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Nissan Altima
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Comments
In regards to the Altima, I would be wary of the early-production '02 Altimas. Mine was built in November 2001 and I have had several small teething problems with it, such as a squeaking clutch pedal, a staticky radio, and clunky rear shocks. Nothing terrible, just annoying. More importantly, the 4-cylinder engine in the '02s is prone to burn oil if it isn't properly broken in (which as a rental it probably wasn't). This issue was fixed in the '03s.
If you can afford it, I think the '03 model is a safer bet.
As far as rentals, they stop service around 25K miles nowadays, around here in MD anyway. I just had a Suzuki XL7 with 23K on it, and had a car with 28K on it before as rentals (don't remember what the 2nd was though).
I cannot afford an 03 and am not willing to take the initial hit in value either, so a low mileage used one would be the only option right now, especially since I didn't anticipate having to get a new car since I just bought one 18 months ago...
I am about 80% certain that all Altimas are clearcoated. I was under the impression that all modern cars are clearcoated from the factory, but I could be wrong. If you want to be sure, try asking Nissan Consumer Affairs. I would not ask the dealer since they have a vested interest in telling you otherwise (so they can sell you the "paint protection package").
I bought a Silver one cause it appears the easiest to keep clean -- surprisingly better than white or sand colored. You is one brave chickie Paula.
By the way, I "heard" (don't know if it's true) that Nissan might be going to the RED (instead of clear) tail lights on the 2004 Altimas -- which I do think looks better on black.
Might want to check out Active Tuning for a grille though, I hate that new "toothed" grille they'll most likely be putting on it now... I also like the Trenz or Precision grille if you like the "chrome" look.
I don't know about clearcoat on the black but I would agree that it is most unlikely that it is not clearcoated.
I've heard all the warnings about how difficult it is to keep a black car clean, but I frankly have had the opposite experience. Even when moderately dirty the car appears to shine and still look impressive. My feeling is that light metallic cars just look plain dull when dirty and aren't all that great looking when in that condition.
Anyway, check out the clearcoat issue if you want but personally I'd grab the black. This is my first black car and I had mild trepidation about this issue. Now I feel that black would be a priorty choice for me on future cars unless of course I end up moving to a hot climate (desert southwest-Florida) where it might be a bit too uncomfortable to drive.
If you do go with black, invest in one of those California Duster's or whatever they're called. They do a fairly good job with dry road dust and pollen. Especially if you keep the surface nicely waxed and polished.
Having said all that, I still would consider black for a vehicle color. Freshly detailed, it is irresistible looking on most vehicles.
I absolutely LOVE that car -- and apparently so do many of the Magazine Editors.
The CTS would probably be more "luxurious", but I doubt it would be as much FUN as the G35.
One of my neighbors got a Silver G35 Coupe and sometimes parks it in front of my house -- drives me friggin CRAZY cause I keep wishing I could run outside and hop in it...
Also road up on a new 350Z today -- man, that car is SWEEEEEEET to. Awesome, just plain awesome!!!
I really like the Acura TSX too, but am kind of bummed they only put a 4-banger in it and the torque is kind of low -- nothing like the Altima or G35 as power goes... But hear it's a nice driver (have had a chance to drive one yet).
Also heard good things about the Lincoln LS and Saab 9-3, but I know very little about those cars.
Source: http://www.motorists.org/ericpeters/newyork.html
* 2005 Acura TL: The big question here is will the next generation Acura luxury-sport sedan that's due in about two years be rear-wheel-drive? And will it finally get a V-8? Probably not. Like its predecessors, the next TL will likely remain front-wheel-drive, and offer V-6 power -- though pumped-up considerably, probably in the 250-hp range. Whether this will be a handicap in a segment where the majority of luxury-sport sedans are rear-drive and many offer available V-8 engines remains to be seen.
But it's a pretty car, nonetheless. Like a gymnast or sprinter in one of those lycra body suits that lets you see every muscle. For the 40-something types who'll be buying this car, it'll be like picking up a hot 22-year-old for a fun weekend on the sly at the no-tell motel. It's made to make its owner feel young even if the salad days are long gone.
One feature that's neat but which probably won't make it through to production is the replacement of conventional windshield wipers with air jets built into the cowl that shoot high-pressure air onto the windshield to clear rain and even snow. Does it work? I'd love to try it and see!
Mike
WWW.Altimas.net
Paula... I would STRONGLY suggest you get a 2.5s (with the "convenience package") and opt for AFTERMARKET LEATHER. Others will back me on this -- the aftermarket leather is FAR superior to Nissan's leather, and it's actually cheaper (my two-tone custom leather was $850)
Also, when you get the "aftermarket leather", you can opt for two-tone (makes it look a bit classier). Additionally, you DON'T have to go out and find a company to do this for you -- the Dealer often works with companies they can sub-contract this to... After you buy the car, they'll just schedule a time for you to drop the car off so the work can be done.
I did this exact thing -- it makes a WORLD of difference...
(:-D
TIA,
Chris
Just picked it up from the dealer yesterday and when I get to about 60-65 mph on the freeway there is a distinct whistling noise. I checked that all windows are up and that the sunroof was completely closed also. Sounds like it's coming from the front windshield area. Anyone have a similar problem out there? Maybe a bad seal on the windshield?
Also, the car had a new fuel filter and belts less than a year ago, and new platinum plugs 2 years ago.
Altima
Let me start off my comments about the Altima with my favorite feature of all: the armrest! It’s one of those pop up kinds, which I think gives you a perfect driving position on long commutes, where each elbow can rest comfortably on something while your hands grip the wheel. I know it may sound lame, but I might have to buy this car just for this one feature.
On the other hand, many of the gripes I read from others about the interior are correct. There is lots of plastic, and not only that, but the plastic looks like cheap plastic. Normally this might not bother me, but the drivers side door is plastic, not cloth, so my knee kept rubbing up against this, which was kind of annoying. While I’m on the negatives, the automatic shifter took a little getting used to: you don’t press in a button first before shifting; you just slide it down a zigzag column. And the hood and trunk did not close with a nice thunk like on other cars. Finally, the radio was terrible! I can only hope that it was the basic one and that you can upgrade to something better if buying new.
Now on to more of the things I liked: The ride was great, very smooth and solid. It felt like a substantial car, although the brick roads I took it on drew attention to the Camry’s better suspension. The acceleration was fine, and although I could feel the a/t shifting gears, it wasn’t obnoxious. The orange instrument panel was sharp I could get very used to this. The seats were excellent; one more reason why I think this would be a great car to take on long road trips. I also like the exterior styling. I’ve read that some people seem to think those clear rear lights are going out of style, but I like them. This car just looks “expensive” and high class on the outside. If I can get over the plastic inside, this could be my next car, if for no other reason than that armrest!
Anyway, my question is this: Should I go for a new 2.5S (going for their $20,490 invoice now, according to CarsDirect) or pay $15,595 for this one with 26K or so on it? Also, Hertz does provide complete maintenance history of all their cars, as well as a 48 month/48K warranty (additional $900 though for the warranty), so keep that in mind.
Thanks!
Will there be new brake pads installed for you? Otherwise, this will be an expense to factor in the equation. How many miles do you drive a year, if it is say 12k you would "give up" two years of use.
I also checked out another Altima forum and some people said the 2002's had some mechanical problems, so that might be another reason to get a 2003.
In addition, I have found 2003 Altima 2.5S models for around $18,500 or so in the MD area, so my question now is would it be worth paying an extra $3500 for a brand new car or not? I might be able to rope a lower rate on a new one, since they have 0% going on now, but that would be a large factor in the choice between new and used for me.
I am between a Camry LE or an Altima 2.5S. Both Budget past rentals, both 26K miles, but the Camry is $1000 less without alloy wheels, trip computer, and side airbags. Both include warranty to 75K miles as well.
What would you choose?
The Camry is also a very nice car, but it's not a very engaging drive. More of a highly accomplished "get you from here to there in comfort" machine.
Just my opinion sir.
The Sandman :-)
If sportinesss the prevailing factor, the Altima is a good choice.
If interior refinements, resale, and mileage are the prevailing factors, the Accord is a good choice.
I like the Camry, but refinements in the Accord are easily equal to the Camry, but with a more powerful engine. Though PERSONALLY, I believe the Camry "sedan" looks better than the Accord "sedan" -- but the Accord "coupe" looks better than the Camry "sedan".
I prefer the Altima's "looks" over the Camry and Accord, but that's just my personal opinion. Again, the Accord "coupe" (with its Mercedes-like rear-end) is a nice car -- but you will give up some room with a coupe.
Have you considered a 2003 Maxima (which can be had for about the same or less than an Altima), the Acura TSX, or a used Acura TL, used Infiniti G35, or used Lexus GS300???
Emissions are supposedly improved on the I4 models.
No other changes until March/April when the 05 is released.
I think Nissan might still be reluctant to upgrade the Altima's interior because the new Maxima is so ugly. Even an Infiniti G35's interior is not that great for a $30K car.
An Altima with a nice interior may cannibalize too many sales from the Maxima.
Every day I get into the car with same smile on my face. Believe it or not I can't think of anything I'd rather drive (well maybe a Jag XK).
The 2.5 four's performance is every bit as good and as quiet as my last car which was a V6 Galant. The looks are awesome. Nissan family styling. So much so that the other day a guy driving a new Q45 pulled up next to me and asked me how I liked driving my new Q saying he liked his a lot. Amazing, a Q45 owner thought my Altima was a Q45. So much for the car not looking upscale.
One last thing. I've heard many here say how hard black cars are to maintain and vowing never to own another. Well all I can say is I only wash the thing once every couple of weeks and it shines all the time even after bad rain storms, etc. The car has been a breeze to keep looking good. Either the dealer applied some special coating and didn't tell me or black simply is no problem to maintian. I'm happy regardless.
Anyone who is waiting for an 05' might be well served to buy an 03' (especially with the rebates going on now) and just add aftermarket leather.
My questions are:
(a) Are some of the services such as replacing the transmission and brake fluids or engine coolant really necessary at 30K? Nissan does not require these services according to its maintenance booklet.
(b) The car has been serviced according to Nissan specs and I would like to maintain a perfect service history. Are dealers required to perform a 30K service as described in the maintenance booklet and stamp the booklet?
Thanks,
Frank
You do not have to get the work done at a Nissa dealer. You can go someplace cheaper as long as they do the work and they document it on the work order.