Looking to buy a '00 or '01 Altima what should I look for

[shortlid]

My 300 hp Turbo, 5-speed manual, SAAB 9000 just got totaled so I want to get into a inexpensive Japanese 4-cyl. sedan with SOME handling and power. The 2000 aand 2001 Altima seem to be easy to come by cheap. My brother have a '97 Infinity J30t and likes it. What should I look for in a '00 or '01 Altima in the Northeast. Is there rust prone areas to look for. Is there options that are more problematic than others? How do the trim levels work XE, GXE, SE, GLE, etc. I have heard the 5-speeds can be vauge, should I just get the auto? Thanks for the advice in advance.

[shortlid]

No one here can tell me the weak spots on these cars? Who here has over 150k on one, what have they replaced.

[cesar240sx]

make sure the intake gasket no leaking vacum.this common problem multi cyl missfire code...good luck

[shortlid]

Thanks for the great info cesar240sx. If I find a car with this issue is it easy to fix with a new intake manifold gasket?

[shortlid]

Sat in '00 Altima and I think it is smaller interior wise than a Honda Accord of the same year? Were the '99 and earlier and rommier inside?

[the1_thedave]

I have a 00 SE. I love it. To answer the question for the intake gasket replacement. It is not a fun, easy fix. Its a couple of hours 3 or 4 for a Master Tech on a good day to go thru but depending on your experience It'll probably take a full day or so. Its mostly due to the placement of the intake manifold. Back side in the middle top. Messy area. I'm praying that mine isn't leaking. I'll be testing it out here in week or so.

As for the car in general. Great Car. Reliable. Only major issues i've had have been Alternator. I've done 3 now. I've got 183k on it. Runs good. Using Injen WAI. The Interior I think is comfy. I've got Leather so its nice. If you go Late 2nd Gen. Go with the SE model. You'll have a few little things that help out. Stock FST Brace. 4 wheel Disc brakes.

Is there options that are more problematic than others? Most of the things with extra options I have that has given me any issues is the control box on the drivers seat for power seat doesn't stay in its place. Though its not completely falling out either. Just there.

How do the trim levels work XE, GXE, SE, GLE, etc.All the engines are the same. XE - Basic, no option. Lowest on the pole. Don't see them all to often. I even wonder if they are out there GXE - Most popular. Still mostly basic setup. Disc/Drum Brakes. Only a couple power options.SE/GLE Come with most of the same options Power nearly everythingSE - More Sporty Side. Has front and rear lower facade changes. Dark Grey. Slightly stiffer suspension. Though nothing to get worked up over. Stock 16' wheels. 4 wheel Disc brakes. White guages. GLE- More luxury side. However I'm a little unsure on what is included. I want to say it has wood trim interior.

I have heard the 5-speeds can be vauge, should I just get the auto? I have 5 speed, they are rare. but personally I love it.

Also there are a few simple upgrades that will dynamically improve the handling. A thicker Rear Sway bar from Suspension Techniques http://www.stracing.com/ and an A-Arm brace from Liquid Ink http://www.liquid-ink.com/

Just some things to think about. Also as an add resource beyond NICO. You can check out http://www.nissanclub.com its supports all nissans, however its roots are in the Altima community.

Hope this helps ya out.

Modified by the1_thedave at 1:19 PM 3/9/2007
Modified by the1_thedave at 1:36 PM 3/9/2007

[01LTD]

I have an 01 GXE-LE and love it. Done some major mods to it and still running strong. Have 130K miles and bought it new with 30 miles back in 01.

[shortlid]

Great info guys. So there are Altimas with 150+k on them going strong!! The SE seem hard to find, see alot of GXE's want to find a GXE with the lux. options. Alot of Nissian I test drive Maxima's and Altimas with over 100k seem to have a very vauge rear end like the struts or bushing are worn???

[the1_thedave]

Yea. Currently my rear, either squeeks occasionally or makes a faint popping sound from the rear suspension. Its bound to happen especially from the torture I put thru in the mountians. I would really like to get some decent coilovers for them but lack the fundage to support it.

[shortlid]

So a squeaky, loose rear end is a sign of a car that got driven hard. Good to know.

[the1_thedave]

That and Sacramento roads.

[01LTD]

Great info guys. So there are Altimas with 150+k on them going strong!! The SE seem hard to find, see alot of GXE's want to find a GXE with the lux. options. Alot of Nissian I test drive Maxima's and Altimas with over 100k seem to have a very vauge rear end like the struts or bushing are worn???

Mine has 130K and counting and still going strong. Replaced engine mounts, OEM rear sway bar to ST rear sway bar, tokico blue struts and lowered 3" on all four corners.