2010 Coupe Decision

[AltCoupe10]

Hey guys, this is my first post on here since I just recently came across this forum. My interest in Nissan is relatively new since I've been considering getting a new car.

I've been driving the same car for the past 13 years, a Honda Civic LX sedan (not the most thrilling ride, but gets the job done). I got this vehicle as a graduation gift from high school and I didn't really have much say in what I was wanting to get. This car has been really reliable, durable and very low maintenance over the span of 13 years. Honestly, if I took care of it, it could go at least another 10 years BUT.......

I'm working part-time and still in school, so I really don't have a "consistent" income. Buying a new car in my situation is really a WANT moreso than a NEED right now (especially since I drive a Honda). However, I've had this itch in getting something new and exciting to drive and that's where the 2010 Nissan Altima Coupe comes in. From it's onset, something about this vehicle has captured my attention and now I can't seem to get my mind off getting one (over the Genesis, Accord, Lancer, etc). It would definitely be a change from what I've been driving for more than a decade and maybe it's time for that new upgrade. Also, the Civic only has 105,000 miles on it for being a 13 yr old car, so I'm guessing the trade-in value for a new Altima would help.

I know you guys share a passion about cars and more importantly Nissans, so I wanted to run this by in this forum. What would you guys do in my situation? Any recommendations? Thanks in advance.

[bunda4th]

Well, since your income is not really consistent I would consider getting an 08 or 09 used instead. I also think the 08-09 looks much better.

If I was in your position, I would actually try to sell the civic personally unless they offer a good trade but I would also go for a used 08 or 09 because I know how much money school can take.

If you are really set on getting the 2010 I would check it out and see what the dealership is is willing to give for your car and what the payments will be. Then when you get that have your own calculator and do a quick finance of everything. On average what is your paycheck like then subtract food, gas, payments on anything and the new car payment in it. See what you will have left for emergency case etc. If you think you can live with that little extra for other things then go for it but if not try going for a used one.

[DAAN.]

It is a nice car, but unfortunately Nissan does not keep its value as well as other Japanese cars

Keep it as an option, but there are smarter buys out there.

[AppleBonker]

You came to the wrong place to ask that question. You are likely to receive nothing but highly biased answers. Having said that, I love my car and wouldn't trade it for an Accord, Camry, G6, Genesis, etc. But, car payments kind of suck. If you are definitely going to buy a car, the Altima coupe is a good choice. However, as nice as it might be, holding off may be the best option until your finances are completely set (or unless you can find an incredible deal). Good luck.

DAAN - the resale value gap is closing rapidly. As Toyota and (to a lesser extent) Honda continue to have public issues, all the other manufacturers are keeping up in value. To be honest, I doubt any of these cars consistently last that much longer on average. It's all a matter of public perception, and that is starting to swing.

[Beak]

honstly in your situation i would try and find a used civic SI or a GSR in good condition... if you buy a NEW car, its going to make your life that much more stressfull... unless someone else is paying for it.. if soo go with the nissan... good luck

[AltCoupe10]

What's up guys? I appreciate the responses I've received so far with my new car "dilemma." A nice new ride is usually just a want that most people go after and in my situation it really isn't necessary. I just haven't felt a stronger urge to get a new vehicle than I have right now. I've been saving up some and the trade-in value for my current Honda Civic would definitely help, but again, it's all about the long run when it comes to such a large investment.

DAAN--You said that Nissan doesn't keep it's value as well as the other Japanese makers do. Are you talking in terms of a higher resale value on the market as compared to a Toyota or a Honda?

How much are you guys paying for your Altima's currently? Did you buy/lease it new or used?

Also, would it be reasonable to bargain with a dealer on a 3.5 2010 Coupe to around $25,000? I know it starts off at around $27,000, but in today's economy, when the dealers are needing to sell, I'm thinking I could bargain it down a few grand.

[Desire1314]

2.5 is always an option, if you really want an A/C for a cheaper price. I'm paying $276.xx monthly for 36 months, so it's not that bad. But for that matter, it really just depends on how big or small of a down payment you want to make. That is, if you want to buy it, instead of leasing.

Like DAAN said, keep it as an option for now, no reason to rush it. I'm sure your Civic still runs like a champ.

Good luck man

[AltCoupe10]

Hey, thanks for the response. You have a 3.5 2010 A/C and are only paying under 300/mo? How much was the total cost for it and what type of packaging did you get with your ride? That doesn't seem too bad at all.

Yeah, the Honda is still running strong (thank God), but I guess I'm greedy.

[yoonzilla]

2.5 is always an option, if you really want an A/C for a cheaper price. I'm paying $276.xx monthly for 36 months, so it's not that bad.

Holy mother..seriously how much did you put down? like 15K?

[soxypoo]

maybe he lease it ??????

[RaZmAn]

The leasing option is about 270 a month with a 2k down. You can get a used 08 or 09 model. I found some really nice 08 models 3.5 se for around 20k certified used too with low mileage (less than 20k). If you want totally new then try a 2.5s 2010 or there are still some 2009 models out there still....depending on what color you want some dealers may still have it.

I wanted a 3.5 badly but due to budget i ended up gettin a 2010 2.5s with convenience and premium package. I really wanted the leather at first, but when i saw the cloth they used for the new cars its pretty damn sexy. Also i didnt care for the navi package cuz i heard it's so so. They have a lot of incentives right now too, you can get 0% financing if you're qualified (if not get a co signer and do it)..you'll have 3 years or so to pay it off. If not do the 6 year one for 1-2 % financing.

[Cali 2 Balti G]

It is a nice car, but unfortunately Nissan does not keep its value as well as other Japanese cars

Keep it as an option, but there are smarter buys out there.

I agree in the sense that all cars depreciate - but some faster than others.

Good news is that a quickly depreciating car is great as a used car (The newer body (2006 i believe) Acura RL is a great example. The first guy takes the hit (especially if he paid a high price when new) - you reap the benefits. If you have to buy new then be agressive with the price - u may also have more leverage with 09 left overs. If u consider used then ur price drops and a whole lot more car options become available - u just have to do the work of finding the right car.

If you are sold on the Altima - then you have to decide 09 vs 10 body - 09s may be able to get a discount since they are last years model (10s have minor changes/upgrades)- 09 supply may be getting low so act fast if you go that route. If u consider used then you can shop 08s as well.

If your civic is 13 years old - I doubt the resale value would be good (this is for you to be clear on - what you think its worth and what you are offered by the dealer) I suggest u keep the civic as a back up if that's feasible for you.
Modified by Cali 2 Balti G at 3:15 PM 2/25/2010

[AltCoupe10]

I'm thinking of holding out until the end of the year, saving up some money and then going to the dealer and trying to bargain for a 3.5. The reason why I want the 6 cylinder coupe is because I've been driving a 4 cylinder all my life. Does the 3.5 only take premium though? That's another added cost in driving that vehicle if so.

[RicerX]

I'm thinking of holding out until the end of the year, saving up some money and then going to the dealer and trying to bargain for a 3.5. The reason why I want the 6 cylinder coupe is because I've been driving a 4 cylinder all my life. Does the 3.5 only take premium though? That's another added cost in driving that vehicle if so.

First off - getting a 2010 3.5SE base (no premium, leather, or tech pkgs) for $25K would be cake. It might take a bit more doing to get one with the premium pkg down to $25K, but it's doable. Right now, there are several listed on autotrader for $25,500 in the STL, MO area and DFW, TX area (I was doing a bit of shopping a bit back but decided to keep my 08). All you'd have to do is find one of those on autotrader, print out the copy, and bring it to a dealer and bargain a bit.

The 08 3.5SE models require premium fuel. The 09s "recommend for maximum performance". Officially, the 2010s do not require nor recommend premium fuel, and the gas mileage figures are bumped from 18/25 for 08-09s to 20/27 for 2010s. Not sure if there are any mechanical changes done here (I would assume there were, and also keep in mind this is with CVT models that I saw this - have not seen a 6MT fuel rating)

If you stay out of the gas pedal in the V6, the fuel mileage is respectable. Keep in mind these cars also have a 20 gal tank, so filling it up will be a surprise to you coming from your Civic, as there's probably a 12.5 gal tank in that car. If you're genuinely concerned about fuel mileage, don't even go for the V6 if you want to keep your fuel costs down. The 2.5, especially with the 6MT if you know how to drive it, is capable of much better fuel numbers and has plenty of power to dart around with, and now with the 2010s, has all the amenities that the 2008 3.5s had.

Sorry for the book, but hopefully it helps. If you have further concerns, keep shouting at us!