Help me choose which altima to buy, Please help, PLEASE!!!

[Cass7206]

I'm buying an Altima Coupe... but I am going to go crazy trying to figure out which one I want.


First I was looking at an '09 coupe and probably would have bought it, but I saw the 2010 with the styled hood and decided I was going to wait, and that it was 2010 / 2011 or nothing... but now after looking some more, there are a lot of things I like about the 09. The first is that I would have a much easier time finding a nice lightly used one that will help me with the cost... but that's really just a perk of going with the 09.


The headlight predicament: I like the 09 headlights, the way the hood flows into them, blacking out the orange part of them looks great... although I do like the projector headlights in the 2010.


The front end predicament: At first I thought I wanted the hood styling... now I'm not sure... the bump looks kind of awkward sometimes, its like they couldn't decide whether to have a bump there or not so they just put a little awkward bump in there. And I think I like the 09 grill better! I like the honeycomb, and not sure if I like the chrome going all the way around the grill on the 10. The front bumper is a no-brainer: I like the 10... don't like the straight square on the 09.


The interior predicament?? : I hear they went from orange lighted accents in the 09 to white in the 10. I want the white.


So it feels like with the 09 I get less style, but I might like it that way, at this point I don't know... I get the orange inside, and get the less attractive front bumper... but I think I really like the hood and headlights better in the '09. With the 10 I get better headlights but at the expense of not looking as good in my opinion... and the white interior... but I'm horrified of buying it and then deciding I don't like the hood and grill!!! I SERIOUSLY NEED HELP... my head is going to explode.


Please add any input that may help with the decision, like any differences between the 09 and 10 that I didn't think about, or just your impressions comparing the two. I don't know which I want but here is the end plan: Either A. Black Altima Coupe with blackened tail lights and headlights, window tint and either black or bronze wheels or B. a WHITE altima coupe with black wheels and windows. Hmmmm...


Thanks in advance for any help, I need it.

[QR25DE]

It sounds like you have already figured out what you want... You want something with style. Although both cars offer pretty much the same styling, the 2010+ would be the better choice IMO.

As far as after market support all the intakes, exhaust systems, etc. fit. So if you can find a good deal go for it.

Also, what are you planning on getting? You may want to look at under the hood options over the color of the gauges... lol.

3.5 or 2.5? CVT or MTX?

[Cass7206]

Thanks for the response - no talk about under the hood because that is already decided - I'm getting the 2.5 CVT.


I currently drive a 3.8L V6 and I LOVE it... but its time has come and gone, its a 95! But runs like the day I got it... unfortunately I have a 40 mile commute that I make every day and I need a car that gets better mileage. This killed me, because I couldn't have imagined stopping down to a 4 cylinder - but I do love the Altima Coupe... it looks fast, whether it really is or not haha.


As for your point about me clearly wanting style - that IS what I want - but style IMO doesn't mean more notches and stuff... I like the style of the 09, I like the honeycomb grill, and I'm thinking maybe I actually like the contour-less hood. But I don't know! I like parts of the 10 better... I have no idea.

[Cass7206]

And is the CVT awkward to drive? Seems like it would really be strange not having that satisfying shift when you need it... I did test drive one, but it was in a horrible snow storm (who does this, I know, I hear ya)... but I just happened to be driving by the dealer driving like 10 mph because nobody could get anywhere and I figured hey - its gotta drive in the snow at some point, this is as bad as it gets, lets see how she handles. Didn't do all that well to be honest but I'm not sure how much I care. Its not like a RWD or anything.

[QR25DE]

CVT isn't awkward to drive as all. You get used to it pretty quick. You'd have way more fun with the 2.5 with the MTX though. The fuel mileage is amazing in both the 2.5 and the 3.5.

[Cass7206]

MTX??

[wade001]

6spd FTW lol!!! you will have more fun with it, but what do you look for in a driving experience? convenience or performance and technicality?

[wade001]

MTX??

He means the manual transmission

[Cass7206]

Oh ok, yeah I know you guys will be all about the manual, but I need convenience. I'm not as much of a hardcore car enthusiast as most of you probably are. I would say #1 is comfort. #2 style. #3 performance, but I rarely use it... I like to drive fast every once in a while, but for the most part I just like knowing its there when I need it. I like to go as easy as possible on most of my cars, like to maintain them. I just checked out someone's write up on how to make an LED-backlit nissan logo... I need to learn how to run the wires up there so I can do it haha.

[elfenlied8]

i'd go with 2010/11. I got 2010 cause I didnt like the front bumper on the 09 and the orange gauges. How come you dont wait for a 2012?

[Madstaffy]

And is the CVT awkward to drive? Seems like it would really be strange not having that satisfying shift when you need it... I did test drive one, but it was in a horrible snow storm (who does this, I know, I hear ya)... but I just happened to be driving by the dealer driving like 10 mph because nobody could get anywhere and I figured hey - its gotta drive in the snow at some point, this is as bad as it gets, lets see how she handles. Didn't do all that well to be honest but I'm not sure how much I care. Its not like a RWD or anything.

I'm looking at the 2011 3.5 CVT, as far as the snow test drive I have heard that the stock tires are not too good and it's suggested to get winter/snow tires. I have an AWD Subaru now and even their stock tires were horrible!!! Best of luck on your decision

[RicerX]

Good luck with your purchase and welcome to NICO!

My best advice is to be extra cautious with your speed when you first get the car. Since it's your first CVT, it's easy to just glide up to a "comfortable" speed and be well over the speed limit without realizing, because you don't feel or hear the car getting up to speed like a conventional automatic. (I got a ticket on day 3 with my first AC).

Find one you like and for a price that's comfortable. You will enjoy either one, I can assure you!

[Ranga14]

The 2010+ front end looks great EXCEPT for the ugly a** bump in the headlights. If they had kept the lights a similar shape to the prior coupes it would have been great. Although I will say that I like the orange dials in dash better than white. I guess I just love the color orange. ha... As for going down from that v6, since it's such an old v6 you probably won't feel a huge change other than the CVT adjustment.

If it were me, I'd get the 2009 to save money.

[Blackmobile]

you can always change the orange gauges to white, or any other color, simple mod, there's a how guide

[Cass7206]

I'm not holding out for the 2012 because I'm guessing it will be virtually the same car and a much higher cost for me. Going used... I drive too much to lease and go way over my allowed mileage, and the payments on a new car would be too much, I don't want to finance it over 6 years to keep my payments under $400. Thanks for the input. keep em coming.

[DAAN.]

I would not recommend buying one.
It will lose its value fast, it will get no respect and ultimately, not a sports car.

I love mine, but you have to be realistic ...

[coupecrazy1232]

I would not recommend buying one.
It will lose its value fast, it will get no respect and ultimately, not a sports car.

I love mine, but you have to be realistic ...

Value wise he is correct...i got when i traded mine in...bought for 25k and 2 years and 50k later they gave me 12k...the 2.5 is SLOW so the power wont really be "there" when you need it..not hating cuz i had one but well you see what i drive now...As far as looks i loved the 09, the 10 with the projectors is nice and has grown on me since they came out but im still not sold on them. However i would see if i could find a used 10 model and get it since you want used. BTW is 40 miles round trip or one way? cuz if its round trip that really isnt that far tbh

[Ranga14]

I would not recommend buying one.
It will lose its value fast, it will get no respect and ultimately, not a sports car.

I love mine, but you have to be realistic ...

When did he say he was looking for a sports car? I didn't get that impression at all.

[DReed86]

I just checked out someone's write up on how to make an LED-backlit nissan logo... I need to learn how to run the wires up there so I can do it haha.

That was CoupeCrazy he is a few posts up from me he did that, so you can PM him.

As far as a car goes I would buy an 08-09 they will be much less expensive. I like everyone is saying it loses value quickly. I would get a 3.5 also

[coupecrazy1232]

I just checked out someone's write up on how to make an LED-backlit nissan logo... I need to learn how to run the wires up there so I can do it haha.

That was CoupeCrazy he is a few posts up from me he did that, so you can PM him.

As far as a car goes I would buy an 08-09 they will be much less expensive. I like everyone is saying it loses value quickly. I would get a 3.5 also

yeeeeah i did it but it wasnt my write up! But i can help...PM me Cass and ill help ya out!

[DReed86]

oh lol I thought you did the write up....

[coupecrazy1232]

hell idk...i might have, ive been drunk since then lol

[Cass7206]

Yeah I'm not looking for a sports car. I make 34k a year, I'm not trying to pretend I make 100k. I would look more ridiculous buying a sports car and not having enough $ to get it washed.



40 miles each way, with the 3.8L V6 (and an older one, not nearly as efficient as the altima + maxima) it is guzzling gas. I fill it up every few days and I sometimes fit $65 in the tank. It's about time for a new car anyway.



I saw an 09 and two 10's on the road today... I think I want the 10. Thanks for the advice, any more suggestions would be cool. I thought for sure I would get a black one (and still might), I've always loved black cars and nothing else... and might get bronze wheels for it... but now I'm leaning towards a white with black wheels, and a nice dark tink to match them.

[coupecrazy1232]

but now I'm leaning towards a white with black wheels, and a nice dark tink to match them.

DReed will love you now lol

Good to see somebody responsible and knows ones limit when buying a car! I have friends all the time trying to "keep up with the Jones" on buying cars and trucks and end up going broke....

The 2.5 will be great on gas especially if you're driving highway...80 miles round trip would def suck!!

[DAAN.]

: ) we all make mistakes ...

When did he say he was looking for a sports car? I didn't get that impression at all.

FYI black looks ok ... but it will rarely be this clean

[Cass7206]

A decision has been made...









I LOVE this car '08 2.5S with convenience package, tan leather interior with wood grain trim, tinted windows, upgraded sound system, heated seats. Love.

Now the question becomes what kind of wheels should I get?? Leaning toward black with a chrome lip but I don't know... 18"? 19"?? I'm thinking 19 - but will I have to change anything about the car to wear 19s? OPEN TO ANY AND ALL OTHER MOD SUGGESTIONS!! I don't want to overdo anything... not sure if I want the black turn signal shades or not yet... might add a wind thing at the front of the sunroof. What's everyone think?

[coupecrazy1232]

hmm i cant see the pics...is it just me?!?!

[Cass7206]

Its not just you, the pics were there for like ten minutes, then they went away and it just says Image, don't know if it was too much bandwidth or what... lets try this...

http://s3.amazonaws.com/twitpic/photos/ ... gMYiAx0%3D

http://s3.amazonaws.com/twitpic/photos/ ... g9phqG0%3D

http://s3.amazonaws.com/twitpic/photos/ ... 18fqa2U%3D

http://s3.amazonaws.com/twitpic/photos/ ... QQHls3Y%3D

Pics or no pics its basically a stock winter frost 08 coupe... with what I would consider amazing interior. I always loved black cars, and even after deciding to go white I had to have black leather interior... but I changed my mind after checking it out, I love the cream leather with wood grain trim.

I think I want to do the headlight and tail light overlays... I like the headlight overlays that cover not just the orange turn signal portion, but the entire top half of the lights... think I'll get some GTR 60% tails with the reverse cut out. Who sells the top-half headlight ones? Seems like that would be more difficult to apply than the tails because you cant pull it over the entire surface, and you would have to get it lined up perfectly with the shape of the light...

Leaning towards black rims with a chrome lip, can anyone recommend where to buy them? Looks like tirerack.com is the best... but I'm not seeing any that I'm completely in love with... not yet anyway.

[Cass7206]

"Leaning towards black rims with a chrome lip, can anyone recommend where to buy them? Looks like tirerack.com is the best... but I'm not seeing any that I'm completely in love with... not yet anyway."


Bump for this part... where does everyone recommend buying wheels from?

[Rmuth25]

I purchased mine from discounttire.com. No problems.