'99-'01 Nissan Altima reliability

the reliability factor depends on the previous owners maintence habits.

If the previous owner beat the sh*t out if it and never serviced it then the chances are it won't last to long.

In my opinion , the latest model in the particular series (2001 2nd generation altima, in this case) should be the least problematic since the problems have been corrected on previous models, I hope.

Am quite satisfied with 2001 Altima GXE - but not as fuel efficient as Camry.

Ohhhhhhhh right !!

Forgot about that one

NOT !!!!!

CV axles flying apart for no reason.

Might want to hike to the library to check some mag like consumer reports--I believe they do a used car survey every so often--but to the best of my knowledge no particular Altima year is significantly more or less trouble-free than the others. The A has consistently been a low-trouble, easy-to-take-care-of car, as are the vast majority of Japanese cars. I imagine that's why we put up with their generally uninspired and often derivative styling...because they're trouble free. ;-)

I think, as others have pointed out, the service history of the particular auto you buy is much more important than the year. Make sure the owner/dealer gives you repair history, oil-change records, yada-yada. Test drive it thoroughly. Take it to an independent mechanic and have them give it the once-over, before you buy. If the owner/dealer is not willing to let you do that, look for another car.

My two cents.

John

Sure, you just want him to buy Nissan. You don't care whether it flies apart or not.

Your wrong again.

I could care less what this guy buys, he could get a Yugo for all I care

The Altima definitely lacks in gas mileage. I've checked my mileage consistintely on my '00 Altima and it does not even come close to the mileage I got with an accord EX or camry LE, all with similar and engine performance give or take 10 HP. My '02 maxima is similar in the terrible gas mileage area.

Even driving on the interstate with cruise control for 600 miles at 75 MPH only yields about 22-24 MPG in either car. Was getting close to30 with previous accord and camry.

Robin '00Altima SE '02 Maxima SE 6-sp

I have a 94 5 speed, and with 173,000 km on it I still get about 28 mpg around the city, and I've seen as high as 37 or so on the highway. I'm fairly heavy-footed too ;) As far as I know the 99-01 models have the same engine save for different valve timing and so on, so I would expect the same mileage more or less with all pre-02 models.

that's true for models with manual transmission. different thing with automatics. can save more on gas if tires are oversized (but not recommended unless modification on brakes are made - and speed meter gives slower reading than actual).

one thing i like about altima has a well behaved engine - does not scream on higher rpm like other 4-cyl engines.

tp

My '94 automaticAltima has consistently run around 25mpg commuting in San Diego - about half and half freeway and surface streets, and around 29 on extended freeway trips - 70mph with the A/C and Cruise. In the last few months, having just passed 100,000 miles, the in-town mileage has dropped and the hydrocarbons are just under the legal limit for CA smog on a recent test. I'm guessing my Ox sensor is no longer up to the job and I will probably see a check engine light in the near future(?).

I think you guys have some great engines if you are getting the MPG you claim. You need at least 3-gas fill ups or your numbers are worthless. I typically use 5-gas fill ups to make my calculations. More than 50% of my driving in on the interstate averaging 65-75 MPH.

'94 Chevy S10 P/U extended cab, 4.3L, 5-speed, never got more than 23 MPG with 5-gas fill ups. '95 200SX 1.6L SE 5-speed, never got more than 32 MPG with 5-gas fill ups '97 Maxima 3.0L SE 5-speed, never got more than 25 MPG with 5-gas fill ups '00 Altima SE 2.4L 5-speed,never got more than 27 MPG with 5-gas fill ups '02 Maxima 3.5L 02 5-speed, never get more than 22 MPG with 5-gas fill ups

I'll let you interpret the data for yourself.

my 5 cents

RZ

My sister in law has a 00 Altima. Only problem has been a leaking intake manifold gasket. First signs were slight smoking (black) from running rich when cold. Eventually it started to run really rough to the point that you'd have to put it in neutral when stopped at a light because it'd surge. It took me most of the weekend to replace - absolutely the worst intake I've ever removed!