Engine problems and build quality?

[JediOutcastX]

I am wondering what I should buy for my first car and I stumbled upon the Altima Coupe. I immediately fell in love and proceeded in trying to convince my parents to buy this for me as a graduation present (my dad was always saying that he would get me a car for graduation). Anyways, I was asking my uncle and his friend about the Altima Coupe and they both informed me that Altima engines are prone to problems and the interior build quality is poor....I was wondering if this is the case?

[leifab]

Well..considering that the engine is the vq series engine...has won Ward's 10-best engines a record breaking 14 straight times...and is the same engine you'll find in the 350z, Maxima, and G35...it's pretty damn solid..and its reputation speaks for itself. As for the interior...well so far it hasn't given me any problems...anyone else care to speak on this?

[SniperJoe]

Ditto on the engine and the car as a whole .... one of the best engines ever made and no problems what so ever with my coupe.
Modified by SniperJoe at 9:13 PM 4/13/2008

[mcheddadi]

The V6 engine is legendary but the 4cyl engine has its problems.

The interior is top notch but be sure to check for rattle in the roof and rear side panel areas. Other than that, it rocks!

[SniperJoe]

Well, I hope mine makes more noise soon .... with a future Nismo exhaust......

[bembol]

The V6 engine is legendary but the 4cyl engine has its problems.

The interior is top notch but be sure to check for rattle in the roof and rear side panel areas. Other than that, it rocks!

My sister has the 2.5S, can you/others be more specific.

[Kanard]

ya need to test drive one. lol its engine is gr8, as for the interior, i mean, you need to see for yourself in person, and judge. There may be others better inside wise, but if u like the coupe enough to take the interior also, then ..

[itsjustbusiness]

I've had the 2.5S for a little over 2000 miles now and it's running great. The addition of an Injen intake actually gives the car some sound and an exhaust would make it sound even better. Engine quality wise -I'm not really that educated in the field but I've had nothing to complain about so far but it is still early in the running. The car's exterior is super sexy and the interior's not too shabby - good looking yet practical. Rattling wise I haven't had much of a problme except the occasional passenger side seat belt rattling against the interior. Altima Coupe is a great selection for a first car!

[leifab]

Yeah...i keep forgetting that the coupe comes with the qr25 also.

The qr25 has been plagued with problems every since it rolled out in the sentras in 02(i think it was 02 anywayz) Everything from being overboard which caused MASSIVE oil consumption...the precat was notorious for breaking up and that combined with the exhaust/intake overlap from the cvtc caused small particles to be sucked back up into the engine...causing scoring on the cylinder walls....the early models had a bum knock sensor that was too sensitive and retarded the timing needlessly..there were even reports of the of the precats catching fire. If there are any other problems i missed please chime in.

[JediOutcastX]

Well, the only model I'm considering is the 3.5, so engine shouldnt be a problem. Are there any problems or gripes with any part of the coupe that has come up though? I'm pretty sure I would take this car, but I just rather know all the little odds and ends of it just in case =]

[leifab]

so far the only problems i have heard of/experienced...are tiny little things. I had to have my gas cap replaced because even with it being tight...the seal still would leak, throwing a CEL. The carpeted covering in the trunk sags a little...but thats all i got.

[h8ncops]

ive had my 2.5 coupe for about 10 mos. now and just tripped 13000 miles and havent had 1 prob from it. as far as interior goes its nice but if u want a luxurious feel buy an infinity. if u want 2 race by 3.5 if just to criuse by 2.5 imo. BUT THE CAR LOOKS SO SEXXXY!

[prlwhitecoupe]

Your uncles are right about the interior, but not with the engine. Trust me- I KNOW......just look at my previous posts concerning the problems I've had. If you still wanna buy, just make sure you have a good relationship with the service manager because you'll be seeing him alot.

[dldjros69]

I have had my coupe for 9 months and no issues. I have the 2.5. I love it. The car is so sexxy.

[kanejuice]

ive have the coupe for a while now 2.5s have about 19000 miles on it and its running strong still no problems whatsover with it so far great car

[LinkNuc]

Nossans VQ35** are one of the most reliable engines on the market, the 4 bangers have had a little trouble but not worse than GM 4 banger but that's not saying much.

[packerjd04]

Grad present in 2 years?

[JediOutcastX]

Well, I suppose everyone is on a consensus that the engine is perfectly fine...and the only thing that is a tiny bit questionable is the interior build quality =] I think I'd be fine with it, but I suppose the only way I'd know is to go see the coupe in person and judge for myself. Thanks for the input everyone! I don't even know why I'm looking into this so early, considering the earliest I would be able to get the coupe (assuming my parents completely agree with my choice) is next March. Hmm...that leads me to wonder...will there be an '09 Altima Coupe? And what about what I've been hearing about a shortage/price markup? So many questions...sorry!