The base price of our 2007 Altima SE is only $24,500. But it has $7,430 in options. Yowza! If you want extras, you've got to be willing to pay. And Nissan puts their optional equipment into packages, so it's all or nothing. What if I don't want trunk lid trim?..
We have the pricey $6,400 Technology Package which bundles together a nav system, rearview camera, satellite radio, Bluetooth capability, upgraded Bose stereo, xenon headlights, leather seats, power-sliding sunroof, foglights, rear spoiler, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, HomeLink universal transceiver, auto-dimming rearview mirror, driver's power lumbar support, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob, compass, rear passenger A/C vents, trunk lid trim, MP3 capability, diversity antenna system, radio data system and speed-sensitive volume. I'm out of breath.
What if I want the leather seats but not a nav system? I have to opt for the leather package which includes a moonroof, fog lights, spoiler, dual-zone temperature controls, and more, including trunk lid trim.
There are a few things you can purchase separately. We have the $130 splash guards. We also have the $900 Vehicle Dynamic Control with full-size spare tire. But you can only get that with the Technology Package.
For the most part, Nissan has put together a few expensive optional equipment packages. So if you want only a couple of these options, you're stuck shelling out the money for all of them.
As for the picture above: I wish the Altima had adjustable pedals. The gas and brake are very close to the floor. For $32,545, it would be nice to be able to move the pedals higher.
Donna DeRosa, Managing Editor
billt9 says:
04:22 PM, 05/10/07
Inventory control.
Same as Toyota and Honda.
Unless they want to be on the verge of going out of business like Ford.
If you can have 50 build variants, there will be 40 overstocked variants that nobody wants left over.
They key is getting the packages to be exactly what most customers want. I don't think Nissan does the best job of it.
On the other hand, I love Mazda's packages on the CX-7 and CX-9.
carlisimo says:
05:15 PM, 05/10/07
It's the opposite in Europe somehow. There you have to choose between a dozen engines for some models and that's only the start! Then you've got the slew of options, many of which we'd expect to be standard here in the US. The desire for options that our pickup truck market is known for has nothing on European cars.
jaeger1 says:
05:41 PM, 05/10/07
If you think this is bad, try shopping for an Acura TSX or RDX (two vehciles I considered before purhcasing my '07 Altima). About your only choice is nav or no nav. That aside, the only way they sell them is fully loaded. Nissan may not offer the most flexibility in terms of options / packages but relatively speaking, they are very far from the worst.
7driver says:
06:09 PM, 05/10/07
Ya know, I'd be willing to pay a few hundred extra just to be able to send a car down the line configured the way I want with all options de-packaged and no artificial dependencies (e.g. Bluetooth depending on nav makes sense but leather depending on moonroof doesn't)
billt9 says:
09:58 PM, 05/10/07
carlisimo:
try to get Americans to pay $10,000-$15,000 for a car.
That's how much more cars cost in Europe.
Sure they can be more flexible when they charge more.
Americans also want their cars now, instead of waiting for it to be built in 3 months.
If you have to pay an extra $10,000 more, just buy the top of the line model with everything!
Well that solves your configuration dilemma HAHAHAHA!
carlisimo says:
12:44 AM, 05/11/07
That goes for upscale cars too, in Europe. And here the only people that demand long options lists are full-sized pickup buyers, and those aren't cheap. But I'm sure you're right, that spending less on cars drove that options strategy in Europe (not in Japan though, curiously enough).
tackepj says:
06:12 AM, 05/11/07
Surprising to see a foot-operated parking brake in the Altima, but they seem to be popping up in places you wouldn't expect them (i.e. the Lexus IS).
langjie says:
06:42 AM, 05/11/07
It's already hard to find the exact car you want, nevermind if all the options were separate. Toyota has a la carte system and it's hard to find the specific car you want and also gets expensive.
my problem with my hybrid was Nissan didn't have enough cars with all the bells and whistles
jriz says:
08:40 AM, 05/11/07
tackepj -- Altimas with six-speed manuals come with a regular hand brake.
flightnurse says:
03:12 PM, 05/12/07
I have noticed that Nissan has started to do this, with the packages.. We have a 05 Altima SE, the only package it has is the sport package (sunroof and rear spoiler, the spoiler should come standard) and the safety package (side air bags, Traction control and 4 wheel ABS).
We also have a 07 Versa, SL with convience package ( bluetooth, intelli-key) its a $700 package, which I think is well worth the money. But I noticed you can't get that with the Altima (bluetooth) unless you order one of the expensive packages. Since more and more states are starting to legistate the use of cell phones, I would assmue that automakers would offer some options as standlone or alittle less..
I'm waiting for the new Nissan Rouge to come out, I'm hoping that Nissian doesn't so with the Rouge as it has done with the Altima or Max by having expensive packages to get certian items
ryanthomas1 says:
06:56 PM, 05/15/07
With my Nissan Altima lovely car..i find it perfect vehicle for me, all Nissan Altima Parts were of high quality, and in terms of comfort, safety, and performance, these has been integrated to the Nissan Altima.