2002 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL from North America - Comments

It's very depressing reading all of the above comments.

I purchased my 2002 Nissan Altima brand new off of the shop floor. I believe it only had about 14 miles on it. I loved the interior as well as the exterior. The car ran great for approximately 2 to 3 years.

First, I experienced the problem where my car did not want to crank. I may have already had one or two recalls at this point. Then more and more. The recalls continued.

The check engine light starting coming on and going off constantly. I remember just last year looking at the dash and the light just magically went off right before the car was due for inspection, so I drove it straight to the local garage and had it inspected in fear of the light coming back on. And what do you know... the very next day - the light came back on.

The car has been using oil for about the last two years. Not a drastic amount, but I have to keep a check on it as well as the coolant fluid - which has a higher consumption rate than the oil. Any now, well the check engine light will not go off. I took it to the local dealer to have yet another recall fixed... reprogramming. Well, when I went to pick my car up, I was told that the Nissan place could not complete the recall because the catalytic converter needed to be replaced and that the 02 sensor would also need replacing. The catalytic converter alone is priced at $1271 (not including tax). And guess what I cannot get the car inspected until this is fixed and it is dead now. So I am looking at a possible ticket if I am pulled over and a fine of a couple hundred dollars if I do not get the car inspected ASAP. Money don't simply grow on trees.

Even though the look of the Altima is very impressive, I believe I will begin to start thinking more logically from this point on before I purchase another automobile. I really don't think I will consider purchasing another Nissan due to the fact that I work in a manufacturing environment and these issues should have been identified before the car was mass produced. However, I also know that in some cases it is impossible to catch every detail, but I don't think that this was the case with the 2002 Nissan Altima.

Thanks, Concerned owner.

I am extremely surprised. I mean this a nice looking car from the outside; looks way better than Camry and Accord of that year. That was the only reason why I bought it; more power also, but unfortunately I am also having problems starting the car and the heater. I was just looking forward to buy a brand new when I finish paying this one, but let's see overall how it does, I will give it a try, positive.