Problem with Titans in So California

BOLIVIA310 · 07-10-2004, 02:37 PM

I am getting ready to buy a Titan SE KC 4x2 and after test driving the truck am positive I want the truck. One question is can anyone tell me how their buying experience in Southern CA has been, preferably in the South Bay area. I would like to know what dealer you bought it from and what if any problems do you have with the truck. I need to know as much as I can before I get ready to buy the truck.

caltitan · 07-10-2004, 03:14 PM

A few weeks ago, I bought my Titan in Orange County at below invoice (RSM Nissan), but the timing was great when I bought it and I did allow them some profit on the trade-in portion of the deal. Your best bet is to deal with the internet sales guys, find a couple of trucks in their inventory and tell them you're interested . Their email addresses are posted on the dealership web pages or to make it very easy, go to Nissan USAs web site and do an inventory search by zip code, when you find the truck you like there will be a link to notify the internet sales department to contact you. They usually respond within a few hours or by the next day. I found out that most dealerships will match the Carsdirect.com price and some will even go lower. So just ask them if they can do better than that published price. It was really no hassle and most of my negotiating was via email. They did not hassle me with phone calls like the normal sales guys did following test drives. Their initial offers will probably be a little below MSRP but once they know you're going to buy and are shopping around from your computer rather than driving around they'll start bargaining (tell them you're checking out Dodge and Chevy because of the rebates). I know Power Nissan in Irvine was offering $3000 discount plus $1000 rebate on all Titan's in stock last weekend so check them out. I would have dealt with them but I needed an SE King with a tow package and they surprisingly didn't have any matches at the time (only XEs or crew cabs). Another hint, keep track of the dealer's inventory for a while if you can, that will tell you if they are still having trouble selling these trucks due to the large rebates on the Big 3 manufacturers.

As for the truck, it runs great with no problems (knock on wood), and it has been living up to the reviews (read the Edmunds.com full-size truck comparison). I am getting about 12 miles to the gallon, but I have had the AC running and commute up a 5 mile hill every day. On my current tank of gas I am not using the AC and going slow with the throttle to see how that will help. I packed about 1500 lbs of 55-gallon drums loaded with soil in the back of it the other day and it pulled around great. Good luck, have patience, and you'll strike a favorable deal for yourself.

in2tv · 07-10-2004, 03:24 PM

I bought my truck at Glendale Nissan, they were the only dealer that had the truck color and interior that I was looking for. I got mine for $100 over invoice on a straight buy (no trade-in). Only problems have been cosmetic, mostly resticking mudflaps and replacing a plastic part. The reviews were right I believe cheap plastics are being used. But as far as the performance nothing compares to this...for the money. Awesome engine and great tranny.
But if you go prepared to the dealer with your checklist handy you wil have no problems...check the thread about the checklist....good luck

Quote:

Originally Posted by BOLIVIA310

I am getting ready to buy a Titan SE KC 4x2 and after test driving the truck am positive I want the truck. One question is can anyone tell me how their buying experience in Southern CA has been, preferably in the South Bay area. I would like to know what dealer you bought it from and what if any problems do you have with the truck. I need to know as much as I can before I get ready to buy the truck.

BOLIVIA310 · 07-10-2004, 03:26 PM

Well actually my best friends dad works for Nissan in the Corp. office in Gardena and he is goin to give me his discount. I believe I get the truck at dealer cost with the VPP form that he is goin to give me. Also his dad has to sign the form for me and also go to the dealer with me when I purchase the truck. So I think Im goin to get a REALLY GOOD deal. Thanks for your input

overdose · 07-10-2004, 04:49 PM

Empire Nissan. GO!

PIZZACUTTERS · 07-10-2004, 08:01 PM

I'm picking mine up from DCH Nissan in Buena Park tomorrow morning. Talk to David Church in the internet department. I called him on the phone after finding the truck on the Nissan locator & he gave me a quote of $1000 below invoice not including the rebate. I was in there last weekend, and it was a quick & simple process. We sat in his office, he showed me the invoice paper, and then did the financing. Because of the holiday weekend, my truck didn't make it out of the port for shipment. He called me when the truck came in on Tuesday and we scheduled my appointment. I would have been down there sooner but my work schedule prevented me from getting down there sooner.
Tell him Mark sent you!

p.s. this has been the easiest car buying experience ever!

**CaliforniaTitan** · 07-10-2004, 08:58 PM

A new group of Socal'ers....Welcome....

Next Socal get together will probably be in later Aug...keep and eye in the general discussion are for more info as we firm it up. Welcome guys!

Chris

mtbendo · 07-11-2004, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BOLIVIA310

I am getting ready to buy a Titan SE KC 4x2 and after test driving the truck am positive I want the truck. One question is can anyone tell me how their buying experience in Southern CA has been, preferably in the South Bay area. I would like to know what dealer you bought it from and what if any problems do you have with the truck. I need to know as much as I can before I get ready to buy the truck.

I live in the South Bay but I wasn't too impressed with any of the local dealers for sales so I ended up buy my truck on the internet from El Monte. It was further away but they were straight up with me on the price.

Steventa · 07-11-2004, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BOLIVIA310

Well actually my best friends dad works for Nissan in the Corp. office in Gardena and he is goin to give me his discount. I believe I get the truck at dealer cost with the VPP form that he is goin to give me. Also his dad has to sign the form for me and also go to the dealer with me when I purchase the truck. So I think Im goin to get a REALLY GOOD deal. Thanks for your input

Got mine through the VPP program (Nissan Motor Sports)at Mossy Nissan Kearny Mesa San Diego. Well below invoice after the VPP price and $1000 dollar rebate. Great way to shop. Take your VPP number and business card of Nissan person, they tell you the price for the vehicle you want for that VPP number, if it fits, you are on your way with a Titan in about 2 hours.

BOLIVIA310 · 07-11-2004, 09:18 PM

so how much did you end up getting your Titan for? And what model and options did you get?

SUBTITAN · 07-12-2004, 07:11 AM

I got mine at Mossy Nissan El Cajon. At about $170 over invoice. I've been keeping an eye on their website. When Nissan started the $1000 rebate Mossy seems to have raised their MSRP to take the $1000 as profit. My experience was ok. I never have a good time buying a vehicle. I looked at Mossy Nissan National City, but their parking sucks. Mossy is networked so as long as you see the truck you like they can get it for you. Pacific Nissan can't compete with Mossy as far as price is concerned due to a lower volume of sales. It also took them 4 days to call me back when I was in the market.

cardesigner · 07-12-2004, 09:21 AM

I went through Terry Marvin, internet mgr at Gardena Nissan. Great deal, and he's a cool guy. Believe me, I went to a lot of dealers in the L.A. area and he is cool. Tell him Jun sent ya and he will do you right.

Don't go to Torrance (Power) Nissan, those guys are really, really bad. If you end up talking to B.K. (Brisham Kipliani), RUN!

doslocos · 07-15-2004, 08:54 AM

Bolivia,
Don't do it! Buy a Toyota or anything else.Or at least wait till next model year
The trucks have alot of problems. I will sell you mine if you really want one.
the problems are numerous but include:

1) window regulator problems
2) bed liner problems
3) bad radio recep. w/ rockford systems
4) tranny probs
5) elec problems
6) poor paint quality
7) possible rear diff probs.
8) rattles, rattles, rattles
9) loose components.
10) BRAKE PROBLEMS

There are other things but these are things I have addressed with mine.
the dealers do not have any parts for them yet.

The trucks perform and handle great but there are problems.

Also there is no way the trucks will pull 9500 lbs as advertised, (maybe on flat ground for a little while) I pull a car hauler with a Jeep that totals about 5500 lbs and the truck is maxed out. I would not feel safe pulling any more weight.

Good luck with your decision.

There are several forums on the web that discuss these problems
do a search for "Nissan Titan Problems"

chazz1202 · 07-15-2004, 10:23 AM

Strange, seen several other threads with a lot heavier loads than 5500 #s and owners very pleased with performance. Guess getting top pick by trailer and boating mags was undeserved huh?

chazz1202 · 07-15-2004, 11:56 AM

P.S. may want to check out "trailer life" thread just posted recently, funny how doslocos truck is "maxed out" towing 5500#s when trailer life tested the trucks towing over 6300#s (a 27' prowler) and the TITAN outperformed the competition! Guess trailer life (that performs these tests for a living) practices negligent testing of vehicles since the TITAN is maxed out @ 5500 pounds and is unsafe according to loco. Following this logic, guess the new F-150 isn't safe to pull a lawnmower! Perhaps locos hasn't had much experience pulling trailers? Don't know- just trying to give benefit of the doubt. Complain about pulling capacity of a TITAN and then recommend a perspective buyer to purchase of a toyota????? Whoa, that's funny!