry...too lazy to post the link.
-Nathan
1. Driver side window off track
2. Rearview mirror excessive rattle
3. Rear windows making loud groan when rolled up
4. Popping noise under my feet
5. Front pass. window auto-roll sensor defective
6. Rear driver side head liner coming off
7. Loud popping sound from front pass. door
8. Mid. cupholder (in seat) falls down EVERY TIME the seats beside it are messed with
9. HUGE windshield crack!!! (Not Nissan's fault, but is a nice "icing" to the cake)
10. Loud, continuous ticking noises coming from engine
11. Rough downshifting when OD is on
12. Rough upshifting when OD is on
13. The interior is so sensitive!! Scratch marks on almost every bit of plastic
14. Low washer sensor issues
15. ackward gas mileage (Measuring every 1/2 tank, sometimes I get 8 MPG, sometimes I get 12, on the same tank, driving the same distance and driving in the same manner... Not really an inconvenience, just somewhat worrisome)
16. Dash squeaks (ANNOYING) anytime touched
17. My BOSE speakers sound blown half the time!!
18. (While on an incline, same one each time) 1/2 the time, my parking brake will keep vehicle from moving at all, 1/2 the time I lurch forward as if I didn't put it on.
I'm starting to believe the interior won't hold up past 3 years (fortunately I have a 5 year warranty), and all of the little things are about to make my head spin...
1. The BIGGEST problem I have so far is a clicking/clacking sound coming from my rear axle area. I believe someone here also had that problem and had it resolved and found out that it was overtorqued rear axle bearings. I'm taking mine to the dealer tomorrow to get it checked.
2. My overhead console that has the sunglass case was cracked from the factory due to overtightened screws. The part is on order and the dealership will be replacing.
3. The latch on the second row passenger drivers side door was slightly offline. Dealership aligned it.
4. Had a rattle coming from a second row passenger seat (I have captains chairs). I figured out a fix for it....not a super big deal.
5. I get an occasional squeek on the area of the dash thats around the instrument cluster. Thats the only area where it will squeek and even when it does its a very subdued squeek.
Those are the only issues I've had with my LE. My interior plastics are doing fine....no scrapes/scuffs...and i have kid that just loves to destroy stuff :O).
I do pay attention to my vehicle...listening and looking for anything I think might be wrong and to date, the areas I've mentioned are my only quibble with the Armada. I sure hope your areas get cleared up for you. How many miles do you have on your ride?
I have put 1500 miles on her, and her drive gets better every 100. While the tranny seems to be a LITTLE rough in comparison to the first drive, her steering, acceleration, and braking seems to have significantly increased in control and performance... not sure if it's all just me getting used to driving her or what, but my acceleration has seen the most improvement....
I have a feeling the 2005 model will be excellent. Most of my faults seem to have come across between assembly, not neccisarily faulty parts or design.
I'm strongly thinking about the new Pathfinders... if the problems keep continuing I might trade her in or sell her or summ....
I spoke with "Megan" at Nissan today, and the only word I got was that they are aware of the resonance problem and are working to fix it. Interestingly, she said they haven't found a fix yet but hope to have a TSB out in the next couple of weeks or so. So we'll see...
-Nathan