Which car for my first car?

Question

I am turning 17 soon and i'm either getting a 2006 chevy impala or a 2005 nissan altima, which do u think is better and why?

Answer 1

Chevy is a nice big American car, but for quality and value, go with the nissan or another japanese car like Honda or Toyota. You'll save money on repairs, maintenance, gas, and other things. American cars just don't have the quality that Japanese cars have. Look in Consumer Reporst car issue for the details.

Answer 2

Do Not Buy That Used Car If...
These are the top mistakes made by used car buyers. Don't let this happen to you!
• The 17 digit VIN#'s on the door, hood, engine, dashboard do not all match exactly
• You failed to have a mechanic check out the car on a lift
• You did not run the Experian AutoCheck Vehicle History Reports on the car's VIN# prior to purchasing
• The title still shows a lien holder with no "Lien Satisfied" stamp on it. It means they still owe the bank
• The AutoCheck report shows evidence of odometer rollback or title branded as junk, flooded, stolen, etc
• There is no VIN# on the dashboard, or it has been filed down or altered in any way
• The seller does not let you drive the car first
• The seller does not back up every verbal promise IN WRITING!
• The seller is NOT the owner of the car. It means they are a dealer's agent
• The seller has no written bill of sale identifying the car, VIN#, and stating the title has not been rebuilt, etc.
• The seller does not give you copies of anything you ask for
• It's parked along the side of the road with a For sale sign, unless you can verify they are the owner
• The seller has no drivers license, title, and registration for the car. Assume the car is stolen
• You have not verified the seller's name on their drivers license is the same person on the car title
• The seller refuses to let you take the car to a trusted mechanic for inspection
• The seller's asking price is suspiciously far below market value
• The seller makes you sign a power of attorney, or only wants cash
• The seller tells you to pay now, and he'll get you the title tomorrow, it's locked up at the bank

Answer 3

I like both cars and think they are both similar in most categories, but personally I would pick the V6 Altima, unless the Impala was an SS.
But I have another suggestion. Have you looked into the 2003+ Honda Accords? Although for years they were considered a boring family car, now they are respected in the luxury world, and the performance world. This car has a 3.0V6 engine with a VTEC good for 240hp, and the fancy model has everything from heated leather power seats, to GPS with voice activated audio/ac/heat controls. This car has it all!
Also, for an 05 Altima you are looking at around $12K for the base model with 175hp, and $19K for the 3.5SE or SE-R models with 250/260hp.
For an 06 Impala you are looking at around $14K for the 3.5L V6 with 211hp, around $18K for the 3.9L V6 model with 242hp, and over $20K for the SS model with 303hp.
Whereas the Kelly Blue Book value of an 03 Honda Accord EX coupe (240hp) with V6 engine 6 speed m/t navigation, premium sound, premium wheels, power heated leather seats, dual exhuast etc, with average miles in great condition is only $13K. Even less for the sedan or for one with slightly higher miles.. This car is a better deal, higher quality, last longer, better resale, and similar or better power than all other options.
Good LUck

Answer 4

The Chevy Impala hands down! The Nissan is more of a tree hugger and are too "average", while the Impala has a hip hop backround to it and you can put a lot more modifications on it. The Impala also is sumpreme when it comes to room and trunk area.

Answer 5

Chevy Impala. It is more refined than the Altima, has better reviews, better nimbleness, better fuel economy ( Altima-24 MPG --- Impala-28 MPG) it is faster (Altima- 186 Horsepower
Impala- 242 Horsepower) since it is a domestic car (American) it will cost much less for repairs. To top it off, it has a better resale value, so if you decide to sell it, you will get your money's worth.

Good Luck.

Answer 6

Nissan Altima...I have an older altima with 239,000 miles on it!!! The impalas are not good cars at all. I would definately get the Nissan, also resale values are alot higher!

Answer 7

I don't know - the impala is something your grandmother would drive. I guess the altima is too, though. Tough choice.

I have to laugh at the idea the impala is going to be some kind of flashy "hot" car.

Answer 8

If you don't mind buying a car that will plummet in value on a daily basis, buy the Chevy impala. Just don't be surprised it isn't worth anything in a couple years.

Answer 9

I'd rather the Altima. Because it's better quality. Generally, Japanese cars are better quality. Trust me it's a fact.

Answer 10

the Chevy is faster, the Nissan is a old mans car, you want to get out there and impress your friends and get a few tickets,

the Chevy will be that car,