Classic Cars Nissan Dealer Blog

A few years back, Nissan and partner Renault thought about putting some money behind the idea of a partnership between them and General Motors. The investors hated the idea, of course, and nothing ever came out of it but talk. Now, a few years later, Nissan and Renault are taking a look at another potential partnersip and the analysts aren’t big fans.

I’m talking, of course, about the Nissan and Chrysler partnership. Or at least the idea of it.

Chrysler is held to the tune of 80% by Cerberus Capital Management. The company is in the midst of discussing a deal to be acquired by GM, as carmakers struggle to cope with the worst industry downturn in more than a decade. Car companies are scrambling at this point, with many looking to some of the industry giants for a little assistance. Chrysler is hoping to plug into the bloodstream of General Motors.

As a safeguard, Cerberus Capital Management talked to other companies about potential mergers and handouts, with one of those companies being Nissan. Nissan has since refused to pay cash for Chrysler, which may provide a big of a monkey wrench to the plans of Cerberus.

Nevertheless, it says something about Nissan’s standing in the world of automakers that a company like Chrysler would come to them for help. For more information about this situation or any Nissan cars, drop by the Nissan website or your local dealership today.

Nissan has increasingly been doing things, as a company, to let its customers and enthusiasts know that it appreciates them. A great example of this effort by Nissan to reach out is the Shift Into Gear Experience, held at the Nissan headquarters in Mississauga.

The Shift Into Gear Experience is a program that Nissan held in Canada in September of this year. At this event, Maxima owners and enthusiasts were allowed not only to take a look at the new 2009 Nissan Maxima, they were allowed to book test drives online and drive the new version of Nissan’s flagship sedan.

In addition to test driving the Maxima, the 2009 GT-R, 2009 Titan SE, the 2009 Murano, The 2009 Versa, the 2008 350z Roadster, as well as the Altima sedan and coupe were all present at the event.

The test drive for the Maxima took around 20 minutes, although some participants asked for some extra time.

Participants raved about the new Maxima. The refined platform, redesigned interior, new styling, more powerful engine, and even the heated steering wheel all stood out as favorite features of the new model year Maxima.

Visit your local Nissan dealer today. We’ve got just the right car to suit your style, your needs, and your budget. Give one a test drive today.

For some people, one of the most important things about their Nissan vehicle is its sound system. While Nissan offers a wide range of audio equipment on their new vehicles, the fact of the matter is that not every vehicle necessarily supports the type of add-on audio equipment you’d like to have. This isn’t just the case with Nissan, of course; all auto manufacturers find themselves struggling to keep up with the latest trends.

One of the best ways to integrate your iPod into your Hyundai is with the iSimple media integration solution. This system is available at Circuit City, Best Buy, Crutchfield and other retailers. The iSimple solution can provide you with iPod integration into your Hyundai’s sound system. It can also provide you with satellite radio or a different type of MP3 player.

You can connect two different devices to your Hyundai’s stereo using the iSimple system. So, when you’re buying your new Hyundai, keep in mind that it doesn’t necessarily have to have built-in integration for your audio devices, and that there’s always the iSimple option.

Pick out your Nissan today. Visit us at your local Nissan dealer. We’ve got the perfect Nissan to fit your lifestyle and your budget.

If you’re the parent of a teenager, you probably get at least a little bit nervous when your teen gets behind the wheel of your Nissan. It’s normal and natural to worry about your teen’s driving habits. And, while you can certainly monitor their driving habits when you’re with them, you really don’t have a way to know if they’re driving dangerously when you’re not around.

That’s where Text Them In, Inc. comes in. We’ve all seen the bumper stickers on semi trucks that say “How’s my driving?” and provide an 800 number to call if the semi is driving dangerously. Well, Text Them In takes that same principle and applies it to your teenager.

Here’s how Text Them In works. When you enroll your Nissan in the program, you will get a bumper sticker that says “How’s my Driving?” on it. That bumper sticker prompts other motorists to send a text message to Text Them In, providing information about the vehilce and what happened exactly. Once the text message is recieved by Text Them In, you will get a text message or email, whichever you prefer, alerting you of the situation.

If you’re thinking of passing your vehicle down to your teenager, consider visiting us. We’re your local Nissan dealer, and we’ll help you find a new car to replace your aging Nissan.

A fire in your Nissan probably isn’t something you think about very often. Yet, it can happen. According to the United States Fire Administration, in 2006 there were 278,000 car fires on U.S. highways. These fires resulted in 1,200 injuries, 490 deaths, and millions of dollars of property value lost.

Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to help avoid vehicle fires in your Nissan:

• Check your fuel lines from time to time. You’re looking for splits, cracks, or any other sign that the line might be deteriorating.
• When you clean your car, clean your engine. An engine that is caked in oil and grime is much more likely to catch fire than one that isn’t.
• Look for loose wires. Don’t leave them exposed.
• Keep your vehicle clean. Get rid of trash that can catch fire.
• If you smoke, put your cigarettes out in your ashtray. Never leave a smoldering cigarette unattended.
• Consider buying a car fire extinguisher. Store it in a safe location, where it can be mounted and won’t roll around.

If your vehicle ever does catch fire, pull the car off the road. Get out of the vehicle, and help other passengers get out. Once you’re a safe distance away, call 911.

Of course, you’re much less likely to experience a vehicle fire in a new Nissan than you are in an older car that’s had some wear and tear on it. If you’ve been thinking about a new car, come see your local Nissan dealer today.

One of the best midsize SUVs you can find on the market today is the 2008 Pathfinder, from Nissan. The 2008 Nissan Pathfinder is suitable for just about any purpose.

The sturdy and heavy platform features a body-on-frame configuration that Nissan derived from its full-size Titan pickup. Nissan made the 2008 Pathfinder a full 9.1 inches off the ground, and even offers an off-road trip package. If off-roading is your thing, the 2008 Pathfinder delivers.

The Nissan Pathfinder is also quite comfortable on city streets, as well. The body of the 2008 Pathfinder is much larger than the previous Pathfinder models, and it has seve seats as standard. Three rows of seats mean that the Pathfinder can take you and your crew around town in comforta and style.

The 2008 Nissan Pathfinder includes a variety of cutting edge features. It has Bluetooth connectivity, and even includes a navigation system with a hard drive that you can use to store MP3 music files. The V8 engine gives the Pathfinder the power it needs to haul many types of loads.

There are several trim levels to the 2008 Nissan Pathfinder, as well as a variety of options packages. Regardless of what you’re looking for in a mid sized SUV, the Nissan Pathfinder has what you want.

As summer starts to wind down, you’re probably considering driving your 2008 Nissan Altima on a family road trip, trying to get as much recreation as you can before school starts again. Here are some ways to keep your Altima in top shape as you travel:

Check your fluids. Change your oil before you leave for your trip. Remember that oils get thinner the hotter it is outside, and this can keep your engine from being lubricated properly. Consider a thicker oil if you’re going to be putting a lot of miles on your Nissan Altima.

Put together an emergency kit. If you don’t already have an emergency kit in your 2008 Nissan Altima, you need one. It should include, at a minimum, jumper cables, a flashlight, a first aid kit, and basic tools. Other things you might add would include a mat to lay on the ground if you have to change a tire, paper towels, extra clothes, gloves, extra windshield wiper fluid, and nonperishable food.

Load your Altima carefully. Don’t pack your car so high that you can’t see out of your back windows. Also, don’t bury important items that you might need to get to when you stop, such as medications. And, while it’s not likely to happen on a family trip, don’t exceed your car’s payload limit.

Avoid fatigued driving. One of the leading causes of highway accidents is drowsy or fatigued driving. Make sure you get enough sleep at night. Be careful of using caffeine to keep yourself alert, because you can wind up with a long period of drowsiness once it wears off. If you feel drowsy, switch drivers. If you can’t, pull over somewhere safe and rest for a few minutes.

Enjoy your trip. Consider taking some time off the highway for a while to take in some of the countryside. If your Nissan Altima has a GPS or navigation system, be a little adventurous and see how far you can go without having to get back on the highway. Visit some local shops or restaurants along the way, and soak in some of the local culture.

Unfortunately, summer will come to an end. However, following these tips can help make sure your memories of the summer trip in your 2008 Nissan Altima are good ones. Don’t have a Nissan Altima? Schedule a test drive today.

For the last two years, the Nissan Altima sedan Hybrid has been sold in the United States. This vehicle has used a version of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive that Nissan licensed from Toyota. Recently, Nissan unveiled its own prototype hybrid powertrain, as well as an all-electric powertrain system that will be used in a number of Nissan cars.

Nissan’s own hybrid system will first appear on a RWD Infinity, probably the G model. This system uses a parallel system that has one electric motor but two clutches that will allow both the gasoline engine as well as the electric motor to be able to power the vehicle at the same time. In addition, Nissan’s own hybrid will use lithium-ion batteries, which are smaller and more efficient than the nickel-metal hydride batteries that are currently being used in most hybrids.

The two-clutch configuration works in an interesting way. During idling and when it’s stopped, the batter powers the motor. During regular driving, the engine powers the motor and it regenerates the battery. When the car is accelerating, the engine as well as the batter work together to make for a much smoother acceleration. During deceleration, energy from the brakes is conserved and is used to help regenerate the car’s battery.

These new batteries based on lithium-ion technology are also to be used in Nissan’s all-electric vehicle. This motor will be installed in a brand new Nissan model that has its own unique styling. It is expected that Nissan will release the all-electric vehicle in Japan in 2010, and that the vehicle will be available worldwide by 2012.

The Electric Vehicle (EV) is a part of Nissan’s R&D programs that are designed around vehicles with zero emissions. This vehicle will offer front-wheel drive, and will use the new motor. One of the more interesting things about this vehicle is that the lithium-on batteries will be installed underneath the floor of the car, so as not to lose cargo space or cabin space.

This step represents an important move as Nissan positions itself to be a major contender in the electric and hybrid vehicle markets.

For a new Nissan hybrid, 2009 Nissan Maxima, or any other Nissan vehicle, please visit the Classic Nissan showroom.

There’s nothing more exciting than packing up your new Nissan car and heading out for a family vacation with your kids. Ironically, there is also nothing people dread more than having to spend hours in the car with their kids. Here are a few tips to help you survive the summer as you head out on vacation.

1.    Set an appropriate pace. Children, especially the younger ones, have a limited attention span. There is only so much “I spy” you can play before they get bored. A good pattern is two hours of driving your new Nissan car and then a brief stop for gas or snacks.

2.    Many new Nissan minivans have an available entertainment package as an option. Consider having a DVD player installed to keep the kids entertained on long trips.

3.    Make sure to pack some car-friendly activities to keep your kids occupied. Crayons and notebooks are small and easy to pack but can entertain children for hours. Allow your kids some say over what is being packed, but make sure to include a few surpises that will delight them when they get bored with crayons.

4.    New Nissan cars come standard with CD players. Make sure to bring music your kids will enjoy, but make sure to bring some music for yourself as well. You want to keep your kids calm and entertained, but you don’t want to get into an accident because you have listened to “Barney’s Greatest Hits” one too many times.

5.    Be aware when your children are getting tired. Letting your children sleep in the car is a great way to kill some time, but it is difficult to wak them from a deep sleep because you’ve reached your destination.
Wherever you are going, have a great summer and enjoy your vacation.

When you’re packing up the family in your new Nissan car, the kids are bound to get antsy. The easiest way to keep the kids in a good mood is to make sure you’ve got plenty of healthy snacks on hand. You want things that are kid friendly without breaking the bank or loading them up with sugar.

Here’s a list of snacks that are kid and parent approved:

Grapes — Green or purple grapes are a big hit with kids who are old enough not to choke on them. They’re probably the least sticky fruit, meaning the impact to your new Nissan car will be minimal. If you’ve got a cooler, try freezing them for hot days.

Prepackaged Raisins — Raisins are great because they’re a small snack, perfect for tiny hands. As the parent you can rest easy knowing that even if your kids dump the entire package on the floor of your car, all it takes is a quick vacuum to get your new Nissan car back to, well, new!

Natural Juices — Liquids in all capacities are scary for car owners with kids. It seems like there’s so much that can go wrong. The best way to go here is spill-proof sippy cups for the little ones and drink containers with built in spouts for bigger mouths. These limit the amount of spillage onto your upholstery.

Bagels and bagel chips — Probably the least crumbly bread product, bagels are great for car rides. This isn’t the place for peanut butter, though, so find a flavored bagel that tastes good just as it is. Bagel chips are great because you can package them yourself, saving the expense of the pricier packaged varieties from the store.

Granola bars — Like raisins, granola bars are great because even when they make a mess, it’s never anything a vacuum cleaner can’t fix. Granola bars are getting healthier these days, and most come in peanut free varieties to eliminate allergens.