How are '00-'01 Altimas?

[MattB]

I own a 2001 Infiniti I30 and love it. My sister is going to be getting her license this summer and I'm helping pick out cars for her to consider. Basically she's looking for a reliable 4-door (preferably 4cyl) that can be somewhat sporty. Her first choice is a 00-02 Infiniti G20, she loved my old '95 G20 that I had before I bought the I30. As far as a second choice I was thinking about suggesting an '00 or '01 Altima SE. 4 cylinder, reliable, not too big, and at least makes some premise of being sporty. Are there any major things to look out for on these cars as far as mechanical issues or are they pretty much rock solid?

[MattB]

Nobody can give me some things to look for when looking at used Altimas?

[Serkle K]

Try cars.com, auto.com, edmunds.com, yahoo.com, google.com... maybe look to see if there are 2nd Gen spacific forums, I have a first gen, and I know the motors are the same, but i think thats where the similarities end... Since i got mine used, I dont recall hearing anything major as a "common problem" for them as I needed to full service it (Tune up, Fluid flushes, and engine bay wash) as well as a few cosmetic fixes (Water in the the tail light, condensation in the headlight), When I did the research the only thing I heard about being a "comon problem" was that the windshield washer fluid motor has been known to die, and that's the only thing I have yet to actually fix/replace since I just wash my entire car on a regular basis anyway...

Other then that I dunno what else to suggest to look into for a 2nd gen spacifically... good luck.

[ColJohnFrost]

I have a "Program Car" Altima. I got it in '01 and its been great till now! I've Googeling issues with 01's and there are a handfull of nasty ones nut there. I love my care and do almost all my own work on it, and would get one for my grandma. i would just do a vin search for a car report dont trust the dealer... cause i did and now I'm playing "Magical CLE low output bank 1" -Good Hunting!

[nissantech06]

Struts, broken springs...and probably the hardest and biggest pain in the butt: intake manifold gasket leaks. They are a ***** to do and take a long time and a ton of bleeding knuckles. Other than that, somewhat of oil leaks (valve covers and pan gaskets mostly) and, on rear disc brakes, the calipers seize upwards of 80,000 miles. They are good cars, but you NEED to maintain them. This is a must on this body style Altima.

[MattB]

Struts, broken springs...and probably the hardest and biggest pain in the butt: intake manifold gasket leaks. They are a ***** to do and take a long time and a ton of bleeding knuckles. Other than that, somewhat of oil leaks (valve covers and pan gaskets mostly) and, on rear disc brakes, the calipers seize upwards of 80,000 miles. They are good cars, but you NEED to maintain them. This is a must on this body style Altima.

Thanks for the heads up on potential issues to look for. Would you say they are more or less problematic than other Nissan products?