i test drove a couple NAH's in the last week. I also checked out the TCH and Prius. The Altima is the best IMO. So here are the deals I have been provided:

New 2008 Silver with all option packages + moonroof, kickplates, and mats:
$ 29,500 with 5.5% financing

Demo 2009 (vehicle never registered so still new and has 3500 miles) with same options as above except Tech package:

27,500 with 3.9% financing

According to my research, both will still qualify for the $2350 tax credit and deductibility of sales tax under new stimulus package.

Your thoughts?

 

Nissan made no changes for for the 2009 NAH so there's nothing new you'd be missing with the 2008.

but...

3500 miles seems like a lot of miles for a demo - probably actually used as a "loner" or used by the sales staff as a personal car. Nissan recommends a 1200 mile break-in period - avoid hard accereration, probably vary engine rpm over long distance and no towing. You'd never be sure how hard those 3500 miles have been. If it was beat on during break-in there would probably be a problem with the engine using oil from the pistons not seating properly. Probably not a real concern as it was most likely used for everyday driving and not for long trips and the "drive by wire" throttle controls the engine rpm.

 

$29,500 sounds like a decent price. Can you negotiate the interest rate or look elsewhere?

Keep in mind also that, depending on how much you make, you may not get all of the $2350 tax credit back. It adjusts on a scale...

 

I now have another dealer offering me any model of the 2009 NAH at $500 below invoice, before the rebate. I managed to get my own financing at 4.24%, so I don't need the captive rate anymore. So, that puts a loaded 2009 model just north of $30,000. It also puts the demo at about $27,000.

I guess I have to ask myself: is the tech package worth it? I do like it and am sure I will be kicking myself if I don't get it. Does that mean I have already answered this question.

Next point: how much blood can I squeeze out of this turnip? These dealers seem to be falling over themselves to see how much $$$ they can lose. A great situation for a car buyer; a sad spectacle for those involved in the auto industry.

Last question: I have heard bad stories about the "Power" automotive sales group. Any opinion here?

 

I like the tech package. It's really just these 3 things for an extra 2 grand.
1. Rear view camera (this is very handy)
2. Nav system (this is pretty handy, but so is a tomtom)
3. Energy flow monitor (it's cool for a while, but I almost never pull it up anymore)

They are not cutting the price all that much. Squeeze them a little more. Don't be afraid to walk out and come back to talk to someone else later.

 

Thanks for the reply. I have a chance to get the new 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid at invoice. Loaded price is $29,000. It seems like a pretty nice ride. It also has a $3400 credit if ordered by 3/31. How do you think they compare? That might be a difficult question since the FFH is not out yet, but several comparison reviews give it great marks. The sync system seems far superior to the NAH, as do the other tech gadgets. I suspect the NAH is a better driver's car, but not by much.

 

I couldn't really say about the Fusion. It seems a bit bland except for when I look at it head on, then it reminds me of a Mach 3 razorblade. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

I would not recommend buying it without a test drive just to get the 3/31 credit. Don't trust the reviews.

 

Stephen,

Thanks for the advice. I put down a refundable deposit on the 2010 FFH today. I went to the dealership and inspected the current Fusion (2009) carefully, and drove it as well. I liked the way it felt and handled.

I also drove a 2009 FEH to check out the techie sync package and the hybrid system (which is very similar to the FFH system). The transition from ICE to full hybrid and vice versa is very smooth, more so than during my test drive with the NAH. The navigation system and sync is great, and blows away any other OEM system I have seen. It has a 10 GB hard drive so I can download 2000 songs, photos, my entire phone book and other things. The voice activation is very intuitive as well. I was disappointed with the NAH interface, and that I could not play my ipod in the vehicle. At the NAH price point, you need an ipod hookup.

So, I should take delivery some time in April. If I change my mind, I have it in writing that there is no charge to me (before I take delivery of course).

 

Right on brother!

Write us up a report when you get delivery. My wife's car is almost due for a replacement & the Fusion fit's in the price range.

 

You got it. I will post a write up and pics as soon as I take delivery.