[sptddog]

I'm in the market for an Armada LE. I've been patiently waiting for my Durango lease to end. Unfortunately I've got to pay 3000 to get out of it early since I'm over miles. Thus, my problem...

There is an 05 LE loaded (NAV and DVD) around w/ capt chairs (which I really want), 15000 or so miles which requires me to put out 3000 or so (in addition to the 3000 for the Durango payoff). This is my dream vehicle, it's exactly what I'd have ordered if I could have bought new.

There is also an 04 LE which (I'm still getting info on this one) is also loaded (I think it has NAV and DVD), but does NOT have the second row capt chairs. 20000 miles and I probably wouldn't have to put out but 500 or so dollars (besides that dang Durango payoff). It appears to be a late 04 model as it was originally purchased in Jan 05. On the down side, it has an aftermarket wood dash kit installed and that's not really my thing. Can I live with it? Probably. Do I want to, depends on my other sacrifices and the 04 LE 1st year out problems. I've been told I can unbolt the center bench seat part and remove it, just leaving the two edge seats - essentially capt chairs w/out arm rests. Not sure if that's really true though. I only need to put car seats on them anyhow - but I want that open space to be able to utilize the third row with 2 carseats.

Which would you buy? Putting out the 3000 for the 05 really hurts my head (because of the Durango - so I'm out 6000 total), but it's potentially got less 'problems'. Plus, I'd probably have to take the money out of my 401K or the like. The 04 would be a compromise. Save money, live with wood trim and 2nd row bench. Potential rattles, brakes (not worried about that one really - Durango had same problems incidentally), etc.

If the Durango weren't in the picture it wouldn't be an issue. I'd dump 3000 and snaggle the 05. I can't even find someone to buy the Durango out - they're a dime a dozen and worth nothing.

Thoughts?

 

[FL_Crushin]

Thoughts?

Okay, you got a couple issues to address. The Durango payout - that is money spent, can't get around that. The '05 versus the '04 - you can get all the stuff in the '04 fixed under warranty if it is still rattling. I believe you are correct about unbolting the middle seat. I am also runnin' two captains chairs with matching carseats for each (3 yr old twins). Captains is a must have, when Nana and Pops are in town. BIGGEST ISSUE - the emotional tie to the 'dream vehicle'. Whenever you are dealing with a money issue, take the emotions out. You can probably get used to the wood dash, and save yourself $2500. You should DEFINATELY not take money out of a 401K to buy a depreciating asset, this makes absolutely NO sense whatsoever. Make sure the '04 is rattle free before delivery (ask about the maitenance record), and that it has the new brakes, and feel good about saving $2500. You'll love the '04 just as well.

 

[STOCKMADA92101]

Do Not Buy Either! Do Whatever It Takes To Buy An 06! You Could Probably Get Up It 3500 Under Invoice If The 2500 Rebate Applies To 06. If It Doesnt, Wait A Few Months Until It Does. Do NOT Buy An 04, You Will Be Sorry.

 

[sptddog]

FL_Crushin, are you my husband in disguise? Okay J/K, you make tons of sense, and you're right, I'm stuck on the dream car. I compromised on the Durango (didn't get the memory seats and/or DVD back then) and it annoys me to 'settle for less' again. I'm spoiled, no doubt. Too bad the capt chairs are so dang hard to find. ETA, hey, nice on the Phila Eagles hitch cover. You really are my husband aren't you? Phila fans here too....

STOCKMADA92101, believe me, I've tried to get in an 06, and so has every dealer I've been to looking at used models. Unfortunately my better half simply *will not* spend more than 600 a month in a car payment and *will not* lease again. He's already threatened divorce. Since we've got nothing in the Durango, we're in the same boat with an 06 as we are with the 05 I'm looking at. Money out in addition to the Durango. Other than the known problems, why would I be sorry?

Anyone else have 2 cents to insert? I'm open.

 

[Cillyone]

Save your money, buy the 04

Not all 04's have problems, for example, mine has done quite well with the minimal amount of trouble AND its PAID for. And besides, the 04's are the fastest year.

 

[mess]

I've been told I can unbolt the center bench seat part and remove it, just leaving the two edge seats - essentially capt chairs w/out arm rests. Not sure if that's really true though. .................................




This is definitely true!! I've done it several times for exactly the same reason. It leaves 6 bolt holes which you can see, but it is fully carpeted there. I've also fit two car seats on one side, with the second row folding forward for when big kids or adults need to access the back row. It is difficult to ask an adult to get to the back through the middle (not impossible, just more difficult than folding the side chair forward). Three car seats across is also possible, and soon needed for me in about 6 months. So that's why my wife and I chose the bench, for more versatility. As far as the 04...I wouldn't worry about it. I too would love a new '06...but I'm not paying 45+ grand for it. Nissan still needs to improve the leather and the general seat comfort before I'd buy a new one (maybe my wife's BMW 745i seats spoil me). The best '06 improvement is the folding 3rd row. All other things (problems) have either already been solved by the previous owner, can't be solved and are still present in the 06, or can be solved by a very detailed and anal person (in my case this was me). The only tough part about the last one is dealing with Nissan service. I've done it (a lot), since I have a sept 03 build date on my early 04. Still love the vehicle, I'm squeek and rattle free (thanks to the members here), the new brake fix is a true fix. Keep posting and asking questions. Also, the more you know , the cheaper you can get the 04. Make sure you know all the common problems (many nights of reading this board), and let them know if you find ANYTHING when you test drive it (listen carefully). Being informed may even drop the price more (keeping your husband happy). Good luck.

 

[ockevin]

I am very happy with my 04 Armada. Like the people said beofre, A good dealer can fix any rattle or bake issue for free. It will cost you a day or so. I would get the history from the dealer or call Nissan consumer affairs and they can tell you the history with the VIN #. I have a great dealer now , that takes care of anything I ask. I print out the service bulletin ( called TSB) and take it to the dealer with the supposed problem and they check it. My daughter loves the rear seat DVD. As a parent, its the best, and entertainment for the kids on road trips is priceless. The room is second to none and I came from a Yukon. Dont be scared of an 04, Just be informed on the history of the specific vehicle.

Good Luck.


Kevin, an 04 Owner

 

[llajumpvid]

Agree with the above for the $70 or more difference per month in payment the 05 improvements aren't notable enough to be worth it. Taking out the middle 2nd row is a good short term solution and gives you another seating place that you'll will undoubtly need on occasion. You can probably get by with just folding it down without actually removing it, especially if the 2rd row passengers are agile. I'd get the 04. The only other choice is to go to the 06 and get 3rd row split and a nicer navigation system. Aftermarket DVD can save you a few hundred dollars as well.

 

[sptddog]

Thanks for all the advice. I decided the 04 would be the wise investment, and called the dealer. SOLD.

They go so darn quick.

And so I'm paitiently waiting another to come along that I don't have to put money out.....

Thanks again!

 

[PumaFiveOh]

Not all 04's have problems, for example, mine has done quite well with the minimal amount of trouble AND its PAID for. And besides, the 04's are the fastest year.

Do you have any facts on your 04's are the fastest year theory?? I ask because I recently got an 06 as a rental while my 04 was in the shop, and I noticed that the 06 was a lot more quiet and solid feeling....but was definatly slower and just had a "restricted" feeling to it all around.
I can't imagine all the added sound dedoning crap added on the 06's (extra weight) could cause that much of a difference. Note that my 04 is a loaded LE while my rental was a 4x4 SE, so should be technically lighter.

When I romp on my gas pedal I can definetly feel and HEAR the sucker get going....the 06 took some time to get going and sounded a lot more quiet. I personally think the difference could be caused by a number of factors:
-crappy gas in the rental?
-ecu timing has been turned down a notch in the higher rpm range to get better MPG?
-more sound dedoning crap and who knows what else added (extra weight)?
-more restriction on the intake, exhaust, cat, or maybe all three?

Any ideas or facts from anyone??

 

[Campfamily]

My 06 Armada feels about the same performance wise as my 04, but I have no data to back that up, just my butt-dyno. Haven't pulled my trailer any long distance with the 06 yet, that will be the real test. I've noticed that gas mileage is a bit better in the 06 (about 1mpg average better), and it is definitely quieter.

I noticed that my old 04 is still at the dealer. Perhaps I should arrange a "test drive" and run them against each other.

Keith

 

[PumaFiveOh]

My 06 Armada feels about the same performance wise as my 04, but I have no data to back that up, just my butt-dyno. Haven't pulled my trailer any long distance with the 06 yet, that will be the real test. I've noticed that gas mileage is a bit better in the 06 (about 1mpg average better), and it is definitely quieter.

I noticed that my old 04 is still at the dealer. Perhaps I should arrange a "test drive" and run them against each other.

Keith

Did you trade your 04 in for the 06, lemon it or what?

 

[Campfamily]

Did you trade your 04 in for the 06, lemon it or what?

Lemoned it. We loved the vehicle, but had too many troubles with it (8 dealer visits for warranty repairs in the first 15 months). Once we got a lawyer, Nissan took care of us quickly, and we ran out and bought a new one with the money.

Keith

 

[pstorti]

Do you have any facts on your 04's are the fastest year theory?? I ask because I recently got an 06 as a rental while my 04 was in the shop, and I noticed that the 06 was a lot more quiet and solid feeling....but was definatly slower and just had a "restricted" feeling to it all around.
I can't imagine all the added sound dedoning crap added on the 06's (extra weight) could cause that much of a difference. Note that my 04 is a loaded LE while my rental was a 4x4 SE, so should be technically lighter.

When I romp on my gas pedal I can definetly feel and HEAR the sucker get going....the 06 took some time to get going and sounded a lot more quiet. I personally think the difference could be caused by a number of factors:
-crappy gas in the rental?
-ecu timing has been turned down a notch in the higher rpm range to get better MPG?
-more sound dedoning crap and who knows what else added (extra weight)?
-more restriction on the intake, exhaust, cat, or maybe all three?

Any ideas or facts from anyone??

If the 06 had relatively low miles the motor may not be at its full potential yet. As far as actual differences between model years I wouldn't know.