Nissan Altima, 2.5 or 3.5 with CVT?

[Fishinguy40]

So the wife feels it is time that she get another car. We are looking at used, maybe about 2 years old. She kind of likes the 07 and 08 Nissan Altima. Don't know of anyone who owns one so was wondering how the 2.5 or 3.5 engine is? Also, what's with this CVT transmission they talk about? Good or bad?

I'd just like to know if there are any "common issues" to be aware of with this make model. I know all cars and car manufacturers have their own issues but some are bigger than others.

[Jeremy airjer W]

I'd go with the 3.5

The only problem with the CVT transmissions is if it goes bad you buy a new one. Our local rebuilder won't touch them and I'm not sure if the dealers are offering remanufactured ones or not.

Price out a headlight before you buy so there isn't so much sticker shock when you get the bill for up to $500 depending on which of the several bulbs it has.

Other than the occasional wheel bearing, always seems like its the passenger side, I can't think of any other issues besides make sure you change your oil at the 3,750 mile interval. We have had a handful of these engines with check engine lights for cam advance codes. The oil passages are very small and if you're lucky an oil change will take care of it. If your not so lucky, well lets hope your lucky!

[KatoMike]

My father has the Altima with the 2.5 and CVT. Great motor and transmission - always in the right "gear." No hunting from the transmission when going up hills or accelerating. I drove the car from Mankato to Chicago and back - very nice setup (I have not driven the 3.5 - but it now comes only w/ the CVT trans starting in '10.)

Dad got 32 mpg on a recent drive from MN to Texas and back.

[CJH]

My buddy has a Murano with the 3.5/cvt setup and likes it. He said it takes some getting used to, but is pretty smooth. Its supposed to be more efficient, but its not panning out to be more than any of the modern six speeds most manufacturers are using now. The nissan v6's are very peppy and fun to drive.

I think the jury is still out on the longevity of the CVT, since they haven't been around very long yet. His is 3 years old and hasn't had any problems yet that I am aware of.

[shedaddict]

I have a 2007 2.5S Altima. We have not had any problems with it whatsoever. The Contious Variable Transmission has performed very well. It did take some time to get used to the car not changing gears, but now I like it. I drove the 3.5 vs the 2.5 and I determined it wasn't worth the extra money and less gas mileage. I drive a lot for my job, so mileage was a big factor for me. When I have had to give it, I haven't been disappointed. I would definitely recomend this car to my friends.

[Fishinguy40]

I'd go with the 3.5

Price out a headlight before you buy so there isn't so much sticker shock when you get the bill for up to $500 depending on which of the several bulbs it has.

Hey Airjer, why the big price tag on the headlights? Are they the HID type lights? If so, I wonder if the ballast could be bypassed so that a regular halogen lamp could be used instead. I did this on my 99 Jimmy/Envoy. One headlight went out and dealer wanted $400 for a new bulb. Oh yeah, they also recommended that the ballast be replaced at the same time for another $400. OUCH!

I traced the wiring back to the ballast and sure enough, the 12 volt supply to the ballast was the same plug that is used on a "normal" headlight. So i routed that wire up to the headlight and mounted a halogen lamp in place of the HID lamp. It took a little work and I did both headlights but was a heck of a lot cheaper than $800!

[Jeremy airjer W]

Some of it has to due with the bulb and some has to due with the labor. Some of it has to due with the labor. A lot of Nissan require the front bu,per to be removed so the lens assembly can be removed so the bulb can be replaces. What was the old saying, Proper Prior Planing........

The regular halogens should be accessible without having to pull either.

[bak2MN]

$400 to $500 for a headlight!!!! Really????

We have been thinking of a Altima as well.

[Jeremy airjer W]

Thats nothing, the old lincoln mark 7 or whatever it was was $1,200 the first time a headlight went out!

[Scott K]

Thats nothing, the old lincoln mark 7 or whatever it was was $1,200 the first time a headlight went out!

Ya, it was fun trying to sell them!

[hondavxr]

The cvts for Nissan have been pretty reliable. I seen many go pass 150k already. If you are planning on getting an 2.5 altima male sure you buy 07 and up one. 06 and under some of the 2.5 engines had a batch of bad piston rings. The symtoms of bad rings was oil starvation. Overall Altimas are pretty reliable.