3.5 Altima

[rdefabri]

Rockr,

I am a naysayer - Nissan's designs have gotten WAY too generic! Look at the Altima Coupe, the G37, and the coming Skyline...ALL LOOK THE SAME! Have they not learned the lesson of the big 3 in the 70's and 80's? Putting a Cadillac badge on a Cavilier won't make people buy it (see: Cimmarron).

While I agree that there are differences, and they've taken steps to differentiate, the designs have gotten too derivative. The front fascia of the Sentra, Altima, and Maxima are too similar IMHO.

The good thing is - opinions are like a*holes - everyone has one. Just because I think this way doesn't mean the buying public agrees. Nissan's rebound is testament to that.

[mars23z]

Most of the online prices especially edmunds dont include destination charges and the invoice dosnt include the hold back and other cost of doing business. Not to mention most dealers arent going to sell a Z for invoice any way, I wouldnt unless it was a left over or a demo or something. As far as fuel economy look here this is the best source for fuel economy on the web. I use it on daily basis at our dealership. http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.htm

The three top brands today are Toyota, Honda , Nissan. Thats not an opinion its a fact in terms of economy and resale you cant do better, however it is also a great time to get a slightly used domeestic for a very low price just be careful because you can buy new domestics pretty inexpensive now to so check prices first. We put more money (Trade value) into a Jap import then we would on any other brand. I really feal they make a better car as sad as that might seem to some of the loyal domestic buyers its reality. I am not a domestic hater by any means I own 2 my self but I own 4 Jap imports. I will always have both because I am a big JEEP fan to!! Anyway buy the Nissan Altima if you like it I think its an awesome car. There are alot of good cars out there it comes down to personal taste. You are writing the check every month so get something you will enjoy driving. Chris

[Sailor Bob]

Two points - sorry for the misinformation regarding fuel economy - numbers vary slightly but 21 city and 28 hw are the best I see online (the salesman must have been confused ).

- Thanks for the #s Mike - that hurts - It is amazing how little we Canadians know about car prices in the states, That's one s#%t load of hidden taxes. When I got my Z from the US of A I paid an import car tax - I was advised there was no charge for north american cars - a nudge for N/Amer produced vehicles. I think it was around 10% - don't recall, still a big price spread between countries though.

[Sailor Bob]

Too late to edit the last post, I found the Department of Transportation fuel consumption Est for the Altima: 2.5L 32 city & 45 hw, 3.5L S 27 city & 37 Hw, 3.5L SE (with manual transmission) 25 city & 39 Hw

So Just strike my first point - the salesman was correct.

Might have to do with the Imperial gallon verses the american gallon.

[ggarrard]

Bob - Several friend have the 2004-2006 version of the Altima - although all have the 2.5 4 cylinder....and they are all happy with the car. I've heard rumours that there have been problems with the 2006's (engine related).

With car pricing the way it is these days I stick to the used market...a 2 or 3 year old lease return is often 1/2 the cost of a new one.

The Altima 3.5S is a pretty sweet car...just watch out for torque steer when you decide to play in the wet

GWGarrard

Osgoode ONT

[bigoak]

Two points - sorry for the misinformation regarding fuel economy - numbers vary slightly but 21 city and 28 hw are the best I see online (the salesman must have been confused ).

- Thanks for the #s Mike - that hurts - It is amazing how little we Canadians know about car prices in the states, That's one s#%t load of hidden taxes. When I got my Z from the US of A I paid an import car tax - I was advised there was no charge for north american cars - a nudge for N/Amer produced vehicles. I think it was around 10% - don't recall, still a big price spread between countries though.

Pricing differential can be attributed to a number of things:

1. Import duties. The import duty on a non-free trade vehicle is 6.1% in Canada. In the US it is 2.5%. That will equate to roughly $1,000 in difference.

2. Currency translation. While the Canadian dollar is currently approaching parity, this is a recent occurence that hasn't been the case for approximately 30 years. Canadian market pricing was established when the dollar was less favourable and while I don't like it, if I was a car manufacturer, I wouldn't be in a hurry to adjust pricing (either you are giving away free profit and/or what if the currency swings the other way).

It should be noted that the recent strength of the Canadian currency is somewhat over-estimated. The actual fact is that the US dollar is plummeting versus world currencies. (Rough fiscal policy to elect a "conservative" who runs deficits like Armageddon is around the corner).

3. Package variants. The base package on the 350Z in Canada is significantly more equipped than the US base package (still cheeses me that I can't buy a true base version though). The Canadian base is the GT (Grand Touring) model. The US models/packages available are (in order of price/equipment): Base, Enthusiast, Touring & GT. The US GT is $36,100.

4. Economies of scale. Lastly, we simply sell fewer vehicles in Canada, but some of the fixed costs of operating in a market would be similar. For argument's sake, imagine that the cost to run the marketing & finance departments is $20 million in both markets. If the US sells 200,000 cars, that means the cost per car is $100. If Canada sells 20,000 cars, the cost per car is $1,000 (it adds up quick).

Enough of the economics lesson. What do you do?

One way around this is to play "vehicle arbitrage" as my brother did on his Escalade. Investigate this option before you buy a vehicle. You need to be careful of potential warranty issues, but you can save a bundle.

Cheers,

[Rockr69]

I am a naysayer - Nissan's designs have gotten WAY too generic! Look at the Altima Coupe, the G37, and the coming Skyline...ALL LOOK THE SAME! Have they not learned the lesson of the big 3 in the 70's and 80's? Putting a Cadillac badge on a Cavilier won't make people buy it (see: Cimmarron).

ya, I have to admit defeat. I was at the dealer the other day and your right they all are styled the same. And even though it doesn't make it right the differece is Nissan's lineup at least are all great cars unlike others metioned above. I guess it's sad that people have been herded around more and more like sheep and the powers that be feel we can be hypnotised into believing anything they want as long as they make money.

we don't live in a democracy, we live in an auction

:mad: