1995 Nissan Altima GXE review from North America
"Good value durable sedan"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
New front pads and rear shoes at 95k, pads seem to last about 30k, but are $12 a set.
The original steel wheels had kerb damage, found a secondhand set of GXE/SE alloys on Altimas. net for $120. Tires last 25-30k (Bridgestone RE930i)
Replaced distributor cap and rotor arm, rotor arm was loose (had a helper) and damaged posts.
Replaced radiator, it developed cracks in the plastic around the filler cap which couldnt be sealed. New rad was $120 online and easy to fit, replaced thermostat while system was empty.
Needs CV boots, will replace shafts for ~$65 per side since its easier, quicker and less messy (NB hub nuts are high tq. and must be replaced)
A/T pan gasket hard to seal, likely due to pan damage, grey "import" gasket sealant easily fixed that.
Leaks oil from breather separator, need to remove PAS pump to remove it and remake the gasket (more sealer!), replace PCV valve while youre there as its impossible to change any other way.
General comments?
Reasonable performance (quicker than 2.0 Accord), easy to drive in traffic, good value, chain cam engines (KA24DE) last well (lots about with 150k+), most stuff easy to fix. Handle fairly well, good ride, brakes good at front, four disc cars better. Drivers seat wears, not great for lower back. Headlights not great for illumination, and rubber seals let in condensation, need to make sure back covers are on square and use silicone to seal to keep out moisture.
Back seats do not fold, but there is a Ski hatch. SE manuals with leather sought after, worth a bit extra over GXEs. Newer shape 97-on mechanically the same, some revisions in the OBDII cars.
Recommended Reviews:
  | Respectable Japanese Sedan 2 (Update 5 years later) |
| If you have a 5-speed Altima GXE built in 1995, keep it, and maintain it, it will be worth it |
All 1995 Nissan Altima reviews
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model Year | 1995 |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2005 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.4 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8/10 |
| Reliability marks | 9/10 |
| Comfort marks | 7/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 8/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 86000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 125000 miles |
| Previous car | Chevrolet Nova |
| Date of Entry | 19th April, 2005 |