The Nissan Altima: A Review by an Auction Lot
The Nissan Altima Review
If you drive a lot, you prioritize reliability in a car. If you polled all of Texas, I bet you EVERYONE would say reliability is top. Change my mind. 😎
Enter the Nissan Altima. This is a fantastic midsize sedan that can transform daily commutes by simply taking away the stress of your car deciding it hates you and dying on the road, or, even more evil, it breaks down little by little - you fix one thing and another thing breaks. (I’m not bitter or anything… anyway)
Nissan, and particularly the Nissan Altima, owns a spectacular track record of going from point A to point B without fail.
Nissan is no slouch in other areas either. While the oldest models may not be on the red carpet anymore for fashion and tech, they will get the job done. 🚗🌟
Here at our Kyle, Texas auction lot, we’ve sold lots of Nissan’s, so we know what we’re talking about:
- Best Nissan Altima years
- Pros and cons
- Typical prices of new vs. used Altima’s
- What you expect to find at auto auctions near you, particularly Public Auto Auction 😁
By the way, how long do cars last?
🗓️ The Best Nissan Altima Model Years:
Newer models like the 2020 Nissan Altima and 2021 Nissan Altima have garnered significant attention for their refined designs, advanced technology, and improved safety features.
The 2017 Nissan Altima strikes a balance between value and quality with fuel-efficient engines, comfortable interiors, and a smooth ride.
Before the 2015 redesign, there are great options to watch out for:
- 2004 Nissan Altima: Very few complaints on these old timers! 💪
- 2007 Nissan Altima: Known for its sporty handling and ample passenger space. It offered a choice of four-cylinder or V6 engines, providing different power options to suit your needs.
- 2010, 2011, 2012 Nissan Altima: A refreshed, restyled front end and improved fuel efficiency. It was praised for its comfortable ride and spacious interior.
We often see Altima’s selling with an average mileage of between 150,000 and 200,000 miles, with popular model years being the early 2000s. Keep reading to find out the average price! 🤑
👍 Nissan Altima Pros:
The Nissan Altima doesn’t lack performance. The 2020 and 2021 models boasted an available VC-Turbo engine that adjusts its compression ratio to deliver either maximum power or remarkable efficiency based on your driving needs.
For those who appreciate all-wheel drive (AWD) capabilities, the Altima has AWD options available for various trims, providing enhanced traction and control, making it suitable for various weather conditions.
Even older models have a spacious interior which is helpful for passengers, luggage, and those of us who are bigger-boned. 😉
What kinds of cars are sold at auction?
🛣️ Advanced Safety Features:
Nissan's Safety Shield 360 comes standard on many trims, and includes automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and more, ensuring that you're well-protected on the road.
Even older models are equipped with forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking.
🏆 Great Rankings:
The Nissan Altima consistently ranks as one of the best cars in multiple categories:
Best Midsize Sedan:
The Altima often ranks on lists of the best midsize sedans due to its combination of style, comfort, and performance.
Top Safety Pick:
The Altima has been recognized as a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), highlighting its commitment to safety and advanced driver assistance features.
Impressive Fuel Efficiency:
Competitive fuel efficiency makes it a practical choice for daily commuting.
Reliability Rankings:
That dependability we talked about is lauded by drivers and experts.
Affordability:
Speaks for itself.
Consumer Choice Awards:
Consumer Guide, Consumer Reports and more have recognized the Altima.
EPA Green Vehicle Guide:
Certain Altima models are listed as environmentally friendly options in the EPA Green Vehicle Guide due to reduced emissions.
Technology and Infotainment:
Newer Altima models are often praised for their advanced technology and infotainment systems, ranking high for tech-savvy consumers.
⚠️ Nissan Altima Problems
Keep in mind:
Worst Nissan Altima Years:
2013 (most complaints), as well as 2009, 2005, and 2002. Look out for Engine problems, CVT Shuttering, Vibration, and Rough Handling, Steering Wheel lockup in the 2009 model, and transmission failure in certain models. Read more here.
Limited Features:
Older models may not have the latest tech and safety features.
Higher Mileage:
While this is proof of an Altima’s lifespan, that lifespan may be nearing the end if you’re bidding on a car with over 250,000 miles.
Maintenance Costs:
More maintenance, and larger maintenance for higher mileage vehicles.
Remember, a Nissan Altima is a great car, but problems happen and you want a mechanic handy to help you inspect cars on the Kyle, Texas auction lot.
💲Price
A new Nissan Altima will run you between $25,000 and $30,000.
A used Nissan Altima with, say, 100,000 miles, at a dealership will run you about $10,000.
At Public Auto Auctions here in Kyle, average prices for Nissan Altima’s run waaaaaay lower than that. Cars that need light to moderate repairs can be towed out of here for a couple hundred bucks, and we’ve seen Altima’s with less than 100,000 miles sell for less than $3,000!
If you compare apples to 🍎 then an Altima with 100,000 miles will likely cost you between $2,000-$5,000. That’s a deal compared to dealerships!
And we Texans love a deal, don’t deny it. Click over to our inventory and sort by make and model on the left-hand side. Sales benefit charity through our partner CARS.
A Nissan Altima at an Auction Near You
At the time of this article, 15 Nissan’s were waiting for new owners at our auction lot!