Most recently, the car missed then died and the diagnostic test claimed it was the Mass Air Flow Sensor and the Crank Angle Sensor... found that out after I had it towed, should have fixed it myself, but I didn't and it was expensive. The day I got it back, it died again, and this time it's the distributor, but I'm thinking it's the same problem that many other folks have had and there is just oil in there (they ignored the crank angle sensor the first time b/c sometimes the ca sensor goes off b/c of the mass air flow sensor).
I have had the radiator replaced because of an accident, and some serious suspension work because it was riding rough. Replaced both front strut mounts and struts and the alternator at about 127000 miles. Replaced the front axle at 100000 miles. and replaced quite a few minor parts and the strangest thing, neither of the passenger side windows go down. With this I have replaced fuses, checked wiring and replaced motors to no avail.
I had a strange problem right at 120000 miles. where my brake lights would not turn off, even when I took my keys out. Tried everything I could think of, took it to someone, turns out it was a little rubber pad or button that goes between the break pedal and the body (accessible from the driver's foot space) that had worn away and left no resistance between the pedal and sensor or whatever it was up against. That was just because it was old, still irritating, though. Also have some minor electrical issues, interior dome light does not work, neither does interior trunk light; when I replace it, it blows the fuse after a few days. The trunk leaks, too but I think that may have been some misuse before I owned it (closing a gas cap in the trunk lining).
Here are the wonderful things though; I rear ended someone and took it to a friend, had the radiator and a headlight replaced, along with the front-end of the frame pulled out, and you can't tell unless you really look.
The car has taken a beating and quite a few miles since I've had it and I'm amazed it has gone this long since major repair was necessary.
It's easy to fix and since they were so popular and similar year to year, parts are easy enough to find. I parted out a '95 for some interior fixtures, an exhaust, the strut mounts, the air filter housing, and the power window controls on the driver's side. It's all interchangeable.
It's also had a sizable dent for a few years which has yet to start to rust. It's held up amazingly.
They didn't start making the Altima's until 1993, they have replaced the Nissan Stanza starting at the 1993 model.
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