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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 96 of 248

#946 of 2475 RE; Which Minivan & why by laundryguy

Jan 24, 2004 (6:36 pm)

I agree with earlier post - this area is kind of biased to Quest - but I honestly think it delivers the best value in many cases.
 
For reference, I have been driving a 1995 Ford Windstar since 8/10/94 and it just cracked the 125k mark this week. Needed plenty of tender loving care and $ to make it though. Still runs, but it is time to move on...
 
I'm getting quotes right now to buy a Quest because it suits my needs best for the following requirements:
*3500 lb tow capability (Freestar is 2000 lbs now, or at least through late March from what I hear). I got about 2900 lbs of boat, trailer, and gear to pull.
*Just $540 for the towing kit. Ody will set you back $1200 or so. No add on tranny or oil cooler - just hitch and harness. All you need to add is a bar and a ball - which you can probably get dealer to toss in since only about $25. I will note that Sienna does this equally as well. *No need to upgrade interior packages like Dodge/Chrysler to be able to get tow package - maybe adding features you were not necessarily interested in.
*Absolutely the best interior space. I have four boys - soon to be four big boys and that back seat gets lots of room. Compare back seat leg room - Quest is at the top going 41.6/41.2/41.1 front to back. Freestar is 40.7/38.0/32.7 - obviously Ford folks stole 2.5 from Windstar rear seat to make their flip 3rd row fit in the car.
*Availability and pricing - NE Wisconsin Siennas are few and far between and you pay the sticker if you can get one. Internet search shows many Nissans available.
*Current GM (Pontiac/Chevy) minivan products have clunky 3rd row seat, and limited carrying space behind third seat. New one coming out this fall I hear - but is it worth the wait? Really a dated product when I looked at it recently
*Freestar had really cheap interior (plastic not cloth arm rests, etc). Look for $2500 rebate to skyrocket soon as these will not sell against what is out there. Pity too since we really liked the Windstar for first 100k miles, even after a new tranny piston and head gasket. Be cautious of suspension. At least new digital speedometer solves mechanical speedometer problems that Windstar had.
 
What I have heard/seen:
 
My dad has a 2002 GMC Safari - very nice - good tow vehicle, but ride is anything but car like and has high step in height
 
Sister has a Circa 1996 Dodge Caravan - OK car, but multiple tranny issues like everyone else.
 
I never looked at the Mazda because of size but have heard good things from neighbors who own one.
 
Co-worker with new 2004 Sienna loves it. But paid through the nose for it.
 
Neighbor has 2000 Ody - resale value is tremendous for trades (must be best in class), nice ride, but falling behind on interior features and much higher price.
 
Lastly - I own a 1997 Pathfinder which beyond an exhaust system and two new front struts (the only real weakness) has performed incredibly for 80,000+ miles. The quality is really there and I can't see the Quest being anything but spectacular based on what I have read in the 2004 Quest problem section (read through if you are considering).
 
Laundryguy

#947 of 2475 Try sitting in each van by hansienna

Jan 24, 2004 (8:38 pm)

Since you own and like a Nissan Pathfinder, the Nissan Quest would be the best choice for you even if another brand may appear better. Stick with the brand you know and trust.
     Specs indicate one thing. A real world test is much better.
    On paper the Quest has better leg room for 3rd row passengers than exists when sitting inside the Quest. That carpet thing that hangs down from the 2nd row seats has a very limiting effect on 3rd row foot comfort.
     In real world testing, the Odyssey has the best foot and leg room in 2nd and 3rd row seats of any minivan.
     Based on initial specs, the 2004 Sienna became my first choice. However, sitting in all minivans changed my opinion. The Odyssey is first choice based on most power, highest resale value, and best value for the MSRP.

#948 of 2475 Aftermarket Fog lights by vince14

Jan 25, 2004 (7:54 am)

Steve- thanks for noticing my post. I have had no success, the dealer has not bothered to respond to me. It is my understanding that other Nissan models have had Nissan kits that were installable, kit needs to come with new steerign wheel arm (where the light switches are) since that's where the control goes. I really want them because I feel the headlights are somewhat underpowered, and they would provide some extra lights. (Plus, the plugs where the lamps would go are ugly!) --- Vince

#949 of 2475 Quest vs Odyssey by drssyoon

Jan 26, 2004 (8:37 am)

I traded my '02 Odyssey for the Quest. I am very happy about my decision. Ody was a fine car, but what bothered me about it was the road noise and the transmission. It is very noisy and you felt fatigued if you drove it all day. The transmission was not too good (it had a "smart" something that was supposed to use the engine to brake, but I found it constantly lurching). I heard from someone that Odys are having a transmission recall. The final straw was Ody's sliding door that kept on insisting it was open (Beeping) even though it wasn't.
 
We now have a Quest SE. The ride is much more comfortable, with no fatigue even after a long ride - very low road noise. Very smooth transmission. I am still, however, having some problem with my sliding door. Quest's audio system just blows away the Ody's. It is hard to believe that Honda has such cheap audio system in their supposedly top of the line van (the model we had).
 
Bottom line, I am very happy that I made the switch.

#951 of 2475 hood deflector by skramer1

Jan 26, 2004 (10:43 am)

I just finalized my purchase of a Quest SL with the leather package and it will be delivered around the end of Feb.
I traded in a 98 Honda CRV with a hood deflecter that kept the hood in good shape from stones and bugs.
I asked my dealer about a hood deflector for the new Quest and he suggested a 3M plastic shield instead,but couldn't show me an example of either.
Has anybody out there had either of these installed,and what are your recommendations?

#952 of 2475 by steve_ HOST

Jan 26, 2004 (9:23 pm)

I bet the 3M shield was the clear front end bra stuff. It looks nice from the photos I've seen but it's pricy stuff.
 
Take a look at Car front end protective bras & film in the archives.
 
Steve, Host

#953 of 2475 protective film by papamoose

Jan 27, 2004 (1:06 pm)

Thats a pretty sweet product Steve. I didn't think it was overly high priced either. Problem is without any certified installers around here how hard would it be to install the bumper film on the Quest? They gave it four stars for difficulty of install...
 
Did anyone else notice a $20 jump in the destination charges on the Quest? I'm wondering if these are the later manufactured vans that may have a few fixes in them, i.e. no rattle, etc.?
 
All responses appreciated as I am looking to buy within the next week or two.

#954 of 2475 Hood Delector vs 3m Film by skramer1

Jan 27, 2004 (3:30 pm)

Thanks Steve and Papamoose.
The 3M film is available here in Calgary.But,has anybody out there put on a Hood Deflector,and how do you like it? I heard it might look too big due to the hood styling on the Quest..

#955 of 2475 skramer1 by papamoose

Jan 27, 2004 (7:32 pm)

I was wondering about the same thing as I was planning on getting the bug deflector so I'm waiting ont his one as well....

Messages Page 96 of 248

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