Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!
Popular New Cars
Popular Used Sedans
Popular Used SUVs
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
My 14 yr old Pontiac Grand Am didn't have a spec of rust because I took take of it. I surely don't expect a new car to have this problem.
Do you know what recourse I would have?
My dealership thinks I'm a paranoid owner as well, as I have taken my 2.5S in a few times since we bought the car in July. My car pulled to the right, the brake pedal squeaked, and there is a rattling noise on startup once in a while. They fixed the first two problems, but after keeping the car for four days, they said they never heard that rattling noise. Whatever.
Anyway, DON'T WAIT! Take it in!!!! Let us know what they say.
I'm petrified to think this is rust plus I've had the call for 11 months so I don't really understand why there would be so much brake dust. My car has 26,000 kms so my brakes have been "broken in". But this is a good point.
Wish me luck.
I spoke to the service manager and he looked at the car and confirmed exactly what you said. These are dust/brake particles. He asked me if I live near train tracks or an industrial area which is common for such air bourne debris. I said no but was content to see the orange spots come off even though some were tough.
Even though I wash my car often using the touchless car wash, it was recommended to use a brush to brush off debris that sticks to the car and would not otherwise come off using a high pressure wash.
I have never heard of this problem before so this is a big lesson for me.
mz6greyghost thanks for your thoughts. You were right.
Although I'm a new member to this site, I have been reading posts on this site for the last two years which helped me decide on buying the Altima. It's a beautiful vehicle and have no regrets.
This forum is great.
Good to hear that you've got a resolution to the issue.
no, no, no, no. do not go to car washes, and do not use brushes on your car. I haven't checked, but I'm sure edmunds has a car care forum. go there and ask for suggestions. Use the right products, and the right techniques and keeping your car looking new for 10 years or more is not that hard. you just have to do it right.
Any info you new owners have would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Tony
I was told by the service manager that this was the first time they had ever seen this type of failure. I'm thinking that the bolts were either over or under torqued during assembly. Has anyone else experienced this?
Are these the folding mirrors (3.5 V6 models) or the stationary, non-folding kind on the 2.5? :confuse:
One more question, how do you feel the voice activated commands work? For both bluetooth calls and nav instructions?
Thanks!
But my issue with the phone book, doesnt stop me from using the bluetooth.
Also, dont be surpised if all state enact laws around cell phone usage while driving.
Thank you for your response and input.
I drive mostly non-freeway and right now I'm getting 23 MPG. I'm also having tire issues and its COLD, but...it does seem quite low, so I feel you.
If there's no requirement to use the higher grade gas, why are you using it?
Thanks for reminding me that I need to call and make an appt. to get my car fixed though!
No, he's not full of it.
The 2.5L requires regular grade gasoline (87 octane), not premium fuel (91+ octane). Burning premium is effectively wasting gas as it's not burned as thoroughly (and efficiently) as regular grade gas.
The government assigns that number, not the manufacturer
Remember when we used to drive out pleased as punch with radio/heater/overdrive?
I complained of a wind sound coming from my front passenger area and they found the windshield had a bad seal. I just had that fixed today and I think it's ok now.
The strange thing is, I got another 2007 Altima 2.5 as a loaner today and it had the same air leak noise from the same area. I'm wondering if it's a problem on lots of the cars.
If it's a high pitched whistle I have no advice!
link title
I don't know if that has to do with the CVT or not. All I know is my 2002 Corolla responded a heck of a lot faster.
ALSO, it is often loud right at start up. I took it back to the dealership because it would sometimes make this rattling/grinding noise at start up, but they kept starting it on and off for four days and they didn't hear it. Whatever. The longer I've owned it, the less it has happened. In fact, I haven't heard it in a long time.
Besides those two things, we've not had any issues with the car. I AM a little concerned about the quality of the paint job as it has more nicks in it than the car I've had for 6 years.
I too worried I bought a bad car, but the longer I own it, the more I like it. This is my first Nissan, so I found myself overanalyzing EVERYTHING about it.
How did you come to this age determination, and are you sure you are correct?
Thats a long time to sit on a lot. However, it is possible to see this, and it doesn't necessarily mean anything has been harmed.
I bought a 2000 Chrysler Concorde on February 2001...manufactured in May 2000...still in the showroom. Seemed that no one wanted a front bench-style seat. I got a great price on it and kept it until June 2007 with no problems, other than a leaking valve stem seal, which could have been related to sitting for so long, but probably not. Still...
Things I would look for....
Tire wear...If only 120 km they should still have the rubber casting "nubs" created at the time of manufacture at least partially present. Also, check the manufacture date of the tires...You can find out how to read the date codes on the web...just do a search for "reading automobile tire date code". Obviously, the tire dates should pre-date the auto manufacture date. If not, you may wish to consult an attorney.
Engine oil...Again, at 120 KM it should be practically clear to translucent, definitely not dark brown to black.
Put it on a lift and look underneath...again, at 120 KM, the underside should be almost spotless. Look at the joints as well, such as where the door jams are exposed, and where the hood/trunk lid covers hidden body parts. The areas may be "dingy" looking, but should not have any visible granular dirt particles present.
You may also examine the engine air filter and cabin air filter for excessive dirt...they should both look new.
If all checks out OK, I think I would at least ask the dealer to perform an oil/filter change at no cost to you, and if all is above board, I would think it would be no problem to get this done.
Give us another post with an update...
Good luck!
The car is very clean with only a small scratch on the bottom of the bumper which I could of done with my snow shovel. The only other complaint is the engine cover grey paint lettering VQ 3.5 is almost worn off. It's almost like somebody took the engine cover and replaced it with their used one. It could be very difficult getting Nissan to cough up for a new engine cover.
The car is the nice jade green mettallic with cloth and a sunroof. The only thing that the salesman said was, he was having trouble selling 3.5l cars as they take premium gas. He sold 10 four cylinder cars to 1 six cylinder. I wonder if having the manual hurts as well. It wasn't the only 07 on the lot as there was a green 3.5l fully loaded with leather and Nav.
Thanks for the opinion as I was just concerned with the long term ramifications.
That seems a bit strange. Why would the lettering be worn off just sitting idle?
Did you check the tire date to see if it matched the manufacture date?
I checked my Altima and found the manufacture date in the label, just where you said it would be.
Good luck!
I think this is the key reason why the car sat so long. I think the only people who still buy these cars are Edmunds posters! :P
Enjoy the car, I'm loving mine.
On the used market, A/T's have lots of BROAD appeal, but manuals have a very loyal, devoted following who won't accept anything else.
I noticed this with 5-series BMWs and Saabs & also with our last car, an Infiniti G20t. The manuals make up about 20-25% of G20's, but many of those who don't simply view cars as a commodity will not accept a slushbox.
I had enthusiasts fighting over who gets to buy our 14-year old, 250,000-mile G20t, mainly due to the combination of the touring pkg & a real gearbox.
Our '08 6MT Altima 2.5s won't appeal to a broad mass of used car buyers in a decade, but there will be someone (another retro-grouch like me )out there for whom that combo is perfect.