Let's first focus on the lesser equiped one: 2.5 Auto.
How are these as A to B appliances? Timing chain is attractive. Do they do what they're supposed to do and nothing more?
Let's first focus on the lesser equiped one: 2.5 Auto.
How are these as A to B appliances? Timing chain is attractive. Do they do what they're supposed to do and nothing more?
Definitely an appliance. The earliest ones (2002) got lots of engines replaced under recall, I believe. The other years (2003-06) got lots of engines replaced under warranty because the converters grenade, the engine sucks the debris back into it, and then you have a serious oil burning issue. Either that, or the power valve screws come out and get sucked in the intake. They had lots of recalls for other stuff, too.
Honestly though, if you can find one that was well maintained and maybe had its engine replaced already, they aren't bad. Decent MPG, pretty roomy, awesome HVAC system, OK power for a 4 cyl. Just find the ABSOLUTE BEST one that you can.
Resurrection:
Any more anecdotal stories? I’d be looking for a manual for sure...
My girlfriend has an 02. On it’s 2nd engine (1st one went 100k ish then ran out of oil). Currently at 212k and keeps on trucking. Looks like hell but it get her where she needs to go.
If you're looking for a manual look for a v6 too. No less reliable but pretty dang fast for what it is.
In reply to Vigo :
Yeah, a manual with ~260 hp in a car that size would be fun!
Cross shop Maximas of the same vintage. More nicely equipped and perhaps maintained a bit better since they were more expensive to start out.
My buddy has an 05 v6, definitely shop v6.
KyAllroad (Jeremy) said:Cross shop Maximas of the same vintage. More nicely equipped and perhaps maintained a bit better since they were more expensive to start out.
The funny thing is is that I’m actually looking for lesser equipped vehicles. Although I’ve had a soft spot for Maximas. I’m just trying to stay away from vehicles best described as “bloated”.
Floor rust is a huge issue here in Canada. Rusts from the inside out as a result of snowy boots.
At this point all the oil burning ones have probably blown up.
Around these parts, 4-10 year old Altimas all seem to be beat to E36 M3. I mentioned this to my brother who had one & he speculates that they're easy to buy, even for folks who can't afford to maintain a car.
Would you consider the Gen2 Altima that ended in 2001?
These came with a 5 speed manual trans offered mounted to the 2.4L 4cyl engine. The engine is chain driven and is essentially the same engine offered in the 240sx and the Hardbody truck of the time but for the Altima it is fwd.
Smaller in size that the Gen3 but I like the size of the Ge2 a lot as not being too big and not being too small.
EPA says:
2001 w/5 spd manual: 20/23/28
2002 w 5 spd manual: 20/23/27
So, basically the same mpg though the 2001 is smaller (and the 2001 is likely quicker.)
A pleasant, no nonsense interior.
In reply to John Welsh :
Yes! Are you in possession of such a vehicle?
No, I don't have one.
In reply to John Welsh :
Dang, I was hoping. I think anything up here like that would be really rusty.
I don't have or know of an Altima, but...
I do know that a GRM'er in Jax Florida has this...
Pontiac Vibe GT (the better motor) and 5 speed manual, 150k miles. Florida clean! Asking $2,400
Should be an easy Fly and Drive.
With the GT motor, the 5 speed, and the wagon these are a great combination of sport and appliance.
If this were May or June I’d be looking at airfare now. I’ve got a few months before I need to bring something home.
The funny thing is is that I’m actually looking for lesser equipped vehicles. Although I’ve had a soft spot for Maximas. I’m just trying to stay away from vehicles best described as “bloated”.
Well, an 03 Maxima with the 3.5L v6 is actually a slightly smaller car than the 03 Altima which is what the next Maxima was based on. And yes, I agree that those Maximas are fat. They're my least favorite generation from ~1982-present.
So, basically the same mpg though the 2001 is smaller (and the 2001 is likely quicker.)
Actually, the 2.5 QR25DE Altima is significantly quicker than the older KA24DE Altima, even though the older one is probably a couple hundred pounds lighter. The QR25/5spd Altima is solidly into the 15s 1/4 mile mile on a good run. But that sort of doesn't matter when you can get a v6/5spd that will get low 14s bone stock. I knew a guy with an Altima SE-R (no real extra power, but a 6spd vs 5spd) that ran 102mph in the 1/4 bone stock. I put two clutches in it before he got to 45k and sold it, but that's actually because the 6spd had an issue with the TOB getting stuck not fully released. At the time that wasn't well known yet.
I also really like the Vibe GT idea.
In reply to ebonyandivory :
That generation Altima & its contemporary Maxima counterpart are like automotive cockroaches here in MS. Sadly, most look to have lives of 100% neglect, but I’m sure there must be a few good ones around. I bet due to the sheer number of them that even the good ones aren’t worth much down here.
I have an '03 with 251k on it's original motor. I've had it about 6 years, my kids both drove it and I've DD it off and on for about over a year during that time. I just bought a truck so I'm looking to sell it here shortly. It's a 3.5SE and likes to be driven, just had to do regular maintenance, tires, brakes, a sensor here and there. It's been a great car for us, we bought it from the original owner with 205k on it. The mechanics around here say the after about 04 the engine reliability started to go down, we have a Nissan powertrain factory in town, so there are quite a few Altimas running around town, so I would think they have seen more of these than would be expected from a town this size.
I drove a 06 2.5 SE fro a while this summer. More than adequate power, pretty darn good gas mileage, quiet, comfortable. I think the catalyst issue was far more pronounced in manual shift cars. Mine didn't burn oil at all.
I just got a 05 SER from salvage, and it will be ready to drive in a short while. It seems like a pretty nice car in the few miles I have put on it.
I like cars that are outliers.
If searching Altima, what about a 2 door Altima Coupe? They were not offered that long and they were never that popular but my guess is if you can find a 2dr Altima with the manual trans, the seller is having a really hard time finding a buyer. This might get you a better car, cheaper.
I thought the vibe GT's had the high strung 4 banger with the six speed? Do they also come with the middle motor and a 5 speed? My mom had a six speed GT.
In reply to akylekoz :
GT’s and Matrix XRS both had the 2zz as opposed to the 1zz from the Corolla. I believe the 2zz came in 6 speed only while the 1zz had the 5 speed or the auto.
I thought the vibe GT's had the high strung 4 banger with the six speed? Do they also come with the middle motor and a 5 speed? My mom had a six speed GT.
I would consider the 6spd to be more high strung than the motor is. The 2ZZ makes the same power up to ~6000rpm that the 1zz does, it just makes 40 more hp after that. If you had a 2zz car and put a 6000 rpm rev limiter on it, it would probably still accelerate better than a 1zz just because of the 6spd. But, the 6spd is sort of 'busy' when you're not trying to haul ass.
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