1996 Nissan Altima GLE 2.4L i-4
Summary:
Fantastic car, until it started giving problems
Faults:
Alternator.
Idler pulley.
Water pump.
3 batteries.
Major oil leak, which dealers and independent mechanics couldn't figure out.
Might side tires wore out in less than a year after I put them on, while the left side were perfectly fine. This happened twice.
Short circuit, causing all power accessories to stop working.
Numerous rattles.
Both front coil springs broke while I was pulling into the driveway.
General Comments:
White leather seats, wood accents, automatic AC, Bose system, sunroof, alloy wheels, spoiler, dark green in color and I am not joking - 5 speed automatic tranny.
The KA24DE truly is a great engine. Absolutely solid performance.
It had good acceleration. Handling was also great.
However there was lots of road noise on the highway. The whole car vibrated on the highway.
City mileage was 19 at best and highway was 23 at best, which is very pathetic considering this is a 4 cyl.
It was a very reliable car while I was in college; it gave me no problems.
But it started acting up during the past year. Every month a new thing would go wrong. The cost for repairs was just too much.
The broken coil springs were the last straw.
I finally sold it 2 weeks ago before things got even uglier.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 23rd January, 2009
15th Mar 2005, 10:12
Most of the other reviews are pretty favorable. You have to understand that you got this car with almost 100k miles. The previous person obviously didn't care much for maintenance. The lesson learned here check everything before buying a used car. I doubt that you purchased this vehicle from a Nissan dealership. They wouldn't sell you a car with stuff missing unless they advertise it in as is condition.