You can expect a new Nissan Altima to last somewhere between 200,000 and 300,000 miles. Taking the average distance driven in a year equates to around 20 years on the road. How you drive and look after your Nissan Altima will factor in how long it will last on the road.
The Nissan Altima is known to last up to and well beyond 200,000 miles. You can still find the Nissan Altima model from the late 90s and early 2000s on the road to this day, which is a testament to their reliability and durability as a car.
For this reason, the Nissan Altima is a favorite amongst taxi and Uber drivers requiring a car that can last a long time with proper maintenance. This also makes it a great option for families that need a reliable car for the school runs. Factors that affect the longevity of the Altima are mainly driving habits and regular maintenance checks.
Nissan Altima maintenance involves changing the fluid and filters relatively often. This will help the Nissan Altima last on the road for longer periods of time. General inspections include checking the Nissan Altima brake pads and steering wheel often.
The most important thing to remember is change the engine oil frequently. The oil type you use will determine how often you need to change it. It can vary between every 2,500 to 10,000 miles.
To find out how often you should change the motor oil, consult the owner’s manual for your specific model of Nissan Altima. You will also find the type of oils that should be used in your vehicle and when to change each one in the manual.
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Are Used Nissan Altimas Reliable?
Overall, the Nissan Altima is regarded as a safe car even when it has been used for a number of years. The National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the Nissan Altima a five-star rating for safety in both 2020 and 2021. The Altima also received a good rating in crash tests which will put your mind at rest if you are concerned about the safety of driving the car, especially if it is second-hand.
In general, the Nissan Altima scores highly with respect to vehicle dependability and has a strong reliability rating. This makes it an ideal option as a used car.
The next question you might have is, are Nissan Altimas expensive? You will be pleased to know that the Nissan Altima compares quite favorably with respect to costs. After five years, the Altima is cheaper on average compared to similar car models.
Do Nissan Altimas Have A Lot Of Problems?
If you are looking for midsize cars that boast reliability and are fairly inexpensive, then the Nissan Altima might just be what you are looking for. There are, however, a few things to keep in mind before purchasing the right model. Overall, the Nissan Altima is a car that does not experience many problems, but some models have been found to have more issues than others.
The models of Nissan Altima that you should avoid include the 2002, 2005, 2009, 2013, and 2019 models. Altima owners of these models have experienced more issues with these cars.
For this reason, it is best to opt for one of the other models of Nissan Altima, especially if you are choosing a used car. An old Nissan Altima will be cheaper, but it should be known that older models are more likely to experience problems than newer ones.
Nissan Altimas vs Competition
The Nissan Altima, on average, will last between 200,000 and 300,000 miles. This equates to around fifteen and twenty years on the road. If you take good care of your car and drive properly with regular maintenance checks, you can expect your car to last well over this time.
The Nissan Altima vs. other midsize sedans ranks high with respect to durability.
The Toyota Camry and the Honda Accord are other similar brands of cars. The Toyota Camry, on average, lasts around 200,000 miles on the road, and the Honda Accord lasts between 250,000 and 300,000 miles. This makes the Nissan Altima more favorable compared to the Toyota Camry and similar to the Honda Accord with respect to durability.
Nissan Altima’s Best Years
The Nissan Altima was first sold in 1992 and has gained the title of one of the best-selling cars. Every year, a new model of Nissan Altima is released however some models have received a better reputation than others. Here are the seven best years of Nissan Altima if you are looking to purchase a used model:
- Nissan Altima 2004
- Nissan Altima 2006
- Nissan Altima 2007
- Nissan Altima 2011
- Nissan Altima 2012
- Nissan Altima 2015
- Nissan Altima 2017
Worst Year For Nissan Altima
Overall, the Nissan Altima scores very highly as a long-lasting and dependable vehicle. Since its introduction in 1992, 28 models of the Nissan Altima have been released. Some models have received a better reception than others, so here is a list of the least favorable models from throughout the years:
- Nissan Altima 2002
- Nissan Altima 2005
- Nissan Altima 2009
- Nissan Altima 2013
- Nissan Altima 2016
What Is The High Mileage For A Used Nissan Altima
The average time that the Nissan Altima lasts on the road is somewhere between 250,000 and 300,000 miles. This means that a high mileage for a used Altima is any mileage over 300,000 miles. With proper maintenance, however, this is easily achievable, and a lot of the older models are still running to this day with mileage well over this amount. This can equate to well over 20 years on the road running safely.
Nissan Altima Pros and Cons
Like all cars, there are advantages and disadvantages to how they feel when driving and other factors like fuel economy. We will go through some of the main pros and cons so you can decide if it is the right car for you.
It should be said that each individual model has slightly different pros and cons, so the points mentioned below are a generalization of the car itself.
Advantages
- In general, the fuel economy of the Nissan Altima vs. other similar brands of cars is excellent. It offers a smooth drive with a spacious interior and comfy seats for long-distance journeys.
- Another advantage is the introduction of continuously variable transmission in 2007, which improves the overall driving experience.
- CVT transmission allows you to switch between gears more smoothly, making the ride more comfortable.
- Compared to similar cars such as the Kia optima, the insurance cost is a lot cheaper. The average insurance cost of similar cars is around $1430, whereas the Nissan Altima is $1300.
Disadvantages
- The main disadvantage of this car is the fact that it’s less sporty than similar cars on the market.
- The materials used for the cabin area are less impressive than other cars as well. With the 2021 model, CarPlay by Apple does not come as standard with the car.
Best Nissan Altima Model
The best model of the Nissan Altima is still up for debate, with some arguing that the newer models are the most impressive and others convinced the fourth generation takes the cake. With respect to reliability and affordability, the 2011-2012 models take the prize for the best model. They have shown that they last a long time on the road and offer and desirable driving experience.
