2008 Nissan Altima Coupe

madmanmoo

I'm confused. Why are there people who apparently hate the Altima on this forum voicing vehement opinions about people who want to purchase the vehicle?

It's not a matter of being stupid or not, it's just a matter of what people want to spend their money on. Some people LOVE cars and some people LOVE the new Altima. They are willing to spend money on it. If you don't like the car, then I would suggest not doing the same. It's merely the market for something. Here's an easy enough example for ya.... Remember the Playstation 3? There was a rather limited production on this new console. People bought them and resold them on Ebay for 4x what they were going for in the store. Yes, that's right.

Store MSRP = $599 for the upgraded model
Ebay = $2,400+

What lunatics would do this you say? People who want the latest and greatest and don't care about spending the money on it. Imagine if we marked up a vehicle 400%!! :P

If you think dealer markup is crazy, wait for the Skyline to come out. You're going to see the market at work on that one for sure.

Just FYI, we're still all presold on them and we're one of the dealers that is just selling at MSRP.

-Moo

thenebean

amen moo!

hey, since you're at a nissan dealer, when you get a skyline, can i come out to wherever you are and test drive it?

-thene :P

madmanmoo

Oh boy, I'm kinda wondering if I'll even be able to drive it. We'll see!

-Moo

dairyshick

My opinions have nothing to do with hating or loving Nissan or Altimas. They make some pretty cool cars, they're sporty, and they're reliable. So, my criticisms are aimed at the general population who makes these stupid choices. For most that spend thousands over for these cars, I'm sure they don't just have money floating around, so these folks have no sense of financial management. For those that DO have thousands to just waste on paying excess for a car, why not wait for the price to come down and give that money to a charity or something else actually useful?
ONLY answer - they're caught up in worrying about how they appear to others.

As far as PS3's and Wii's go, that's another issue, and it all boils down to dumb people (but that's just my opinion). The worst part is that it's often the people on foodstamps and government assistance that are spending $2,000 for a PS3 when they could be buying their kids some new clothes or buying deodorant! Same thing, though...if you DO have the money to spend on this, give it to a charity instead and wait another month or two to buy it at regular price. In other words, get a life.

The only exception in the auto industry that would justify spending thousands over MSRP would be a limited-edition vehicle, such as the Skyline, GTR, or cars like a McLaren, Lambo, Alpina, etc...in these cases, there's at least the slim chance the person just loves the car and knows they'll never get it unless they fork out the extra money right when their desired car comes out.

But again, spending thousands more on an Altima, or any mass production car for the matter?????....come on...find a hobby or find some friends.

dannyr

It seems rather silly to be paying above MSRP for anything but for an Altima is particularly amusing. I like Nissan but come on who in thier right mind would pay a premuim for an Altima copue which essentially drives like the sedan and will be thousands cheaper in a few months.Because it looks like a G35 coupe everybody goes gaga. One thing I can bet on is no one will admit paying above MSRP for it, right there those people should realize that if they wouldn't admit it, then why are they willing to pay so much for it. I would have no problem admitting to paying above MSRP for the upcoming G37 but an Altima? no way.

Talking about styling, doesn't Nissan(Altima coupe),Honda (Civic SI) and Pontiac(G6 coupe) have any original designers. I can't beleive thay get paid for the amount of effort to simply copy a G35 coupe. Infiniti hit a homerun with the G35 design, do they have to get penalized by having every inferior brand copy the style ad nauseum so people can pretend to drive a G35.

jd10013

I'll take you up on that. I haven't seen any car mag put a car faster than the VQ nissan puts in the v6 alti, max, and Z. Some reviews have mentioned its age, and other imperfections, but I've never seen anything out run it.

jd10013

I'm confused. Why are there people who apparently hate the Altima on this forum voicing vehement opinions about people who want to purchase the vehicle?

Its just the Honda people. they're funny like that. :P

kcleuk

I wanted a 2.5S with Premium package and tech package. The MSRP is 28,715...my dealer was willing to take 1000 off..he said that in an email

jd10013

Invoice is about 27-28k. I'd try to squeeze another grand out of him, or continue shopping around.

kcleuk

I am waiting for the Honda Accord as well. the concept car is nice but there have been 'allegedly' photos of the real design and it is slightly different that the concept. the body shape is the same but other details are different and i think it look pretty ugly, so am more leaning towards the Altima based on what I know now.

The Invoice is about 26,465 (MSRP 28,715)- dealer can take 1000 off MSrp

He said he has a few in stock and ask me to come out for a test drive.

thenebean

i may have to start selling cars again at a nissan dealer right around that time, so i can see/sit in/drive one - then say car sales isn't for me! :P

-thene

mlubes11

Whoever pays $3000 over MSRP is insane. $3000 over for a loaded 3.5 and you might as well get an Infiniti. It's just stupid. This is a Nissan Altima, not a luxury coupe...Not saying I don't like them. I'm planning on making this my next lease within the next 4 months.

jd10013

the concept car is nice but there have been 'allegedly' photos of the real design and it is slightly different that the concept

I hate when they do that. Have you ever seen the concept car for the versa? much, much better looking than the production model.

but going back to the alti, if invoice is 26,465 then I'd hold out for that. deffinitly no more than 27k. at 27k they would make about a thousand off the car, and other dealerships will let it go for less of a profit to get your sale.

kcleuk

a buddy of mine told me not to pay more than 25K for the altima.

At the price it is now, would be better off getting an Acura TSX

jaeger1

He told you not to pay any more than $1,500 UNDER invoice? And your buddy's reasoning was what, exactly?

kcleuk

because he said it's a Nissan. The Acura TSX is almost the same price as it is and Acura is consider in the luxurious category while Nissan is really not.

So it doesnt make sense to pay as much for it.

thenebean

they are two different cars - how do you even compare the acura tsx to the altima coupe?

-thene :confuse:

thenebean

because he said it's a Nissan

i'd like to see your buddy go into a nissan dealer and offer $25k for a Nissan GTR - and explain to them that he won't pay more than that because its only a Nissan

-thene :P

jkr2106

I think it makes perfect sense. The Altima is newer and people can actually fit in its back seat. It's not as if the TSX is RWD; one could argue it merely poses as a luxury car. After all, any car that can be had under 27K does not at all hold the necessary exclusivity.

jaeger1

"because it's a Nissan". Let me be the first to observe that your buddy 'aint too bright. First of all, the fact that the TSX is a "luxury brand" is neither here nor there. People cross shop luxury / non-luxury brands all the time. Think more than a few people didn't look at a V6 Accord when shopping for a TSX and vice versa?

Both cars have much to recommend, but for your friend to say the BRAND NEW Altima should at best command $1,500 under invoice while the comparatively AGED and ABOUT TO BE REPLACED Tsx should net more tells me he does not have so much of an informed opinion as an ingrained bias.

Jaeger

oldfarmer50

OK you car experts. The coupe segment is getting pretty crowded these days in the midsize area. Help me decide which is the better overall coupe. I'm looking at Altima coupe, Mitsu Eclipse, Accord coupe and Pontiac G6 coupe.

Any opinions?

bodble2

Wait for the new Accord coupe. Forget about the Pontiac. Consider the Eclipse only if you're under 30.

madmanmoo

If you're looking at quality and resale, only choices would be between the Nissan and Honda. I think you'll find a little bit edgier design with the Nissan with a bit better performance. The Honda won't break any new ground (I don't think), but it will be a nice, reliable coupe.

Check those two out and report back to us. Mistubishis, though most are good cars, just don't hold their value. I had a Pontiac rentacar with 21 miles on it when I started driving it. I turned it in with almost 1k and it already had electrical problems and the fit and finish was terrible.

Hope that helps! Happy buying.

-Moo

jaeger1

The only two out of that group that I'd consider would be the Alti and the Accord. Unlike the new Accord sedan the Coupe actually looks good. Should be a close matchup between those two.

Jaeger

te1963

I drove both the Altima SE Coupe and an Infiniti G35 coupe today. We stopped at the Nissan dealer first and there were at least 4 people gathered around the 1 coupe they had. Silver with black leather interior and automatic. They were so busy we drove down the street to the Infinity dealer and looked at a red G35 coupe with automatic. Great car, although the seats didn't seem to fit me or my 17 year old son who is quite skinny. The drive was great as was the acceleration. I came away with the feeling that although the car was very nice, it just didn't seem to be worth 41K to me.
We then went back to the Nissan and dealership and drove the Altima. It was pretty loaded, lacking only the nav system. Sticker was 29k. I really liked everything about it. It was roomy and felt just as sporty and luxurious as the Infiniti. In short, I felt like I was getting a lot more car for the money.
I think I'll wait for the 08 Accord coupe before making a decision. I like the look of the Accord from the pictures I've seen. We have an 06 Accord EX sedan that has been flawless so far. I'll have to wait and see, but I think the Altima will be much more fun to drive.

jd10013

it just didn't seem to be worth 41K to me.

I couldn't see myself paying 41k for any car :surprise:

but I think the Altima will be much more fun to drive.

My guess is your correct. thats one of the key things nissan shoots for. In very general terms:
toyota = reliability
Honda = highest quality fit and finish
Nissan = most fun to drive

bodble2

"Honda = highest quality fit and finish"

I'm not so sure that applies any more. It used to. Now, I think Honda tries to sell value, safety, and broad appeal.

ezshift5

....nice comparison '63.....

...think I'll wait for the 08 Accord coupe before making a decision. I like the look of the Accord from the pictures I've seen. We have an 06 Accord EX sedan that has been flawless so far. I'll have to wait and see, but I think the Altima will be much more fun to drive.

....I compared the G35 coupe against the Honda coupe. Guess who has an extra 16k in the bank? 08 coupe debuts circa 20 August...........we don't have long to wait!!

..cheers..

.ez.

elena77

I test drove the coupe and it seems to me that it's pretty much the same as Altima sedan 2007. Same features but less spacious. Of course it looks pretty good, if you are willing to pay at least 3-5K more for slightly more sporty look. Plus the insurance is higher for the coupe

jd10013

Of course it looks pretty good

thats what a coupe is all about.

jaeger1

You're telling me the Coupe can run as much as 5k more than a comparably equipped sedan?

Jaeger

jd10013

You're telling me the Coupe can run as much as 5k more than a comparably equipped sedan?

No, its not 5k more. the coupe starts at 20400. considering it has some of the sedans options standard, the prices are about the same.

bodble2

The Altima Coupe comes with a conventional handbrake, even for the automatic version. This is a pleasant surprise, given that the sedan has the clumsy footbrake, and even the more sport-oriented G coupe and sedan make do with the footbrake for the automatic versions.

I wonder what went into the decision to go back to a handbrake? :confuse:

madmanmoo

So you can perform handbrake turns. It's a wonderful manuever where you can drift around a corner with just the handbrake.

SOLD!

-Moo

bodble2

Yeah...ok. Why not on all versions of the G then? :confuse:

madmanmoo

Too much power. They don't want you to get in a wreck because of the g-force you push with the G. :surprise:

-Moo

oldfarmer50

"...Plus the insurance is higher for the coupe..."

Are you sure about this? I checked with my agent about the potential insurance for a Mitsu Eclipse vs. a Galant (same basic car underneath). I was told there was almost no difference.

Of course it could be that all the Altima coupe drivers roll their cars into the bushes using the handbrake. That would make the insurance go up

madmanmoo

Of course it could be that all the Altima coupe drivers roll their cars into the bushes using the handbrake.

Yes, you must be careful. Almost all drivers are competent enough to perform this maneuver, but you still need to be careful. The handbrake allows you to make a T-bone stop easier as well.

Some coupes only have 2 seats and the insurance company bumps up the price of them accordingly. The Altima has 2 massive rear seats, large enough to accomodate 2 Rosie O'donnells if necessary, so it shouldn't be too expensive on insurance.

-Moo

bodble2

Umm...ahh...no! I don't think that's part of their thought process. "Let's give this thing 300+ HP, but to be on the safe side, don't let them play with a handbrake". No, that conversation did not take place at Nissan corporate. It may have taken place in a showroom when a customer asked why no handbrake for a sporty car.

elena77

the reason why I said that sedan is cheaper than the coup is because at this time you can get good discounts on sedan plus good interest rate if you finance. On coupe there are no specials. So coupe without options is priced about the same as sedan with options. Of course coupe base model has ABS and sedan does not but it's only $260

bodble2

"Almost all drivers are competent enough to perform this maneuver"

No again. I can guarantee you that not almost all drivers can competently perform this, and an even smaller number of them will try, especially in an Altima Coupe!

madmanmoo

Hrm, I may need to go back to the drawing board then. I guess that I must admit that I have no idea why they went with the handbrake over the foot brake.

I hope you're happy now. :mad:

-Moo

bodble2

"I hope you're happy now"

Deliriously so! :P Now if I can only get them to get rid of the keyless ignition.....

jd10013

going by Nissan's website, the base altima sedan starts at 19,800. the coupe starts at 20,400. to add abs runs 300. so, a base sedan with abs added would be 20,100 or 300 less than the coupe.

and there arn't currently any discounts or rebates on the sedan. Just what you can negotiate.

jaeger1

I just don't see a 3-5k differential as remotely realistic no matter how you slice it. Unless the buyer is one of those chuckleheads will to pay a $3k dealer markup over list just to be among the first Coupe owners.

Jaeger

jsoldo

This is the deals I'm being offered:

08 Altima Coupe 2.5 CVT with Premium Package
$26,715 MSRP
$24,730 Invoice
$25,800 selling price
$2200 down (taxes and first month)
$401 per month

08 Altima Coupe 3.5 CVT with Premium Package
$29,215 MSRP
$26,932 Invoice
$28,290 selling price
$2400 down (taxes and first month)
$468 per month

Both are for:
39 month 12k per year
.00295 money factor
.60% residual

Can I do better? I want the 3.5, but kinda high right??

bodble2

60% residual over 39 months on a Nissan? Wow! Nissan is subsidizing the leases already?

oldfarmer50

The Altima sedan was always famous for torque steer. From what I've read they have tried to cut this on the coupe by lowering the engine and doing something with the shafts.

I wonder how effective this is. Does anyone have experience with the older torque steer bear and with the new coupe. Is there really a difference or is this just marketing hype?

madmanmoo

Used to be torque steer alot, especially on Maxima. Now you are hard pressed to find it. You've really got to be blasting the car to feel any torque steer. They've done a very good job of taking that out.

-Moo

jd10013

I wonder how effective this is. Does anyone have experience with the older torque steer bear and with the new coupe. Is there really a difference or is this just marketing hype?

no hype, it's pretty much gone. as the poster above said, you have to push it very hard (in the 3.5) to find it.