thinking about new altima and have concerns...please help

[Ncage1974]

Hi everyone and thanks for reading my post. I have been researching cars since October. I knew I was going to be looking for a new car in the Jan/Feb 08 timeframe. I have test drove and researched so many cars and it such a hard decision and I’m starting to getting a headache and feeling overwhelmed. To tell you the truth the Altima was one of the cars I enjoyed the most in my test drive. Right now I am thinking my choice is between the altima and a MazdaSpeed3. There is only one major concern with the altima: RELIABILITY. JDPowers rating is relatively low on Nissan and reliability charts on Consumer Reports does definitely depict some reliability problems eventhough they do recommend the altima. I know Nissan has had reliability problems since about it seems about in 2000. Here are just a couple of examples:http://www.businessweek.com/ma...3.htm In 06: http://www.detnews.com/apps/pb.../1148

I know every car manufacturer has its problems but, come on, this many? I really love the way the Altima looks and drives but the reliability problems have me very concerned. I know back in 06 they had to replace a lot of peoples engines for excessive oil consumption (which I think was because of faulty engine rings). OK this is just not a MINOR problem its very major. I thought maybe they have cleaned up their act with the 07 and newer altimas but these are the problems ive seen people complain about:1) Paint easily chips2) 2.5L engine startup rattling (Faulty heat shield)3) Shaking of the car between 60-80 MPH4) Seats moves

Then in reading the forums I seen people complaining that their engines are wearing out (even when properly maintanined) at about 60,000-100,000 miles on 2000-2003 altimas.

I’ve seen it mentioned here (I think) and in other places that the design of the 2.5L Engine is very bad. If I am going to even consider an altima should I definitely not consider the 2.5L engine at all? I would like to consider it because, for what it is, the 2.5L engine is pretty quick and it seems to get excellent gas mileage and doesn’t require premium fuel but there is no way im going to consider it if I’m going to have a faulty engine that im going to have to worry about. Whats strange is consumer reports rates the 2.5L car above average on reliability but the 3.5L as average. When you look at their reliability charts for both, I have no idea how they came up with this figure.

I have had a vehicle that I’ve had for 4 years that im unhappy with it. I don’t want that to happen again. That is why im doing so much research. Before I kind of made an impulse buy and paid for it latter. I don’t want to make that mistake again. I am one of those people that wants to get a car that he is happy with and drive it for a very long time. I don’t want to replace my car every five years. So reliability is a must for me.

Oh yes, btw, I am considering both the coupe and the sedan but I have only driven the sedan. Off topic but im surprised Nissan doesn’t offer the SL package on the SE. I would like the 17 in tires of the SE but I also want the SL package.

Also just a misc question. I’ve heard the manual transmission in the altima is very bad. Has this been the impression of everyone else? I guess ive never driven anything with a manual transmission that I would consider bad and don’t know what aspects about a manual that would make it bad but ive heard people say this. Unfortunately every Altima the dealers have is always a CVT and ive not had the opportunity to drive one.

So anyways, I digress, I’m just trying to see if my fears can be quelled and if the hype is not as bad as what the media/forums has played it out to be. I really liked the altima, like I said, but I will not settle for anything but a very reliable car. Any help would be appreciated greatly

Thanks,ncage

Edit: Is the Altima made in the Canton Plant?
Modified by Ncage1974 at 12:22 PM 12/11/2007

[desertdragon]

It will be very difficult for anybody to help you on this, since it is a very, very personal decision.I have owned several Nissan Cars in my life, 89 Sentra, 93 Pathfinder, 05 Altima 3.5 SE and the 08 3.5 SE coupe. So I might be biased.I have had some minor issues with the cars but nothing major. I have not have any issues with both Altimas. For instance, the decision to buy Altimas in my last 2 buys was because of the styling and the VQ engine. I know Nissan is not as reliable as Honda and Toyota. But to me the styling and VQ engine is worth the "risk".

At the end of the day, it is your money, your decision that you have to live with.

Sorry, not being very helpful.

[Ncage1974]

Its ok i appreciate the reply anyways and your thoughts. I agree with you on Nissans styling. Its the best of the bunch and the VQ engine along with the CVT is a very good combo. I will say maybe only toyota engine might be a tad better. All the performance with better fuel economy and doesn't require premium fuel but toyota are asking WAY to much for a vehicle that is bland. If you look at the MSRP both Nissan & Honda are neck and neck but Toyota is asking between 2-3k more on the MSRP. I know this is MSRP but i'm doubting you can talk them down on a toyota to compete with the price of the accord/altima. Like i said before i am just worried that im going to end up with a problem vehicle.

Ncage

[johnny_d]

According to the latest Consumer Info, Honda's reliability went up and Toyota went down. I bought the A/C cuz Toyota got nothing exciting and Hondas are just too fugly ..

[jdshift]

It's well known the QR engine series has plenty of issues, all I can say is if you can get a VQ thats your best bet for a Altima choice. But in the end....it's your pockets.........it's your choice.

[D-Roll]

I've had a QR motor (2.5ltr) since 02 and never had a problem. I now have the QR in my Altima coupe. Just my personal experience.

[GreyZone]

I think todays Nissan should be a very reliable vehicle, and well, extended warratnies really take car of the rest. I will be getting one so that I have peace of mnd in these areas.

NOw, that said, I also was strongly consdering Mazda, but I chose Nissan for some very specific reasons. One of them, was the Mazdas have the most god awful ugly glaring RED dash lights at night. Their not a soft and subtle orange like the NIssan, they are a harsh, bluring red that I found to be very aggrivating. I even checked to see if I could change the color of the dash lighting: nope, its built into the red tinted gauges and plastics. I was very dissappinted in Mazda by this.

Also, I just like the looks and handeling of the NIssan better. Hands down (for me) the 3.5 SE far outperforms and drives anything Mazda has to offer.

So, when all is said and done, its a presonal decision and a personal choice. And my choice for NIssan has not been regreted for one minute! I would ask you this: when you think about the two cars one gives you a better sense of peace, one seems to have more confusion...which one gives you the sense of peace?

For me, my trunk weighted, swaybarless baby gives me a great sense of peace and was the right decision for me!

[Miss_Lanaya]

I havent had any rattling, loose seats or engine vibration. I purchased the 3M and dont have any rock chips so I cant comment on wether or not the paint chips easily. Some people on here have had endless problems, others have had none ...Overall my car is great (2.5). I think no matter what you buy, you have a chance of buying a car that has problems. Luck of the draw??Cars have their glitches.... so all you can do is buy the one you like and hope for the best

[nissan_star]

well i would get the vq for sheer power, much more suport is offered for the vq in aftermarket if you choose that direction. as for the shaking between 60-80mph sounds like the tires arnt balanced or somthing with the spring rate resonating at that mph. What other cars were you looking at?

[generic808]

Most cars have the little irritating problems like seats rattling, etc. But, as far as realiability on the VQ35 is concerned, you can't find a better motor for the buck. It was on the Ward's 10 Best Engines list for 13 years straight!

[SHIFT_2.5S]

But, as far as realiability on the VQ35 is concerned, you can't find a better motor for the buck. It was on the Ward's 10 Best Engines list for 13 years straight!

The heat shield issue will probably become a recall and you should be able to get that fixed at your dealer. As for the seats shaking, I have not experienced that problem.

[Ncage1974]

First of all i want to thank everyone for replaying. Apparently just some are having problems with their cars and not everyone. It makes me feel better when i see replies from some of you, especially the ones with the 2.5L motor, saying they haven't had any problems:

Greyzone: i don't know if i agree with your mazda comment. Their 2.3L Turbo engine is an awesome engine. In fact, its right above the VQ in Wards list . Of your talking a different type of car when we are talking the Altima and the speed3.

I guess my main concern was not with the little rinky dink problems everyone is talking about (a minor rattle or squeak) but a dead engine. Having to replace an engine would reallly SUCK. Thats what my main fear was.

Anyways i want to thank everyone and you have helped put nissan back on my radar now i just need to find a good nissan dealership near my area. I went to my local Nissan dealer and they were HORRIBLE and one about an hour from me was also just as bad. Now time to go scouting a little bit for a good dealer.

ncage

[Lurchdubious]

First of all i want to thank everyone for replaying. Apparently just some are having problems with their cars and not everyone. It makes me feel better when i see replies from some of you, especially the ones with the 2.5L motor, saying they haven't had any problems:

Greyzone: i don't know if i agree with your mazda comment. Their 2.3L Turbo engine is an awesome engine. In fact, its right above the VQ in Wards list . Of your talking a different type of car when we are talking the Altima and the speed3.

I guess my main concern was not with the little rinky dink problems everyone is talking about (a minor rattle or squeak) but a dead engine. Having to replace an engine would reallly SUCK. Thats what my main fear was.

Anyways i want to thank everyone and you have helped put nissan back on my radar now i just need to find a good nissan dealership near my area. I went to my local Nissan dealer and they were HORRIBLE and one about an hour from me was also just as bad. Now time to go scouting a little bit for a good dealer.

ncage

good luck man! i'm in the same boat, tho i think i'm going to get the 3.5L simply because i don't want any problems for at least 5 years. i can handle slightly lower gas economy, and i'm not planning on running premium more than every 3rd fillup or so, (as long as the engine doesn't knock, of course).

[mcheddadi]

Mazdaspeed 3 and altima coupe 3.5SE. tough choice..., I almost bought the MP3 before I saw the altima coupe. its an awesome package (MP3). both the altima and mazdaspeed 3 are great cars, but if you just want power get a BASE model 3.5SE. If you want the WHOLE package then both pretty much have everything I think (3.5SE full equiped, and MP3 as is since its already full equip) and both rank pretty high in the cool factor for FWD cars. do you want instant response? or turbo awesomeness?

The MP3 cons are: no torque available at low rpms, turbo lag and good amount of torque steer.

the Altima coupe cons are: not a whole lot of space in the back and the trunk, and rattling noise and some squeeks in the seats now and then lol

anyways, in the end they both are awesome but the altima coupe races better and I find it better looking.

Altima Coupe:





MazdaSpeed3:

[Lurchdubious]

the AC is DEFINITELY better looking, IMHO.

[GreyZone]

Greyzone: i don't know if i agree with your mazda comment. Their 2.3L Turbo engine is an awesome engine. In fact, its right above the VQ in Wards list . Of your talking a different type of car when we are talking the Altima and the speed3.

That was just my personal experience of driving them. Plus, at 6"3" and 230, the mazda 3 spd was a bit small for me (the AC fits me perfectly). So, good engine yes, but it was the car around the engine that I wasnt real thrilled with. Also wasnt that imoressed with the way it rode, drove and handeled. THe Mazda I personally thought comparable to the AC 3.5 SE was the Mazda 6SPEED (or was it the "Speed6" it was the one they quite making, 2007 was the last year, and it was a great looking car), now thats a hellofa car, especially the manual trans with the turbo, wow, I love the way it looked and handeled...but again, it was the overly red irritating dash glow at night that made me say no. I can't beleive that doesnt bother more people.
Modified by GreyZone at 8:17 AM 12/12/2007

[padrock]

i wouldn't recommend the car. I've had my black 3.5 se coupe for 5 months and it was way too expensive for what it is.

[mcheddadi]

lol! why didn't you take a nice 2.5S then? good looks and less expensive

[SHIFT_2.5S]

i wouldn't recommend the car. I've had my black 3.5 se coupe for 5 months and it was way too expensive for what it is.

No worries. You can always sell it after a year or so and get a car that better suits your liking.

[StarCrasher]

I'm of the understanding that these engines are high-tech and award-winning.

[Cali 2 Balti G]

i wouldn't recommend the car. I've had my black 3.5 se coupe for 5 months and it was way too expensive for what it is.

Did you pay sticker or sticker plus? I wonder if the prices will come down at some point. I remember when the first miatas were going for thousands above sticker.

This may be a factor in the purchase decision as well - sticker vs. street price - or the ability to get a discount.

[nismofool]

i have the 3.5, and since the altima coupe being such a new car, or this specific model, like every other car it has its lil tweaks and problems here and there, but all minor.

only problem i've had with my car is the cd player. and i'm getting it replaced this week under warranty, so you shouldnt have to worry about any major problems. just follow your heart? lol. in the end its your choice. but its a great car nonetheless.

[cliffy21]

I didn't notice anyone answer your question regarding the manual transmission, so i'll add my 2 cents. It's definitely not the best manual, but i've driven 4 other manual cars, plus test drove the Mazdaspeed 6 with a manual, and i don't think its much worse than anything else. Mazda is supposed to have nice shifters, and it was definitely a little smoother than the Altima, but not a huge difference. The clutch was a HUGE difference though. The clutch in the Altima is very soft and smooth, easy to modulate. The MS6 was extremely stiff, more of a racing clutch. It would be great for track days and quarter mile blasts, but i would have hated it for daily driving. I've never driven the MS3 yet, but if i'm not mistaken, it's the same transmission.

I've had my manual since last January, and have done several runs from a stand still, and have had no problems quick shifting or even powershifting. In daily driving, i don't even notice the shifting, which i think is a good sign. In the cold, my stick is a little tough to get into 2nd gear until the car warms up, but i've seen that with other cars. I don't think you'd be dissapointed with it.

Just my 2 cents.