Sorry if this has already been discussed. Wanted see if anyone else was/is torn between the SL and Platinum. I know some of the main differences (led lights, Nissan Connect, different leather seats, surround cam, etc...) but was wondering if recent buyers could tell me they think the difference in price for the Platinum is or worth it.

I have a dealer offering me an awesome deal on my trade in and 4k off MSRP for any Platinum. 3k off of any SL.

 

You need to be careful with those discounts. Most require you finance with Nissan for very high interest rates. I paid MSRP for my Platinum, but got 1.8% financing through my bank.

 

Nope. Straight 4k off MSRP. Getting 31k for my trade and paying cash on the difference. Have it all in a text and have made sure, so I don't waste the dealers time and they don't waste mine.

 

It's only an 8% difference in price. I am definitely getting Platinum as I know I'll regret it if I don't.

 

Dont forget that, in addition to things you mentioned, the Platinum also has:

Driver Attention Alert
Climate Controlled Front Seats
Outside mirrors with reverse tiltdown
Auto-dimming driver's outside mirror
Power lift/telescoping steering column
Speed and rain sensing variable speed windshield wipers
Rear window power sunshade
Memory system for driver's seat, steering wheel and outside mirrors

The SR has a few of these, but I don't think the SL has any of them. But I'm not currently looking at the official specs, so may have missed something.

 

Im into the SL. Im sure you can get 3-4k off with 2.29% from nissan to finance with them.

 

What is this nissan connect that is NOT on the SL?

 

I bought a platinum last month for 3.6k off msrp and financed thru credit union at 2.24%.

 

Why didnt you do the nissan 2.29 (other than the small difference?)

 

Because they offered 7.99% even though I told them I was already approved for 2.24%. Then they lowered to 5.99%. I repeated that I was already approved for 2.24%. Then they offered 3.99%. I repeated that I was already approved for 2.24%. Then they offered 2.99%. Then I just said, forget it, I will go with the credit union 2.24% and that was that.


My credit score with Fairfax, which the credit union used was 738. The score I got on the internet thru the website bankrate.com was 792.

 

Where do you draw the line on the car turning expensive ?

Honestly , the best Value in the Maxiam is the S or SV .

You spend close to $10 k less and get the exact performance and the 8 Navi ?

When you get to $40 k you have Bette competition with other luxury car company's

I purchased a loaded SL and felt good on its overall value, plus I have added
Extras, Clear coat bra, Tinted Windows, carbon covers, car cover about a $ 1000

 

Thats crazy that they would play with the interest rate like that. I would walk if a dealership played that game.

And I'm in the same thinking that 40k plus is pushing into the next level. Ideally I would want the SL for 34,500 + TTL and a nice trade in on my 09 with low miles.

 

I am kind of in the same boat but I really want the LED lights & love the seats on SR/Plat (plus the host of other features mentioned above).

I started out looking at used 2014 GS350 F Sports and MB E350's and then saw/test drove the new Maxima. I realize the Maxima doesn't have the badging, but you'd be hard pressed to find a car with all of the creature comforts the Plat offers, for under 40K.

 

Bottom line is you have to get what you want cause you'll be paying for it for a while. I just think I'm content with the SL because its got more than my current 09 sport non tech. but i havent sat in those platinum seats....might get sold on it. need to go take a look in person. maybe this afternoon.

 

The SR seats are the best. I keep flip flopping about the SR.

 

Obviously only you can determine the options that are important to you.



I just bought a Platinum. I wanted the sport features of the SR, but the added tech of the Plat swayed me.

After two weeks, I still love this car. The memory seats were very important, but I am surprised at just how much I use and love the all around camera. I use it constantly, and pulling into tight spots is as fun as playing a video game. The other features fall into the 'nice to have' category for me, but that camera system is amazing.


Steve in Philly

 

thanks steve your review is gonna cost me and extra 3k when i get to the dealer!!!

on a serious note did you check out both the platinum seats vs the SL seats?

 

I have sat in both the Plat and SL. The Plat seats remind me of a Bentley Continental GT - They are that cool.

 

Really that much better? Have to see in person.

 

Aesthetically, yes. I just think it gives it an extra touch of class. I have yet to see it in another vehicle, that isn't well over $100k.

 

Dealers never tire of playing games, that's what they do each and every day to squeeze as many dollars from your wallet as possible. They are expecting us to tire first.

 

The game they played with you is not good. I'm glad you had the 'nads' to beat them at their own game. There comes a time when ones principals become more important than piddling with decimals.

I could get a loan at a low rate and invest the cash, but these days, it is difficult to find a guaranteed investment that pays more than the interest I would pay on a loan (around 2.5%). Plus, I would have to pay taxes on whatever I earned via the investment, and I am not in the lowest tax bracket.

I will continue my twenty year method of emailing my offer to my dealer's internet manager, giving the VIN of the vehicle I want, listing its options, invoice price, what I will accept for my trade-in (with which they are very familiar - I have all my service done there, and am close friends with the service manager), and what I will pay. If they do not accept, I wait a month and send the same offere again (except on a different car if the first one has been sold). I do this until they finally accept.

Again, proud of you for sticking to your very reasonable position.

 

Are the SL headlights the same as the 7th gen headlights?

 

So, a dealer I've been working with met my asking price for my trade and will knock off 3k on any SL or Plat. I am making the deal tomorrow and seriously can't decide which model I want. Part of me keeps saying the SL will be just fine and part of me think I'll regret not getting the Plat. Either way it will be pearl white w/ charcoal interior 😀

 

If you're already second-guessing yourself about this, then clearly you should splurge a little and get the Platinum. Otherwise, I guarantee you'll regret it.

 

Yeah, you're probably right. Just tough justifying that extra 3k

 

Just gotta ask yourself, are the following worth 3k:

-360 around view camera
-premium ascot leather with quilted inserts
-heated and cooled front seats
-LED projector low beams
-driver attention alert system

I'd say yes just for the LED headlights and 360 camera.

 

The other alternative is to hold out, for them or some other dealer to give you a 4k discount instead of 3k. That way will be easier to justify the platinum. I think you can get it, I really do.

 

Like the poster said, only you will know what you want? I purchased the
Black SL with black Int, I drove a Platinum on my first test drive and the back up camera was not even noticed as always looking to just go forward. Also thought
That the softer seat material would be harder to take care of and would dirty easier ? That $41k plus on the Platinum was just hard to swallow coming from
A very fuel efficient Loaded SL Altima. Plus I budgeted for nice accessory up Grades that made the car look even nicer. 3M Clear Coat bra system, tinted Windows, carbon trim covers, Nissan all weather mats ( rear trunk 1 piece)
Nissan Painted matched rocker covers. That's about $ 1300 of add on's ?

Plus I think the average discount on the new 16 Maxiams is around $2500 off
Sticker. There are no rebate programs as of now, plus Nissan is not over producing the initial build of this new Model. I feel with any of the Trim packages
You get a lot of Car for the Money. So buy what you can afford and only worry about your deal and buy close to home from a local dealer where you can get service.

 

If the dealer knows you are serious about buying the car, and the difference between making a sale or not is 1000 dollars, they will take off that 1000 dollars. They are there to move cars. We, the buyers, place a much higher value on the car because we want it, but for dealers its just another car they are moving off the lot. Besides, there is already history that some buyers have bought the car for discounts of 4k or more. I bought the platinum for 3.6k off about a month ago, when true car was putting the price at 140 dollars over MSRP and there was no history of discounts whatsoever.

 

Well, they are essentially giving me way over KBB on my trades. I've been to 6 different dealerships in the past month and no one would come close to the number I asked for, so I'd walk. The dealership I'm buying from today matched exactly what I asked for. I always ask for a little more on my trade-ins, as I feel like they have room to move there.

 

my trade appraisal was 4.5k below KBB, was given MSRP as the best they could do.

 

4.5k below trade in value? Is your trade in good shape?

 

29k miles, 1 owner.

 

Ok, great, so you have 2 independent negotiations. One for the price and one for the trade. You already have what you want in the negotiation for the trade. Now all you have to do is negotiate the price down to 4k off. You are almost there .

 

I may wait for 0% and rebates etc. next year sometime.

 

The Difference between 0% and 2.25 is $290 a year in Interest ? Is it really
worth the wait. All the new 2016 Maxiam Buyers have something special ? They enjoying a Hot new Model from a Great Car Company. The Best time to buy a new car is when you want one. Always deals

 

+1

I agree with Charlie. Learned this years ago from my own experience.

 

Think about how much time you spend in your car and how many years you plan to keep it. Then calculate how much those extra goodies will cost you per day or week or month and you'll probably spring for the extra bucks. Every time I drive my 350Z, I wish I would have waited to find the one I wanted instead of buying the first one that came along. I've got a new Platinum Max and I am so glad I decided to get the top line one.

 

I was in the same boat. I initially was looking at an SL. Didn't think I needed the Platinum, but once I looked at it, saw the extra options and drove it I knew I had to have it.... and I'm glad I did. I say, if you can afford the little bit extra get the Platinum. Just my opinion however. I know I don't regret it.