Nissan Altima

johnnyrf

I apologize if this has been discussed, but I am considering leasing an Altima but I am concerned about the handling of the vehicle in the snow. If need be, I will buy 2 snow tires for the fronts if it is a tire issue. Still cheaper than paying for AWD!
Any comments on how the car handles in snow are appreciated.
Thank You in advance.

afty

We've had a pretty rough winter here in Boston, but my Altima has handled it well. You have to be very easy on the accelerator to avoid spinning the tires, but otherwise I can't complain. I'm using the standard all-season tires, by the way.

vocus

If you get snow tires, don't go the cheap route and get only 2. You should get a complete set. Also, if you're getting the 3.5SE Altima, I would definitely recommend the traction control (as did Edmunds).

The only crappy thing is that Nissan not only makes you buy the 3.5 engine to get traction control, but also ABS and automatic. I hate Nissan's option combinations...

pratcliffe

Hello....Does anyone know if Nissan plans to make available a shiftable automatic as an option for the Altima in the future??

vocus

You mean a sport automatic than you can shift manually? I am surprised it doesn't have one now, since it's marketed as a 'sporty' family car. The shift gate is supposed to be designed so you can do this, but there's no separate mode for it or anything ala VW's Tiptronic.

johnnyrf

Thanks for the advice guys. I am leaning towards the 2.5 S. Seems like a great value to me with enough power. I mentioned 2 tires only because I am going to lease and don't want to make too big an investement in a rented car but you are probably right. I live in a real hilly New England town and this winter has been brutal. thus the concern about snow handling. Don't like the Subaru Leacy as much as the Altima, but snow handling is an issue.

maxamillion1

Especially considering that Nissan put a damn 4spd automatic tranny in the new Maxima 3.5SL. How stupid can Nissan be?

cayennered1

The new Motor Trend did a comparison test of the basic 4 cyl. Altima, Accord and Camry.

I think they were spot on in their ascessment of the Altima. They found it to be a top notch performer and handler with great looks. Their criticism of the car was excessive road noise and cheaper interior materials (they actually liked the styling of the interior). I own a 03 2.5S with 5400 miles on the clock and I am very
happy with it. Absolutely no problems with the car and thanks to the beautiful gray after market leather (Super Black exterior) the interior quality issue is minimal for me. Still would like to see less road noise and I might consider an undercoating to improve the situation.

All in all the car is in my opinion far more attractive than Camry or Accord. In the 19-20K price range it's a great buy. Don't think it's worth the upper 20's loaded though. Recently rented a Dodge Intrepid and I found the car totally inferior to the Altima in every way. Sluggish performance, poor handling, and ride quality and noise levels weren't great either. The longer I own the Altima, the happier I am.

cjs2002

anyone know if the 03 altima can get a Navigation system in from dealer or is it even possible to add an aftermarket DVD navigation system... anyone do this...thanx

vocus

I saw some navigation systems available at Best Buy the last time I was there. Nothing like the in dash ones though.

Nissan might think about adding Navi as an option, since the Accord now has it...

gsemike

I just picked up my 03 2.5S with Convenience Package. The most common criticism of the car that I've seen is that it has a cheapo interior, but I can't see it. My car is a beautiful Pewter Metallic with Charcoal Cloth interior. The seat fabric is nice and soft and the seats are supportive but not too firm. The black on the dash could have a little more luster, but it has nice faux graphite accents and sporty guages. On top of all that, the nterior is huge.

Did they upgrade the interiors from 02 to 03, or am I just easily impressed?

Also, I'm interested in getting a CD changer installed. Has anyone done this? Where did the changer go and where did the controls get mounted?

vocus

There was some of a change from the 02 to the 03 interior, from what I have heard. The 03s look a little different inside, as I was in both an 02 and 03 SE, and the 03 was alot more appealing.

cjs2002

yes nissan touched up the interior for the 03 model.. and plan on revamping.. well not that far but... talking with others at the dearlerships they plan to jazz up the interior now that the new Maxima is out.,.

andrelaplume

What is a good lease for an 03 Altima SE? No money down and no leather option. What is the residual value? Looking for a 36 mo lease. 5 speed w/sunroof. Been told it might be better to get a leftover Max SE for same price. Is this true? Does the rebate factor in?

vocus

You definitely might be able to get a Maxima SE for the same price, if you can find one that is. 03 Max production stopped already, so what's on the lot is all there is. There are some good deals out there though.

I personally think the interior of the Max is better than the Alty, but it's at a different (somewhat) price bracket as well. If you favor driving dynamics more, however, the Alty is the one to choose. It's much more sophisticatedly engineered than the Max is.

You might try finding a lease calculator on Nissandriven.com to help you, or else on CarsDirect.com.

pat

You don't need to leave this site for help with your questions. Asking in this discussion is a great start.

You should also check out Lease Tips on our host site edmunds.com for lots of resources. And we have an entire board dedicated to Finance, Warranty & Insurance issues where you can find all kinds of leasing information.

One very popular discussion is Lease Questions - Ask Here - that's a good place to ask about how the rebate fits into the lease terms.

Good luck -- let us know how it goes for you.

robtn

I want to buy the Altima 3.5 SE. My problem is that I am 6'4 and do not fit comfortably in the car if it has a sunroof. Therefore, I cannot get any of the option packages that include leather or the Bose radio. I will get after market leather (which is better anyway), but I am VERY dissapointed that I can't get the Bose radio. I don't want to do anything drastic with after market stereos, but has anybody changed the Nissan factory radio? THANKS.

vocus

I feel your pain. I couldn't fit comfortably in an Altima with a sunroof. I refuse to compromise and not get a sunroof, so no Altima for me. I also hate leather without seat heaters (which cannot be done aftermarket), so another minus...

lmp180psu

I don't see why you couldn't just get a 3.5 SE with no option packages (Don't know how hard those are to find though), since you would get aftermarket leather anyway, then ask the dealer you would order the car from to order a bose system and have them put it in for you for a small cost before you take delivery. I am not certain this is possible, but it sounds like a reasonable request.

robtn

Vocus, did you find a car with a sunroof that you fit comfortably with?

Imp, I can find a 3.5 with no options and then add the leather. I am worried about changing the stereo. The base says it comes with 6 speakers and the upgraded Bose says it comes with 8 speakers (and I think they are Bose speakers). I fear, therefore, that to equal the sound of the upgraded Bose, I would have to not only change the head unit, but the speakers as well. Does anyone have any advice? THANKS.

s852

Actually I do think it is possible to order aftermarket leather and aftermarket seat heaters, but this is moot since he said he must have a moonroof and there is not enough headroom in the car when the moonroof is installed.
If the car is too small, it cannot be considered regardless of seat heater availability.
It would be more economical to buy aftermarket speakers and amps that could beat the sound quality of the Bose system than for the dealer to try to replace the factory stereo with the factory Bose version on the stereo.
You can have a stereo shop install new front speakers, 4 channel amp and subwoofer without replacing the head unit. It should not be necessary to replace the rear speakers, nor hook up the amp to the rear speakers (they can continue to run off the deck power).
The rear channels on the 4 channel amp can be bridged together to run the subwoofer as long as you get a powerful enough amp. Otherwise you will need a powered subwoofer (such as an Infinity Basslink) or a separate second amp for the sole purpose of powering the sub.

lmp180psu

I forgot about the speaker aspect of the equation Good luck, the Altima is a great car otherwise.

s852: I think it was vocus, not robtn that said he must have a moonroof. Robtn wanted to know if there is a way to get/fit the Bose or fit an aftermarket system in the Altima without much trouble, since he couldn't get the Bose without the moonroof. Not being a smarta$$, but just clearing things up, I think.

vocus

Any VW model will fit you comfortably, even with the sunroof. It might be a little tight in the back, but the driver's seat will be fine. I ended up with a Jetta 1.8T.

I also drove an Accord with the sunroof, it had adequate room. The Mazda6 was too small for me, my head rubbed the roof. In the Altima, I felt uncomfortably close but didn't rub.

I have a 32 inseam and am 6'3. You might be built differently than I, but more of my height is in my torso than my legs. The reason I say this is because my best friend is 6'4, and he has to have my car's seat a notch further back than me, even though he's only an inch taller. He also has a 34 inseam, so most of his height is in his legs.

ultima

1. Go to http://www.autoweb.com
2. Click the RESEARCH tab
3. Scroll down to "Featured Articles"

NISSAN ALTIMA
TOP OVERALL NEW CONSUMER CHOICE AWARD

The winner of the 2002 North American Car of the Year can add a new title - Autobytel's Top Overall Consumer Choice for 2002.

And few cars are as perfect a fit for what Internet shoppers look for in a vehicle. Online car buyers look for style, performance, and, most of all, value. That's exactly what the redesigned Altima delivers. It's a mid-size sedan with plenty of room, a powerful engine (the V6 Altima 3.5 SE is one of the hottest sedans in its class) and a stylish, cutting edge design. And while the Altima's sharp and bold look gets plenty of attention on the road, on the Internet its most eye-catching attribute is value - from plentiful standard equipment packages, to a versatile line-up that offers educated consumers a choice. The Altima is available in four different models, ranging from the base 2.5 to the 3.5 SE. According to Nissan, sales of the Altima have increased 36% from December 2001 to December 2002, a difference of more than 50,000 vehicles sold. We're not surprised. The results of our purchase request analysis support the fact that with Altima, Nissan has become a leader in the mid-size sedan class.

johnnc

I have a 2003 Altima 2003 3.5 SE with 7.5k miles. I've been 'dancing' with my dealer about a shimmy in the front end between 55-70 MPH.
They balanced and 'road force' balanced the tires 3 times, then replaced two of them (one came in worse than OEM and we waited a week for that replacement). Even with two new tires, all within 'Nissan spec' for road force, the front end shimmies badly at highway speeds. We are soon approaching Nissan about this directly and wanted to know how many other 02-03 Altima drivers have this problem? BTW, tires are the 17" Bridgestone Turanza's. Please respond, especially if you found a successful solution! Thanks.

afty

That is a pretty common problem in the '02-'03 Altimas. I have not experienced it myself, but I have read many stories of others with the same problem. This document might help you:
http://www.altimas.net/tsb/
Search for "NTB01-082".

pat

Folks, if you see a message that is in violation of the Membership Agreement, the thing to do is to email the host of the board where the discussion resides.

Posting a response is ALSO a violation of the MA and makes the problem worse.

We all appreciate our members who help us ensure that the community standards are met, but please understand that the best way to help us is to email us.

Thanks!!

(Oh yeah, I had to remove a few messages that were out of line.)

alpha01

But I would still like to know if anyone finds the 2.5L 4cyl. engine to be slightly boomy between 2000-2500 under steady load?

~alpha

s852

I can see why someone might buy the 2.5S or a 3.5 SE with certain combinations of options, but why would anyone want the 2.5SL?

It is priced about the same a Honda Accord EXV6, even when both are heavily discounted and I don't see any benefit to the Altima.

hype

Hi folks. Going to get the SL-doing some pricing-it looks like the invoice is about 22.8K--I am going to offer 23K. Sounds reasonable?
Also, any inside word on what the Nissan financing may change to in April?
Do I get the car tomorrow w/ March's financing rate or gamble that it may improve or otherwise stay the same for April? Thanks fellas.

maxamillion1

Why, well she didn't like the styling of the Accord EXV6 Sedan, she liked the Altima, but didn't want a V6, plus she wanted leather and all the works.

BAME! She brought the Altima 2.5SL with every option (NO ABS) in Super Black with Blond interior. I cannot say I blame her. If the SL was still available with a manual transmission, I'd take it over the 3.5SE because the SL has all the features I want in a I4 model. Price doesn't mean everything to everyone.

s852

Why would someone not want a V6 (Accord Mazda6) if it had more power, didn't use more fuel and cost the same? Usually someone chooses a 4 cylinder over a V6 to save fuel and cost. If these benefits do not exist, what is the point?
If someone is really up in arms over the Accord exterior styling, yet at the same time they decided that they can live with the cheaper quality interior of the Altima with no problem, they can also buy a loaded Mazda6 V6 for around the same $ or a 4 cylinder Mazda6 to save even more money.
The invoice price of an Accord EXV6 is only $60 more than the invoice of a 2.5SL with moonroof and ABS. (Why is ABS not standard any family sedan that is not the very lowest base model today?) An optioned up Mazda6 V6 automatic with leather, moonroof etc. is a little more, but I wouldn't be surprised if rebates or dealer incentives show up on the Mazda after the initial novelty of the new model wears off.

maxamillion1

?

vegoen

OK GUYS WHICH CAR IS BEST TO GET FOR VALUE/PERFORMANCE??? MAZDA6s, 2003 HONDA ACCORD EX V6, OR 2003 IMPREZA WRX ????????? THESE ARE IN THE TOP 10 LIST OF BEST CARS IN 2003

maxamillion1

Would be a toss up between the Accord EXV6 or the Mazda6 s but performance would DEFINATELY go to the Subaru WRX.

s852

If you are not thinking about the Altima as a choice, why post here?

gmoney234

I just purchased a 2003 Altima 2.5S that comes with 205/65/16 Conti C95s. I live in New Orleans and the roads are generally rough. I've tried these tires at the recommended pressure of 29front/29rear and also 33/33 and 35/35,however, they just don't seem to give the softer ride that I'm after. Are there any options as far as another size(or brand-besides Bridgestone) 16" tire or do I just need a rebalance on the OEMs? Also, has anyone had any success with another size such as a 215/60/16 tire?

colie74

Hey John, reading your post about the shimmy. That happened to my mustang after new tires. We also had them toe out the front tires bc Ford toed them in to much and we wore out the sides of the tire first. Well they toed them in, but a bit too much so it began to shimmy on the freeway. So we took it back and they made minor alignment adjustments and toed in the tires just a hair, but kept them toed out just enough to prevent the tires wearing on the outside. They said ford toes them in too much. They were worn out in 10K miles. Have an alignment done at a different place besides the dealer. The manufactures usually set the alignment at a certain range and they may need an alignment as well as either toe in or out. Check with a different tire company, they will usually have more information than the dealer. They tend to know how different manufactures set their tires and can usually pin point the problem well. Don't know where you reside, but we use Big Brand Tires and they were very knowledgable, besides doing it as many times as needed until it is just right.

Hope that helps.
Nicole

paula0612

i am in the market to purchase a new altima either 2003 or 2004. i test drove both the 2.5 and the 3.5 engines. i just wanted to pass along to anyone out there that if you are undecided as to which you would choose, i hope this will help. when i do purchase, i am going to go with the 2.5 sl model. the 2.5 model gave me a smoother ride. much had to do with the smaller tire on the 2.5. on the 3.5 with the larger tires, it was more of a sportier ride. you can feel the road more with the 3.5. i guess its all in the kind of ride you would like to have. i will be purchasing the altima by september. i am just holding off cause i am in a current lease now with a ford taurus and my lease is over 2/04. so if i hold off till sept or when the 2004 come out, hopefully nissan will get me out of my lease for me without adding anything to the altima price. if anyone has any suggestions for me on the lease idea that i have, please let me know. i also know that i do want the 2.5 sl super black with the charcoal leather interior. i also decided on the sl because after i add all the things i wanted to the 2.5 s model, it came out to the same area as the 2.5 sl which has everything. i have to have a moonroof, side sills and fog lights. i am not crazy about the wind delfector for the moonroof. in my opinion, it sort of cheapens the look. well i hope this helps anyone who is thinking about purschasing a nissan altima. thank you

  
  

   

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cjs2002

yello,

hmm... I may be wrong, but my father is 6'4 almost 6'5 and he fits in our altima comfortably. we have the sun roof too, and by the way hes no small guy either at 250+ pounds and he's just fine inside the altima front seats, as for the back, well thats a bit snug for him, so I don't know why others who are relatively the same height couldn't fit in... by the way I loved the altima... but sold it to my mom cause she wanted it and I wanted the CTS from cadillac.... but havn't gotten it yet.... cya (for the post above, we have the 3.5SE, black out and black inside leather... love it)

2167

I am almost set to buy a 3.5 SE manual 5 speed but availability seems like a problem the dealer nearest to me told me that they only order it when customers ask for it otherwise they do not carry it. The wait is about 2 months .

I was hoping to get a Silver or Black with cloth interior with ABS package.I did attempt to locate one through the Nissan USA site but none were available in my area which is Pittsburgh,PA.
Any help will be appreciated.Thanks

jlp8885

I-17 from Loop 101 to End (Flagstaff) and back
75-80 mph both ways
going up, locked out of o/d multiple times
min rpm- 2500 (cruise)
max rpm- 4100 (long climb)
going down, locked out of o/d once
min rpm- 2200 (descent)
max rpm- 4000 (brief climb)

going up- 22 mpg
going down- 32 mpg

400lb of passengers
150lb of cargo (trunk)
Altima 2.5S

engine has 7500 miles on it

hows your mileage?

jtkz13

I too had a lot of difficulty locating a manual transmission 3.5. I had to order it, and this was back in January. Supposedly Nissan is slowing production to clear out some inventory. I now have to wait 2 more months before it gets here.

My dealer stated that since it was taking so long I wouldn't be paying a penny over cost, which in the long run I guess is worth it.

FWIW I ordered a 2003 3.5 SE, 5 speed, black/black, Leather/Sport pkg (leather/moonroof/HID's/spoiler/AT HVAC), side sills, and ABS/Side airbags.

Back in January there were only 5 in the nation with my combo, and all were west coast. Now, there is only 3, and they all have test drive miles on them (50-100).

For a sports sedan they sure don't make a whole lot of 5 speeds. :-(

lmp180psu

I have had a hard time trying to locate a 2.5S with the premium convenience pkg. ( Sunroof, BOSE etc.), in a 50 miles radius of Philly. Even 2.5S' with the midline convenience pkg(2499 MSRP) is scarce, but there are plenty of base 2.5 S and 2.5S with the convenience plus pkg.(1600 MSRP). I am helping a friend look for this car, to possibly replace a 99 Maxima SE, since he doesn't have a computer to research info. Right now it is easier to find Maxima SE with the titanium package (BOSE), and with the deals on 03's, they are only about 1500 more. Has anyone else looked for, and had trouble finding Altima 2.5S' with the BOSE system?

vocus

Some people are built differently, even though they're the same height. Perfect example is a friend of mine and myself. He is 6'4 with a 34 inseam, I am 6'3 with a 32 inseam. He has to put the seat all the way back in my Jetta when he drives, but can put it up further than I can. His legs are longer, and my torso is longer. The Altima had plenty of legroom for me, but the headroom was lacking with the sunroof.

See what I mean?

2167

Thanks Jtkz 13 and imp180psu for your reply. I haven't ordered the car yet but Nissan dealer claimed that it will only take 30 to 60 days for them to get the car.
By the way can you tell me the price you are paying for the car?. The invoice price they have given me is 400 dollars more then what it is posted at Edmunds.

irontiger

What kind of gas milage are you gyus getting with the V6 Altima? Will the V6 model take regular gas?

afty

I see about 19 mpg in city driving and 26 mpg on the highway in my 3.5 manual transmission.

And yes, the 3.5 will take regular gas, but your mileage may drop if you do that.

vocus

My 1.8T Jetta is rated for premium, but I find that 89 octane is a good compromise on price, and mileage is about the same as the premium stuff.

afty

Thanks for the tip. I've been thinking about trying regular or midgrade for a few tanks and seeing if it affects my mileage. If I do try this experiment, I'll post back here with the results.