The pending changes for Nissan’s line up are coming about and for the following reasons:

1. The Maxima’s competition, the Toyota Avalon, was overhauled for the 2006 model year. The Avalon has shed its frumpy image as it borrows Lexus styling cues to give it a much more luxurious and appealing look. An improved interior and more standard equipment has pushed a fully loaded Avalon into the low to mid-30s range as well. Nissan’s response to Toyota’s move is to “Infinitize” the Maxima starting with the 2007 model year by giving it a more luxurious edge to compete effectively with the Avalon.
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2. Introduction of the Versa. To fight Toyota’s budget minded, youth friendly Scion division, Nissan will be importing the Versa — a 1.8L 4 cylinder powered xA-competing hatchback — expected to retail at about $12,000. To make way for the new introductory level car, both the Sentra and Altima get a slight push up market, not as noticeable as the Maxima’s bump up, but enough to distinguish these two lines from each other and from the Versa.

Of course, Nissan won’t be selling the Maxima, Altima, or Sentra for less than what you pay for these cars now. In fact, the Maxima’s price may ultimately surge several thousand dollars and into the range of cars sold by their Infiniti division which begs the following question: why purchase a Maxima when an Infiniti G35 could be had for almost the same price?

At the same time, both the Altima and Sentra risk being undercut price wise by American and Korean manufacturers hungry to carve out a greater share of the market. Indeed, the all new Alabama-built Hyundai Sonata should sell for several thousand dollars less than a comparatively equipped Altima. With Hyundai’s quality levels improving, the Sonata’s appeal rises measurably.

Ultimately, Nissan must keep pace with Toyota and Honda or risk being marginalized further. With other manufacturers duking it out, it will be interesting to see if higher prices hold for Nissan models or whether the Japanese automaker will be forced to cut prices to win consumers and to hold onto market share.
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Today’s Nissan line up is a far cry from the cars that dotted the landscape during the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. For consumers that is probably a good thing too. Today’s line up still offers glimpses of the original Datsuns with the Sentra reminding some of the old B210, but about ten times more comfortable at that too. The Altima, Maxima, and the revived 350Z round out the car line up and when you add in all the SUVs and trucks that Nissan now sells the Japanese automaker has something for everyone.

Consumers are maintaining their Nissans/Datsuns with premium Nissan parts and accessories. Your dealer will have what you need, but remember the prices you pay for parts through the dealership will be the prevailing retail rate. Some national auto parts chains will have a decent selection, but they may have difficulty hunting down the rare Datsun or early Nissan part for you.
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A new choice for consumers is auto parts wholesalers, particularly those who sell online. Prices are usually much lower because wholesalers buy direct from leading manufacturers including Bosch, K&N, Hella, Monroe, Covercraft, and others. Still, make sure that the retailer is based in Canada and not charging you outrageous shipping and duty charges for parts shipped in from the US or elsewhere. The selection they offer to you should be great, parts stocked must meet or exceed OEM requirements, and customer service should be just a click of the mouse and/or a toll free phone number away.

Be careful of retailers specializing in generic Nissan parts as counterfeit auto parts are a big problem in North America. Always learn in advance what the company’s shipping, return, and warranty policies are before making your purchase.sponsored by electric car conversion kit