How reliable is a Nissan Altima?

Question

I'm looking for a used car with a relatively low budget. I was looking Honda/Toyota but stumbled on a '99 Altima yesterday that seemed to be a great deal, much more car than the Corolla for the same price and mileage. BF is adamant that I shouldn't go Nissan because I will put more money into it in maintenance than a Toyota/Honda and because Nissan is partnered with Ford. However, I have never heard bad feedback about Nissans being unreliable, not like Fords or other American made. Does anyone with mechanical or long term Nissan experience have any thoughts on this?

Answer 1

The KA24DE motor in the 99 Altima is really reliable. If it has been taken care of you shouldn't have a problem with it.

I would check out
http://forums.nicoclub.com
for more information.

Answer 2

I have a 2000 Infiniti I30 which is essentialy a Nissan Maxima with softer leather, 5 more hp. and different looks. Either way my car has more than 113K miles on it and the engine and tranny run perfect, which is the most important part. There are minor issues such as the tweaters rattling, the sunroof not working properly and there seems to be some type of a liquid on the wheel wells, but there doesn't seem to be any major leaks anywhere. Maybe it's just natural. Anyway, the Nissan you're looking at will prove to be reliable as long as you take care of it. While I do agree that Toyotas and Hondas are the reliability kings, that shouldn't leave you worrying because Nissan isn't too far behind. I personally wouldn't worry about getting a Nissan. In fact I basically have one and I know how they are. If you like the Altima go for it, you won't regret it for the most part.

Answer 3

Nissan's are VERY reliable cars. I drove an '82 280ZX for 230,000 miles. I now have the old girl parked and blocked. My current driver is an '05 Nissan Altima. I love this car.

Nissan isn't partnered with Ford. That is Mazda. Nissan is owned by Renault, and is that company's big moneymaker now. Nissan did partner with Ford on MINIVANS back in the late 80s, but that is long over and was on a single product line.

I specifically shopped for a Nissan when I wanted a new car. Unless my wife changes her mind and wants another model, we're going to be buying a Versa in the next year.

Answer 4

My mom got an Altima about 6-7 years ago and has yet to have a problem. It was a big deal for her because it was her first non-American made car. Her one complaint is that she says it feels 'light'. She's used to very heavy, solid, older American cars like Buicks, etc. and she said she feels the wind moving the car a bit when she drives and it makes her nervous. In bad winter weather (ice and snow) she chooses to take out the old '92 Buick instead because she feels it's more stable on the the road although she's had a TON of mechanical problems with the Buick over the years. Like I said, she's never had a problem with the Altima but she's not totally used to lighter, newer cars. I think she's just behind the times a bit.

Answer 5

VERY. I've seen first generation Altimas roll over 200,000 with very few problems. From 2002-2006 only issues have been mass airflow sensor errors that trigger check engine light, but they run fine. I've seen high mileage 2002-2003 models with no issues. The 2007s are the best Altimas yet. A steal for the money.

You can't go wrong with an Altima. Before buying any used cars have it checked out. There are a lot of Katrina cars out there.

Answer 6

Definitely have any car checked out a mechanic of your choice. If the seller doesn't agree, then go else where.

I bought my 99 altima with 34k miles and put another 150,000 driving lots of cross country. Only thing I've had to replace is a one cv joint, new set of tires, and one turn signal lens. Thinking about getting the timing belt replaced soon though. Preventive maintenance.

I was impressed enough with the altima to buy a 03 frontier. No major problems on either yet. good luck

Answer 7

their very reliable cars,i own a repair shop,and i don't get very many of these to work on at all,and when i do its just routine maintenance work on them,their basically like any other Nissan they just don't give a lot of problems at all ,i own a sentra and i love driving it ,the altimas are real good cars ,i have had mine for many years now,and no problems at all,if you bought one or are about buy one,you,ll like it especially the part about not having to keep it in the shop a lot,good luck with it,i hope this help,s.

Answer 8

These cars are extremely reliable. And they are usually cheaper than Honda or Toyota. Check with Consumer Reports also

Answer 9

I owned a altima for about 6 year and NEVER had to put it in the shop.it had over 200000 miles on it and ran like a sewing machine