techstar25

Hello, I am new to this forum. I tracked it down because I am considering getting a new Frontier in the near future and I wanted to read up on other peoples opinions and ask a few questions.
I bought a new civic just over a year ago, after driving trucks all my life, and I'm starting to feel cramped in it. I'm realizing that I'm a truck guy.
I like the Crew Cab because I have two babies, a 1 year old and a 2 week old, and I need room for two carseats in the back. The CC looks like it has plenty of room for them.
My questions is...when is the best time to buy? I read something about late September because its the end of the fiscal year. When do the 06's come out? At that time will dealers be trying to clear out the 05's? How about finance rates? A year ago the honda dealer gave me 1.9% on my civic. Any chance of getting something like that from Nissan?
Also, should I try to get some good internet quotes first before I walk in?
Any opinions are welcomed.

 

05 NISMO 4X4

It's been my experience that you get a better deal at the end of the month. September is just around the corner, so the new ones should be hitting the lots in the next month or two. Not sure exactly when the 06 Frontiers will start to ship, but September seems to be the magic month for most car manufacturers! Nissan is currently offering $1000 cash back on the Frontier, or 3% for 36 months. These may get better later this month or next depending on the number of Frontiers still in inventory on the dealer's lots. I have had pretty good luck buying last years model after the new year models start hitting the showroom floors. Of course you have to choose from what they have available at that time, but if you're not real picky about color or options, you can usually make a pretty good deal on a left over. Someone on another Forum posted a link to www.fightingchance.com a web site that's supposed to arm you with all the knowledge you need to get the best deal possible! He did all his negotiations via fax, and ended up purchasing for a fair amount below invoice! I think the cost was about $35.00, but it saved him way more than that! Good choice of vehicle, BTW, and happy hunting!

__________________
Paul... :-)
2005 Aztec Red NISMO LE 4X4 KC, Sliding bed Extender, Body Side Molding, Side Steps, GENTEK 50 Autodimming Mirror, License Plate Back-up Sensor, OEM Rubber Floor Mats, eXtang Trifecta Tonneau, OEM Nissan iPod Gateway, OEM Hood Protector, AirAid Intake, PowerAid TBS, and JBA Exhaust! I'm done... :-)Get Cash Rebates on your On-Line Purchases!

msubullyfan

Edmunds.com's True Market Value (TMV) is a very good barometer of the real value of a new vehicle. It takes into consideration the demand of the vehicle as well as the local market conditions for the area you're buying. I've seen two independent reviews in the last year that said Edmunds.com is one of the best buyer tools available. They also list TMV, MSRP and Dealer Invoice cost for the vehicle and all factory-installed option packages.

If you're interested in the SE, have you looked into the NISMO? You can get a 4x2 NISMO that will include a couple of upgrades to the SE, such as a leather-wrapped steering wheel, keyless entry (some SE don't have it even w/ power package), better looking tires/rims, locking rear differential, fog lights, chrome exhaust, chrome door handles, trip computer, 8-way adjustable drivers' seat.

The NISMO is only about $1000 more than the SE with the power package added.

(EDIT: Just noticed you said LE, not SE. I looked at the LE and got the NISMO for the off-road package and because it didn't have the roof rack, which I've always thought looked sorta strange on a truck -- but that's just me. I also saved about $1200 not getting the LE).

I got 4.5% through my credit union, which the dealer offered to match. However, the interest rate isn't much of a factor. If you financed $20k for 3 years, adding one % to your interest rate would only add about $7 per month to your payment, whereas getting the price down an additional $1000 would save about $35 per month at about 5% interest.

techstar25

I originally said SE but then I edited to LE, but it still says SE. I meant LE. Strange...anyway.
I took a look at one today. The Electric Blue is very nice. That roof rack is kind of goofy looking though.
I couldn't believe how roomy it is inside...until I looked at the Titan...holy moly that thing is HUGE.
If I can get the payments down to something I can afford, I'll be getting the LE in Electric Blue very soon.

techstar25

I have another question. It is supposed to have a 6 speaker stereo, but where are the front tweeters? I looked for them on the door, and at the base on the A-pillar, but no.
Are they at the front corner of the dash?
In this photo I can kind of see a speaker grille at the very front of the dash close to the windshield. Is that it?
http://www.nissanusa.com/m/cma/i/5fr/5fro_gal_big07.jpg

 

sighter

That is them, on top of the dash, in the corners. The head unit is a breeze to use. I don't see near as good as I used to and appreciate the big knobs and buttons. Some have posted that the factory stereo system is lacking. I am sure it is if you are really into audio and want seperate amp(s) and high end component speakers, but I think mine sounds great with CD's. Plenty of bass and decent highs (these are adjustable). It lacks a little punch with the FM when you add some road noise, but overall not bad.

jklein

I'll second the Edmunds recommendation. In the past 3 years I've bought and sold a Ram, sold a Grand Voyager, bought a new Santa Fe, a used Frontier, and a used Neon and Edmunds was dead on with what I saw both in private party and dealer prices. Ther TMV pricing is not what the dealer has on the sticker, but what consumers report actually paying. That info helped me find very good deals on the ones I bought, i.e. when to keep looking and when to say "deal!", saving between $1500 and $5000 on the vehicle purchases.

Jeff K.