[Weps]

For the past year or so, I've been planning to get a Frontier. I've compared the years and models and decided on a 2005 or newer 4x4 CC Nismo/Pro with moonroof and around 40,000 miles or less. Last summer I thought it would be a good deal if I could get that combo for less than $15,000 OTD. I use cars.com, autotrader, yahoo, and the Nissan pre-owed search, for various areas around the country.

Since I never found one and still want the same truck, I've revisited the market over the past couple months and have found that used prices have not changed significantly. Most of the trucks I'm seeing at the 15K price are high mileage or are 4x2 or are SE, LE. Considering the prices of newer or lower mileage trucks, I started considering a 2010 model with the $2000.00 cash back promotion.

For those more familiar with the auto market, is this a good time of the year to buy? How much room is there for dealers to move below the MSRP? I really do like the PRO-4x, but still appreciate a good deal.

 

[Clint]

There is at least $2000 room below. You can look up dealer cost on the web. Try New Cars, Used Cars, Car Reviews and Pricing - Edmunds.com

Clint

 

[LINESKIER45]

in my experience, it's always a good time to buy a truck ... manufactures are always having some kind of promo going on and car dealers always want to to buy a truck no matter what the economy is doing.... if you want to piece of mind with a warranty, and can afford it go with new or an used 09. plus dealers want to get the 10's off there lot to make room for the 11's

 

[frontyfan]

It's always a good time to buy a vehicle with not so great gas mileage! What are the reasons why you want a NISMO/Pro-4x vs. SE or LE? Look at what you want and compare it with what you need and how you will be utilizing the vehicle.

I found it cheaper to buy an SE and do a M226 axle with factory e-locker swap (Nismo/Pro-4x option only) then to just buy a Nismo, I knew I would be doing a lot of trail riding, but didn't want to pay the mark up for a Nismo.

 

[TLBones]

I bought in March when there was $2500 rebate. My salesman said Nissan traditionally offers the biggest rebates in late summer. Take that's for what it's worth...but I have no reason not to believe him...I seem to recall some bigger rebates last summer. I was in need of a new vehicle so I decided not to wait, but had I been able to I would have waited. Definitely check out Edmunds, KBB, etc. for invoice pricing.

 

[thebavarian]

i'd keep waiting for something to pop up on autotrader.com. I managed to find an 08 SE 4x4 on there with ~17,500 miles. Originally the dealer wanted to sell for like 19,000 but i got it for $17,500. Course it's easier when looking for the 6spd to get a good deal

 

[eckemoff]

First, there are always some kind of sales going on and it is a good time to buy a lot of the time!

The best time to buy is late in the year and get that year's model. I.e., get a 2010 in October - December, when 2010 models have not been manufactured since early fall.

Dealers are very motivated to sell the previous year's models (2010 in late 2010) and will sell below MSRP. Also, Nissan will have 0% APR for 60 or 72 months or 4-5k rebate for these models.

The only problem is that most of these models will be sold by then and it will be hard to find a PRO4X (most will be SE). Thus, choices will be limited.

In general, it is hard to bargain for a PRO4X because dealers think they can sell them for more because they are a lot more rare and have the attitude "if you're willing to pay for all those extra accessories, you're willing to pay the dealer more."

You can get a SE 4x4 for A LOT less, but it may not have all those options you seem to want. So, you may have to pay 32k+ to get what you want (IMO, bad idea).


ALSO: I WOULD NOT BUY A USED PRO4X. First owners likely bought the truck to abuse it and planned on trading it in/ selling it later!

My dealer has this old guy (think he is 80 something). He is fairly rich and trades in for a new PRO4X every year because he drives the **** outta them. Mainly the suspension gets weaker after long periods of offload use. Instead of maintaining a used truck, rich people keep getting new ones because the Frontiers are pretty cheap for the good off road vehicle they are.

A guy at the dealer said people do this all the time! The used are sold in a "AS IS WARRANTY" too.

 

[Riddlin]

I bought my Pro4x in March 2009 had a $2k rebate I believe and they gave me $1500 more off (which wasnt enough for me). I made them throw in bed extender, Rubber mats and OEM Step Bars.

ALSO: I WOULD NOT BUY A USED PRO4X. First owners likely bought the truck to abuse it and planned on trading it in/ selling it later!

My dealer has this old guy (think he is 80 something). He is fairly rich and trades in for a new PRO4X every year because he drives the **** outta them. Mainly the suspension gets weaker after long periods of offload use. Instead of maintaining a used truck, rich people keep getting new ones because the Frontiers are pretty cheap for the good off road vehicle they are.

A guy at the dealer said people do this all the time! The used are sold in a "AS IS WARRANTY" too.

This statement is complete BS. I have a Pro4x and have never taken it off road. Just because it has the upgraded stuff doesnt mean people thrash their trucks.

 

[Weps]

Thanks for the details and thoughts guys. I don't know much about Nissan dealer operations, sales, or incentive patterns, so it's been helpful. I also dated a girl for awhile whose family owned a few dealerships (not Nissan) and learned enough to know that all kinds of tricked out accounting goes on behind the scenes with regards to pricing. I have no idea what is realistic or fair for a Frontier.

I'd agree that buying a used truck does have higher risk of potential problems than the typical street vehicle. It's one of the reasons I have been reluctant to spend for something used. What may seem like a good way to save a few thousand dollars could easily end up costing more. If I knew the owner or trusted the dealership, it would make a big difference. So far, that hasn't happened. Granted, not all Nismo/Pros have been beaten off road, but it's hard to know the truth from an ad, listing, or short conversation.

The idea of building up a lesser model for comparable features did cross my mind. I looked at the SE's. Checked out the aftermarket options and prices. Looked at the feature breakdowns for models. I think there are two issues.

1. I like what I like and can be pretty particular about certain things. With a new purchase, the moonroof and leather seats are essential. I've always had leather seats and simply don't want anything else unless needed for harsh conditions. And being on the trails with an open roof on a bright, fall day is just one of those simple pleasures for me.

2. At this point, I simply don't want to deal with any specs or mods right now. An enjoyable, reliable, daily driver that doesn't require thinking or work and that will get me just about anywhere off road is really what I need. I don't plan to baby it, but don't want to roll or destroy it either. For that, I have a 76 Bronco that I want to turn into a tubed crawler.

That may be more than you wanted to know, but that's my thinking. If I can get a P4X out the door for 30K, I will probably buy within the next week. If not, there's always that Isuszu Rodeo down the road.

 

[EleVate]

2005 Nismo

I just purchased my Nismo this spring for 14,400. It had 48,000 miles on it. They wanted 18,400 but I talked them down. Many times if you show interest and are persistant they will work for you! They also threw in new tires, inspection for life, every other oil change free and It still had some of the warranty left.
They want to sell nissans so if you show interest in a used car by another manufacturer they will be more willing to negotiate!

 

[Riddlin]

30k out the door sounds about right. Depends on what you get. I love my truck. Have had a few minor problems like leaking shocks and rear diff, other then that nothing big.

 

[LE-Medic]

30k out the door sounds about right. Depends on what you get. I love my truck. Have had a few minor problems like leaking shocks and rear diff, other then that nothing big.

what happened to your rear diff.?

 

[chris196]

I bought my Pro4x in March 2009 had a $2k rebate I believe and they gave me $1500 more off (which wasnt enough for me). I made them throw in bed extender, Rubber mats and OEM Step Bars.




This statement is complete BS. I have a Pro4x and have never taken it off road. Just because it has the upgraded stuff doesnt mean people thrash their trucks.

Why did you get a Pro4x?