Hey everyone,
congratulations on a great deal! I have sold Toyota in Brisbane for 5+ years and recently moved to Mackay where I accepted an offer from the local Nissan dealership. Over the past week I've been learning about the Nissan range that I have successfully sold against for years and have gained a new respect for them on a few different levels.
While I don't profess to be a mechanical genius (not by any stretch, as a matter of fact) I do like to understand a products strengths and weaknesses and find it useful to be able to talk from experience when it comes to working with my customers to find the right car for their needs and wants. Given the type of market that Mackay represents, I saw the Navara range as one of the most important models to really get a 'feel' for, and have spent most of my time understanding the different levels of specification and what they offer prospective purchasers....
Which leads me to my registration here, and my post in this thread. A week before my relocation from Hope Island on the Gold Coast, I wrote my WRX off - so, a new car was on the cards for me. After a couple of days in the new D40 STX 550 premium I was blown away - the torque in that vehicle is very, VERY addictive, and the ride is AWESOME for a commercial - but surplus to my requirements. So, next I took a S5 D40 ST (arguably the best value of the bunch at the moment!!!) and enjoyed the car - solidly built, nice ride, well appointed - and the PRICE!!!! Wow.... It is about to be replaced by the S6 though, which is essentially the current STX.... So, a great vehicle and an even better value proposition, but not for me somehow....
But then, to my genuine surprise I crossed paths with the STR.... Yes, I'd seen plenty of them over the years, but just never paid them too much attention. Being my business to take notice of them now though, I decided to grab the keys, force down my preconceptions of the model and take one for the weekend... Guys, I just found my new car!
I'm going for the Qld'er pack, jap built SE STR in white with towbar, tonneau, mats, color coded steel bullbar, ute liner, headlight & bonnet protectors, weathershields, chip it upgrade with exhaust, cruise control, remote locking, color coded grille, color coded rear step and window tint. I have found myself on a tour all weekend to familiarize myself with the area, but also cos I just LOVE driving the little Nav.... It makes me smile, I'm not really sure why exactly - it's pretty basic - I just like it.... It's got some sort of inherent, nostalgic personality that seems to just be 'content' with itself.... It's not trying to be something it's not....
A tad over$30k for a base dual cab ute with the lot, roadside assist, 3 year warranty, 6 year capped price servicing and a bulletproof reputation, plus among the best resale value I've ever seen on any vehicle currently available in Australia.... what more could a buyer ask for?!
I don't mean for this post to be a 'spruik'.... I have always turned to online forums for advice and information (I recognize Lindsay @ Northside 4x4 from a couple of other boards I'm on) and can see myself being quite an enthusiastic D22 owner. I'll be frequenting the board to learn from you and as a bonus if I can help anyone here with parts, buying/negotiation advice or a deal, I'm happy to help
(provided the mods don't have a problem with this!)
Anyway, congrats again to the OP.... I hope all goes well with your handover! Enjoy