Why are used Nissans very cheap? [MERGED]

[JackFlash]

It's Nissan's way of atoning for their sin of being slow to introduce newer models of nameplates that should be more attainable for mainstream motorists. For example, how old is this current gen Sentra? Since when has the newer model been launched abroad?

Kidding aside, Nissan goofed big time w/ previous generations, like the Pulsars, Stanzas, box-type Sentra, etc. I'm sure you all have friends, relatives or even personal expereience in reporting Nissans that suffered from kalampag, mechanical defects, etc. These contributed to poor image, consequently affecting prices of 2nd hand vehicles.

Some say we can lay the blame on the initial Pinoy partners during the PCMP yrs. The locals owned majority then and reportedly scrimped on production & after sales procedures. Then when the laws on JV's in the motoring industry were revised, the Japanese took a more active role, introducing more stringent methods in prodcution and after sales svc.

Unfortunately the image problem had already stuck so when one would hear of a Nissan problem, he'd be quick to blame it on the brand's poor quality. In contrast to Toyota or Honda, one would be more forgiving if a quality problem was reported, rationalizing that it's probably an isolated case.

[Wh1stl3r]

I have not read the entire thread but this is my thought of why Nissan's resale value suffered.

The boxtype sentras (B12) were a hit. Nissan sold a lot of these units from the LX, SLX and SGX. Engine was unquestionably good... the suspension and insulation isn't. Not all but majority of B12s experienced underchassis problem and the sound deadeners of the cabin was thin. These 2 combines = disaster. You hear knocking sound (suspension) and hear loud road noise. This resulted to a lot of complaints from it's owners.

This negative impression on Nissan dragged on to the B12s replacement, the B13. Despite quantum leap improvements on it's suspension, safety features, ABS (1st to locally introduce), front and rear 3-pt seatbelt system, speed sensing door locks (1st), etc., the trauma on Nissan cars remained. This was no different to the B14 series despite the introduction of the MLB suspension, prestige by winning the SEATC and the Pan-Philippine Marathon -- wherein the B14 acheived 30,000 kms in 30 days. Still, resale value of the Sentra was considered one of the lowest in it's segment. (vs. Corolla, Civic and Lancer)

Then at almost the same period, the (initially) very successful introduction of the Nissan Vanette -- where NMPI had to work triple time to cater to the demands of the market, became short-lived.... The amount of success the Vanette garnered resulted to an equally (or even more) disastrous result when the design oversight of the radiator shroud caused countless overheating --- to a point engine blocks break! This did more harm than good. Result --- poor resale value.

The Bluebird Altima's intro in 1993 was a flop. Why? Nissan priced it comparable to that of the Toyota Corona and the Honda Accord -- which were the top 2 selling mid-sized sedans at that time. So to unload the stock, Nissan dropped the price. Again, a mistake that resulted poor resale value for Nissan. It was only when the Cefiro was introduced in 1997 where Nissan's resale value slightly improved.

The amount of damage on Nissan's image thru the years was already hard to remedy.... But this does not give justice to what is actually true. Nissan is a good, reputable brand. It has introduced some automotive technology firsts here in the Philippines.

As I quote viet:
"Huwag nissan bilhin kung plano ring ibenta. Pero kung tipong mapagmahal sa gamit para makasama habang buhay, Nissan ang piliin."

This is actually what is already happening. If you are looking for a "cheap" but quality vehicle that you'll own and never worry of how much you'd be able to sell it in the future, go for Nissan. But if at the time of purchase, you already start computing how much you'd get of a future sale of your-to-buy Nissan, forget it. Buy another brand... maybe a Honda or Toyota.

Nuff said.

Benz, I don't agree that all Nissans resale value are low. It depends on the model. True enough, a lot of past (and some present) models are subpar when compared to other brands in the same segment, but the newer models now are much better, even raising the bar when it comes to other aspects. In other parts of the world Nissan is the 3rd biggest Japanese carmaker in terms of sales volume. Toyota is 1st, Honda 2nd. Isuzu has pulled out of the US market while Mitsubishi sells limited models.

The Murano, 350Z, X-Terra, Titan, X-Trail and Navara have been selling well before the financial crisis and have had great reviews. While I agree that FC has never been a strong point for Nissan, it is one of the leaders in engine power. Its also been known for having all the toys (in other markets anyway)

It all boils down to what models the local importers have in their lineup. The Sentra & Urvan are a couple of models that are long overdue for replacement. If they continue to bring in these subpar models a dark cloud will always hang above Nissan's reputation. I say do away with the models with dubious quality and bring in only the best.

[mazdamazda]

By the way... if you look at it the other way... the question should be:

WHY ARE USED TOYOTAS / HONDAS OVERPRICED?

[1D4LV]

By the way... if you look at it the other way... the question should be:

WHY ARE USED TOYOTAS / HONDAS OVERPRICED?

if you are going to take a look at it, oo nga noh? bakit nga?

[zero]

what i've heard karamihan ng parts nito kapag nasira, dapat whole assembly ang papalitan which costly sa part ng owner. at madali daw kumupas/mamuti ang body paint ng nissan at madali kalawangin. observe ko nga, mas medyo maraming old models ng toyota at mitsu na ginagamit pa rin ngayon. bihira na ang mga stanza, california, pulzar, sentra box type.

[ILuvDetailing]

WHY ARE USED TOYOTAS / HONDAS OVERPRICED?

Toyota Fortuner anyone?

[coiter]

dito kasi, a civic, corolla, sentra and lancer are all the same from a prestige perspective - they don't have any. diyan yata, may snob appeal ang civic...is that true?

yes its true. all honda cars in fact (even the lowest class city!). it's because of the "no taxi" policy of honda. it's like saying "you can't ride a honda unless you own a honda" unlike corollas, sentras or lancers which are used as "public vehicles." that's what other people see as "prestige" hehe

regarding the topic, i'd rather think of it this way: toyota has the "easy to maintain" factor while honda has the "prestige" factor. these are what gives these two brands higher resale values. my perception is that all cars are good since they're japanese made, BUT toyotas are better since one could very very very easily find cheap parts and services. Honda, on the other hand, gives "prestige" (whatever that means), horsepower and subjectively, better looks. in short, that's the extra premium you pay for these brands. but buying a nissan or any other brand doesn't mean you get a low quality or unreliable car. you just don't get the extra factors (or frills) that toyota and honda have.

[caloyski5]

when we got our b13 super saloon brand new before, sabi ng sales guy samin na, "this isnt the nissan of old..mas maganda na quality namin". probably referring to the b12 sentra. sakit daw kasi nito yung sagging springs and rust..dito siguro naperceive as panget nissan...

anyways, after our purchase, we got another nissan..brand new 96 series 3 a/t..and another second hand 95 series 3 (same color and model as ours but m/t) last 1999. sulit na sulit namin yung mga yun. very reliable sila..

[niky]

As for rust... I've noticed rust on box-type (B12) Sentras, but then, old Civics have the same problem... it's not a problem with just Nissan in particular.

Car condition for 2ndhand cars varies a LOT per owner. One of my uncles still has his California and it's still going strong. My brother in law has a B12 Sentra (same year, nearly the same model), and it's coming apart.

Sentras are nearly as good secondhand as Civics and Corollas, and parts are NOT hard to find at all. Considering the B13-B14 Sentra (from 93 up to 2001) share a lot of parts, a single trip to Banaue and half an hour are all you need to get good replacements.

But the Civic no-taxi policy has one good effect. No secondhand Civic is likely to have been abused as a taxi... but they've ALL probably been raced. :D

[orly_andico]

You could also ask the question, "why are used Mazda's very cheap?"
Or Fords, for that matter (I'm talking about the Japanese Fords, not the "my Exped's cruise control will burn down your house" Fords).

[MXFX]

i got my maxima relatively cheap compared to other models at a time. i think nissan has the same reputation here in u.s. like in pinas, not as reliable as toyotas or hondas. although nissan is now much better, its resale is still not as good. maybe a couple more years before it catches on? just like what was typed before, buyers benefit from it.

also, when i compared other japanese and domestic cars at the time, nissan tends to have bigger displacement and higher hp. i thought maybe nissan and/or buyers tend to be more on the performance aspects. again this is just what i assumed.

i also agree that parts tend to be more expensive as my (japanese) mechanic explains. at least for him, he replaces parts with original nissan instead of aftermarket. but from my experience, i rarely saw my mechanic for repairs.

at about 150,000 miles (about 240,000km), the only costly things i have to pay for was the denso spark plugs that should last about 60,000 miles, and the starter about 2 years ago. id say i drove the maxima pretty hard over 100mph a lot and 1000 mile trips.

[ale828]

Second hand xtrails have a good resale value as of the present. i guess its all about style and popular pinoy perception. Something thats in demand and popular would always get a good resale value. Just like civics and corollas, a lot of pinoys are looking for them as a 2nd hand purchase thus the price is higher. Rumors seem to also hurt most cars resale value. Ask any driver or car nut about nissan cars and most of them would have the same perception of cars depending on the brand.

[pink_cadillac]

We all remember the time when the B12 Sentras were marketed so heavily in late 80's featuring just about every "luxury" feature unseen in a 1600 sedan.

Power steering, power windows, power mirrors...unfortunately beyond the trinkets the other aspects of this car from joints to clips to bushings were terribly prone to displacement. Hence the reputation of Nissan as being "kalampagin" and of poor quality.

Somehow this attribute still pervades among many people in the second hand market perhaps as prolific as the notion that Nissan's airconditioning is very good.

[niky]

We all remember the time when the B12 Sentras were marketed so heavily in late 80's featuring just about every "luxury" feature unseen in a 1600 sedan.

Power steering, power windows, power mirrors...unfortunately beyond the trinkets the other aspects of this car from joints to clips to bushings were terribly prone to displacement. Hence the reputation of Nissan as being "kalampagin" and of poor quality.

Somehow this attribute still pervades among many people in the second hand market perhaps as prolific as the notion that Nissan's airconditioning is very good.

Amen to the power windows... but I've never seen a power window last much beyond the sell-by date...

The AC is better. Thou shalt not question the AC. I did an engine swap once, and switched to a DENSO compressor (a big one!) as the new motor was (hehe) destroying (over-revving) the stock compressors. It was nowhere near as cold as stock.

But not all Sentras came with the same kind of AC, though...

[orly_andico]

isn't the nissan aircon a calsonic?
if your AC compressor got destroyed, couldn't you (theoretically) slap in a calsonic and get nissan-level frigidity? or is it more than that? (e.g. larger condenser coils...)

[niky]

isn't the nissan aircon a calsonic?
if your AC compressor got destroyed, couldn't you (theoretically) slap in a calsonic and get nissan-level frigidity? or is it more than that? (e.g. larger condenser coils...)

You could switch to a Calsonic, as long as the compressor size and speed matches your engine... obviously, a Calsonic compressor for the Sentra would get blown to bits on a high-revving SiR engine... but then, maybe that's why mine broke...

The one big problem with switching to a more powerful compressor is that the engine sluggishness and fuel guzzling you get with A/C operation becomes more pronounced. I don't know if you have to replace the evaporator and condenser too, but it's probably not a bad idea.

[squala]

Going back to the topic, resale value seems to be influenced by word-by-mouth. The credibility of the B13 and B14 apparently harks back to the blunders of the B12. Comparing it to a family, it's like the children suffering because of the parents' shortcomings. There's this indelible mark left by the box-type Sentra, and too bad its successors, albeit worthy cars, do not quite light a candle to the class leaders such as the Civic and Corolla. More features compared to those cars fail to eclipse the absence of exterior appeal.

It's too bad Sentra owners still tend to get shortchanged should they decide to sell their car. Perhaps Nissan ought to make a revolutionary replacement for yet another ho-hum looking car in the current model. It must be among the best performing in its class other than exterior design and interior space and ambience. They've done very well with the Z, so why not carry out that feat to their more affordable models?

[gwapito69]

bat naman yung z ko maganda pa rin ang resale value mas mataas kaysa sa ibang kotse.

[Karding]

bat naman yung z ko maganda pa rin ang resale value mas mataas kaysa sa ibang kotse.

langya ka, eh sports car naman yang sayo kapatid! hehee

[zechs]

ang iisipin kasi ng tao is: cheap prices = overused or sirain na kotse. so babaratin pa sila dun sa selling price..yan ang mahirap for the seller.