Some Issues To Think About With Used Nissans

Posted on: 9 May 2016

As cars go, Nissan is a middle-of-the-road brand -- not necessarily top-class, but pretty reliable and of a solid value. What goes into purchasing used Nissans? Check out this list of issues that car buyers and others should know about when they're looking at a used Nissan on a lot.

Generations and Styles

It's good to know about how Nissan pursued style changes in their product lineup over time. Many of these vehicles have been through some evolution in their time in the product line. For instance, it's instructive to know that after 2001, Nissan started building the next generation Nissan Altima that stayed roughly the same from 2002 to 2006. This helps you make decisions about what's on the lot, for example, whether a 2001 model or a 2002 is a better option.

Specific Model Year Build Issues

It's also helpful to know about the general context of how specific makes and models were built in a given year. To go back to the example of the Nissan Altima, one big controversy surrounds the use of a front catalytic converter directly under the engine manifold. While some cars don't have a problem with this design, others led frustrated owners to mouth off on public forums after having to change parts multiple times or even hollow them out in defiance of critical emissions laws. Knowing these issues exist can help you to evaluate a used Nissan on the current market.

Contrast Nissan Against Competitor Models

Another helpful thing to know about is how Nissan stacks up to its competition. For example, the Nissan Frontier truck is popular in the truck market, but it contends with other popular models such as the Toyota Tacoma, Honda Ridgeline, Chevy Avalanche and Ford F-150. Being able to compare and contrast similar car or truck models will give you much more of a sense of the value of a used Nissan vehicle.

Generally, keeping up with news from the manufacturer and news from your local shop will make you much more of a savvy buyer. It helps to pursue a particular brand over time, and you start to learn how that brand is made. For instance, a lot of the maintenance and repair processes for Nissan cars are fairly straightforward and have certain conventions, all the way down to the fasteners and bolts that the company uses to construct the vehicles. Keep an eye out and be more informed about Nissan vehicles on your local lot. To learn more, contact a company like Western Avenue Nissan

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