Took a test drive on the dark side in a 2017 Armada/Patrol
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- #62
Those were the majority of what I found decent info in.
Everything from off road capabilities, to interior materials, to the tech features.
After studying a lot of info on line researching every aspect that was important to me. I went and test driovr one, then I test drove another one, then test drove the one I ended up purchasing. I am still in a bit of a comparison phase since I am the position of owning both vehicles. The jury is still out for me on how well I am going to like this 17 Armada, but I liked it enough that I to wanted to put one in the garage and see for myself how it stacks up against my beloved 200s on more of a long term bases. Long term meaning more then a test drive could offer. I am thinking in 2 to 6 months I will know what I need to know about it, at least to point I can comfortably choose to either cut the Armada loose, or sell one of 200s. Then maybe a year to 18 months after that will see if the other 200 becomes a new 200 or something else, or hang on to it and build it into soothing more off road capable and start doing some actual off roaming with it. Lots of possibilities.
Taking the Armada on a 5 hour road trip later today. Will see how that goes.
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Congrats on the new Patrol! You will LOVE it.
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- #64
Thanks,
The road trip over the weekend went really well. Very roomy and comfortable the whole trip. It road very smooth, the seats were great, the tech worked really well, blind spot monitoring, radar cruise all seemed very smooth in function.
Got the sound system dialed in a lot better, plus the sound quality improved quite a bit once I got my phone paired and streamed in music vs sat radio, I found that to be the case with most any vehicle. I have been back in a 200 this week, audio quality is still slightly better in the 200.
Performance wise these two seem really very similar. I can say I have a better since of speed in the 200s, quite often I would look down at the speedo in the Armada and was suprised several times at how fast I was going. I don't know how much of that is familiarity, ride hight, visibility, seating positions, sound isolation, etc etc, just that it suprised me more then a few times that I noticed I was unintentionally way over the speed limit in Armada.
Steering is something noticeably different in comparison, the 200s to me seem very quick and precise, where the Armada felt precise but more relaxed, I think something can be said about the appeal of both types.
Fuel mileage the Armada seems to be a little better than the 200s, I averaged 18.5 this trip. I made a very similar trip 2 weeks ago in one of the 200s and averaged 16.5. Wind conditions weather temps, tires etc can effect things some.
Overall I was really happy with how the Armada did on the road trip this weekend.
The road trip over the weekend went really well. Very roomy and comfortable the whole trip. It road very smooth, the seats were great, the tech worked really well, blind spot monitoring, radar cruise all seemed very smooth in function.
Got the sound system dialed in a lot better, plus the sound quality improved quite a bit once I got my phone paired and streamed in music vs sat radio, I found that to be the case with most any vehicle. I have been back in a 200 this week, audio quality is still slightly better in the 200.
Performance wise these two seem really very similar. I can say I have a better since of speed in the 200s, quite often I would look down at the speedo in the Armada and was suprised several times at how fast I was going. I don't know how much of that is familiarity, ride hight, visibility, seating positions, sound isolation, etc etc, just that it suprised me more then a few times that I noticed I was unintentionally way over the speed limit in Armada.
Steering is something noticeably different in comparison, the 200s to me seem very quick and precise, where the Armada felt precise but more relaxed, I think something can be said about the appeal of both types.
Fuel mileage the Armada seems to be a little better than the 200s, I averaged 18.5 this trip. I made a very similar trip 2 weeks ago in one of the 200s and averaged 16.5. Wind conditions weather temps, tires etc can effect things some.
Overall I was really happy with how the Armada did on the road trip this weekend.
Markuson
SILVER Star
Emperor Nissan says...
"You want this......
-Strike the LC down with it...and your journey toward the Dark Side will be complete!"
Great to hear you're enjoying it. Personally, I wish they would have simply called it the Patrol in the US.Hey!
Any chance you could order a "Patrol" emblem from Australia and swap it into the spot where "Armada" is? -Armada reminds me of big, fat, slow, old, tippy, lumbering sailboats from the 17th century...
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- #66
I am not planning on giving up owning cruisers.
I am Just trying out something new.
I like trying new vehicles out and learning all I can about them, as well as comparing them with other vehicles. if I like them I tend to keep them around a few years. If I don't like them, I cut them loose.
As far as buying a Patrol badge, I am sure you could, You might have to track down a Alstrailnian Nissan dealer to get it .
Me, I know it's really the global Patrol. However I don't really mind the Armada name though.
Armada I believe by definition means fleet of war ships, seems like sort of a cool enough name.
Patrol makes me think of a patrol car/police cars.
I am Just trying out something new.
I like trying new vehicles out and learning all I can about them, as well as comparing them with other vehicles. if I like them I tend to keep them around a few years. If I don't like them, I cut them loose.
As far as buying a Patrol badge, I am sure you could, You might have to track down a Alstrailnian Nissan dealer to get it .
Me, I know it's really the global Patrol. However I don't really mind the Armada name though.
Armada I believe by definition means fleet of war ships, seems like sort of a cool enough name.
Patrol makes me think of a patrol car/police cars.
Markuson
SILVER Star
Ya, it matters not one wit... I just tend to feel a little rebellious about how our US market seems to cut out most great options offered elsewhere. So when they slip one in...I wish it at least carried the name.
But again... Doesn't matter in any practical way.As for trying cars? Sounds great to me. If I could afford to try out vehicles by BUYING them? I would.
I can't...BUT I've had fun from time to time when I've needed to rent cars...trying different models each day just to get a feel for them. In one such instance, I was completely surprised to discover I had more head room in a Cooper Mini than my 100 Series cruiser gave me(!). It's just to try stuff even for a few days. You do have a unique opportunity since you OWN both. It should put you in a great position to make some truly even-minded comparisons.
I too understand the "trying out of something new" and am contemplating trading my LX-570 in for a 2017 Tundra TRD PRO. The reasons are that I truly use this vehicle to tow and I'm getting ready to NOT have 4 kids at home to haul around... as it is, I am down to 2 with a third currently staying with us this year (foreign exchange). With that said, the Tundra is better suited for that use, but I do admit that it does not inspire me. I have not driven it yet, as there is 1 within 150 miles and I have not taken the time to drive the hour out to Oregon to try it out.
I have driven a 2013 and 2014 200 series and if I am honest, those were not different enough to my LX to make me want to plop down the cash they were asking for them ($53K and $62K, respectively). I may end up hanging on the the LX longer if the Tundra does not inspire. On the other hand, the 2017 Ford Raptor looks very appealing (makes me smile), but the wife has said, "NO FORDS!". She does not trust their build quality.
Good luck with the Nissan. I will look forward to a full review / comparison in 6 months after you have taken it out in the mud and dirt!
I have driven a 2013 and 2014 200 series and if I am honest, those were not different enough to my LX to make me want to plop down the cash they were asking for them ($53K and $62K, respectively). I may end up hanging on the the LX longer if the Tundra does not inspire. On the other hand, the 2017 Ford Raptor looks very appealing (makes me smile), but the wife has said, "NO FORDS!". She does not trust their build quality.
Good luck with the Nissan. I will look forward to a full review / comparison in 6 months after you have taken it out in the mud and dirt!
Tundra Pro is great. Around here, lots of stock.
I have a 2017 Tacoma Pro in Cement on order. Will be here next month. 6MT.
I have a 2017 Tacoma Pro in Cement on order. Will be here next month. 6MT.
Dirty Koala
SILVER Star
Any further opinions on the 2017 Armada? Did you get the platinum with rear captains chairs?
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- #71
No on the platinum. I didn't want the TVs or captains chairs,
Mine is a loaded SL with sunroof and driver tech pkg etc.
By not getting the platinum I did sacrifice a couple optionS, that I did want like the cooled front seats and heated steering wheel.
But for the extra 5-6k for only those two option that neither option had not been on the twin 200s that I had somehow managed to survive with over the past several years. Lol I figured it wasn't really worth it. Plus I really didn't care for Platinum model's bronze tinted wheels, I really did like the look of the SL wheels a lot better.
When all was said and done with my fleet incentives I managed to replace my near 60k mile 2011 cruiser with a 2017 0k mile Armada with quite a few more features and more comfort and storage space for only $8k plus some sales tax.
Love the way it rides and drives. It's extreamy smooth and comfortable. Lots of storage most comfortable seats on the market in my opinion.
TFL recently tested one 0-60 in under 7 sec at mile above sea level. I can atest that the big girl can move.
Got her some decent new shoes today.
Armada's come std with 33's, I just didn't care for the thin highway tread on the OEM tires , so I put on some AT tires.
Cooper Zeon LTZs 275/60/20 ( stuck with the OEM size) .
Mine is a loaded SL with sunroof and driver tech pkg etc.
By not getting the platinum I did sacrifice a couple optionS, that I did want like the cooled front seats and heated steering wheel.
But for the extra 5-6k for only those two option that neither option had not been on the twin 200s that I had somehow managed to survive with over the past several years. Lol I figured it wasn't really worth it. Plus I really didn't care for Platinum model's bronze tinted wheels, I really did like the look of the SL wheels a lot better.
When all was said and done with my fleet incentives I managed to replace my near 60k mile 2011 cruiser with a 2017 0k mile Armada with quite a few more features and more comfort and storage space for only $8k plus some sales tax.
Love the way it rides and drives. It's extreamy smooth and comfortable. Lots of storage most comfortable seats on the market in my opinion.
TFL recently tested one 0-60 in under 7 sec at mile above sea level. I can atest that the big girl can move.
Got her some decent new shoes today.
Armada's come std with 33's, I just didn't care for the thin highway tread on the OEM tires , so I put on some AT tires.
Cooper Zeon LTZs 275/60/20 ( stuck with the OEM size) .
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I've been noticing a few of these around the Ville lately. I like looks of these so congrats. That sounds like a heck of a deal you negotiated
Dirty Koala
SILVER Star
This gun metal and the white are the two best colors in my opinion. Took a look at a few today...trying to decide between 2017 4runner limited, 2015 GX460 and 2017 Armada SL.
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- #75
Thanks.
No real plans on changing the badging. It only has the one name plate, back on the tailgate/hatch door.
I sort of like the V8 badges on the fenders.
I did buy the Nissan door moldings for it, just hadn't got them installed yet. It's sides just seem a little plain or just seem to be lacking something.
Here are some pics of Qx80s and Armada's with the door trim.
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- #76
Main reason I chose the gunmetal grey, was that none of the colors were non metallic, normally I always go with either a plain bright gloss white or gloss black. Since all the Armada choices were metallic, and Gunmetal was the only non two tone choice, Gunmital it was. From what some dealer friends tell me the Gunmetal has been the most popular seller. Should mean it will turn out well for resale .
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- #77
In case anyone was wondering my remaining Cruiser has not been neglected. Since the Armada joined the stable.
She got some new shoes a few weeks ago, and I added the Toyota strut level spacer last week.
She gets an alignment in the morning. Still have 0 intention of selling it. It's still typically my daily driver.
The spacers are not on it in these pic's but here is what her new shoes look like.
She got some new shoes a few weeks ago, and I added the Toyota strut level spacer last week.
She gets an alignment in the morning. Still have 0 intention of selling it. It's still typically my daily driver.
The spacers are not on it in these pic's but here is what her new shoes look like.
If I buy one reason I will put patrol on rear is armada has bad quality reputation
Patrol is a beast with world wide recognition
Could you check space behind third seat and how it compares with 200 and armada for luggage?
Also which has more room for third row leg room
Which one is easier to get to third row
We have two 200 (LC and LX), debating on replacing my ola e jane LC with a patrol
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- #79
The Armada has notable more room in every category you mentioned.
The Sequoia is likely the only full size body on frame SUV with slightly more space. That it is without going up to what I call the Suburban class Domestic brands both Ford and GM offerings.
3rd row is very easy to get into.
It is just larger then a 200, in every dimension, only thing larger then the Armada in what I call the Tahoe class, would be the Sequoia.
The Armada is a lot closer to a 200's quality and level luxury and tech, then the Sequoia.
Here is new review on you tube, that I thought for the most part was good honest review about midway through he gets into the 3rd row.
Thank you
