1996 Nissan Altima GXE KA24DE from North America

Summary:

Great reliable car

Faults:

Valve cover gasket, plugs, and alternator had to be replaced at approximately 170,000 miles.

Clutch had to be replaced at approximately 220,000 miles.

Oil pan gasket replaced at approximately 240,000 miles.

Radiator hose had a leak at approximately 270,000 miles and the car overheated. Sputtered when running, but was still running when sold.

At some point, the wiper linkage bushing gave out, the throttle linkage bushing gave out, and the plastic door handle linkage clips on both the driver and passenger side broke. The car was over 20 years old at that point.

Sunroof started leaking after 19 years.

General Comments:

I hated to get rid of a car that was so great to me, but it wasn't worth it to change the motor out or rebuild it, given the age. I was sad to see it go as it was with me through so much, but I moved on to the car I really wanted and finally could afford after not having a car payment (370Z).

Best $1200 I've ever spent.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 6th April, 2025

1996 Nissan Altima SSS 2.0 from Malaysia

Summary:

A reliable performance sedan

Faults:

Power steering pump failed at 210000 km, and that was after a long drive of 400 km via trunk roads, uphill and downhill. It required a tow, for the first time since ownership.

Alternator gave way after 230000, and had it replaced.

Had a top overhaul at 240000 once I spotted white smoke starting to come out after a long idle.

Oil seals for the gearbox failed at 270000 - and had it repaired, and works fine up to this date.

Radiator hoses gave way - but then again, quite typical for a car this age, and taking into consideration the weather factor (tropical).

Occasional air flow sensor problem, which is solved by spraying and cleaning the sensor itself. Works fine to this date.

General Comments:

From stock standard car with SR20DE at 160000 km, and still running strong with a number of modifications done to the engine, suspension system and overall chassis.

The original engine has been turbocharged since January 2010, and up to this date, still running strong considering it is being used almost daily to and from work - and considering the condition of the roads in Malaysia.

Handling during stock days are excellent, combining both comfort and agility. Replaced the stock coils with the ones from JDM Turbo model for stiffer rate - and obviously better handling.

Other than the problems listed, the car is still running up to this date with original engine and auto gearbox. Bulletproof! Note that I never use ATF/oil cooler of any sort.

Car is fine for a family of four, even luggage space-wise.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th March, 2011

1996 Nissan Altima GLE 2.4L i-4 from North America

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