1996 Nissan Altima GLE 2.4L i-4

Summary:

Fantastic car, until it started giving problems

Faults:

Alternator.

Idler pulley.

Water pump.

3 batteries.

Major oil leak, which dealers and independent mechanics couldn't figure out.

Might side tires wore out in less than a year after I put them on, while the left side were perfectly fine. This happened twice.

Short circuit, causing all power accessories to stop working.

Numerous rattles.

Both front coil springs broke while I was pulling into the driveway.

General Comments:

White leather seats, wood accents, automatic AC, Bose system, sunroof, alloy wheels, spoiler, dark green in color and I am not joking - 5 speed automatic tranny.

The KA24DE truly is a great engine. Absolutely solid performance.

It had good acceleration. Handling was also great.

However there was lots of road noise on the highway. The whole car vibrated on the highway.

City mileage was 19 at best and highway was 23 at best, which is very pathetic considering this is a 4 cyl.

It was a very reliable car while I was in college; it gave me no problems.

But it started acting up during the past year. Every month a new thing would go wrong. The cost for repairs was just too much.

The broken coil springs were the last straw.

I finally sold it 2 weeks ago before things got even uglier.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 23rd January, 2009

1996 Nissan Altima GXE 2.4 KA24DE

Summary:

I will keep it for another 12 years!

Faults:

Starter at 86,000 (Genuine Nissan Starter)

Starter again at 155,000 miles.

Distributor rotor at 177,000.

I also replaced the radiator because the plastic started cracking around 140,000.

I also replaced the retractable antenna twice.

Tape deck started to give me problems so I installed an aftermarket CD player.

The small rubber bumpers on the clutch and brake pedals cracked and fell apart, but were only $1 to replace, but made it very difficult to start the car or use cruise control.

Trunk leaked through the tar the is injected around the tail lights.

Clear coat started flaking off in 2006.

Small oil leak around the distributor.

Timing chain makes a lot of noise, but has not been a problem.

General Comments:

Car is very well built compaired to most other manufacturers that I have came across.

There is surprisingly a lot of power for be a 4cyl.

The car has been very reliable for me. However, I am practically the first owner (bought it 6 months old) and I have kept up the maintainance very well.

I love this car to death and I will keep it for another 12 years!

Other than the starter and distributor rotor, the car has only had a few minor problems.

I think it is a good balance between space, comfort, reliability, economy, and fun.

With 177,000 miles, I still get 32mpg on the highway!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th November, 2007

1996 Nissan Altima GXE 2.4L

Summary:

Good reliable car

Faults:

Head gasket needed to be changed at the 70,000 mile mark. When I turn the wheels hard left or hard right, it makes a bad unexplainable chirping sound, even my grandfather who has been a mechanic for a number of years can't explain it.

Axle needed to be changed at 80,000 miles.

Windows roll up somewhat slowly.

Riding with the air conditioner on results in a noticeable reduction of power.

Transmission is slow to shift and jumps real hard when shifting from first to second gear.

Clear coat has started chipping within the past year.

General Comments:

Other than the problems mentioned above, it has been a great car. I have taken it on several trips, the heating works great, and the car is pretty fast for a 4 cylinder. I would recommend this car for the younger generations.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th August, 2006

1996 Nissan Altima

Summary:

I hate this car!

Faults:

The paint is chipping off in many areas.

Seats are showing signs of wear.

Engine has already been replaced with a 1994 engine.

The car will not start up unless I have the car in neutral.

General Comments:

I have had other Nissan's, this one by far is the worse.

Cup holders were missing when I bought the car.

Trunk leaks.

Car idles badly.

I have had cars that have better gas mileage.

I cannot pressure wash the car, as the paint will just flake off.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 28th November, 2004

15th Mar 2005, 10:12

Most of the other reviews are pretty favorable. You have to understand that you got this car with almost 100k miles. The previous person obviously didn't care much for maintenance. The lesson learned here check everything before buying a used car. I doubt that you purchased this vehicle from a Nissan dealership. They wouldn't sell you a car with stuff missing unless they advertise it in as is condition.

26th Jan 2023, 22:31

Hi,

Nobody will see this, but make sure to note on this car that this guy bought, 3 or more things at the bottom were done before this guy bought the car. He is trying to make it look worse than it is. Thanks!

Frank says nothing.