Nothing has gone wrong, but I have some reasonable issues which help keep the price as reasonable as it is:
The interior door handles and lock levers (not used because of power option) are plastic-chrome which doesn't match the rest of the car quality.
The leather is a bit thin, doesn't seem to give that aged cracked thick look that you'll find in more expensive cars, but it IS totally comfortable and if you have the heated seats option, it allows quicker butt comfort.
Holy smokes, this car is a rocket! The 3.6 liter V6 automatic has a Mercedes-style gated patern shifter, allowing an easy left-right/and back tap to transition between D and 3rd gear, which gives you an incredible power jump anywhere from 40mph+ and is within reasonable RPMs (3500) when tapped to 3rd at about 75-80 mph, thrusting you forward instantly and giving your gas pedal the responsiveness and sensitivity of an RC car on crack!
The body style design (int/ext) is incredibly smart & roomy, and feels like a compact 2dr sports coupe until you try to park or load up people in it... my back seat passengers always comment on the comfort.
The trunk is huge - would fit a snowboard in width easily if it wasn't for the usual upper trunk side lips - I can just fit my 150cm board width if I bend it slightly then it easily rests behind wheel wells.
Climate setting is awesome! It auto changes vents, front defrost, temp & fan speed and reduces my temp control activity by at least 80% and provides you with an Econ button option to get cool air without using AC in summer.
The BOSE audio 8spkr system cranks! It's got a trunk amp (factory) and powers techno-classical with incredible clarity & volume, sometimes grabbing attention from local Asian audio Acura buffs, yet cruising with class!
Heated mirrors! Auto-Dimming interior mirror, rear-window antennae, dual DC power outlets, trip meter/economy/temp controls are super options that come with the standard leather package on the 3.5.
The standard leather pkg safety driving features are awesome, dual airbags, dual curtain air bags, ABS, EBD (electronic brake force distribution), traction control are all superb - I tested trac & ABS in Tahoe this weekend and was very impressed: I tried to lock brakes in lot while turning and I heard ABS working and the car turned sharp with no skid! Traction was instant when I gunned it because it automatically reduced the gas and prevented wheel-spin! Did I mention 0-60mph in appx 6.3-6.9 seconds?
An Altima is not a luxury sedan. That would be a Maxima; Altima's are the in-between...
Replying to the comment above... The Maxima isn't also considered a luxury vehicle.. its still considered a normal Midsize car..It's just the Maxima has more up level features for the prices in comparison to the Altima in for which you have to pay extra.
I bought a 2003 Altima, and agree with your comments. I have one problem. I chose black paint, and it scratches very easily. It appears that the paint is skimpy as any small scratch shows the undercoat. Has anyone else had this problem?
I have owned 2 Maxima's and they both scratched easily. Nissan should consider upgrading their paint system. By comparison I have a 1990 Buick Riviera and the original paint is like new.
All late models Nissans have the paint problem. It's thin, and chips very easily.
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