In the Market For 2012 A/C

[Innovazn]

Hey guys,

I've been on the forum for quite some time hanging out with the R50 boys. Lately the R50 has been RAPING me in fuel prices...

Just yesterday I hit the Nissan dealership and have been looking at the A/C and hard debating between the 2.5 and 3.5. As it stands, the 3.5 has all the options i am looking for. Are there any known issues with these vehicles? CVT ? (more looking towards the 6spd but if sister comes back I may have to grab the auto's so she may use it)

Hows the ride on these cars? I have yet to get a test drive as the dealership did not have any instock. Any help and tips are appreciated.

[funkee]

Stock ride is very good. Go with the 3.5, if gas economy is not a concern; the power is superb. The CVT has a manual mode, and there haven't been any issues with these CVT transmissions.

If there is a 6speed available, go with that. They are very hard to find. In fact, when I shopping for my A/C, there wasn't a single 6MT for sale in the entire US.

Major benefit of the 6MT, is if you want to install a turbo. The CVT is not really built handled psi over 5.

[AllenB]

I just took delivery of my 2012 3.5 SR 6mt and love it! Like Funkee mentioned a 6mt is VERY tough to find but well worth it IMHO. Clutch is light and engagement is pretty low compared to what I was accustomed to resulting in some embarrassing stalls, but it is great now that I'm getting the feel for it. The shifter throw is clean and shift gates are pretty tight making for easy shifts. I personally would have preferred a slightly shorter shifter and even a heavier knob, but I'm guessing both are very easily upgraded. Very easy to live with in traffic.

The VAST majority of the cars you will find are CVT equipped. Easy to drive and the warranty has been pushed up by Nissan. I have to admit, I didn't drive one when shopping around because the 6mt was a deal-breaker for me- no stick, no sale.

If gas mileage is your primary concern then the 2.5 would be a much better bet. I say that without knowing what your expectations are; I am averaging about 24MPG but truth-be-told that is driving pretty hard and a brand new car (I just clicked over 1k miles). My mileage sucks because I really like the stick-shift and loud pedal! I tested a couple of highway runs using cruise at ~70MPH (hilly area in New England) and the computer was indicating mid-30's. I am guessing driving like a reasonable person (which I have not been) I will average about 28 with a mix of city and highway. Not for nothing but it is worth mentioning again it is pretty hilly around here so literally, YMMV.

Overall, I would go with the 3.5 any day and twice on Sunday! If mileage gets to be a huge concern, I'll ride my motorcycle more!

*Edit: I can't compare the ride and handling of the 2.5 to the 3.5 since I didn't drive the 2.5. I can tell you that the ride on the 3.5 is firm and very responsive, but is comfortable and compliant enough to make for a comfortable daily driver. I opted for the A/C over other offerings mainly due to the suspension. The new Accord V6 is way too mushy and floaty IMHO and some other coupes were too firm for the NE roads (like the 370Z). It's not a "sports car" nor is it a luxury coupe, nor is it trying to be. I would have to classify it as a GT- a grand tour coupe that handles and performs very well but won't beat you to death on the road or at the gas pump.


/r

Allen

[Innovazn]

Excellet replies...

I really would LOVE for the 6MT but im not confident enough to take it uphill as I havent driven a MT for well over 5 years now.... Comparing a V6 3.5 Coupe to my 3.6 VQ Gas hog (15.8MPG) i think the 10MPG is pretty damned good (not to mention regular fuel is fine opposed to the premium thats recommended for the R50)

My dealer is giving me a 2 month wait list which isnt that big of an issue and i should be able to commit in the next 2 months (after paying the truck off) Gosh.. im itching everyday to get an A/C... 3.5 it is! and forget the sister... 6MT!!

Hoping to join the A/C Ranks soon

[SHIFT_COUPE]

I'm on my second 3.5 Altima Coupe. That says something about the car on its own.

My father owns a 2.5 so I've had the opportunity to spend time with both models. The 2.5 is a more comfortable and less stiff of a ride. I would have to say that the 3.5 definitely feels sporty in the suspension department. The ride quality of the 2.5 can be attributed to a few things such as suspension components and the difference in the wheel and tire package. Gas mileage is good on both, however the V6 as you would imagine is slightly worse. Most of my driving is spirited city and I'm averaging 18-19 mpg as advertised.

Go with the 6MT. I don't like the feel of the CVT. Spend some time with both and make a decision that works for you. For the money I just feel that the 3.5 is a fun car to drive.

[funkee]

I am averaging about 24MPG but truth-be-told that is driving pretty hard

Those are good numbers for the 3.5.

I barely get 23mpg on the highway, and about 17mpg in the city. It's very expensive running 91 octane at about $4.60 a gallon in CA. Are you in CVT mode, driving the speed limit?

[sndtgr08]

Not sure if the gauge is correct, but on flat hiway @ about 80ish+ in 6th gear on cruise control it reads 35-37 mpg. 1st gear always reads 0-5 mpg(cuz I have the pedel depressed so far? ). 2-3 gear is usualy 17-23ish once you get up to speed . 4-5 gears get me high 20's-low 30's depending on if I use cruise control

This is all on levelish road.

[Innovazn]

Should i wait for the 2013? crap me in the face... The more I dwell, the more I want to act but financially not ready for at least 2 months... and the more I play with the "build it" thingy on their website the more i want to ravage through the forum/interwebz stockpile of goodies. I already made that mistake once on my Pathfinder and I'm more then certain will do it again...

On a side note, to the 3.5's out there, hows the audio? Subwoofers are good or an upgrade is in need?

[sndtgr08]

On a side note, to the 3.5's out there, hows the audio? Subwoofers are good or an upgrade is in need?

There is no such thing as a good stock system. If someone told you that, they lied. Just cuz it says Bose or Infinity dont mean jack. Bose has a factory that does nothing but push out 7-14 watt crap paper and foam speakers with there name on it like everyone else and thats what every bose car has in it.

DO NOT cunfuse ANY Bose(or other big name) car system with ANYTHING Bose sells them self(the home theater systems) The home stuff and anything you buy "aftermarket" is a TOTALY different build and quality then anything that comes factory! Nothing compairs to aftermarket amped stereo with speakers made with water resistent, stiffer material. Even the aftermarket NONAMES (I.E. Pyramid, Rage ect ect) Will stomp any Bose or Infinity or JVC factory system, no mater what company they paid to use there name.

Please do not pick your car because of what marketing ploy they decided to use. Just run them paper speakers till the pop. Then depending on your money situation, you can replace ALL of your interior speakers for less then $40 online with Noname brands that are 10X better then your stock anything. Anybody who knows anything about car audio will back me up.



My 2 cents
And if you realy care about your music, splerge a little and get Focals. I have had JL, Alpine, infinity and kicker componets. Focal wins. The cleanest smoothest sound I have ever heard.

And if your looking at subs, look at Digital Designs subs. There hand made in the USA and are built so tuff, they have a couple lines with NO theoretical watt limit. (IE saw at an spl comp some guy tied in some 14,000+ watts in to one of there 15 or 18s) Its a little known company thats been around the SPL comps for as long as I can remember, thay makes some of the hardest hitting rock solid subs in the world.

[AllenB]

I am averaging about 24MPG but truth-be-told that is driving pretty hard

Those are good numbers for the 3.5.

I barely get 23mpg on the highway, and about 17mpg in the city. It's very expensive running 91 octane at about $4.60 a gallon in CA. Are you in CVT mode, driving the speed limit?

Running regular (87 octane) since higher is not required (since 2010 I think). You will actually get BETTER mileage with lower octane fuel, assuming the ECU is tuned to support. Not trying to start an arguement about gas, but the science as well as personal observations over many years supports this. Higher octane is a waste of money unless you are experiencing knocking or have a high-octane tune (generally more timing advance). Again, I seem to recall reading the requirement for 91 for a stock 3.5 was dropped in 2010- I know it (91) is not required per my owner's manual.

I tend to drive pretty agressively in town, but I have a lot of highway time with a 60 mile round-trip for my daily commute. Best guess on mix would be 60/40 highway - in town. On the highway, maintining 70-80 (or more) but I have been trying to use cruise control, more to avoid tickets than for any possible improvements in mileage. Not sure I would see any real economy benefits with cruise since it is hilly here.

No CVT mode since I have the 6mt!


As for waiting until the next MY, no garantee Nissan will bring back a coupe and they have already announced they will drop the 3.5 V6 in the Altima in favor of a turbo I4. Pros and cons I guess but I thought about the same thing and wanted a 6mt 3.5 coupe... When the dealership located one equipped like I wanted (perfectly in fact) the planets aligned and I jumped! Zero regrets!


/r

Allen

[sndtgr08]

All of the V6 Altimas 2008+ will run on reg or prem.

Facts for our car:
Reg = cheper gas + loss of 1-2 mpg, loss of some HP.
Prem = cost more + full spec MPG and Full spec HP

Less Hp means you use more gas to produce the same diving feeling(I.E. loss of MPG)

If you do mostly hiway and very very little city driving, you may not even notice the difference in MPG between 87 and 91 as these cars are rated ULEV II for a reason. At top gear they very efficient.

[jmann]

As for waiting until the next MY, no garantee Nissan will bring back a coupe and they have already announced they will drop the 3.5 V6 in the Altima in favor of a turbo I4. Pros and cons I guess but I thought about the same thing and wanted a 6mt 3.5 coupe... When the dealership located one equipped like I wanted (perfectly in fact) the planets aligned and I jumped! Zero regrets!


/r

Allen

Where are you reading this? According to C/D the v6 will still be offered (on the sedan, coupe lineup has not been announced) and the Hybrid will be a supercharged 4.
http://blog.caranddriver.com/engage-fac ... -released/

[Innovazn]

On a side note, to the 3.5's out there, hows the audio? Subwoofers are good or an upgrade is in need?

There is no such thing as a good stock system. If someone told you that, they lied. Just cuz it says Bose or Infinity dont mean jack. Bose has a factory that does nothing but push out 7-14 watt crap paper and foam speakers with there name on it like everyone else and thats what every bose car has in it.

DO NOT cunfuse ANY Bose(or other big name) car system with ANYTHING Bose sells them self(the home theater systems) The home stuff and anything you buy "aftermarket" is a TOTALY different build and quality then anything that comes factory! Nothing compairs to aftermarket amped stereo with speakers made with water resistent, stiffer material. Even the aftermarket NONAMES (I.E. Pyramid, Rage ect ect) Will stomp any Bose or Infinity or JVC factory system, no mater what company they paid to use there name.

Please do not pick your car because of what marketing ploy they decided to use. Just run them paper speakers till the pop. Then depending on your money situation, you can replace ALL of your interior speakers for less then $40 online with Noname brands that are 10X better then your stock anything. Anybody who knows anything about car audio will back me up.



My 2 cents
And if you realy care about your music, splerge a little and get Focals. I have had JL, Alpine, infinity and kicker componets. Focal wins. The cleanest smoothest sound I have ever heard.

And if your looking at subs, look at Digital Designs subs. There hand made in the USA and are built so tuff, they have a couple lines with NO theoretical watt limit. (IE saw at an spl comp some guy tied in some 14,000+ watts in to one of there 15 or 18s) Its a little known company thats been around the SPL comps for as long as I can remember, thay makes some of the hardest hitting rock solid subs in the world.

dont worry, i know my audio and know of DD's quite well. I just wanted to weigh out my financial situation and how long the speakers/ subwoofer lasts before i have to replace them. Gotta admit, for the Paper speakers my R50 came with... they still pushed quite hard. but i popped them just as easily...

[sprblk]

I have the Bose premium sound in my coupe. The component speakers are decent and have held up for the four years I've had the car so far, but the "subs" are s***. I don't remember if they ever sounded alright, but when I finally decided to upgrade they sounded like muffled flatulence. I disconnected the stock subs and put in a JL XD600/1 to a 10" JL W6. Sounds great now.

[AllenB]

Where are you reading this? According to C/D the v6 will still be offered (on the sedan, coupe lineup has not been announced) and the Hybrid will be a supercharged 4.
http://blog.caranddriver.com/engage-fac ... -released/

I dont recall the news release, but it was covering Nissan's strategic development. The push was for increased mileage and shifting from the current V6 to a turbo 4 while retaining similar HP numbers. Feel like a schmuck for not being able to cite the reference, and seemingly talking out of my posterior...

The release you posted is newer than the one I saw, but nothing is set until the new models are released. At the end of the day, it makes sense for Nissan to eliminate the V6 despite it's proven record since the I4 will be easier to market since few care about the performance aftermarket. I see the 70's performance doldrums being reincarnated over the next decade...


/r

Allen

[Innovazn]

OK... last question..

How much does it cost to fill one of theses suckers? as well as how many KM to a tank?

Right now, i have to fill premium in my other VQ and thats costing me a lil over 100 bucks for 300 km of travel. Ultimately im hoping the cost difference in fuel will make up for the extra $128 difference ill be dishing out a month

[sndtgr08]

OK... last question..

How much does it cost to fill one of theses suckers? as well as how many KM to a tank?

Right now, i have to fill premium in my other VQ and thats costing me a lil over 100 bucks for 300 km of travel. Ultimately im hoping the cost difference in fuel will make up for the extra $128 difference ill be dishing out a month

Depending on gas prices $50-$60usd to fill. Depending on your driving 200-400 miles. I know its a big gap, but doing 30mph in 2nd @ 3k in the city will get half the MPG as doing 80 in 6th @ 3k on the hiway

[tuhj0k4r]

idk why, but for me i get better mileage in the city going 45mph .. any slower or faster i get less milage, according to my thingy.

[Ranga14]

I have read the same things regarding the 2013 Altima retaining the v6 as well as bringing back the MT transmission.

Another funny thing I noticed was on the official facebook fan page for the Altima, they replied to someone there when asked about the "coupe reveal";

"Nissan Altima: You'll have to stay tuned for coupe reveal! We'll be sure to keep everyone posted when we get news on timing/reveal."

But yeah, take that as you may.

[Innovazn]

Ok.. Well.. after driving a V4 Coupe... im sold on the V6.. the V4 just doesnt have enough kick in it...

I believe i will be signing the papers this saturday and joining the ranks.

[Innovazn]

K well things moved faster then i expected. Papers have been signed and I will need to wait 2 months for my White 2012 6MT Altima Coupe


Edit :: Getting into a discussion with my father (a seasoned Standard driver) and hes claiming the trans/clutch on the Altima wont last with the HP the Altima dishes out... At what RPM is suggested to shift? any input on this discussion I'm having with my father? Hes insisting that i should switch to the CVT model as ill be shifting too much and will burn the clutch fast. My drive style being a bit on the noob side = Riding the clutch subconcsiously....

[AllenB]

No basis in facts, but the conventional wisdom on the Altima is the 6sp manual is far more bullet-proof than the CVT.

I am sure many builders with extensive experience can provide more fact, but I opted for the 6sp for 2 reasons...

1. It will withstand more HP (if mods are desired) and much more abuse...

2. The CVT is a sedative whereas the 6sp is MUCH more of a stimulant!


/r

Allen

[AllenB]

Hes insisting that i should switch to the CVT model as ill be shifting too much and will burn the clutch fast. My drive style being a bit on the noob side = Riding the clutch subconcsiously....

On another note, a fellow I work with has a 2008 V6 6sp sedan. He is a mechanical rock who can't drive and his wife is worse, especially when it comes to "proper" use of a clutch.

Four years and zero issues. I've ridden with him many times and his driving style speaks VOLUMES for the durability of the manual transmission from Nissan.


/r

Allen

[DAAN.]

I read what you think and what your father said ... as he knows how you drive, your father gave you the best advice.
Seeing how you repeatedly reference V4 in your comments ...

you should listen to your father

[Innovazn]

I read what you think and what your father said ... as he knows how you drive, your father gave you the best advice.
Seeing how you repeatedly reference V4 in your comments ...

you should listen to your father

I cant stand the V4, I've test driven it and i REFUSE to drive it. Compared to my current V6 VG35DE the V4 Altima is out of the question. The argument is between the CVT and the 6spd. He states that because we're in the city, shifting up and down is unavoidable.

My questions regarding this discussion is, How well with the Transmission/Clutch hold up? I sometimes "ride" the clutch but that will be changed. And again, At what RPM's is a suggested shift point for these vehicles? I generally shift at the 2.5 - 3.5 mark

[YoungCoupe]

I read what you think and what your father said ... as he knows how you drive, your father gave you the best advice.
Seeing how you repeatedly reference V4 in your comments ...

you should listen to your father

I cant stand the V4, I've test driven it and i REFUSE to drive it. Compared to my current V6 VG35DE the V4 Altima is out of the question. The argument is between the CVT and the 6spd. He states that because we're in the city, shifting up and down is unavoidable.

My questions regarding this discussion is, How well with the Transmission/Clutch hold up? I sometimes "ride" the clutch but that will be changed. And again, At what RPM's is a suggested shift point for these vehicles? I generally shift at the 2.5 - 3.5 mark

What DAAN is referring to is the fact that you've been saying "V4" when there actually is no such thing as a "V4" engine.
Edit: Actually there might be V4, but I don't think they're common...someone correct me if I'm wrong.

[Innovazn]

I cant stand the V4, I've test driven it and i REFUSE to drive it. Compared to my current V6 VG35DE the V4 Altima is out of the question. The argument is between the CVT and the 6spd. He states that because we're in the city, shifting up and down is unavoidable.

My questions regarding this discussion is, How well with the Transmission/Clutch hold up? I sometimes "ride" the clutch but that will be changed. And again, At what RPM's is a suggested shift point for these vehicles? I generally shift at the 2.5 - 3.5 mark

What DAAN is referring to is the fact that you've been saying "V4" when there actually is no such thing as a "V4" engine.
Edit: Actually there might be V4, but I don't think they're common...someone correct me if I'm wrong.

V4, 4 Cylinder, 2.5 Same deal to me. Cant stand it.