Nissan Altima: Possible Altima buyer has questions

Paul, the 2.5L is a great car and the engine is more than capable for 99.9%
of the drivers out there. You'll have no problems with on ramps or passing
18 wheelers on an uphill grade. The counterbalance system makes it very
smooth. So, why the 3.5L V-6? First, there is the .1% who want that engine
option and the 3.5L is such a great engine (notice how many Nissan/Infiniti
applications for the basic block?) who could resist? I remember the "Car
Talk" radio review of the 2002, they thought that Nissan had given them the
3.5L by mistake instead of the 2.5L because of the responsive engine. They
concluded that the 3.5L would "only get you in trouble with the law." But
there's a lot to be said for that!

"Paul" <com> wrote in message
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Pls save yourself some headaches and don't buy a car with looks as the prime
factor. The Altima, while a great car, has a lot of interior noise, if I
remember what owners have stated on various review sites. Also, resale is
very poor. The list goes on. Plus the 2.5 gets you a 4speed automatic. If
you have ever driven a decent 5speed auto., you wouldn't pay for a 4speed.
I'll bet the 2.5 with a 5speed would be a wickedly nice combo.

 
Don't know at this 
equip. 
prime 
If 
spd. auto. Don't know why they aren't more widly available.
--
Paul
com

I have the 2.5S with automatic and it is a very powerful car running on a 4
cylinder engine. Granted the V6 is more powerful and probably ups the
resale value, but I am pleased with my car very much. The seats are
incredibly comfortable and there is a lot of interior room for my
passengers, front and back, the trunk is enormous and I find the ride sporty
and not cushy like that in a Honda or Toyota. Plus the design of the car
does blow the Accord and Camry out of the water - rather ho-hum designs if
you ask me. Granted the car is noisier than those two models, but I like to
think of the Nissan brand name as good quality, perhaps not as high as Honda
or Toyota, but the sporty brand of the group. I like the Honda Accord for
its overall quality, but its ho-hum looks and nothing really has changed in
terms of what the car 'does', really did not woo me over. Hope that helps.

"Paul" <com> wrote in message
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In article <bspta7$ka4$INS.cwru.edu>, Peter says... 

Thanks Peter, any and all info helps. By being nosier do you mean road noise or
noise from the engine? After looking at the Honda Accord sedan, I could be happy
with it, however I do like the styling better on the Altima. It's also cheaper
to insure, for me anyway. I really need to go drive one as I'm not really
looking for a sporty ride, I like the ride of my Buick. but may find the Altima
acceptable.

Hi Paul,

More road noise than anything else, but keep in mind this is a 2002 Altima,
with already 25,000 miles on it (bought it in April of 2002). The newer
ones have better sound deadening added. Insurance is definitely cheaper and
I just like that factor!! Good luck on your decision.


"Paul" <com> wrote in message
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sporty 
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noise or 
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Altima 

Paul, I am also looking to buy now and I, too, looked at Altima. Consumer
Reports rates as only average it's relaiblility. One only has to look in
this newsgroup and check the NHTSA web site complaint section to see why
that rating correct. I am leaning toward Mazda6i now with it's 48
month/50,000 mile warranty and it's excellent reliability rating from CR.
Plus the car is loaded. If you haven't already bought an Altima, look at
and drive a 6i!


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