2012 Nissan Altima S 2.5

Summary:

Reliable and dependable

General Comments:

This vehicle has caused me zero problems.

Some people complain about the CVT transmission on these vehicles, but to me it's not a problem because I'm not an aggressive driver. The transmission operates properly.

Horsepower on this vehicle is good and I've never felt it to be sluggish.

The suspension rides smooth and I'll miss it whenever I overhaul it, because I know it won't feel the same.

Interior has maintained its integrity, all plastics, fabrics and carpeting. Regular maintenance will hopefully make this vehicle last me 100K more. Paint at 100K miles is still in very good shape.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th March, 2018

1st Apr 2018, 03:57

Nice, succinct review.

The CVT didn't become a major problem until 2013.

Advanced powertrains are not easy to (successfully) conceive, engineer, and deploy.

Would love to hear from someone who has an "inside track" on what the story is on these ;)

In reply to 1st Apr 2018, 03:57

3rd Apr 2018, 17:55

Car companies who put CVTs in their cars have failed to educate their customers on how CVTs work and more importantly, their efficiency. Some people do have a hard time moving forward with new technologies. I commute with this vehicle Mon-Fri over a mountain that has 5-8% grades without the need to downshift; the CVT does its job properly.

17th Mar 2022, 20:50

My 2012 Nissan Altima 2.5S is now at 145K miles. 9 months of furlough at work during the pandemic helped keep my mileage down. So, at 145K miles my Nissan is overall working fine. It is my daily driver to and from work and has never required any major repairs. I've followed a strict oil change schedule with full synthetic oil every 5K miles since I purchased this vehicle back in 2012.

At 10 years old, the exterior paint job is now showing signs of clear coat damage, especially on the roof by the driver's window. Do not know if I'll ever get it repaired as my plans are to sell this off in about 2 years time.

I'm now on my 3rd set of tires. The suspension is starting to feel the years as well, but the ride is still comfortable. I'm also on my 3rd battery, and will probably need a new one by next winter.

At around 110K miles I changed out the CVT transmission oil. I didn't find excessive grit or shavings from the transmission and the CVT has continued to work properly. Radiator fluid flush at around 120K miles and haven't had any cooling issues so far.

2nd brake job at 140K miles. I probably waited a bit too long between its last brake job, so I felt replacing all 4 rotors would be a good idea. Brakes feel and function well.

My next project is to have all motor mounts checked and replaced if needed. I've began noticing more vibration from the motor during acceleration and I live in a dry hot climate so I'm almost certain one or more motor mounts have dried/cracked.