New guy here, may be looking for an Altima

[01tj]

I've been looking for a sport sedan all summer and have had trouble finding something that has everything I want and hasn't been beat on. I stared out looking for a 05 or 06 G35 sedan until I read about the oil consumption problem with the 6-speeds. A 6-speed is a must and I've read that insurance is pretty high any way and gas mileage isn't very good. I've also been looking at BMW's but its hard to find a newer model for $15k that hasn't been abused. This has me looking into other cars and the Altima seems to have most of what I am looking for. The two models that seem to fit the bill are the 05/06 SE-R or the 07 3.5 SE. From what I have read they have basically the same engine as the G35 but get better mpg's and don't seem to have the problems (oil consumption and transmission problems). The SE-R looks like it would be a good handler for a fwd and come pretty well optioned out with nice supportive seats up front. I like the looks of the 07 interior and the exterior would probably look really good with a set of G or 350Z wheels. I've also read that torque steer isn't as bad for the 07 model which is also a good thing.

What should I look out for in these particular models? Are there any common problems? Any options that are must haves or must avoids? Thanks for any help you can give

[toxik]

I've been looking for a sport sedan all summer and have had trouble finding something that has everything I want and hasn't been beat on. I stared out looking for a 05 or 06 G35 sedan until I read about the oil consumption problem with the 6-speeds. A 6-speed is a must and I've read that insurance is pretty high any way and gas mileage isn't very good. I've also been looking at BMW's but its hard to find a newer model for $15k that hasn't been abused. This has me looking into other cars and the Altima seems to have most of what I am looking for. The two models that seem to fit the bill are the 05/06 SE-R or the 07 3.5 SE. From what I have read they have basically the same engine as the G35 but get better mpg's and don't seem to have the problems (oil consumption and transmission problems). The SE-R looks like it would be a good handler for a fwd and come pretty well optioned out with nice supportive seats up front. I like the looks of the 07 interior and the exterior would probably look really good with a set of G or 350Z wheels. I've also read that torque steer isn't as bad for the 07 model which is also a good thing.

What should I look out for in these particular models? Are there any common problems? Any options that are must haves or must avoids? Thanks for any help you can give

Well considering you're from WV, I don't think you need an all wheel drive sedan, which pretty much all G sedans are. You have to pick what's important to you. For example the interior of a newer model altima would be a lot better than lets say 04-06 G sedan. I personally drove the G and it feels like a boat, very heavy. The altima is a great smooth ride and not many common problems.... I honestly can't think of one.

On the other hand, if you're looking for a sedan to upgrade with performance mods, then the altima will be limited due to the FWD, and lack of aftermarket support compared to other cars like the G.

[01tj]

Well considering you're from WV, I don't think you need an all wheel drive sedan, which pretty much all G sedans are. You have to pick what's important to you. For example the interior of a newer model altima would be a lot better than lets say 04-06 G sedan. I personally drove the G and it feels like a boat, very heavy. The altima is a great smooth ride and not many common problems.... I honestly can't think of one.

On the other hand, if you're looking for a sedan to upgrade with performance mods, then the altima will be limited due to the FWD, and lack of aftermarket support compared to other cars like the G.

Thanks for quick reply, I was only looking at the rwd infiniti's which I would prefer but I can live with fwd.

[toxik]

Thanks for quick reply, I was only looking at the rwd infiniti's which I would prefer but I can live with fwd.

i might be wrong but afaik, its hard finding a rwd sedan, the ratio of awd to rwd for G sedans is ridiculous.

[PHENOMenalVinyl]

i might be wrong but afaik, its hard finding a rwd sedan, the ratio of awd to rwd for G sedans is ridiculous.

it is BUT if u want a 6 speed u cant get it in awd lol or from what i remember u cant.....if u want a 6 speed itll be the sport sedan so hes good

[01tj]

it is BUT if u want a 6 speed u cant get it in awd lol or from what i remember u cant.....if u want a 6 speed itll be the sport sedan so hes good

Yes the G's I looked at were 6-speeds and rwd. I found a few but feared they had a rough past life and figured I would end up with one of the examples suffering from catastrophic oil consumption. I canceled off the G anyway because of poor gas mileage (most owners get 16/24) and high insurance.

From what I've read (correct me if I'm wrong) the Altima with the 3.5 gets around 20/30 mpgs. I'm not sure about insurance but it should be cheaper than the BMW's and Infiniti's I've looked at.

The Altimas in my price range seem to be the 05/06 SE-R or 07 3.5 SE with cloth seats. How do these cars compare in gas mileage, comfort, and handling. I'm sure the SE-R handles better and the SE is more comfortable but how much difference is there?

[toxik]

Yes the G's I looked at were 6-speeds and rwd. I found a few but feared they had a rough past life and figured I would end up with one of the examples suffering from catastrophic oil consumption. I canceled off the G anyway because of poor gas mileage (most owners get 16/24) and high insurance.

From what I've read (correct me if I'm wrong) the Altima with the 3.5 gets around 20/30 mpgs. I'm not sure about insurance but it should be cheaper than the BMW's and Infiniti's I've looked at.

The Altimas in my price range seem to be the 05/06 SE-R or 07 3.5 SE with cloth seats. How do these cars compare in gas mileage, comfort, and handling. I'm sure the SE-R handles better and the SE is more comfortable but how much difference is there?

I'd get an SE-R, it stands out of the crowd even stock. Plus I like the way the last gen altimas drive.

[losenone]

Whatever you do, DONT lower it. Those hills in WV are the worst.

Your better off with a FWD or AWD. My buddy has a Wrangler down there and its almost a requirement.

[01tj]

Whatever you do, DONT lower it. Those hills in WV are the worst.

Your better off with a FWD or AWD. My buddy has a Wrangler down there and its almost a requirement.

We have an AWD Freestyle and a lifted & locked Wrangler. Winters aren't a problem but on road board-um is

[01tj]

Does anyone know if the SE-R came with a limited slip?