Juelze wrote:Hi there,
Well, I've been over at the Versa forums for awhile (haven't posted in a long time) as my 07 Nissan Versa was my first Nissan product ever. I liked the car and the dealer so much that I my wife got a 08 Sentra. Now we have a child and another one on the way so it's time for me to upgrade. I've driven an 08 Xterra, 07 RAV4, 09 CX7, and of course the Nissan Rogue. Out of all of them I liked the Rogue the best, although I was smitten with that turbo engine in the CX7. Anyway, I'm looking at getting a base model with AWD for around $21,200 with 1.9% interested. I have several questions for you guys on here so here I go!
1. I'm really wanting an AWD vehicle since living in Green Bay, WI the weather is really horrible during the winter months. I understand that the AWD Rogue is a FWD vehicle for the most part, but anticipates traction lost before it happens and then sends power to the rear wheels to add traction. I also read that from 0-6mph the AWD is "locked". If that's the case, that's a big plus for the Rogue because there are times when our roads aren't plowed and with 6" of snow, I'd like to be able to drive through it even if I'm going 5mph.
2. My wife's Sentra isn't small, but it isn't huge either. Would a Rogue really just be a Sentra wagon? I'd have to say there is more cabin and cargo space, but I've noticed even the Xterra wasn't a huge increase compared to the Rogue in terms of cargo and cabin capacity. Well, not enough to warrant the atrocious mileage. With 2 kids and a dog going on 2 hour drives to the cabin up north, I'd like to think the Rogue would be plenty of room, but I'm wondering if cargo capacity has been an issue for anyone else?
3. The dealer I'm looking at has a "no hassle low price". Is $21,200 for a S with AWD a good deal?
Thanks for all your time guys!
Cheers,
Jueleze
1. Well, I live up in Alaska, and I can tell you that the Rogue is the BEST vehicle I've driven in the winter. I had a big 'ole Ram 1500 before the Rogue, and sure, that could drive through 2 feet of snow while pulling a car out of the ditch, but I've not once been stuck with the Rogue. That being said, I do run studded snow tires in the winter, which makes a massive difference. It sounds like the family is a concern for you, so I'd highly advise buying a set of tires for the winter. A few hundred bucks is well worth the safety of your family.
But back to the Rogue's ability in the snow. Hell, I've done 30 mph in 6" of snow like it was nothing. You could pretty easily push your way through an unplowed driveway 1 foot deep with the AWD lock. (assuming you have winter tires)
Also, with a good set of snow tires, the Rogue is sooo predictable and controllable. I've never had an "OH SH*T!!" moment in the Rogue. But I had a few each winter in the Ram, lol.
2. Personally, I do wish the Rogue had more space. Especially on camping trips. I can carry all my stuff for myself just fine, but it gets pretty packed if I try to fit myself, 3 friends, and everyone's gear.
I mean, it's no pickup truck, minivan, or full-size SUV, so keep that in mind. But it'll have a lot more utility than the Sentra due to you being able to fold the seats down and having a higher roofline. However, I can tell you first hand that a 46" TV in the box will not fit without laying it on its side.
You could also look into buying a trailer hitch and small utility trailer if you needed to regularly carry larger loads and such.
3. Can't tell you there. I'm used to 'Alaska Prices' for everything, so I'm personally not sure on what a good deal is back in the lower 48. But check Edmunds and see what their fair market value is for it. Also, other forum members here are much more knowledgeable in that department.