Which one: 3.5SL sedan or 3.5SE coupe?

[topthrilldragster]

Hi all,I'm new to the forum, but have been browsing for the past week after I heard about the new coupe. As a result, I have a question for everyone. If price is NOT a factor and you were given the choice of either of the following three vehicles (no other choices, all amount to an MSRP of around $32000-$33000), which would you choose: 3.5SE sedan (with options below), 3.5SL sedan (with options below), or 3.5SE coupe (with options below)? Please don't consider cost as a factor, but do consider resale value (which do you think will be worth in 5-6 years?), appearance, drivability, etc. At first, I thought I liked the coupe, but I just test drove it, and there is no way to look in your blind spot over your left shoulder. As a result, if you want to get in the left lane, you have to speed up and look if a car in that left lane is behind you, or slow down and see if someone passes. This is my only gripe with the coupe (although the honeycomb front looks cheap as well). Maybe someone could also help with how I could go about checking my blind spot in the coupe without having to use one of those little circular mirrors that you mount on the sideview mirror and without having to buy laneFX (someone told me I just had the mirror adjusted improperly, but I was adjusting it while driving and was unable to get a full panaramic view). This is not a problem in the sedan, but then again, I might be able to figure something out in the coupe. Thanks in advance for your help.

Choice one: 3.5SE SedanExterior Color: Super BlackInterior Color: Charcoal LeatherTransmission: Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) Packages and Options:Splash GuardsSunroof Wind Deflector (optional)Technology Package (supposed to include premium and sport packages)Vehicle Dynamic Control and Full-Size Spare AccessoriesFloor Mats and Trunk Mat with Trunk Floor HooksAluminum Kick Plates

Choice two: 3.5SL SedanExterior Color: Super BlackInterior Color: Charcoal LeatherTransmission: Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) Packages and Options:Splash GuardsRear SpoilerTechnology PackageVehicle Dynamic Control and Full-Size Spare AccessoriesFloor Mats and Trunk Mat with Trunk Floor HooksAluminum Kick Plates

Choice three: 3.5SE CoupeExterior Color: Super Black Interior Color: Charcoal Leather Transmission: Xtronic CVT™ (Continuously Variable Transmission)Packages and Options:3.5 SE Premium PackageTechnology PackageVehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)Accessories:Carpeted Floor and Trunk Mats (without floor hooks)Aluminum Kick Plates
Modified by topthrilldragster at 11:24 PM 5/31/2007

[Carlosf22]

Welcome to the forum, I will probably be getting an Altima Coupe next month so I would say go for the Coupe. It is really up to you, do you prefer a coupe or a sedan, a sporty sedan (3.5SE) or a "more luxurious" sedan (3.5SL), you should test the three of them and see which one better suits you. Good Luck.

[hattrix]

I bought the coupe. I agree with Carlos, your decision depends a lot on taste. As for me, I wanted a little sportier so I chose the coupe. As for the blindspot, I just lean forward and look out the rearview mirror. If I don't see a car when I lean forward, I know I am good. It has served me well so far. I actually have had more trouble with the right blind spot. I have to look a couple times to be sure nobody is there.

You mentioned resale. Right now, the coupe is hot. A lot of people want it but they are limiting dealer supply. Should that demand remain high and the limits remain, the coupe will hold its resale slightly better. This is because there will be more sedans out there so the law of supply and demand dictates that more product will reduce costs. The thing I worry about with the coupe is that it isn't that much cheaper than the Z. Will the Z take some of the potential buyers on the used market. Overall, after having turned in my Titan and recieving more than Kelly Blue book for it, I have to say that Nissan's in general hold their resale and I don't see resale hurting you too much whichever way you go. Honestly, it will be about personal taste. If you prefer a large, roomy car for the family to shuttle around in the sedan is your best bet. If you are looking for something a little sportier but that you don't expect to take adults in the back for any long distances, go with the coupe. As for me, the coupe was the perfect choice and I couldn't be happier with it. You have to decide what you personally want and need.

[topthrilldragster]

Thanks hattrix. That is an extremely thorough response and you noted some things that I had not even thought of (the other nissan coupe and the right blind spot). I guess I am always getting into the left land for some reason, so that's why I did not even notice the right. I will have to go test drive one at another dealer tomorrow. Thanks again.

[Mark Zuke]

Hi, I purchased a 2007 3.5 se sedan in December. It has every option and is a wonderful car. The car is real quick an is fun to drive. The real negitive is the lack of room in the rear seat. With the front seats about 80% pushed back leaves just enough room for a full sive adult to sit in the back with their knees just touching. Also the Bose system really is incredible. Good luck and let us know which one you choose.

Mark

[Xenoseal]

As far as the blind spots are concerned on the coupe, it really isn't bad.

When buying a new car I was looking at various Coupes on the market, and my biggest worry with the Altima was the blind spots as well. Compared to similar coupes on the market the visibility out of the rear window (Really a porthole) is the worst.

Ideally you want the inside of the mirror off the car, you should have to move your head left (driver's side) or right (passenger side) to see the sides of your car. The reason blind spots are an issue in most cars is because you can't get them far enough off the car.

The adjustment range on the side mirrors of the Altima is great though, alleviating most of the problem. I'd attempted to judge the blindspot on the car (I have my mirrors adjusted fully outwards) using mailboxes on my street, by the time it was out of view of the front window the side mirror and rearview had picked them up with almost no gap. Just paying attention to cars on the road, I've never had a car fully in my blind spot, there is always a part of the car showing in either the (front) window, side, or rear mirrors. I actually prefer this to my old Sentra, only having to glance out of the window or check my mirrors allows me to keep more focus on the road, where as in my Sentra often when changing lanes I was cocking my head around to look out of the rear window - which takes your attention away from what's in front of you.

I hope that helps with the blind spot issue you are having, it takes a bit getting used to looking at the mirrors instead of trying to look out the back, but once you get it down it really isn't bad at all.

The other things you mentioned - style, resale, driveabitily - is really a personal preferance, but I'm definately not regretting my coupe purchase.

[generic808]

Well, when the coupe first came out last year, I was dead set on buying it. That is, until I went to test drive. I'm only 5'10" 195lbs and I had a hard time fitting in the front seat comfortably. The seat seemed too "bucket" for me, while the legroom was barely enough. I had the seat ALL the way back and down, and my head was grazing the roof. Backseat legroom was non-existant when adjusted to how I needed to be. Another factor was the trunk space, or lack thereof. The sedan has over 3 times the cu ft space compared to the coupe, and that was the final deal breaker. Ended up with the sedan and I don't regret it one bit.

[08Coupe]

I'm 5'11" 220lbs and fit fine in the coupe... the back seat is kinda tight but they aren't making the car payments.lol