future altima coupe owner

[nightrain]

Go for the extra and get the 3.5. I had the same battle you are having but just quickly cure it like I did. Drive the 4 then get in the 6, right after... Your payments aren't going to be much different from 25k to 28k.

....And if you're already at 28K, it's not much more to just get the 3.5 loaded with EVERYTHING.

I understand that a lot of you need to save money, but I think Nissan did a GREAT job on their options. They work well, they are well integrated with the car, and I use 'em a lot! I see you guys spending lots of $$$ on aftermarket stuff, which I don't see as being all that useful, (you know what I'm talking about).

Normally, I try to avoid most of the Factory options as worthless add-ons, but I'll get a lot of it back when I advertise the car as LOADED.

And if that NAV system gets you to just one girl's house before her parents get home, you'll know it was worth it.

[JSON]

touché.

[NightSky]

....And if you're already at 28K, it's not much more to just get the 3.5 loaded with EVERYTHING.

I understand that a lot of you need to save money, but I think Nissan did a GREAT job on their options. They work well, they are well integrated with the car, and I use 'em a lot! I see you guys spending lots of $$$ on aftermarket stuff, which I don't see as being all that useful, (you know what I'm talking about).

Normally, I try to avoid most of the Factory options as worthless add-ons, but I'll get a lot of it back when I advertise the car as LOADED.

And if that NAV system gets you to just one girl's house before her parents get home, you'll know it was worth it.

I actually have the opposite view. I WOULD spend cash on some front lips, a spoiler, and sideskirts if they offered it on Nissan because I think enhancing the look of the car makes for a more fun ride. I am not, however, going to spend 5k on a nav system that's built in and I can't even take it out to put in my next car. There are a few things that Nissan offers in the packages that I like (like leather and temp control), but they do not let you get anything aside from some floor mats etc. without adding a crazy package that I don't even want half the stuff in.

[II Knucklez II]

i would say go with the 3.5 base, that is what i did and later on i'll worry about the after market stuff i'm in love with it. oh and i would say get the manual cause first of all its a lil cheaper and its waaaaayyyy more fun trust me i had an a/c 3.5 base CVT and after a month or two i regeat getting the CVT (totaled RIP, the car saved my life)so this time around i got 6MT and i couldnt be happier and like some ppl said before it has power window/lock, sunroof, CD, etc...
Modified by II Knucklez II at 9:36 AM 7/3/2008

[nightrain]

I actually have the opposite view. I WOULD spend cash on some front lips, a spoiler, and sideskirts if they offered it on Nissan because I think enhancing the look of the car makes for a more fun ride. I am not, however, going to spend 5k on a nav system that's built in and I can't even take it out to put in my next car.

Let's see:

1. 'Lips'2. 'Spoiler'3. 'Sideskirts'4. Damage to above from steep driveways, road hazards, other unforeseen driving conditions.5. Amount of time driven at speeds in excess of 160mph where such things may actually serve a function: Zero.

vs.

1. Upgradeable in dash (not 'on dash') touchscreen voice NAV through factory speakers, radio/sound integrated.2. Rear View Camera3. Large Display of Radio/CD programming. 4. Actual Cost: $2K.

[bunda4th]

I notice you are in the OC CA. I would go with the 2.5S for gas price reason and since you are turning 18 your insurance for a 3.5SE will be very high. You will probably look at 1000+ for full coverage for 6 months. I pay 956 full coverage for 6 month, but I got a few extra in my coverage.

Plus for a first new car I wouldn't go with something to powerful until you gain much more experience in driving and your insurance rate gets cheaper first. Plus if you are planing on going to college or what not then it is more ideal to go with a 2.5S.

I am 21 turn 22 soon and I had the choice of getting either the 3.5 or 2.5. I went with the 2.5S because its more logical for me.

-Gas price-I got a 75k loan for a private art school-Insurance rates

[Hussain]

oh and btwwhat do you guys prefer on the acmanual or auto?

if you go with the 2.5 you MUST get a stick shift, if you go with the 3.5 it's really up to you. a 2.5 stick shift is pretty quick, you'll be surprised.... but my opinion, go for the 3.5se lol i mean the way i look at it is that with the 2.5 you have to get a package just to be like a base 3.5. plus 3.5 has blinkers in the mirrors, fog lights, better rims, sport tunned suspension, sunroof.... that's all standard on the 3.5. i mean you can get HIDs for $80, dual climate for $250 i believe it was, someone got leather put in for $1,000, and thats pretty much the premium package. i'd go with the 3.5 and add onto it as i go along (that's what i'm doing). i mean in the end you could just put $1,350 and you pretty much have the premium package, an extra $600 and that'll be navigation system too. so for about $2,000 you'll basically have a FULLY LOADED altima coupe. so i'd go with the 3.5se

[altcoupe23]

i just bought 08 3.5 6spd prem package no technology got it for $26k n then taxes n stuff but its only $1k more sell something in ur room for the extra k lol trust me its worth every penny u put in

[ESP]

if you go with the 2.5 you MUST get a stick shift, if you go with the 3.5 it's really up to you. a 2.5 stick shift is pretty quick, you'll be surprised....

Abso-freakin'-lutely true! I test-drove the CVT right after the 6MT and I agree with Hussain completely. While the CVT is by far the nicest auto-transmission (<-- I still laugh every time I hear that!) out there, you noticeably lose torque on the 2.5. If you were to grab the 3.5, you wouldn't notice a difference (with the exception that driving a stick is still more fun IMHO!).

[JSON]

man this forum is freakin awesome.so much insight.