My father is now dead set on a 2014 Tempest Blue Nissan Altima.

"RotaryLover" (rotarylover)
03/17/2014 at 20:48 • Filed to: Still looking

What do you think about these? He really wanted a Volvo...but the salespersons didn't even care about him leaving him in the showroom watching the cars for over 20 mins. He went to Nissan and he had great service as usual and got a deal on a fully loaded 2014 Nissan Altima SL 2.5L in trempest blue. I'm not a Nissan guy...but what do you guys think about his choice? Could he get something better?

DISCUSSION (68)

Brian Silvestro > RotaryLover
03/17/2014 at 20:49

I like the Mazda 6 better. It's by far and away the best car in the segment. Pretty much every Nissan gets a "meh" from me.

Nick George > Brian Silvestro
03/17/2014 at 20:51

I second the 2014 Mazda6. Great car and blows away the current competition.

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > RotaryLover
03/17/2014 at 20:55

He likes the CVT?

RotaryLover > Brian Silvestro
03/17/2014 at 20:55

I'm trying to convince him lol.

RotaryLover > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire
03/17/2014 at 20:56

He likes the fact that car is smooth and just goes. So I guess he does...

Brian Silvestro > RotaryLover
03/17/2014 at 20:57

At least convince him to go look at it. It's even more beautiful in person.

AthomSfere > RotaryLover
03/17/2014 at 20:57

As long as he gets it with the manual, oh right... Nissan. Pass!

RotaryLover > Brian Silvestro
03/17/2014 at 20:58

We'll see it tomorrow. >:)

Brian Silvestro > RotaryLover
03/17/2014 at 20:59

Obligatory

Kinja'd!!!

RotaryLover > AthomSfere
03/17/2014 at 20:59

He's not a driver like us....more like the smooth point a to b kind of guy.

Tom McParland > RotaryLover
03/17/2014 at 21:00

Nooooo reliability is really sub par compared to Honda/Toyota. Seriously tell him to drive the new Accord. It is the best car in the class...and they have a really nice dark blue.

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > RotaryLover
03/17/2014 at 21:02

Have him ask about the servicing that it will eventually need.

GeorgeyBoy > Tom McParland
03/17/2014 at 21:03

Listen to this guy.

RotaryLover > Tom McParland
03/17/2014 at 21:03

He doesn't like it. He seen it today.

GeorgeyBoy > RotaryLover
03/17/2014 at 21:08

Has he considered a Regal, some good deals going on from the General.

RotaryLover > GeorgeyBoy
03/17/2014 at 21:11

When he heard Buick he said "Buick? Buik? What am I gonna do with a Buik? So saddly, no.

Sn210 > RotaryLover
03/17/2014 at 21:25

Totally read this as "My father is now dead."

Autolegend86 > RotaryLover
03/17/2014 at 21:27

I'd say the Altima or Shadow DN4.

Spaceball-Two > RotaryLover
03/17/2014 at 21:30

I guess my question is did the Volvo get a fair shot? I mean it's not the cars fault the sales person was a tool.

RotaryLover > Sn210
03/17/2014 at 21:30

Bahahhahahaha you read way too fast!!

RotaryLover > Spaceball-Two
03/17/2014 at 21:33

Well I'm looking for another Volvo dealership that wont have pricks as employees. The dealership he went is known to have employees with the big headed "if you don't look rich, we ain't serving you" attitude.

Spaceball-Two > RotaryLover
03/17/2014 at 21:36

I hate that kind of mentality. I hope he has better luck.

Jarrett - [BRZ Boi] > RotaryLover
03/17/2014 at 21:38

My dad got one of '13 flavour. It's a decent A—>B car with decent mileage, and decent styling. It's got lots of room for passengers to be comfy on longer trips and pooling, front and rear. It needed the alternator replaced because it was loud, but otherwise it has had no issues that I have been privy to. He puts >30000km/year on his cars. I was also pushing for a new Mazda 6, but he was totally disinterested. He cross shopped with with a new Optima.

I think part of the reason he got it is because Nissan actually gave him a good trade on his Z, and he doesn't get all hyped up about the cooler cars anymore. (sign of getting old I suppose)

On the bright side, we're chipping away slowly at my mother into the BRZ direction. She's not quite ready to turn in the Celica keys yet.

RotaryLover > Spaceball-Two
03/17/2014 at 21:38

I hoped. But the prices got him out of it too. They offered not much for the Mazda 3 and the Altima he's gonna trade in compared to Nissan. We'll see.

BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather > RotaryLover
03/17/2014 at 21:39

Speaking within the confines of that segment, there's better cars out there. I'd say make sure he looks at an Accord, 6, and Legacy before he jumps into the Altima. For the price of a fully loaded model, you might even be in the ballpark of a TSX or ATS 2.5.

RotaryLover > BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather
03/17/2014 at 21:45

This is what I told him. Mazdas has no effect on him. He doesn't like the rear end of the Accord. He wont go back to Subaru. Cadillac? In the end, he didn't want to get one because the father of my sister's husband has one doesn't wanna look like a follower. He didn't see the Acuras yet, but he almost back out because my sister had 2 brand new ones back when she was my age. He felt he had to go upper if he got an Acura, like the TL/RL.

signintokinjalol > RotaryLover
03/17/2014 at 21:47

Passat TDI, my brother just ordered one.

The DCT is smoother then anything else in the price range. Also it's a fucking Diesel

BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather > RotaryLover
03/17/2014 at 21:58

The current TSX has a very upscale look to it. I'm pretty sure it won't be like the ones you guys had. It's a very good car.

Manuél Ferrari > Brian Silvestro
03/17/2014 at 22:02

The Mazda 6 is my favorite car in its segment by FAR. I wouldn't even consider any of the other cars. The 6 is sexy.

Brian Silvestro > Manuél Ferrari
03/17/2014 at 22:08

Seeing in real life really opens your eyes to how good they made it!

Have you seen the new 3? Just as beautiful. Mazda really did a good job in these segments.

Spaceball-Two > RotaryLover
03/17/2014 at 22:13

Got it. I've always liked the product Nissan puts out there. It's tough for us Oppos because our requirements are lofty and often don't translate over to the masses.

Textured Soy Protein > RotaryLover
03/17/2014 at 22:14

I had one as a rental and HAAAAAAAATTTTTTTEEEEEE the CVT. It's infuriating.

If you press on the gas a little bit, because you want a little bit of acceleration, the car responds to your pressing the gas by shifting to a higher "gear" which then kills any acceleration. Effectively, if you're already moving and maintaining a particular speed, the car is set up to assume that you the driver are stupid and didn't mean to press the gas that extra little bit.

"Oh you probably didn't actually want to accelerate did you? You're just an idiot who can't maintain steady pressure on the gas pedal. Don't worry, we're going to keep doing this same speed."

The car refuses to acknowledge any request for acceleration until you're almost flooring it.

I don't want a car that fights back and argues with you when you try to accelerate.

Manuél Ferrari > Brian Silvestro
03/17/2014 at 22:20

I've seen the 6 in person but not the 3.

Mazda all the affordable cars!!

sixdown2015 > signintokinjalol
03/17/2014 at 22:22

I have to second this. The Passat is great... I'm seriously considering a TDI myself. Get him to test drive one.

Brian Silvestro > Manuél Ferrari
03/17/2014 at 22:23

The 3 is awesome, trust me. If the Abarth and ST didn't exist then that would be my next car for sure. Oh well.

RotaryLover > BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather
03/17/2014 at 22:24

Definitely. I'll have him go see it tomorrow with me.

RotaryLover > signintokinjalol
03/17/2014 at 22:28

Vw is banned from father. He still thinks diesels will have trouble to start in winter. Ahhh the old mentality!

signintokinjalol > RotaryLover
03/17/2014 at 22:29

Did he try the ATS?

RotaryLover > Textured Soy Protein
03/17/2014 at 22:30

Looks like there's a lot of issues with the 2013s....I don't like this...

RotaryLover > signintokinjalol
03/17/2014 at 22:32

He doesn't want a Cadillac since the father of my sister's husband has one and does not wanna look like a follower.

signintokinjalol > RotaryLover
03/17/2014 at 22:35

What if you told him that the Altima blends in so well that he'll be more of a target for police officers?

The Altima is so common that he would be following on default.

Textured Soy Protein > RotaryLover
03/17/2014 at 22:35

I see in your other posts you mention he just wants a smooth driving car. Tell him to try this on a test drive:

1. Drive along at the speed limit.

2. Press the gas a little bit, to accelerate a little bit. Like add only 5 mph more.

3. Observe car not accelerating at all.

4. Continue pressing the gas until the car finally gets around to accelerating.

5. Accelerate more than 5 mph because the car is stupid.

Sk3ptik0n > RotaryLover
03/17/2014 at 22:41

My Dark red 2007 altima is not an exciting car. But it has been incredibly reliable and comfortable. It's a car I would take to NY from California without a second thought.

Also, compared to 2007 breed cars I like its style better than the competition. In fact, I like my model better than the new one. They added too many "design elements" on what is an elegant shape.

The reason why I approved the buy (my wife chose it) is because it doesn't look exactly like Honda, Toyota, etc. and it wasn't white or silver/.

It bores me to death because it is FWD and automatic, but I am happy my wife drives it and she is safe in it AND she can recognize it in a parking lot.

VQ_powerrrrr > RotaryLover
03/17/2014 at 22:51

My parents have an 09 altima hybrid, the only complaint I have about the previous generation is the build quality. I once was closing the door and i pulled the interior panel right off! Kinda scary to see the airbag and stuff. Otherwise its a great car, very smooth with the CVT as your father says

TillTheWheelsFallOff: Brocoma > RotaryLover
03/17/2014 at 23:03

Funny you say that because I went to a Volvo dealer to ask when the new V60 was going to be in the showroom and he told me I was "too young to like wagons and should look at the S60." Buddy two things, 1: who the hell are you to tell me what I like? 2: I have no money, haha.

Manuél Ferrari > Brian Silvestro
03/17/2014 at 23:56

How much is the Mazda Speed3?

Soulred14 > Brian Silvestro
03/18/2014 at 00:40

I agree! My coworker got a Mazda 6, and that's what helped push me to get my 3. The Camry and Accord are... meh... and once Nissan went all CVT, I lost interest.

RotaryLover > signintokinjalol
03/18/2014 at 04:55

Well I suggested to see an Impala 2014. He automaticly said "All the taxi drivers will get one! It's an Impala after all!". Me: Altimas also dad. They are quite common in the taxi world. Him : ........but it's not the same thing as the 2014! -_-

RotaryLover > Textured Soy Protein
03/18/2014 at 04:57

This is gonna be hilarious! Thanks!

RotaryLover > Sk3ptik0n
03/18/2014 at 05:09

My father got a '08 model. He likes it...But he doesn't see the flaws that I see. I don't want him to buy the car and think that all the issues he has are normal. His car vibrates the hell of it's life when he puts it in drive or reverse during winter at cold mornings. The TPMS still has issues after 5 visits to the dealership. He just gave up and let it be. I don't want that and I read some owner reviews about the 2013 Altima, it's no good at all with all kinds of issues. This is why I'm not a Nissan guy. But I gotta say...it's the most comfy car I ever sat into.

RotaryLover > VQ_powerrrrr
03/18/2014 at 05:10

Pulled the panel right off...:/

RotaryLover > TillTheWheelsFallOff: Brocoma
03/18/2014 at 05:11

Maybe we have it better than old people...

alfonsoldc > RotaryLover
03/18/2014 at 07:52

I had a rental 2013 2.5 S for about 3 weeks and it was very livable. I felt the steering wheel rim was very thin and the steering itself a little overboosted especially at highway speeds. Otherwise, it was great, felt solid and very comfortable.

Takuro Spirit > RotaryLover
03/18/2014 at 07:53

How I feel about them: http://oppositelock.jalopnik.com/oppo-rental-ca…

There are better cars out there, even beige ones. The CVT/4-cyl combo I drove was not smooth. It was buzzy and loud.

Stef Schrader > RotaryLover
03/18/2014 at 09:37

Automatch speaks the truth. They've done some upgrades since my old '02, but my 2.5L Nissan engine was a head gasket eating, useless piece of crap. Avoid. Avoid. Avoid.

Get the V6 (supposedly not a ticking failure time bomb) or get a different car. The Mazda6 or Accord would be my picks. Especially the 6—mmm. Those are purty.

Brian Silvestro > Manuél Ferrari
03/18/2014 at 11:44

I think it'll start in the high 20's, but if it comes out by summer it'll be a possible candidate.

Brian Silvestro > Soulred14
03/18/2014 at 11:46

Exactly. Mazda makes good cars!

Manuél Ferrari > Brian Silvestro
03/18/2014 at 12:44

Oh man I hope it does! Then you can test drive it before pulling the trigger.

Brian Silvestro > Manuél Ferrari
03/18/2014 at 12:49

Yeah the last one was crazy, it had like 276 HP or something like that. And everyone knows it's going to look badass. I hope they at least unveil it soon.

Saracen > RotaryLover
03/18/2014 at 12:55

I used to own a Nissan ('99 Maxima SE), I've driven many of em, and I still lust after a S14 240SX.

Here's my problem....Nissan can never get everything right. My Maxima was a world class engine in search of a good chassis. I mean it...the VQ30DE was the best six cylinder engine I have ever driven to this day shy of a BMW straight six (and to me even that is debatable). But it was a horrible, flexy chassis with lousy ABS-less brakes.

The Altimas and 240SX had the other problem. Tight chassis with a gutless motor. The 350Z won on value, but the punched out VQ lost its magic (should have supercharged the VQ30DE), and it was an overweight chassis plagued with terminal understeer.

And now, I think they've just become lazy. I think outside of the Juke they only build two engines for their mainstream vehicles. Boring, ugly, shapeless vehicles, every single one of them. Let's just throw the same boring 4 banger and thrashy oversized VQ into everything we build...and hook it up to the same goddamn CVT transmission. "Innovation that Excites"...really? Where is this supposed innovation?

Nissan has really gone downhill from the company they used to be, when everything they built was sporty and fun. Now that crown has been passed to Mazda.

I'd avoid Nissan like the plague.

Manuél Ferrari > Brian Silvestro
03/18/2014 at 13:38

Man this new one might be the best new car for the money.

The Fiesta ST and Focus ST are great. But Mazda has more experience in the US market as the Speed3 was an existing product and they evolved it. The current Fiesta ST and Focus ST are the first truly hot versions of those cars that Ford has sold here, correct?

I watched a video on the last Speed3 before. The reviewer said that it was a great performance car. The only complaints was that it was a little rough and hard to live with on a daily basis. I'm sure Mazda made it a bit more comfy to DD. Add better looks and Mazda build quality and it could be a really nice car.

Brian Silvestro > Manuél Ferrari
03/18/2014 at 13:47

I'm sure they've refined the ride quality between then and now for sure, and you're completely correct when it comes to experience. I really want them to announce it so reviewers can get their hands on it as soon as possible. I want to know how it stacks up.

Manuél Ferrari > Brian Silvestro
03/18/2014 at 14:01

Crossing fingers it gets announced soon!

thunder1979 > Manuél Ferrari
03/18/2014 at 14:13

"The current Fiesta ST and Focus ST are the first truly hot versions of those cars that Ford has sold here, correct?"

2002-2004 Focus SVT would like to have a word with you.

Manuél Ferrari > thunder1979
03/18/2014 at 14:20

I had a feeling I might be wrong. I asked Brian to confirm since I figured he was the expert because he was doing research on the Fiesta ST.

I had heard that the UK has had a hot version of the Focus for a long time but didn't know when we got one here.

Thanks for the info!

thunder1979 > Manuél Ferrari
03/19/2014 at 13:46

You're welcome!

UK had the Focus RS and if I'm not mistaken, that was a flaming hot hatch built on the Focus platform that we never actually got here in the US.

Kinja'd!!!

Manuél Ferrari > thunder1979
03/19/2014 at 15:19

That car looks nice! Such a bummer it never made it here. Ford is American but we weren't getting its best stuff in America at that time. Glad they've corrected that!

Sk3ptik0n > RotaryLover
03/22/2014 at 21:59

Doesn't sound like my car. I have never been one to let a car warm up even when that was a necessary part of owning a car and I don't do it with mine, but it pulls cold very smoothly as it does when warm.

Also, no vibration at any speed. Sounds l;ike the 08 your dad got had some problems to begin with.

In any case, I don't blame you for not being a fan. Neither am I. But as a A to B car with a style that is not exactly identical to every sedan out there (Hello Camry) and a good degree of comfort it's an OK car.

My biggest issue is the boring FWD and the unstellar engine performance wise.