Looking into buying an Altima soon... Need help!!!

[KlrSpz]

I'm currently an Accord owner, and like it alright. I have a CAI and GReddy exhaust, some koni's and eibach's for suspension.... It's a pretty decent ride... But it's only a 4cyl.

So I'm thinking of getting an Altima 3.5... i havne't decided between the Coupe or the Sedan, so I'm posting here first.

I have some worries though, now that I'm more educated in cars, that I might buy a dud? The Accords had some well known problems amongst generations, and I happened to luck out and get a newer generation that fixed a lot of the more costly issues.

So obviously, I have some questions... I'd much appreciate it if people would chime in to let a buyer understand what he's getting into.

----

I've read among the older (2002 and older) Altima's, there were issues with the engines... i couldn't find out exactly what, seemed to be more of a head gasket that would crap out frequently? Seemed to be getting a lot of radiator fluid in the mix, which obviously is no good to an engine. Is this a problem still?? If possible, how difficult is it to change the head gasket? Some cars I've had were cork gaskets, some metal, and some were black RTV (vulcanizing silicone).. Some I had to just unbolt 2-3 bolts and some valves and et voila.. on my accord it's apparently a PITA to get to... luckily i haven't had the need to yet..

Transmissions... This one is a doobie for me, as it's just about the only repair I won't do (aside from an engine overhaul). CVT's... any known problems? Do they have any issues yet? CVT is just automatic right? they don't have anything like that for manual trannies? (Still learning about transmissions)How difficult is it to clean the filter (if there is one)? How difficult is it to swap the transmission fluid (notice I didn't say flush)? I found a post on changing the MTF, how different is changing the ATF? Again, coming from the Accord it was only slightly different where you filled, draining was identical... The MTF change looks identical to that of the ATF change on the Accord.

My Accord is my first automatic, and I'm contemplating going back to a standard... How are the clutches on Altimas? Good life-span for the master cylinder? (and if it's decent to not good at all, how difficult is the repair). Do the auto versions have "tiptronic" functions on the shifter for more gear control? (Accords only have D1-D3, which is better than just a D3, but i don't like how it feels)

Brakes/Rotors... Do they have any issues? I've known other manufacturers to have crappy rotors that warp often, and brakes that don't last for crap. Is a Brembo and Hawk HPS combination positively revered for Altima's like other imports? I also read something about (and this was AT and MT transmissions) the Altima Coupes (i think i saw it abbreviated as A/C?) still roll when parked and e-Brake on????? In a standard I always leave it in first, so this might not be that big of a deal if i go with that, but if i get an AT, then I don't want to have to worry about this.... that's scary...

Radio dash kits... For the accord, they are way over priced... $150+ for a decent kit, and it still sucks... It looks better than the alternatives, but it cost more than my JVC headunit with USB playback!!!!! What are the options, and how easy is it to remove the dash pieces to achieve this? A Custom head unit is essential in my cars... Speakers/Amps - not so much, but I'll probably get into that at a later point.

I'm certain of this, but if someone could speak to it for my assurance I'd appreciate it: - CAI or SRI/WAI? Easily available? Do you guys buy the $250+ units from AEM/Injen/etc or do you get the ebay specials and slap on a K&N filter? Do the Altimas ALL have MAFs? Most Accords don't outside of Cali.. - Suspension -- This time I want coilovers; independent suspension components are a PITA to me... What's a good brand/configuration?

Do the coupe's have any components that the sedan doesn't? Coming from the Accord world, they are identical except a few measurements here n there...

I realize that I can search for most of these things, and have been... I just don't want to revive an old thread, and would like some current feedback.



Thanks in advance for the answers...

-Spaz

[Serkle K]

First off, welcome!

You have alot of great questions, especially coming from an Accord... the only real one I can answer for you up front, is the Motor in the Coupe 3.5 is different from the 01s. the 3.5 has a VQ motor, and IIRC the 01 is the last year of the KA24DE in the altima state side... Oh, and yes the altima's have a MAF sensor... The others will gladly chime in on the other ?'s as some point...

Modified by Serkle K at 4:37 PM 7/1/2008
Modified by Serkle K at 4:38 PM 7/1/2008

[windhaven]

Oh god, where to start ........

I'm currently an Accord owner, and like it alright. I have a CAI and GReddy exhaust, some koni's and eibach's for suspension.... It's a pretty decent ride... But it's only a 4cyl.

So I'm thinking of getting an Altima 3.5... i havne't decided between the Coupe or the Sedan, so I'm posting here first.

I have some worries though, now that I'm more educated in cars, that I might buy a dud? The Accords had some well known problems amongst generations, and I happened to luck out and get a newer generation that fixed a lot of the more costly issues.

So obviously, I have some questions... I'd much appreciate it if people would chime in to let a buyer understand what he's getting into.

That's what we promote here, knowledge share. Here goes:

I've read among the older (2002 and older) Altima's, there were issues with the engines... i couldn't find out exactly what, seemed to be more of a head gasket that would crap out frequently? Seemed to be getting a lot of radiator fluid in the mix, which obviously is no good to an engine. Is this a problem still?? If possible, how difficult is it to change the head gasket? Some cars I've had were cork gaskets, some metal, and some were black RTV (vulcanizing silicone).. Some I had to just unbolt 2-3 bolts and some valves and et voila.. on my accord it's apparently a PITA to get to... luckily i haven't had the need to yet..

In general the latest models with the DR25 and VQ35DE have a solid history of reliability. The 2.5 is easier to work on in general, the VQ is well documented and has a pile of awards over the years. My experience is that Nissans (in general) are easier to work on. (And, yes, i've owned Honda's before). The head gasket problems were often a problem in the gen 1 sedans from what I remember (Which had a number of issues being a first model platform).

Transmissions... This one is a doobie for me, as it's just about the only repair I won't do (aside from an engine overhaul). CVT's... any known problems? Do they have any issues yet? CVT is just automatic right? they don't have anything like that for manual trannies? (Still learning about transmissions)How difficult is it to clean the filter (if there is one)? How difficult is it to swap the transmission fluid (notice I didn't say flush)? I found a post on changing the MTF, how different is changing the ATF? Again, coming from the Accord it was only slightly different where you filled, draining was identical... The MTF change looks identical to that of the ATF change on the Accord.

The CVT seems to be holding up so far, since they haven't been out for long (Other than in other models like the Murano) it's hard to tell right now. The CVT is an auto transmission without gears. Gears are replaced by a variable ratio pulleys and band. as far a swapping fluids, dunno. Anybody out there got any ideas?

My Accord is my first automatic, and I'm contemplating going back to a standard... How are the clutches on Altimas? Good life-span for the master cylinder? (and if it's decent to not good at all, how difficult is the repair). Do the auto versions have "tiptronic" functions on the shifter for more gear control? (Accords only have D1-D3, which is better than just a D3, but i don't like how it feels).

The CVT transmission has a manual model for 6 simulated gears. IMHO they are too closely spaced on the RPM band. But you get 6 distinct gears in the manual mode. I've only heard some rumblings that the manual transmissions on the 08 models are a bit touchy. In general, I know that most who have the manual models love them (Especially, when considering matching them up with a turbo). As for reliability, Nissan manuals have been good for years, IMHO about middle of the road for maintanability.

Brakes/Rotors... Do they have any issues? I've known other manufacturers to have crappy rotors that warp often, and brakes that don't last for crap. Is a Brembo and Hawk HPS combination positively revered for Altima's like other imports? I also read something about (and this was AT and MT transmissions) the Altima Coupes (i think i saw it abbreviated as A/C?) still roll when parked and e-Brake on????? In a standard I always leave it in first, so this might not be that big of a deal if i go with that, but if i get an AT, then I don't want to have to worry about this.... that's scary...

So far, issues with the brakes have been limited to a couple experiences as far as what I have seen on the forum. There have been no recalls on the brake system from what i've heard for any of the models (Sedan or Coupe for '08). I park on a slope and have had no parking brake roll on mine. I have the CVT for reference. There have been a couple threads discussing brakes fboth on the positive side and the negative. In general, my experience has been that they're just fine for a daily driver, if you're going to go racing regularly then an aftermarket set would probably be important. I personally want to go slotted and cross-drilled eventually, but i'm not going big-brake kit.

Radio dash kits... For the accord, they are way over priced... $150+ for a decent kit, and it still sucks... It looks better than the alternatives, but it cost more than my JVC headunit with USB playback!!!!! What are the options, and how easy is it to remove the dash pieces to achieve this? A Custom head unit is essential in my cars... Speakers/Amps - not so much, but I'll probably get into that at a later point.

You may need to look on the Interior/Exterior altima forum ofor information on this. I have no idea. Anybody out there have an opinion?

I'm certain of this, but if someone could speak to it for my assurance I'd appreciate it: - CAI or SRI/WAI? Easily available? Do you guys buy the $250+ units from AEM/Injen/etc or do you get the ebay specials and slap on a K&N filter? Do the Altimas ALL have MAFs? Most Accords don't outside of Cali.. - Suspension -- This time I want coilovers; independent suspension components are a PITA to me... What's a good brand/configuration?

There are plenty of WAI solutions available now, most on the forum have gone Injen or Stillen to date. All models of the Altima ('08) have MAFs.

No coilovers available yet for the latest models, most on the forum have installed Eibach Pro Kits, Stillen Rear Sway Bars, and Raceline End-Links for suspension mods.

Do the coupe's have any components that the sedan doesn't? Coming from the Accord world, they are identical except a few measurements here n there...

Essentially, Identical in features, but the body is almost completely different. Coupe and Sedan only share a hood from a body panel perspective but that's about all from what I can tell. Sedan has more space, 2 extra doors, and a variety of other small differences (i.e. Tail Lights). The all come with 4 wheels on the ground.....

I realize that I can search for most of these things, and have been... I just don't want to revive an old thread, and would like some current feedback.



Thanks in advance for the answers...

-Spaz

This is your only free ride on the forum, prepare to be flamed for non-searched questions....

[{WBK}Viper]

Between the Sedan and the Coupe...

If you want a really comfortable ride and need 4 doors? Sedan.If you want a more sporty ride (you'll feel a few more bumps) and like the feel of a more nimble car? Coupe.

The VQ engine has indeed won many awards. Same engine as in the 350zI believe, but tuned slightly different.

That's all I have to say.

[KlrSpz]

Terribly sorry for the extreme delay in my response - work's had me by the nuts lately...

First off - I greatly appreciate your response windhaven, it's good information. I did do research, but for the parts I wanted to know what the latest info was since i knew CVT was still pretty knew.

In general the latest models with the DR25 and VQ35DE have a solid history of reliability. The 2.5 is easier to work on in general, the VQ is well documented and has a pile of awards over the years. My experience is that Nissans (in general) are easier to work on. (And, yes, i've owned Honda's before). The head gasket problems were often a problem in the gen 1 sedans from what I remember (Which had a number of issues being a first model platform).

Yeah, that's common... first models are just that... And that's interesting to hear that Nissan's are easier to work on... Crap that reminds me i think i missed a local nissan meet - wanted to see the bay in person of a real owner.

The CVT seems to be holding up so far, since they haven't been out for long (Other than in other models like the Murano) it's hard to tell right now. The CVT is an auto transmission without gears. Gears are replaced by a variable ratio pulleys and band. as far a swapping fluids, dunno. Anybody out there got any ideas?

OK, guess I have more research to do on CVT's... the band part sounds like it might be a maintenance part to look into.

So far, issues with the brakes have been limited to a couple experiences as far as what I have seen on the forum. There have been no recalls on the brake system from what i've heard for any of the models (Sedan or Coupe for '08). I park on a slope and have had no parking brake roll on mine. I have the CVT for reference.

That's good to hear.

There are plenty of WAI solutions available now, most on the forum have gone Injen or Stillen to date. All models of the Altima ('08) have MAFs.

Yeah I think I'd go with WAI this time... the CAI is a pita to maintain... I've been meaning to take the bumper off to clean it lately...

No coilovers available yet for the latest models, most on the forum have installed Eibach Pro Kits, Stillen Rear Sway Bars, and Raceline End-Links for suspension mods.

OK this is actually really disappointing. I have the Eibach Pros and Koni Yellow (adjustable dampner) for my Accord. And while i love the Koni's, I really don't like my car being lowered by the springs... I can't even go over a coke can without hitting it... I scrape bottom ALL the time around here.

Essentially, Identical in features, but the body is almost completely different. Coupe and Sedan only share a hood from a body panel perspective but that's about all from what I can tell. Sedan has more space, 2 extra doors, and a variety of other small differences (i.e. Tail Lights). The all come with 4 wheels on the ground.....

What about in the bay [components and size] and transmission?

Thanks again for the input so far!

Still wouldn't mind some more input on some of my questions though

-Spaz

[KlrSpz]

oh and another question.

I read that the 3.5's require 97 octane? Please tell me I'm wrong, cuz that really sucks Although I guess with an engine like that you really need those anti knocking agents.

[Scandinavian Flick]

[Scandinavian Flick]

alright, here are my answers and recommendations.

i will start at the top and work my way down, i might not be as detailed as windhaven, but good times anyway.

first off the VQ engine like windhaven said has been winning awards and is an outstanding motor, i havent heard of any headgasket problems yet. by the way ive never heard of a car having a rtv silicone head gasket. anywho in the event the headgasket goes bad on either side, due to the motor being transversly mounted it would be an incredibly difficult task.

2nd, as for the CvT transmission, just leave it alone its a good transmission, windhaven even explained it well, but its not nearly as good as the manual, the 6speed has a wonderfully smooth clutch, id definately go that way.

3rd the brakes, i find the brakes to be quite exceptional, ive heard a number of stories of brake squeaking, caused by the pads hardening, but that could have easily been an operator error. overall though the brakes are quite good.

4th as for the custom dash kits for the radio, ive got the SAT/NAV so i have no idea where the market is on this

5th there are a few WAI kits on the market there will soon be a couple CAI, im currently still running the stock air box so im no help here either

in conclusion, get the coupe, not the sedan,

COUPE= "WOW IS THAT THE NEW ALTIMA COUPE!!!!" SEDAN= "hey you should of bought the coupe"

also the 3.5 recommends for maximum performance 91 octane or higher,

[marlin29311]

The CVT seems to be holding up so far, since they haven't been out for long (Other than in other models like the Murano) it's hard to tell right now. The CVT is an auto transmission without gears. Gears are replaced by a variable ratio pulleys and band. as far a swapping fluids, dunno. Anybody out there got any ideas?

The CVT's are meant to hold up for the long haul - my dad works for a company that makes the transmission fluid (it's called "N-2") and they worked directly with Nissan when they were building the xCVT. While it does sound like the CVT would be prone to failure and such because of the constantly changing drive belt, they are built extremely durable and as long as they are maintained properly, they will give you no problems.

As for changing the fluid, this isn't something that you can do on your own or bring it to your local Midas, Jiffy Lube, STS, etc, to do. You CANNOT (note caps) use a standard automatic transmission fluid in the CVT or your will damage it. With that said, the only bad part about the CVT is the $200 you have to pay to have a fluid flush...

Coupe and sedan share the same interior for the most part, with a few minor differences - the coupe has a handbrake, the sedan has a kick e-brake. The coupe's interior is slightly smaller scaled (as to be anticipated). Other than that, the interior is mostly the same...

Exteriorly, as windhaven said, the only things that the coupe and sedan have in common are the hood, the headlamp housings, and the 2.5SL sedan has the same wheels as the 2.5 coupe. Other than that, I can't think of anything else that is similar....go with the coupe!...unless you need a lot of trunk space (i can fit 2 golf bags in the coupe with a little room left over)

The 3.5SE takes 91 octane or higher, the 2.5 takes 87...(but you can use 87 in the 3.5SE - you just lose power, gas mileage, etc)

How difficult is it to clean the filter (if there is one)? How difficult is it to swap the transmission fluid (notice I didn't say flush)? I found a post on changing the MTF, how different is changing the ATF? Again, coming from the Accord it was only slightly different where you filled, draining was identical... The MTF change looks identical to that of the ATF change on the Accord.

Which filter are you refering to? Oil, air, cabin? The oil and air filters are relatively simple to do by yourself, the cabin is a b***h to do because it's right next to the glove compartment.

I hope this cleared something up....

[audtatious]

From a brake perspective, just like every other car maker out there you always have the potential to have some rotor warpage which means it needs to be turned. I have seen a few guys have problems with having to constantly get their Nissan rotors worked on or replace them with Brembo blanks. Now, is this necessarily a Nissan problem? I doubt it or everyone would have issues and I would instead say those particular owners are hard on them and hot spotted them at some point. From a material perspective, Nissan does not skimp on the rotors like other car manufacturers. My 2k2 Maxima has 140k miles and I've only had the rotors turned once whereas my wifes old 2k2 Cougar had 38k miles and needed new rotors right before we got rid of it. Per my mechanic, Ford/Mercury and others skimp on the rotors to save money thus turning them even once can take them "out of spec" where they are too thin. He used the term "disposable" when talking about domestic car rotors.

[KlrSpz]

first off the VQ engine like windhaven said has been winning awards and is an outstanding motor, i havent heard of any headgasket problems yet. by the way ive never heard of a car having a rtv silicone head gasket. anywho in the event the headgasket goes bad on either side, due to the motor being transversly mounted it would be an incredibly difficult task.

Both my VW's, as well as the Saturn, and my 4Runner all had RTV for the head gasket... I hated it... It was a ***** to clean, never again....Sucks to hear that it's not easy to fix.... hmm...

2nd, as for the CvT transmission, just leave it alone its a good transmission, windhaven even explained it well, but its not nearly as good as the manual, the 6speed has a wonderfully smooth clutch, id definately go that way.

What exactly do you mean "leave it alone"?

[KlrSpz]

The CVT's are meant to hold up for the long haul - my dad works for a company that makes the transmission fluid (it's called "N-2") and they worked directly with Nissan when they were building the xCVT. While it does sound like the CVT would be prone to failure and such because of the constantly changing drive belt, they are built extremely durable and as long as they are maintained properly, they will give you no problems.

OK so what does it mean to be maintained properly? I've read in a few places there's almost no maintenance to be had, minus the fluid swap. And even that's at every 15k miles?

As for changing the fluid, this isn't something that you can do on your own or bring it to your local Midas, Jiffy Lube, STS, etc, to do. You CANNOT (note caps) use a standard automatic transmission fluid in the CVT or your will damage it. With that said, the only bad part about the CVT is the $200 you have to pay to have a fluid flush...

Why not? I've changed transmission fluid on all my cars... And I will -----NEVER----- do a flush on a transmission.. I've seen at least 10 trannies die from a flush performed by dealers. The concept of a flush is generally bad for trannies, however the CVT may be different... Having said that, I usually do a drain-n-fill 2-3 times with 10-15 miles in between.. it's not a 100% fluid swap, but it's pretty damn close...

Why couldn't this be done as well? Most car groups suggest to never flush, and swap fluids like I stated. What makes this transmission any different in that case?

Exteriorly, as windhaven said, the only things that the coupe and sedan have in common are the hood, the headlamp housings, and the 2.5SL sedan has the same wheels as the 2.5 coupe. Other than that, I can't think of anything else that is similar....go with the coupe!...unless you need a lot of trunk space (i can fit 2 golf bags in the coupe with a little room left over)

Hmm never really thought of trunk space... The accord has a HUGE trunk in my coupe... huge... 5 dead bodies easily.

The 3.5SE takes 91 octane or higher, the 2.5 takes 87...(but you can use 87 in the 3.5SE - you just lose power, gas mileage, etc)

OK, wasn't sure if knocking would cause any damage.

Which filter are you refering to? Oil, air, cabin? The oil and air filters are relatively simple to do by yourself, the cabin is a b***h to do because it's right next to the glove compartment.

Well at that point I was referring to the transmission filter/screen/etc.In my Accord teh cabin filter is behind the glovebox, you just move 2 tabs aside and the box ffolds all the way down, and behind it you gain access..http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFHUJJ6Rc6s -- for reference.

[marlin29311]

quick edit to my first post - the CVT fluid is called "NS-2" not "N-2"...my bad

As long as your keep up with the standard maintenence, you have no real issues with the CVT - all that you have to do is change the fluid out every 30,000 miles. Obviously if you hear something wierd, you take it in, but other than the problems that arise out of any car, there is nothing you really have to do.

my bad on the terminology...i meant to say swap (sorry, i interchange words a lot)

The NS-2 CVT fluid is a propritery fluid made by Nissan and a few other companies that is not a standard transmission fluid (it's backed by US patents). The use of a special transmission fluid is necessary in a CVT transmission because of the presence of more moving parts and complex systems. In the standard automatic transmission, you do not have to worry about the gears changing sizes, you only have to make sure that it is lubricated enough to continue moving. In the CVT, the transmission is continuosly changing sizes and such, creating the need for a specialized lubricant to make sure all of the moving parts don't rub and cause damage. Many auto transmission fluids that you can buy will indicate that they are not for use with CVT transmissions. You will also notice that the manaul states that using anything other than the CVT fluid will void your warranty.

The fluid swap for the CVT (as per the maintence guide) is every 30,000 miles - however, the fluid is built to withstand 75,000 miles (optimal conditions). The biggest reason that the swap costs so much is because of the price of the NS-2 fluid....there apparently is also a different procedure for doing the fluid swap for the CVT as well (i don't know much about this though...)

The altima sedan could easily fit several dead bodies....cough....golf bags. It's much larger than the coupe's.

If you have any more questions, just post 'em...hope this helped!

[gucio69]

Radio dash kits... For the accord, they are way over priced... $150+ for a decent kit, and it still sucks... It looks better than the alternatives, but it cost more than my JVC headunit with USB playback!!!!! What are the options, and how easy is it to remove the dash pieces to achieve this? A Custom head unit is essential in my cars... Speakers/Amps - not so much, but I'll probably get into that at a later point.

You can get a factory dash kit for a double din stereo from the Nissan dealer or online for about $30.

[KlrSpz]

Excellent guys... I think at this point I need to decide whether I want the extra cost for the 91 octane. The car sounds like fun...

Any kind of cat-backs worth while? I love my Greddy SP2 on my Accord.

[Scandinavian Flick]

might as well as buy the high grade gas, its an additional $4 at the most for an entire fill up

[KlrSpz]

i guess that's not too bad.. only $208/yr extra if it's $4/fill (i fill up every week, drive 32mi 1-way to work).

i'll have to do more searching on the components i'd get, get it all at once and spend a weekend doing the installs.

now to try n sell the accord.

anyone in the market for a nice Accord jk

[KlrSpz]

Wind Haven, I just noticed you're in lewisville.... I grew up there...

can't figure out how to PM on this damned forum, but do you know of any meets coming up? I wanna see what some of you guys have. I know I missed the most recent one (that is if it actually happend.. haven't followed up with that thread)