2005 Nissan Altima SE-R Preview

[Don Vito Corleone]

Originally posted by: mAdD INDIAN
I don't think the G35 would work as a family car would it?

From the inside, it looks a whole lot smaller than the Altima.

And its also hard to find a stripped G35. Around here, most G35s are around 42k CDN, while this SE-R would be around 33-34k CDN.

Why wouldn't it work as a family car? The sole disadvantage I can see (other than cost, which is a point well taken) is the fact that RWD is not as foolproof if the driver is unskilled. On the other hand, many, even most people really don't care about the driving experience, so a big FWD car with an automatic is a perfectly appealing proposition for them.

 

[BigSmooth]

Originally posted by: Don_Vito

Originally posted by: BigSmooth

Supposedly they're "smoked" now, although in pics I see no difference. I like the new grille and I think this could be a good value although I am sure it will be a torque steer monster.

Although it's a pretty easy choice to get even a stripped G35 at over a loaded Altima if it's priced at $29K, rebates will be inevitable on the Altima.

Agreed on all counts. I can't help but wonder whether the relatively limited production numbers of the SE-R will give weasely dealers an incentive not to discount the car, which would make it even less palatable. The relatively aggressive pricing of the G35 does seem to me to significantly undermine the appeal of the Maxima and Altima SE-R.

Tough to say what kind of discounts you'd be looking at. It's true that the SE-R will be produced in limited numbers, but then again I would think there are a somewhat limited number of buyers as well (relatively few people buy V6 Altimas to begin with). The Sentra SE-R, even in Spec V trim, has been heavily discounted, but the Altima has a much broader appeal so that's probably not a good measuring stick.

Guess what we'll see what the demand is like. Dealers can only charge what the market will bear.

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: KnightBreed

Originally posted by: ElFenix
g35 is quite a bit smaller, i think.

G35 specs
Altima specs

Nah, not a big difference. The only significant size difference is the rear leg room. The others seem pretty comparable.

that was what i was talking about. i like taking road trips with friends (though, again, the car i have now is horrible for that)

 

[prontospyder]

looks nice - but a 2.5S is good enough for me. 🙂

 

[KokomoGST]

Definitely not worth it considering the G35... and if you're cross-shopping in the price range. RX8.

 

[Crappopotamus]

Originally posted by: Skoorb

Originally posted by: ElFenix
260 hp i'm guessing

270 tops... let's be serious though: who would spend $29k on this when they could get a 265 HP G35 sedan?

and where does this leave the maxima?! *sad*

looks sexy. i like a lot. and thank god they got rid of the tooth.

 

[UNCjigga]

What happened to the LED taillights?? Someone told me the SE-Rs would have xenon headlamps standard and LED 'ring-style' taillamps with the ubiquitous clear lenses vs. the standard altezzas.

edit: ok the HIDs are there but it only says 'unique' taillight treatment...hopefully my inside source is right about the LEDs in back!

 

[ApacheXMD]

didn't i read somewhere that the g35 was getting a HP bump to 300hp? That would separate it a bit more from the Altima SE-R.

the maxima is the car that either needs to go, or needs rwd. But if they could slim down the maxima a little bit, make it rwd, 290ish HP, and keep it priced well below the G35 by keeping the interior a little cheapish, that would be great.

-patchy

 

[StageLeft]

Originally posted by: Crappopotamus

Originally posted by: Skoorb

Originally posted by: ElFenix
260 hp i'm guessing

270 tops... let's be serious though: who would spend $29k on this when they could get a 265 HP G35 sedan?

and where does this leave the maxima?! *sad*

looks sexy. i like a lot. and thank god they got rid of the tooth.

Nissan has a weird lineup right now. I think perhaps though that the SE-R may end up appearing so ricey in person that it's not particularly likely to pull a lot of people specifically away from a maxima purchase - especially some old folk.

 

[Crappopotamus]

Originally posted by: Skoorb

Originally posted by: Crappopotamus

Originally posted by: Skoorb

Originally posted by: ElFenix
260 hp i'm guessing

270 tops... let's be serious though: who would spend $29k on this when they could get a 265 HP G35 sedan?

and where does this leave the maxima?! *sad*

looks sexy. i like a lot. and thank god they got rid of the tooth.

Nissan has a weird lineup right now. I think perhaps though that the SE-R may end up appearing so ricey in person that it's not particularly likely to pull a lot of people specifically away from a maxima purchase - especially some old folk.

as much as it hurts me to say it, i think the maxima has to change... make it the older people car. less sporty, more luxury. talking bout fat american style here. 🙁 there is really no where else to go.

 

[mAdD INDIAN]

Originally posted by: Crappopotamus

Originally posted by: Skoorb

Originally posted by: Crappopotamus

Originally posted by: Skoorb

Originally posted by: ElFenix
260 hp i'm guessing

270 tops... let's be serious though: who would spend $29k on this when they could get a 265 HP G35 sedan?

and where does this leave the maxima?! *sad*

looks sexy. i like a lot. and thank god they got rid of the tooth.

Nissan has a weird lineup right now. I think perhaps though that the SE-R may end up appearing so ricey in person that it's not particularly likely to pull a lot of people specifically away from a maxima purchase - especially some old folk.

as much as it hurts me to say it, i think the maxima has to change... make it the older people car. less sporty, more luxury. talking bout fat american style here. 🙁 there is really no where else to go.

that's already happened sadly. Look at the 04 Maxima.