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Nissan Quest 2004+

2475 messages,  Last post on Nov 04, 2011 at 3:34 PM

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What is this discussion about? Nissan Quest, Van

Messages Page 113 of 248

#1120 of 2475 Freestar vs. Quest ?? by samnoe

Jun 13, 2004 (7:54 pm)

Problem with US minivans (and other models) that they can do things right, but often too late.
 
When the Freestar should be introduced in 2000, it would maybe be a winner. When GM should redesign the minivans at that time, it would be good, too. But not for 2004-05.
 
I'm sure there will be a brand new minivan from all domestic makes in a few years, and they would all be great, but by then, Toyota and Nissan will also be ahead...
 
Until 2004 there was a different story with minivans. Let's go over, and try to imagine a customer who is looking for a full size minivan in, let's say, year 2001.
 
First, of course, is Toyota. He comes in the showroom, and is asking, "I know you have good reliable vehicles, so I need a full-size minivan"!
 
I'm sorry, but we only have small size vans! comes an answer.
 
So where are we going next? Yes, you got it: Honda. So he went to Honda dealer, and asked for a full size minivan.
 
"Do you know that demand is very big? You will pay $1000 over sticker! and besides that, you gotta wait about 6-7 months!"
 
So he went out the door, and left the salesperson talking to the wall.
 
Then we try Mazda - also small only; Nissan? Mercury? small only.
 
So the only choice left for the big 3. Chrysler was on top of the market, and so was Ford & GM.
 
Now it's a different story. Toyota's new Sienna beats them all. The new Quest is also brand new, and on the Altima platform, with excellent driving dynamics. Honda's Odysseys are now looking for customers and you get deals like never before.
 
So there is no need to go the big 3.
 
That's why the Freestar's sales are down that much. Sure, they tried to push in a fold flat third row seat, but, like mentioned above, it feels like first grade chairs. And Ford even states that it's designed for children.
 
So it's not a good time to compare models with a 10-year old platform, with much newer designs, newer engines, and better features.
 
Too bad Ford and GM. You're good but always behind.

#1121 of 2475 by Stever@Edmunds HOST

Jun 13, 2004 (8:37 pm)

Was? Chrysler still outsells any one else in the minivan market, and some think they have the best style, best ride and best bang for the buck.
 
Steve, Host

#1122 of 2475 re: steve by dtownfb

Jun 14, 2004 (9:28 pm)

yes, Daimler Chrysler does outsell everyone in this segment but their market share has dropped every year for at least the past 4-5 years. Also the only companies that can make enough minivans to even have a chance to outsell Daimler Chrysler is Ford and GM, and their sales are going in the opposite direction. So I don't see anyone in the foreseeable future outselling DC in this segment. It's a very competitive, shrinking segment.
 
Styling is always subjective although I do think the DC vans are attractive on the outside. Inside they need some refreshening, nothing major. And a new engine and powertrain would help it even more.

#1123 of 2475 2005"s ? by famof3kids

Jun 15, 2004 (7:26 am)

Anyone have any information on when the 2005 Quest production will start in Canton?

#1124 of 2475 by Stever@Edmunds HOST

Jun 15, 2004 (8:04 am)

Good question - the factory just started cranking out '05 Altimas for the first time:
 
Jackson Clarion Ledger
 
Steve, Host

#1125 of 2475 Not all that happy by atinvoice

Jun 16, 2004 (9:32 am)

We've had a Quest for about 6 months and have had numerous problems. DVD player, overhead console, door handles, airbag sensors, tire pressure sensors, sunroof have all been replaced by the dealer, unfortunately all on separate visits. In addition, Nissan USA admits they have a big problem getting spare parts. We know that's true because each problem we've had required two trips to the dealer--one to figure out the problem and another several months later when the part finally came in. This is a current problem as of June 2004. I was a very happy Maxima owner for 10 years and I can tell you, this seems to be an entirely different car maker than 10 years ago. It is also in sharp contrast to the service, quality, performance, etc., etc. I get from Audi on a car I spent less on than the Nissan. All that having been said, the wife likes her Quest.

#1126 of 2475 Navigation system by tommyz

Jun 16, 2004 (10:25 am)

I'm ready to buy a Quest SE, except for one last decision - the optional Nav system.
 
Anybody have one? Or use this one?
 
I'm not sure how much we would use it, since we don't frequently drive to strange locations. We do, however, make a trip from TX to IL to PA every couple of years.
 
Do you find yours useful? Would you recommend it?
 
Just how much functionality do they lock-out while driving? This is the only thing that I hate about the factory systems. Whereas a portable unit the passenger can play with it without limits.
 
While the factory system is $2k, a Garmin SP2620 is under a $1k. Any advice? Thanks!

#1127 of 2475 tommyz and badgerfan by perna

Jun 16, 2004 (1:04 pm)

tommyz: The Garmin is well worth the money. My dad has the 2610, and it's great because he can use it in both their cars. It's functionally the same GPS as the 2620, with the newer one holding ALL the US. That would be spectacular. I personally wouldn't pay $2k for a GPS that is "stuck" in one car. Once you sell the car, then you have to pay that same $2k AGAIN if you want NAV in a new vehicle. The Garmin will last years and years, and if you want to upgrade the maps it's $150 (which doesn't need to be done but more than every 3-4-5 years). Garmin's service is also the best in the business - my dad hasn't had any problems with his 2610, but I know of others who have had problems with their cheapie eTrexes and Garmin never fails to make good on it, even on units out of warranty.
 
badgerfan: I live in West Michigan, and as such know many, many people who own domestic minivans. I honestly don't know a single person with a DC van who has not had some major catastrophe with it. My boss alone has had the tranny go, as well as the A/C within the first 2 years. My neighbor's tranny went awhile back. And these are newer 2000+ vehicles. No thanks. The fold-flat 2nd row looks cool, but getting stranded when you're a teenager and getting stranded when you're a father with a newborn in the car are two completely different things. Despite my bashing of the Freestar above, I'd trust it in lieu of a Caravan or Town & Country. The DC vans and the Kia are the only two minivans I wrote off without even going to look at them.
 
Although, if I HAD to buy a domestic minivan I'd buy one of the GMs. The crash test ratings and interiors are horrid (not to mention it's a technological antique.. fold-flat seats! surely you jest!), but people I know with them have had very good luck. My folks have 110k miles on their Montana, and besides an intake gasket it's all been normal maintenance.
 
That's really the rule I've found with GM cars in general - the interiors fall apart like they're made of toilet paper, they're not very fun to drive, but mechanically they're sound. My wife bought a new Cavalier in '98 and boy, driving that thing was medieval torture. But it never broke down or had anything but normal maintenance, which is all you can really ask of a GM econobox like that.

#1128 of 2475 tommyz by perna

Jun 16, 2004 (1:07 pm)

almost forgot, we bought my dad's 2610 (christmas present) from www.gpsdiscount.com , we got a great price and they're reliable (I also bought an eTrex from them to send to someone in Iraq as a gift). I'm not sure if it's appropriate to post that, so hosts please delete if not. Thanks.

#1129 of 2475 by Stever@Edmunds HOST

Jun 16, 2004 (1:52 pm)

No problem - we just get heartburn when salespeople get touted (or tout themselves!).
 
thanks,
 
Steve, Host

Messages Page 113 of 248

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