Did you recently take on (or consider) a loan of 84 months or longer on a car purchase?
A reporter would like to speak with you about your experience; please reach out to PR@Edmunds.com by 7/22 for details.
A reporter would like to speak with you about your experience; please reach out to PR@Edmunds.com by 7/22 for details.
Options
Nissan Altima
This discussion has been closed.
Comments
I'm looking for a basic 2.5S with minimum extras (fogs, mats, etc.) and silver and black are the easiest to come by in that equipment. Seascape only a couple around (SE Michigan) and they're stickered a couple of thousand higher.
D-Day for me is next Wednesday (lease turn in) and it's down to Altima and Millenia. Can't do better price wise than the Millenia given the equipment level, warranty and free loaner car.
Question for me is do I want to save a little money ($40 lease payment difference) and get something a little more updated in styling. Tough call given the overwhelming amount of extras on the Millenia (moonroof, cassette-CD, heated seats, traction control, power everything, side airbags, leather, etc.)
Right now my quotes are:
Millenia $394, 42 mo. 15000/yr. 0 down.
Altima $353, 39 mo. 15000/yr. 0 down. (with dealer installed leather)
Both are very nice cars so the decision won't be a bad one either way.
Look here for one: http://www.getauto.com
I thought it was a really " Classy" color. The Sonoma Sunset is REALLLLY RED.
It belongs on a Fire Truck or a 2-seat sports car, not a 4-dr., somewhat
upscale sedan. imo.
Try looking at the " Merlot " Maxima. It's metallic burgandy with VERY large
metal flakes in it that makes the car actually sparkle in the sunlight.
It has a "primary color" look to it, like an infant's red ball. Actually, the blue looks almost as infant colored as the red.
Are the car manufacturers trying to HERD us ALL into white, black, silver, beige ?
B-O-R-I-N-G !!!!
As much as I love cars I don't see spending big bucks. This car is reasonable to insure (my Millenia deal which fell through would have added $400/yr. to my insurance) and is for my purposes just as desirable as cars costing 10 grand more.
Will at some point do some aftermarket wheels and also thinking about an aftermarket grille which really upgrades the looks and is easy to install.
Everyone has there own preferences in equipment and appearance items on a car, but frankly the money spent on leather is in my opinion the most
well spent.
As for the rest, the car performs very well. Accelleration is comperable to my 190hp Mitsubishi V6 and the car is quiet with good road isolation. I look forward to the next several years of my lease in this car.
As happy as I am with this car I did notice excessive wind and road noise on the freeway today. Even noticed it at lower speeds. Has anyone else had this problem.
On Altimas.net I found mention of a TSB relating to a door seal defect that caused wind noise. Hopefully that may be the problem. It's always easier to solve this kind of thing when you know where it emanates from than having to scour the whole car to find the problem.
Still think the car is terrific. A good friend who owns a Volvo S80 went on when he saw my Altima today about how nice it was and how he felt he overpayed for what he got in the Volvo.
It was a mild day today and I did some driving with the window open which of course eliminated the issue. Also seemed to be less wind noise with the windows up though still a fair amount of road noise. Radio helps but also I think since I'm not a guy used to super quiet cars I'll simply adjust to a bit higher noise level. Still I wonder if an undercoat or similar insulation might make a difference. Edmunds indicated that there was no insulation in the wheel wells.
Edmunds test went on about cheap interior materials. All I can say is that with the after market leather package I have the materials look great. A little hard plastic here and there is hardly noticable.
All in all I feel I'm driving a $30000 car for $20000.
Anyone else hear this ? Is this because some parts are removed then put back to add the leather later ?
It makes sense, because the interior work I have had done, (twice) has led to loose fitting parts or even missing screws.
If it isn't true, then it's tempting to go after market due to the cheaper cost AND apparently the quality of after market leather is better than Nissan's factory leather !
Ahossa and cay ...... have you noticed any "fitting" issues or such with your Altimas ?
There were absolutely no problems of any kind with my previous car. In fact in the 39 months I had the vehicle I never even used the leather cream that came with it and the leather was was absolutely perfect when I turned it in. Rear and passenger seats looked like new and even the driver's seat only had the slightest of visible wear.
No fitting problems and absolutely no squeaks or rattles with the seats.
My new Altima's leather looks fantastic and in my opinion far better than the OEM leather.
I can only say that I wouldn't hesitate to recommend after market leather.
Comparing the Altima 2.5SL I looked at yesterday to the Glacier Pearl Max GLE I also looked at, the Maxima's interior looks similar to a Lexus or Audi, while the Altima's interior looks like a Mitsubishi or Dodge. That's just how bad the leather looked. The blond leather looks awful IMO. I still LOVE the ALtima though, I hope the interiors are improved so I can buy one!
On another note,
I was in Atlanta and Buford, GA Saturday. Nissans sell like CRAZY in Atlanta! Everybody was driving a Maxima. The GLE model is extremely popular in the Atlanta area. Altimas were plentiful as well.
http://www.cars.com/news/stories/110802_story_ap.jhtml?aff=national
"The survey results are summarized in Consumer Reports’ New Car Preview 2003, which is on newsstands.
Some foreign models didn’t fare as well.
The Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima and Subaru Impreza all dropped to average reliability. The major complaint for all three: squeaks, rattles and loose trim, which are part of the survey’s “body integrity” and “body hardware” categories.
Despite the weaker showings, each is still recommended by the publication."
I waited until the new Accord was available because I really wanted to buy a honda due to the reputation of being so reliable. Unfortunately I was dissappointed in the new Honda for many different reasons, with the most important reason being styling. Of course this is a personal opinion thing, but I've tried to force myself to like the Accord without success. Does anyone actually like the three big knobs on the front dashboard? The interior also looked terrible, but it was of high quality and seemed that it would wear through the years fine. So scratch the Accord for design and styling - its one of the ugliest of the new cars in my opinion. Dang it!
The Camry is just too boring. The V6 has 192 horsepower for god's sake! Scratch the Camry for being boring and having the weakest engine, by far, of the three. I test drove a four cyl. and it was just ridiculously slow. Also, on the NHTSA website at http://www.nhtsa.gov it shows many problems with total brake failure and transmission problems on the new models (which really surprised me, considering I own a 2000 Avalon which my wife loves).
So that leaves the Altima, of which I said I wouldn't buy when it first came out, after I looked at the interior. Any how, here I am. After reading message board after message board, and reading all the reviews I could find, I'm actually interested in the Altima still. To me the interior is the main draw back, with some concern on longterm reliability and integrity, but that styling! I really like the way the car looks. Once again -personal opinion. So I decide to purchase a 2.5S...until I test drove it. I'm sorry but the 175 horsepower 4 cyl. is way over rated. I was entering the highway using an entrance ramp and I guess I was shaking my head because the salesperson said "floor it!" and I said "it IS floored!". Needless to say there was only silence in the back seat where the salesperson was after that. I was really shocked how poor the 4 cyl was. It was also VERY noisy when down shifting and the engine would just roar, but the car went no where. I must say though that most everyone I've talked to that owns the 2.5 says it has enough power for them. The problem I have with that is that I drive a Mazda MX6 with 118 horsepower and a five speed, and I quarantee it would blow the doors off the 2.5S. I guess the five speed makes a big difference. The car itself seemed very tight and well put together. Aftre all that I've read about the car, I was actually pleasantly surprised with quality, including the interior. Really, while the interior was basic, only the door panels need to be upgraded. The rest of the car was impressive. Needless to say that I decided to test drive the 3.5 SE V6. I was impressed by the power of the engine. Overrated? No, I don't think so. Now if I could only find a Polished Pewter 3.5 with the NEW charcoal interior I'd be set. And oh yeah, don't expect the sales people to even know that there is a new charcoal interior, let alone what it looks like. I must say though, that the charcoal interior fabric looks a hell of a lot better.
My only quarrel with the car is what I perceive to be excessive wind and road noise. I've seen almost no one complaining about this so perhaps I'm too sensitive about this particular subject. As for the interior I have a beautiful aftermarket leather package (even armrest is leather) and that has more than cured any cheapness to the look of the interior.
I met a friend for lunch today and he was blown away by the looks of the car (he drives a Taurus). Thought it was an A6 or a Passat. All I know is that while this car is far from perfect what I got for a mere $20000 (great looks, uniqueness, nice equipment and performance) makes this a great deal
stick your foot in it hard, the auto tranny downshifts and yea it'll feel as if its roaring and going nowhere. If you accelerate smoothly, the engine is strong and smooth and never feels stressed like alot of 4 cyls.
I traded a 4 cyl 2000 camry on the alty and there is no comparison in terms of power and handling. I also own a 99 maxima gxe and the 2.5s
compares favorably- its almost as powerful and it handles better.
As far as buying the car with a 5 speed- I'm done with manual transmissions. I'm done with changing a clutch every 120,000 miles, and just the hassle of driving in the big city and traffic with one. Goodbye 5 speed.
When I did a test drive in the Altima, I didn't notice the wind noise as much as I did the tire and road noise in the 3.5 SE. I specifically listened, and had my wife listen, for wind noise and road noise. Niether of us really heard any wind noise, only the road noise.
It looks like tommorrow I'm going to TRY and buy a 3.5. I finally found the one I was looking for.
I'm starting at invoice and working my way up. Most websites, including Edmunds, shows that the dealers are expecting to make $1100.00. Thats $1100.00 above invoice. I say NO WAY! There are 2002 2.5's and 3.5's still on the lots for god's sake! My max is usually $500 above, but I may go all the way up to $800 just to get the damn thing. I'll let you know what happens. I'm putting on the boxing gloves - wish me luck.
Not to mention the 4 year 50K mile warranty, which trumps the Nissan's warranty.
I strongly suggest you wait a few days (heck, literally until this weekend, on average) for the Mazda 6 to be in stock at your local Mazda dealer, and give it a fair shot at your money as well. Buyer's remorse is not a good thing
And I am absolutely amazed at the fact you think the Altima has more 'class'. While everyone in the press, and current owners even, are unanimous about the Altima's driving and handling aspirations, the populace about equivalently biased against the Altima's chintzy interior and absolute lack of 'class'. But to each his own, I guess.
I have been limiting my shopping for a car to drive by window shopping since I won't really be in the market for several months and don't want to be an inconsiderate buyer.
I spot cars in which I am interested and point them out on the roads to my wife when we are driving together. Every single vehicle I pointed out gets the ho hum shoulder shrug - except the Altima. When I first pointed it out, she cooed and said that it looked classy.
And I was compelled to check out the Altima on the web after I saw one in the parking lot at work. It exterior shape made quite an impression on me and I was shocked to see "Altima" on the back of the car when I walked around it.
Now, I must admit that after test driving one, my enthusiasm waned a bit because of some weak points of the interior. I don't particularly care for the gauge arrangement and the fuel door release just sticks out of the carpet, but it's still in the running.
The #1 comment I get when people see my Altima is, "Looks expensive."
Personally I don't mind the sport package much. Where others see "boy racer," I think autobahn peformance car, but then my tastes tend to be more european: like em smaller, like wagons and hatches.
Also, the front and rear fascia treatments on the Altima (esp. the rear one) is alot more boy racer than the 6.
As for the classy-non-classy issue. No question the vehicle is stylish. A friend told me yesterday that when he appraoched the car for the first time he thought it was an Audi A6. As for the interior, it's not a problem if your willing to spend a little and go with an after market leather package as I did. Seats are beautiful (even has leather armrest) and door trim in vinyl instead of cheesy cloth is a definite improvement. Still plastic on the doors but who cares. When I look at the seats I feel great. As for the dials and dash I'm fine with them. Remember this is a midsize $20000 car not a $35000 luxury car. I think that this car becomes a more problematic choice if you go all the way with a 3.5SE and spend 28-29K. At that price the competition gets a lot stiffer. But in the 19-22K range your competition is Camry and Accord.
I like the Mazda 6, but to be honest with you it looks like a million other cars from a styling standpoint. The Catera comes to mind. It's certainly a good choice and if you have time it's worth testing before making a decision.
I've overcome my negative feelings about road-wind noise and just about every other aspect of this vehicle is great from my point of view. Actually the one styling point I don't like is the tailights. Just dont like the clear lenses and would jump at the chance to replace the clear lens with a smoked or body colored lens cover. Hope that some aftermarket specialist will come out with this. They've been doing a real number on the grill in the aftermarket. Frankly, my car's black and the grill really doesn't look bad.
Overall, looks, 27mpg, roomy and inexpensive to buy makes this car a winner in my book.
Yes, I will agree that the Mazda 6 interior is much better than the Altima's.
Well I finally did it. I purchased an Altima. The exact car I wanted, for the price I wanted - 500.00 above invoice. But, the sale was so easy, I'm beginning to wonder about the invoice prices that are given on the net. Here are my numbers: The car- 3.5 SE, with the following options- mats, cabin air filter, and sidesills. Sticker: $24116. Invoice w/options- $21993. The amount I payed: $22493 + tax, title and license. No trade in. The negotiations went so easy and quick, now I think I could have purchased it for less, or maybe the invoice prices are wrong on the internet. Ha! I can't win. I get it for the price I want, and I'm still disappointed.
Now, the car. First, I recommend NOT getting the sidesills. I just noticed that my side sill has become slightly unglued on one end. Apparently, the sidesills are glued on! At least thats what the service dept. told me. This is the day after I bought the car. It wasn't that way when I bought it. The dealer said I'd have to leave it for 3-4 hours. Argh! What made me a little angry was that he said there were many cars ahead of me, so I asked "did they just purchase their cars yesterday?", but that didn't phase him. I'll get it fixed some time soon. Geez!
You know, its good to be in a "head turner" again. The car runs like a top and feels tight. Everyone has commented on the car, which surprises me because I live in an area where BMW's and Mercedes, etc. are as common as any other car. I am very impressed with what the car offers for the price. Even the interior seems fine with the new Charcoal material, except for the door panels- but I can live with it. The horsepower is impressive and so is the handling. I really like the 17 inch wheels. It takes the corners as well as my Mazda MX6, and I think that says alot. The turning radius is a bit wide, and the suspension is a bit rough, but the suspension makes it feel like a sports car somewhat, which is what I was looking for - a four door sedan that feels like a sports car. I'll keep you posted on any problems.
I hope I don't feel like I made a mistake when I finally see the Mazda6 on the road. To make myself feel better, I'll just have to leave the 6 in the dust.
This car continues to astound from the looks perspective. Took a lady friend to lunch today and got another amazing reaction to the looks of the car (another friend couldn't stop raving about it at lunch the other day). She was just oohing and ahhing as soon as she saw it and then spouts off that it reminds her of the Bentley she saw the other day. The Bentley? Well, I'm sure the Bentley also comes in black and I believe it has vertical tailights, but....a Bentley?
Anyway, I've had no rattles or other problems thus far and my side skirts are still hanging on. Hopefully this will continue. As for the Mazda 6, while I'm sure it's a nice car and it was definitely on my list (it didn't turn up before my lease ran out) I have no second thoughts at all. At 20 grand the Altima combines great value, with great looks and fine equipment. At 28-29 grand it may be a bit pricey and less competitive but it's a super deal near 20 grand.
I had 2 questions:
(1) Did you pay the Advertising Fee ?
(2) Are you going to use Premium gas ?
Very curious . . .
Thanks,
- Ray
Who rented a 2.5 automatic from Budget for a week recently . . .
Not necessarily the power, since you have an 8 and the Altima is a 4, but other stuff...