1998 Nissan Altima GXE review from North America
"Overall, a fantastic car! Would buy another in a heartbeat.."
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Radiator formed a crack in the top (plastic) tank near the cap. $181 for the radiator and $70 for labor.
Trunk lock hasn't worked since I've owned the car. I just use the latch inside.
Ignition switch locked up one morning, but after wresting with the steering wheel and the key, it finally unlocked. Hasn't happened since.
There's possibly a sticking valve lifter because the car has a bit of valve noise on cold mornings... Nothing major.
Driver's master window switch worked intermittently, a new one on eBay for ~$30 fixed the problem with no hassle.
The Evaporative Emissions Purge Valve (in front of the driver's side rear tire) stopped working, which set off the check engine light and brought my fuel economy down to about 18MPG from about 28. $20 online and no more issues.
General comments?
This is the best car I've ever owned. The car has only been in the shop for one thing, the radiator, in all of the years I've owned it.
The front brake rotors have a tendency to warp on these cars, not a major issue. You only feel the effects when your braking on an off-ramp.
Comfort is great, road noise (at least with my Goodyear Assurance ComfortTreds) is non-existent.
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| Great daily driver vehicle |
|
| Extremely reliable |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1998 |
| Year of manufacture | 1997 |
| First year of ownership | 2005 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2009 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.5L I-4 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 7 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 10 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 9 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 9 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 10 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 62000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 125000 miles |
| Previous car | Buick Park Avenue |
| Date of Entry | 21st June, 2009 |