nautilus

just missed out on a 3.5se which was a shame, however have seen a 2.5sl up for sale.

may be simply a personal preference thing but how does the full leather + sunroof with the 2.5 compare with bigger engine, 17"alloys etc on the 3.5? are there any other major differences

i mean, is there a noticeable difference with fuel economy especially when would be using regular gas, and how much more beans does the 3.5 have over the 2.5?

2k difference in price, and prob save a bit on insurance with the 2.5, so the sensible answer likely the smaller engine...

however not sure if i should keep searching for a 3.5...

appreciate your thoughts...

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MrHiggles

24-26Mpg is what I get n my car. Would say more but my break is over...time to get back to work!

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gameguru1360

I don't think there is going to be an increase in insurance if you shoot for the 3.5 over the 2.5. There will be an increase if you go for the coupe because the insurance company sees anything 2 door as a sports car. As long as it's 4 door, they see that as a family vehicle, so insurance won't be as high as a coupe.

The 2.5 has 175hp, 3.5 has 270....I'd shoot for the 3.5 if you have the chance!!

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Klink

Here is my opinion and what I had researched before I bought:


Insurance will cost $150 - $300 per year for the 3.5 depending on which state you live in. ( More if you've got a tarnished driving record.) I would check 1st with your company.


4 Less average MPG with 3.5 and it needs higher octane....will cost a person an extra $300 - $ 350 Year for 12,000 miles driving. More if you mainly drive on highways.


Yes, you get the 17" Alloy wheels with the 3.5 but you are paying for them. I opted pay for my own after market wheels that no other Altima has on it that is in the area. Then I can put snow tires on the stock rims with hub caps for the winter.

I bought a new base 2.5S in 2011, and calculated I would be saving a total of around $8,000 over a base 3.5SR in the 8-9 years I plan on driving the car.

Personlly, if I was buying used, I would rather have the upgraded interior than the larger engine. But then I have no urge to show off how fast my car can go.

So basically my opinion is:

If your looking for a good looking sedan that and will get you from point A to B and still has enough power not make you think "what a dog", Then save the cash.

But if your into horsepower, or if you plan on doing any preformance modifications, then spend the extra cash and get what you what in the 3.5SR.

Good luck!

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JayDe1190

i have a 2008 2.5s. in my personal opinion i would opt for the bigger engine. i absolutely love my car and its perfect for me, however i must admit that i feel its a bit under powered.
also i would keep in mind that its often easier to upgrade intioror and such with after market parts but for the most part the size of your engine cannot be changed... this is just my personal point of view and i hope what ever choice you make works out great! be sure you put some pics up when you make the purchase i cant wait to see it

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Penguinchit

I have one of each. Between the 2, mileage is maybe 1 or 2 mpg better in the QR. I opt for the VQ because I don't like having to get a running start to pass people on the highway.

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05 3.5SE AT

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Gatorjwilken

In my opinion the 4 to 5 more dollars per fill up is worth it! I love my 3.5, its much quieter when accelerating onto the highway and when i want to got fast!

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2007 Altima 3.5 SE

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CodeRed05SER

3.5 all the way, much better engine, and has power when you need it. The gas mileage like peng said, is maybe 2-3 mpg difference, not enough for you to take the 2.5 over the 3.5

get the 3.5

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Too much money spent on N/A mods... shoulda just boosted from the start...

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nautilus

Thanks guys for your thoughts - unfortunately haven't seen any 3.5se's around for sale worth looking at since i missed out on the one i saw a couple of weeks ago.

the 2.5sl i've had my eye on is still around, so might check it out over the weekend, at least to see what it's like, but tempted to wait a bit longer till a 3.5 turns up...

to be honest, speed is not of the essence, however as Penguinchit said, it would be nice to not have to have a running to start to pass people on the highway.

That, and the fact that i much prefer the 17" wheels. (also, the indicators on the back of the wing mirrors are a nice touch too).

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gameguru1360

the 2.5s model still has plenty of punch to get around slow traffic. The 3.5 would allow you to startle those 2005+ mustang gt's and give them a run for their money. I really miss my altima which is in the shop...if you look at my accident thread...driving a POS Versa rental car...only thing going for it is the high fuel economy.

If you go for the 2.5, get the next model up from an S model. I believe the SL has the bose, sunroof, turn signal and heated mirrors, auto climate controls, fog lights and LED third brake light spoiler and 17's.

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mikejamesbyma

Have you driven both? The 3.5 is a bunch of fun. If you are tempted to wait for the 3.5 then wait. I would hate to see you regret the purchase a few weeks later. The 2.5 is still a nice machine, don't get me wrong, just make sure you buy what you want so you will be willing to put money into it.

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03 Altima 3.5
4AT, Muff delete,
ebay CAI w/AEM filter
vias mod
Vogtland springs/KYB GR-2/Godspeed camber arms
Transgo RE4F04B-HD2
- (valve body removed)

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Penguinchit

"Once you do the three-point-five, the QR just ain't alive!"

You guys like that? Made it up myself!

Like Mike said, since you're thinking about waiting, you might as well. Make sure you get what you want the first time. There are TONS of guys out there who got the Qr because they didn't want to wait and now they regret it. But, on the other hand, there are TONS of guys out there who found the 2.5 had plenty of oomph for their driving styles.

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ctsw20

I went with the 2.5SL because I did not feel the 2.5 was to underpowered for the driving I would be doing in the car. 3.5 would be more powerful, but I'd rather save the cash for something else.

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omgitsme

I have the 2.5SL and love the power it has. Obviously the 3.5 is a little quicker and you do NOT need to put high octane in these vehicles. I have had a couple very high powered mustangs in the last few years, and while i am definitely not comparing the two, the 2.5 has done its job quite well. I was very surprised by that. I am very happy with it.

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