Possible new owner: can anyone answer a few questions? - Altima Forums.net - The Nissan Altima Enthusiast Talk and Discussion Forums

Actofgod22 · 07-13-2011

Hey everyone,

I just sold my E46 M3 and I'm looking to consolidate down to one car. I currently have a 2002 Maxima (120,000 miles) and I'm looking for a car that I can commute in, but also a car that I would enjoy.

Today I went and looked at a 2007 3.5SE. White, black leather, every option but navigation, 53,000 miles. The price seems right, but are the 2007 models to be avoided?

The owner (original) said that the only problem he had with the car was the well-known sway bar breakage (hollow, wtf). Other than that, the car is literally showroom.

My first question is, are there any other serious/known issues with the 2007's? I browsed the threads and it seemed like most people were looking for 2008+.

Secondly, what is the average mpg on the 3.5? My Maxima, also a 3.5, allegedly gets an average of "24.6" according to the trip computer. If it is similar, I can deal...otherwise, I'd probably be hurting because I drive a TON for work.

Lastly, are there any major services coming up around 60,000? I know there is no timing belt, but anything else?

Thanks in advance, the car definitely was great.

MrHiggles · 07-13-2011

Well I have a 07. I bought it at 36k miles last May and right now I have 66k miles. I have a 60 mile commute everyday. Starting off I had 23mpg but after a few mods and switch to Royal purple (which I believe I was getting these numbers from the mods), my gas mpg is now 25-27. I drive mostly highway, with my mpg meter hovering in between 30-40 highway. Yes the sway bar is hallow but its like that on ALL year models. Every altima is the same besides the 2010- whenever. I think the CVT was tinkered with. In all I love my car and the 30k miles I put on it in a year, the only problem I had was my wheel bearing, that and rocks liking to beat the helll out of my bumper. The only major service I can think of for 60k is CVT service. I haven't taken mine in yet however. I think the reason why most look for the 2nd year+ of models is cause the first year is always the troubled one and usually have all the kinks worked out by the 2nd or 3rd year model+. Also the 2007 altima has 9 cup holders. NINE! What more could you want??

**mikejamesbyma** · 07-13-2011

It's going to be tough replacing that M3 for driving experience. I don't have a whole lot of info about the 4th gens. I haven't heard any complaints that are different from 07 to the other years except for the sway bar. You can upgrade the sway bar from Racingline and be done with it. It's a nice car, honestly, but make sure you can handle the CVT and it's quirky characteristics.

**mikejamesbyma** · 07-13-2011

Nine cup holders? I only have 4.

MrHiggles · 07-13-2011

Well IMO a M3 is a car I wish I could own but if it breaks.... and yes 9 cup holders. 1 in each door, 3 in the center console, and 2 in the back

Actofgod22 · 07-14-2011

I will definitely miss the M3, but it was an SMG and I simply couldn't live with it not being a 6 speed. Also, I NEVER drove it. I put 4,000 miles on the car in a year and a half. On the bright site, I sold it for $1,500 more than I bought it for.

I live at the beach and never drive anywhere on the weekends. Weekdays are nothing but commute here, there and everywhere so I felt that leaving the M3 on the street gathering dust and waiting to be scraped was a waste.

I love my Maxima and I feel like the Altima is what the Maxima used to be. I just feel like I should get something newer with less miles for reliability purposes. Plus, the black leather on white on the Altima looks really nice. I just figured I would ask because I almost bought an Acura 3.2CL Type S -- until I read about the ridiculous transmission problems.

Either way, 53,000 miles on a 2007 3.5SE with everything but Nav. Hoping to get it for under or at $15,000.

What's this about the CVT being quirky? I didn't notice anything on my (limited) test drive...can anyone explain it easily?

Thanks guys

MrHiggles · 07-14-2011

Well its quirky to some cause it doesn't have gears. Those used to gears are like WHAAAA when they drive a cvt car. Plus when u floor it the rpms stay at 6200 rpm.

Penguinchit · 07-14-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrHiggles

Well its quirky to some cause it doesn't have gears. Those used to gears are like WHAAAA when they drive a cvt car. Plus when u floor it the rpms stay at 6200 rpm.

That's totally me dude...I like to feel my transmission shift.

**mikejamesbyma** · 07-14-2011

^^Agree completely, especially given OP couldn't stand the SMG. It's just so odd seeing the RPM's hold close to redline when flooring it... it's just not right.

Actofgod22 · 07-14-2011

I'm expecting this car to basically be an automatic. I got the SMG because it was supposed to be superior to the 6 speed (false). I was also expecting a similar experience, which obviously didn't happen. With the Altima, though, I'm mostly commuting so I'm not too concerned with the CVT.

Edit: Would I be overpaying at $15,000?

**mikejamesbyma** · 07-14-2011

Price seems right for the amount of miles and the condition.

Actofgod22 · 07-18-2011

Looks like I'm getting it. Just sold my Maxima and the Altima is going to Nissan for a 100 point inspection tomorrow morning. Love getting new cars!

**mikejamesbyma** · 07-18-2011

Excellent! How are your negotiating tactics?

MrHiggles · 07-18-2011

Congrats! I hope you like it

U could be like my twin altima...ur white...im black...tada! Anyway silliness aside, your going to love the car. Also if you want to do mods, this is a great place to get info! Enjoy the car!

Actofgod22 · 07-18-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikejamesbyma

Excellent! How are your negotiating tactics?

I probably could have waited it out and got it down another $500, but since I sold both my M3 and Maxima within a week of each other, I have no car. The car truly is mint, though, and the black interior sealed the deal for me. I'm looking forward to only insuring and maintaining one car too.

I'll probably get an intake right off the bat and maybe a light tint job. I wish I knew where my 350z rims were, I'd throw those on too (I left them at a sketchy friend's house years ago).