This is about my experience of purchasing the Nissan NV 3500 SL HD - V8 Cargo Van HIGH top - with the following options: Technology Package, Rear Glass windows.
Added: Front bug guard on hood, Wind deflectors on windows, Running Boards, Darker tint on front glass. Soon to be added: running boards for easier access - and mud flaps. Will update as we add things. Plan to add: seat covers, camera and a few more things.
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The process:
Nov. 12: Finally decided to go do a test drive.
Nov. 13: Arrived early at dealership and asked to drive the only NV3500 on the lot. I also drove the NV200, but it was too small inside for purpose that I was considering. I was told they would get me whatever I wanted! Basically I wanted to view inside at the size and overall options, etc.
So, what exactly did I want? I wanted the NV2500 V8 with a few added options. They couldn't get one? And there was not one on the lot, so ended up upgrading to the 3500 in order to get the V8 engine. They were far and few between to be had towards end of year, so I was lucky to get one.
First drive!
Having driven vans off an on for most of my life - at first I was nervous - new vehicle and all PLUS all of the new technology. AND, this was the very first vehicle I had ever purchased on my own -- and I am on social security! That should give you a clue to my age. First impression: Wow, this thing has some power! Had to ease up on the gas pedal.
Driving around town in normal traffic, was definitely something I had to re-learn doing in a van vs. small truck. I finally had to get brave enough to do a 'lane change' - and luckily I was able to utilize the large outside mirrors as well as the inside rear-view mirrors through my 'rear glass' package. The blind spot, if there is one - I will have to learn over time, but I was very cautious and I am sure some of the people behind me were not impressed.
Finally, the long straight shot home: At first I thought well this is going to be gravy after driving around town and dealing with the lights, etc. Well, the very first thing I noticed was the wind blowing the vehicle around on the road a little bit. Now it WAS a little bit of a windy day - but really not that bad -- we had a front coming in - so I must add that -- this was the pre-front, but not the hard winds. As I continued driving, I realized that the little bit of wind sway would come and go - ten miles down the road - the wind sway continued -- and I was 'most' of the time on a small country road, doing 65-70'ish MPH - the road was cut between tall trees, so there was some sort of block and not on flat prairie plains.
Bottom line: It was not 'thoughtless' driving as I was accustomed to in my small truck. You definitely had to pay attention. But then again, of course - this WAS my first drive of a brand new vehicle AND the first time I had driven a van in over ten years. As far as the van's POWER - it was awesome. I easily achieved exceeding the speed limit accidentally, and quickly rectified that.
Overall, I'd give my first driving experience 'on the road' - a B or B- - but only probably because of the fact that I was a tad nervous and not accustomed to driving a van for a long time. So if you factor all of that in - AND the higher than normal winds (for my area) - then probably not giving it an A-minus or B-plus, is not because of the vehicle itself.
Learning Curve - Inside the vehicle.
I highly suggest that anyone should for sure go over basic functions with your sales person BEFORE leaving the lot! I did not do that, and that is another reason that things did not go as smooth as expected.
Oh yes, there definitely is a learning curve for people such as my self who are 'old school'. Altho some of it is basic, there is also a lot to learn -- I am 'still' getting there - but luckily I have someone to assist and show me things. There are still some things I don't know -Mostly to do with the Technology Package as in how to text with voice commands, and figuring out 'how' to do things with the 'APPS' button, etc. It is all pretty easy, it's just a learning curve and repetition that will get me where I want to be - which is comfortable. Not there 'yet'. -- That said, if you are up on all of the latest vehicle technology, then you should have a much smoother experience than myself. I am 'still' learning, but have most all of the 'basics' down now.
ie. Where's the headlights? How do I put them on bright? Where's the windshield wipers? Why are they going slow? How do I adjust the seat? How do I adjust AC? How do I turn on the radio? Just the simple things, you will definitely want to get a hands on experience BEFORE leaving the lot. My mistake for not being more thorough before taking off.
Grade Summary:
Vehicle ride: B (due to wind) - Otherwise, A
Learning curve: B to B minus (but mainly due to me being 'old school'.) Nice controls.
Quietness inside 'empty' van A minus. As long as you tie things down and keep things from sliding/ratting - it's quiet actually!
Comfortable seat? (lumbar) A
Important FINAL WORD: If you are handicapped in any way, or have bad legs or knees, etc. - Please RECONSIDER purchasing this vehicle. The step up is very HIGH, and getting in is NOT that easy for an elderly person with bad knees, and legs due to sciatica. (Actually very hard!) . . . It's doable but hard -- and since I now own this van, I will have to continue to do it (as long as the Good Lord allows me to do so) -- BUT I can't wait for my running boards to be installed - AND my legs have been aching for the past full day. Spent all weekend recovering from getting in and out - in and out .... But that is due to MY medical issues. Getting in IS a job for me. I am already in the thought process of getting a small stepstool with a long handle on it, so I can bring it IN to the van after getting into the driver's seat .... IF the running boards are not sufficient. Praying that they will solve my problem of getting in. I am not a tall person. (5'2"). For 'this' reason, and this reason ALONE, I am having a bit of buyer's remorse, and missing the EASE of getting into a small shorter vehicle. I'll try to get some measurements tomorrow in the daylight.
See photo of where van comes on my leg and remember the step is even higher than that!
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