Elvin- I might have to jump ship! Nissan Prices!

[ziemann]

About a year ago, I had my heart set on buying a new Nissan 115 TLDI. I have had such great luck with my existing Nissan 50 TLDI- it is the sweetest motor that I have ever had. But, the time has come for me to upgrade to a larger boat, and of course a larger outboard. The hull I have found is rated for a 115hp max, but would also perform fantastic with a 90. I am spending a bit more on the hull than I wanted, so I am going to probably have to go with the 90 vs. a 115 to stay within my budget.

Now comes my problem. A few years ago, Nissan/ Tohatsu were a huge bargain in the outboard industry. I could buy a Nissan TLDI for about the same price as a 2 stroke competitive branded model. At that time, the value was a no brainer. I bought a Nissan TLDI and never looked back. Now this year as I am shopping for a bigger boat and bigger outboard, I am seeing some huge bargains on new outboards of other brands, and Nissan is no longer priced (even from InternetOutboards) at a level that makes me compelled to purchase one. The Nissan dealers around me have existing inventory of other branded outboards, and for me to order a Nissan 115 or 90 would cost me as much as a competitive 4 stroke! Even iboats has some fantastic deals on 90's!

Example: I have a dealer near me that is selling Suzuki 90's (Awesome outboard!) for about $7700. That is only a few hundred more than a Nissan! Another dealer close by is selling Honda 90's for about the same price. With only $400 between a TLDI and a Suzuki or Honda, I have to say, because of resale value when I go to sell it down the line or trade it in, the Honda or Suzuki is probably a better value. Needless to say, it isn't as easy to sell a Tohatsu or Nissan in the used market. I have even had dealers refuse to take it on trade.

Additionally, I have a dealer close by that is selling Yamaha 2 Stroke 90's for $6300 installed. Yes, I know it is a 2 stroke. Yes, I know it is a carb. But, for that price, it is almost impossib le to pass up.

So, my friend, I am afraid that we much part ways. I must say, that I have been a very happy customer, but with such limited dollars to work with, I think I am going to buy a new Yamaha. Again, resale would be better, and service would be easier for me.

Unless there are some hold over non-current Nissan's out there, that you are aware of.... Any thoughts?

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Elvin- I might have to jump ship! Nissan Prices!

I don't think you will find anything that's gonna beat the Yamaha deal. But realize that down the road when you go to sell it, it will even more so be considered "Old" technology and will bring you a lower price accordingly. So in the end you may be better off spending a little more now and gaining that back when you sell. Plus, you get the benefit of newer technology to enjoy now....

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Elvin- I might have to jump ship! Nissan Prices!

You have to follow your heart. Since I am a big believer that all outboards are created equal I can only say you will be thrilled with any brand. Technology aside, they are all reliable. I loathe 4-strokes because of their poor hole shot, but they are a little more quiet than DFi's at an idle. Tween old 2-stroke and DFI....DFI is clearly better, but is DFI worth the difference in cost? You have to answer that one yourself. I happen to like the Yamster 90 so I might buy one in your shoes too.

A couple of things to share. Since the 60's we have refused to take in trade any brand that we were not an authorized dealer for. And resale value isn't important. Buy the time people go to get rid of their engines they are almost always figured as hp values with the brand factor being of no importance. IE A 50 that cost $4000.00 ten years ago is worth a $1000.00 today regardless of brand. Condition is the only true factor. Having said that, obviously some brand X will command a higher value in some area X.

 

[ziemann]

Re: Elvin- I might have to jump ship! Nissan Prices!

I appreciate your response, Elvin. I am really looking for a motivation to buy another Nissan/ Tohatsu TLDI. Again, I ran into another example today where there are some fantastic bargains on outboards. I was at a large dealership today who claims to be one of the largest Merc dealers in the country. He is offering 115 Opti's for $7200 water ready. That is motor, controls, cables, and rigging. That is significantly less than a 90 Nissan TLDI.

In fact, he carries both Nissan/ Tohatsu and Mercury. He sells Tohatsu built Merc's (under 30hp) for less than he can even buy the same identical Nissan for! That doesn't make sense. I realize he is buying Merc in huge volume and is buying probably Nissan/ Tohatsu in small quantities.

I know I am reiterating what I have already previously stated, but Nissan/ Tohatsu really needs to pay attention to their pricing if they want to continue to build market share. I love the product, but my brand loyalty can only go so far.

This is not an angry rant. It's just that I am frustrated that I can't afford the motor that I really want.

Are there any non-current Nissans out there, Elvin? How about a demo 115 TLDI??? 8)

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Elvin- I might have to jump ship! Nissan Prices!

There are never any non-currents....Unless a dealer has one they are holding onto for some unknown reason. Opti's are cheap compared to TLDI's. There are more of them produced which drives down the unit costs. They have a horrible past, but today's Opti's give reasonable reliability too. It would be my last choice of a DFI, but it's not a bad choice.

Demo 115's?.....What a novel concept. You could ask your local dealer to use up one of his dealer demo engine buys and put you in a TLDI. It would end up costing you a little less, around $400.00. He has the opportunity if he desires.

 

[ziemann]

Re: Elvin- I might have to jump ship! Nissan Prices!

I know....non-currents...demo units....it doesn't hurt to ask!

Great idea- I was able to get a previous Nissan cheaper by having them buy as one of their demo units.... I forgot about that- great idea!!!!!! In fact I think it was you that maybe suggested it to me last time.....

I do understand what you are saying about the Opti-pop. I know that the last 5 years or so they have been decent....but I just can't move myself to buy a Merc... It's like a roll in the hay with a fat chick- yeah, she meets your needs for a short while, but then you have to turn on the lights....

On the other hand I love the E-Tec's, but their prices around here are insane. They seem to also be a fantastic unit, but this time of the year, they seem to be $1000-$1500 higher than the norm.... Now if I could find a non-current E-Tec.... LOL, I know, I know....thats just about as likely as finding a left over TLDI....

 

[Frugal Floater]

Re: Elvin- I might have to jump ship! Nissan Prices!

Many of the online dealers focus on outboards that they can ship using conventional ground shipping. This keep their prices well below any dealer because of volume discounts from the manufacturer (not to mention no sales tax). When it comes to larger outboards, they no longer have buying power and shipping gets expensive as they don't have their own distribution network.

I have one 2004 90HP Yamaha 2-stroke and it is a great motor and not nearly as loud as the older 2-strokes...Great power/weight ration, simple design, and reputation for durability make this your best choice...Not to mention the oil tank barely budges after a full day of boating. Yamaha and Honda dominate most charter boats in the Chesapeake area which says something about their durability.