1993 Nissan Altima GXE review from North America

Several quirky defects with this vehicle:

Steering wheel has un-bonded from its steel core in places so it curls easily; shifter release switch failed at 110,000-wouldn't come out of PARK (replaced $30) ; rear lights burn bulbs periodically.

Replaced radiator at 108,000 miles.

Sporadically experience a rough idle felt through steering column while simultaneously the tac shows a floating idle speed. Technician advised that the motor mounts were going bad. Est. $400-decided to live with it.

Distributor failed at 115,000 miles. Showed signs of failure by sporadic "no start" episodes. Have been advised that this is the worst part on the car and the factory replacement could be upwards of $380. Find this part cheap and buy it-you will need it.

Replaced CV Boot at 118,000 miles. Suspension design makes this repair tough.

This thing flies for a 4 cyl. both out of the gate and on the highway.

All interior controls operational.

Auto belts aren't the fastest, but, work.

A/C is ice cold for being one of the first R134A systems.

With a good set of tires like BFG Comp T/A's the suspension rides like a Cadillac on the highway and zips through corners around town.

My previous Nissan (Pathfinder) experience was good, but left it at 50,000 miles. so I am still "straddling the fence" or questioning my luck on this purchase.