What Nissan's Build and Price tool does and what it doesn't

Nissan's Build and Price is an online configurator on Nissan's website where you select a model, choose options and colors, and see the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for that exact combination. It shows you what Nissan recommends the car should cost before any dealer markup, incentives, or negotiation. The tool does not show you what you will actually pay at a dealership, what your monthly payment would be, or whether a particular dealer has that car in stock.

The price you see in Build and Price is the starting point for a conversation with a dealer, not the final price. Dealers can and do charge above MSRP, especially for popular models or colors. They also explore their own documentation fees, add-ons, and financing terms. Incentives — manufacturer rebates, seasonal promotions, or dealer discounts — are not reflected in the Build and Price number and can lower your actual cost significantly.

Understanding what Build and Price shows you prevents sticker shock when you walk into a dealership or receive a quote. It also gives you a baseline to compare across dealers and to know whether a quote is reasonable.

Key Takeaways

  • Build and Price shows Nissan's manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for the exact configuration you choose, not what you will pay at a dealership.
  • The tool lets you add options, select colors, and see how each choice affects the price, so you can understand which features cost extra.
  • Dealer prices, documentation fees, and financing terms are not included in the Build and Price total and will be added when you buy.
  • Current manufacturer incentives and rebates are usually shown separately on the Nissan website but not automatically deducted in Build and Price.
  • You can use your Build and Price configuration to get quotes from multiple dealers and compare their offers against the MSRP baseline.

How to navigate the Build and Price tool step by step

Start at Nissan.com and look for the "Build and Price" link, usually in the main navigation or under a specific model's page. Select the model you are interested in — Altima, Rogue, Frontier, or another Nissan vehicle. The tool will ask you to choose a trim level first. Each trim level has a different base MSRP, and higher trims include more standard features.

Once you select a trim, the tool shows you available options and packages. You can add features like a sunroof, upgraded infotainment system, all-wheel drive, or safety packages. Each addition updates the price in real time. You can also choose exterior and interior colors, which may have an upcharge if you select a premium or special paint.

As you build your configuration, the tool displays the running total. At the end, you will see the final MSRP for your exact car. Some versions of the tool let you save your configuration, email it to yourself, or send it to a nearby dealer. This saved configuration is useful when you contact dealerships for quotes — you can ask them to price that exact car.

Understanding the price breakdown in Build and Price

The MSRP shown in Build and Price is split into the base vehicle price and the cost of each option or package you added. This breakdown is important because it shows you which features are worth the money to you and which are not. A sunroof might add $1,500, while a premium audio system might add $800. You can see these line items and decide whether to include them.

The MSRP does not include destination charges, which Nissan adds to every new car sold in the United States. Destination charges cover the cost of shipping the car from the factory to the dealer and typically range from $900 to $1,200, depending on the model and your location. This fee is separate from the MSRP and will appear on your final invoice at the dealership.

Dealer documentation fees, registration, taxes, and financing charges are also not part of the Build and Price total. These are added by the dealership and vary by location and dealer. When you receive a quote from a dealer, compare the MSRP portion to what you saw in Build and Price to make sure the base price matches.

Why the price you see in Build and Price differs from dealer quotes

Dealers are independent businesses and can charge whatever they want above the MSRP. In high-demand markets or for popular models, dealers often add a "market adjustment" or "dealer markup" on top of the MSRP. This can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on the model and local demand. Build and Price shows only Nissan's suggested price, not what individual dealers are charging.

Incentives and rebates are another reason for the difference. Nissan regularly offers manufacturer rebates, seasonal promotions, or loyalty discounts. These are not automatically deducted in Build and Price but are shown separately on Nissan's incentives page. A dealer quote should reflect any current incentives you are may have access to to, which would lower the final price below the MSRP you see in the tool.

Dealer add-ons — extended warranties, paint protection, fabric guard, or other services — are also not in Build and Price. Dealers often include these in their quotes, which increases the total cost. You can decline these add-ons or negotiate their price separately from the vehicle price.

Using Build and Price to compare dealers and negotiate

Save or print your Build and Price configuration and use it to get quotes from at least two or three Nissan dealers. When you contact them, provide your exact configuration so they are quoting the same car. This makes it straightforward to compare their offers side by side. A dealer quote should show the MSRP matching what you saw in Build and Price, plus destination, incentives, dealer fees, and any add-ons they are including.

If one dealer's quote is significantly higher than another's, ask them to explain the difference. It might be a market adjustment, add-ons you did not request, or a different incentive structure. You can use a lower quote from another dealer as leverage to negotiate a better price. Dealers know that customers shop around, and many will match or beat a competitor's offer to earn your business.

Keep in mind that the MSRP in Build and Price is a starting point, not a ceiling. In a buyer's market, you may be able to negotiate below MSRP. In a seller's market, dealers may hold firm at or above MSRP. Your actual savings depend on local market conditions, the specific model, and how much negotiating power you have.

What Build and Price does not show you about financing and total cost

Build and Price shows the vehicle price only, not what you will actually pay over time if you finance the purchase. Your monthly payment depends on the loan amount, interest rate, loan term, and down payment — none of which are calculated in Build and Price. A dealer's finance department will work with you on these terms after you agree on the vehicle price.

Insurance costs, registration fees, and maintenance are also not reflected in Build and Price. These ongoing costs vary by your location, age, driving record, and the specific model. Before you commit to a purchase, research insurance quotes for the exact car you are building and factor that into your decision.

If you want to see a monthly payment estimate, many dealer websites have a separate financing calculator where you can input your down payment, trade-in value, and desired loan term. This gives you a more complete picture of the total cost of ownership than Build and Price alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Build and Price include current rebates and incentives?

No. Build and Price shows only the MSRP. Current manufacturer rebates and incentives are listed separately on Nissan's website under "Incentives" or "Offers." A dealer quote should deduct any rebates you are may have access to to, which lowers your actual cost below the MSRP you see in Build and Price.

Can I order a car directly from Nissan using Build and Price?

No. Build and Price is a tool to see pricing and specifications. You must contact a Nissan dealer to order or purchase a car. You can save your configuration and send it to a dealer, but the dealer handles the actual transaction, financing, and delivery.

Why does the dealer's quote include fees that were not in Build and Price?

Build and Price shows only the vehicle MSRP. Dealers add destination charges (shipping), documentation fees, registration, taxes, and any add-ons they are including. These are standard and vary by dealer and location. Compare the MSRP portion of the dealer's quote to Build and Price to make sure the base price is correct.

Can I negotiate below the MSRP shown in Build and Price?

Yes, depending on market conditions. In a buyer's market, dealers may negotiate below MSRP. In a seller's market, especially for popular models, dealers often hold firm at or above MSRP. Getting quotes from multiple dealers gives you the best sense of what is negotiable in your area.

Does Build and Price show me if a dealer has this car in stock?

No. Build and Price is a pricing and configuration tool only. To learn about a specific dealer has a car in stock or can order one for you, contact the dealer directly or check their inventory on their website.