First CVT Experience

[emailsmythe]

I recently purchased a 2008 Nissan Altima 2.5 4 door sedan. I have never driven CVT before, the acceleration is a dream.

I have noticed a slight rattle at 1000rpm, also read about that from other discussion forums but no big deal really.

The main thing I notice is the downshifting or engine braking when going down hills or letting off the pedal. At first this annoyed me and am getting used to it as I don't have to break as much... this is by design right?? Just want to make sure! I don't know how I didn't notice that in the test drive but on Sat. I wasn't in traffic and had open interstate with no hills.

Still have mixed feelings, it's simultaneously great and a little finicky. Brakes are somewhat touchy, may be just a new car or me used to old brakes.

[dldjros69]

I would say that the breaks are very touchy. they took me some time to get use to. My coupe stops on a dime thought. I like it.

[StrokerAce]

I recently purchased a 2008 Nissan Altima 2.5 4 door sedan. I have never driven CVT before, the acceleration is a dream.

I have noticed a slight rattle at 1000rpm, also read about that from other discussion forums but no big deal really.

i also have a rattle at low rpms. since im not physically there to see your car or experience the "rattle", i cant diagnose it. However, i can tell you that on my car the heat sheild around the header/cat is loose. at low rpms since it is loose it rattles. if it is this, no big deal just kinda annoying. but its a quick fix as well.

[Nicky Altima]

Yes, the brakes are touchy but smooth..you will get use to it..enjoy your new ride!

[marlin29311]

Welcome to Nico!

The CVT is designed to rev-up (no shifting, there are no gears!!!) when going down a hill as to invoke engine braking, helping you to stop faster if you needed to.

The low rpm rattle (or at least what i think you're talking about) is somewhat normal and most people have it.

What kind of car did you come from? I came from a Ford before this car - if you didn't mash the brake pedal to the floor, you didn't get any braking, so this car has been a dream in terms of braking power...

[redmaro173]

The CVT gives the car a more luxury feel but i honestly think its a complete waste of time. So much power loss. There was nothing wrong with the traditional 5 or 6 speed automatic. And does anyone know how long a crap transmission like the CVT lasts for? About the brakes.....they seem touchy but they are in no way sufficient for anything past daily leisure driving. Coming down from 80 mph and beyond moderately hard on the petal is horrible. The car needs brembo brakes...BAD

[LongBeachCoupe]

Welcome!I LOVE MY CVT!

[emailsmythe]

My previous car was a 97 altima, so brakes weren't necessarily great but not real bad either. I have gotten a little used to hitting the breaks more lightly and seem to be getting used to it. The engine going down hill is nice too if you are expecting it and used to it.

We had a huge snow storm last night here in MI and I was peeling out just to get down my street. This morning after taking it out on the interstate I noticed the wheel was wobbly, my friend told me that snow probly got impacted in the wheel somewhere... hopefully that will resolve itself soon, hate to have probs just after buying it!

[maxentropy]

My recommendation is to slowly and safely drive to your nearest shop to get that looked at. I'd take it to the dealer as they'll probably not charge you for it if it's a brand new car.

[emailsmythe]

Yesterday I took it to my friends's uncle's garage who runs a trucking company. He had a heated power washer that I used to spray out the tires and hopefully melt out any ice. Seemed to work like a charm, no more wheel wobble, must have been some ice or snow causing a tire imbalance.