Comments on: Nissan Sales Slide 17.7%

By: Chris Haak

Chris Haak — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 15:21:41 +0000

@gamper,

We also had a loaded 2005 Nissan Pathfinder LE 4×4 (navigation, etc.) bought in August 2005 and liked it. We traded it on a 2008 Sienna Limited AWD in December 2007 because two car seats didn’t fit into it behind two six-foot-plus parents. It was a great vehicle for us, even though we only had it for 2 1/2 years.

But boy, am I ever glad that I don’t own it anymore. It’s probably dropped $5-7k (or more) in value since last December.

By: theflyersfan

theflyersfan — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 15:19:50 +0000

Axel – that was Nissan. I think they were run at the same time the GI Joe 300ZX Turbo (which was no longer built at that time) commercial was done – it had either the founder (or actor playing the founder) of Nissan holding a small dog.
It’s a crime that I see more Pathfinders with the green “E” Enterprise sticker on the tailgate than I see actual owners that own one. This, along with the 4Runner, was the end-all in the original Japanese 2-door SUV invasion and they were just some of the best built vehicles ever.
I miss my old 4Runner from my West Africa days – gas was over $6/gal but that thing never got stuck and it never left me stranded.
Also agree – that new Maxima is SHARP. It is too bad it is in the no-man’s land of being between the V6 Altima and the Infiniti G35. I think the styling of the Maxima will set it apart and there are those of us who need front wheel drive for winter driving…and can’t plunk down that much for an AWD G35.
I think Nissan is like Mazda in this new automobile environment – they didn’t overexpand into trucks and the Altima is a top seller. They also have the capacity to shift production around to make more cars.
It will be a sad day in SUV history if the Pathfinder walks the plank…

By: joeaverage

joeaverage — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:47:00 +0000

Dogs don’t pay the bills… VBG! At least mine doesn’t.

The Versa is on our short list next time ’round. Small family hauler with a hatch and folding rear seat. Have moved alot of stuff with cars like that.

Guy I know turned up his nose at the Versa saying it was just a sh**-box and then proceeded to buy a Focus… Uh – same small car qualities fella! What’s the difference? For us the killer is the sedan only Focus. Not going to buy a small sedan. Not nearly as useful as a hatchback.

By: Axel

Axel — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:24:38 +0000

theflyersfan :

Dogs Love Trucks!!!

Was that Nissan or Mazda? I honestly can’t remember.

By: theflyersfan

theflyersfan — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 13:43:31 +0000

Dogs Love Trucks!!!

couldn’t resist…

By: gamper

gamper — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 13:37:04 +0000

Dave Ruddell wrote:

They still make the Pathfinder?

Ha, true you dont see many of them around. Of course TTAC has to use the Pathfinder as the poster child for Nissan’s poor sales showing. Fitting I suppose with the cataclysmic sales slide for the model. I own (lease) a 2005 Pathfinder 4×4 LE, loaded. I really like it, been a great vehicle. Very distinctive in the Detroit area where I live where it is literally a sea of domestic mid and full sized SUVs. So far as midsized body on frame SUV’s go, I still think it is the best in the industry. Got it for a steal when I leased it nearly 3 years ago, I would imagine my payments look downright expensive compared to what the go for today. It is actually not all that bad on gas either, I typically get 17-18 mpg, get 20 on the highway with the 4.0 V6. That is on par, or barely trailing, the real world fuel economy of many of today’s hot selling crossovers.

Though it has dutifully carried out its role as the family truckster, I am looking forward to turning it in for something a little more economical with a more carlike ride.

By: Dave Ruddell

Dave Ruddell — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 13:24:21 +0000

They still make the Pathfinder?

By: mocktard

mocktard — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 12:27:49 +0000

jberger, I think it’s much more the fact that most people don’t need to carry more than 4 people, minivans are (still) not “cool” and the mileage improvement is not substantial.

By: Richard Chen

Richard Chen — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 12:25:24 +0000

@jberger: $5.5-$7.5K off MSRP new Quests at the Carmax in White Marsh, MD

By: jberger

jberger — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 11:55:45 +0000

Guess my bargaining position for a Quest just improved. . . 62% decline. I would think folks moving from SUV’s would be hitting the vans if they needed to carry more than 4 people.

Saw the new Maxima hit the lots yesterday, great looking car. I’d hate to be launching anything but a subcompact car in today’s market. But on looks alone, it appears to be a winner.

By: seabrjim

seabrjim — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 02:33:08 +0000

Stopped by Concordville nissan today to scope out a possible replacement for the 05 colorado. The only frontier models they had were 4 door 4 wheel drive ( which I have) and a v6 (which I dont). 14/19 mpg (why I bought a four which isnt offered in crew/4wd). Thats about 16 in mixed driving. Think I’ll pass on nissan. They dont even make a regular cab, king or crew, thats it. The 4×4 crew weighs 4552 lbs! Wonder what the titan weighs? Maybe the domestics have company with dropping the ball.

By: davey49

davey49 — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 01:58:40 +0000

The Versa is a big draw for senior citizens around me.
I hope the XTerra stays around, I’ll want one eventually because it looks like I won’t be able to buy a Hummer H3.

By: kjc117

kjc117 — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:40:29 +0000

I bought a Z in June and a couple bought a Xterra the same day.
Well at least I tried to improve their sales.:)
Rogue’s are hitn 20 somethings chix hard, while the Versa is hitn
downside chix.

I had a Versa rental and it is not a bad car. You sit high like a CUV unlike a low slung Civic or Fit.