2003 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE

Summary:

Absolutely love the car, would recommend it in a minute

Faults:

Only two things:

- driver's side power seat control housing cracked (replaced under warranty)

- front rotors had to be replaced at 53000km.

General Comments:

First of all, the car is definitely a looker - no doubt about that. I suppose the bad thing is that a LOT of other people think so too so there are a lot around.

I was also considering the 2.5SL - that was until I took the SE out for a drive... and then it was all over. True, it costs more at the pump, but I like the car so much I don't really mind.

The ride is not as smooth as previous cars I've owned, but I've never owned this sporty of a car. It's raw power and handling more than make up for it. And re: torque steer... it's totally over-hyped: just don't hammer the gas while your wheels are turned sharply - but once they're straight it's a blast to let 'er rip.

Bose stereo system is wicked too!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th April, 2005

2nd Jan 2008, 11:29

You are definitely the exception to the rule.

29th Jun 2008, 05:54

I bought my 2002 Altima used in 2005 with 25000 miles on it. I haven't had any major problems until recently.

Let me start by saying I drive a lot; I have 120,000 miles on it.

There is something going on with the heating and A/C. I was told there is a clog in the core, and need to replace the core and the engine at the cost of $3000. We also bought a OBD2 reader and the catalytic converter is going. So needless to say, we will be trading it in soon.

This is my 3rd Nissan, and I will buy another. 120,000 miles is a lot of miles before major repairs.

We had a 93 Sentra that didn't go till we hit 200,000 miles, and a Frontier that blew its first clutch at 150,000. The key with Nissan is oil changes at every 2000 miles, and all recommended maintenance. I've had Dodges that I bought brand new that blew engines at 20,000 miles with regular maintenance.

2003 Nissan Altima 2.5S

Summary:

While the 2002-2005 series Nissan is more attractive, their earlier models were more dependable.

Faults:

After owning the car for about 6 months, the engine had a ticking noise when it was first started up in the morning. After multiple times at the dealer's service center, they drained the oil pan and found metal shavings in it. The engine was replaced at 11,000 miles.

At 18,000 miles it was at the service dealer for road noise when braking. Service rep advised that the factory installed tires were cupped and needed replaced, and he eluded to the fact that it was a recurrent problem and told us we should "put a good set of Michelin's on it." When calling 1-800-Nissan, they assumed no responsibility, so we replaced the tires at our own expense. Service rep also suggested front end alignment which was another $60 out of our pocket, although there was no misalignment found. Now with 12,000 miles on the new tires, and after following the manufacturer's tire rotation schedule, they're cupped again. Still Nissan does not admit there is a problem with their suspension system.

The temperature gauge would sometimes stick, but when you tapped on the dash, it would come up. The service rep could not duplicate the problem and would not replace it. After multiple complaints, they finally ordered a new gauge, but it took 6 months or longer for the replacement part to come in.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 9th April, 2005

18th Oct 2008, 20:00

Cupping wear on tires is usually caused by wheel imbalance or worn steering or suspension components. If I was the service adviser I wouldn't have told you to get a wheel alignment done because that doesn't have anything to do with cupping. Get your wheels checked to see if they're balanced.