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Reliability with 2013 Nissan Altima?

V

VinnyB

Junior Member
I'm looking to get a 2013 Altima 2.5 SV. I test drove it at a dealer and it felt fine and I thought it offered a lot of bang for the buck. However, while searching for reviews and looking at other forums, I've seen quite a few people complaining about things such as the CVT, a whining noise, heated seats, and the passenger side airbag.

At the same time a lot of reviews, including reviews made by consumers/owners, have said it's a great car with no issues.

I know a lot of people who go on forums have problems, so that may skew the perception. However, I have seen quite a lot of complaints, more than you would expect and they have all been the same issues. So how widespread are these issues? Are they contained to just a few cars and most likely if you purchase one you'll be ok or is there a very good chance if we buy the car we would experience the same issues as everyone else on here?

Do the newer built Altimas fix these problems?

Note: The person that would be driving isn't an enthusiast by any means and isn't really perceptive to too much of the car itself. It's just to go from Point A to B basically. But these issues of a whining noise, the CVT issues, and others seem like they would annoy anyone who drives it.

Also looking at the 2013 Ford Fusion as I have not seen too many issues beyond the engine recall. Toyota Camry is on the list as well.
 
Nissan had a lot of issues in the past with the CVT which is why they had to up the warranty on the transmission to something like 10/120k.

Also I would add the new Honda Accord to that list. IMO it's a better all around car than the ones you mentioned.
 
The CVT trans should be fixed now. It was an issue on the older ones but should be ok. My SiL has a 2012 and has had no problems with over 15k now.
 
Drive all 4, see what you like best. The Altima's highway efficiency is off the charts. It's the cheapest of the 3 Japanese cars. I'm a big fan of a couch on wheels for a daily driver as I sit in traffic for 40 miles.
 
you can get a 2013 base mazda6 for like $16k because they're trying to get those off the lots
 
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My '07 Altima was a pretty decent machine, and it would probably surprise you since the car was completely overhauled during that year. My CVT worked great, and I really enjoyed the responsive nature. I did have a 3.5L V6 in mine, so I can't really attest to how well the 2.5L I4 performs in comparison. I did drive my mom's 2.5 (not sure which trim) a time or two, but since it was snowing, I didn't get to really drive it in a peppy manner.

Let me tell you though... even though I went with a Ford Fusion, I was still strongly considering buying another Altima. It is a pretty good car, but there were a few technologies that I really wanted in the Fusion that Nissan seems to reserve for their Maxima. One example would be auto-dimming side mirrors. It didn't happen that often, but when a taller vehicle (such as a truck) would come up beside me, the headlights would sometimes bounce off my side mirrors and hit my eyes. I believe Nissan reserved that feature for the Maxima.
 
You really can't go wrong with Honda or Toyota when it comes to resale value and reliability if it's a Camry or Accord. They will have less features than the competition, but they are rock solid.
 
I would heavily recommend an Accord over the Altima. We've done a lot of shopping between the two and the Accord just seems better all around.
 
Just have a little over 10k on our 2013 Altima with zero problems.
Looked at Accord and Camry too.
Too much road noise with the Honda. Don't remember why we picked the Altima over the Camry but it may have been price.
 
It should be plenty reliable. They have been making that car better for many years now.
I would be cross shopping with Fusion and Accord only, but that is just me.

I really like the 2013 Accord, and apparently they kicked ass in the CVT dept for this new model year.
 
I'm sure it's a fine car. I just hate the ass end on the new ones. Reminds me of something unpleasant but I can't finger it.
 
I am biased because I have 2013 Honda Accord Sport. For the last 4 months, it has been an awesome car. The CVT is very responsive for CVT. If you are gentle with it, shifts like a normal CVT, but if you push it, CVT behaves like a regular automatic. Slam the pedal, the torque converter disengages, engine revs and you get instant power.

My car is extremely quiet, but that's because I spent 2 months sound deandening everything in the car. 😀
 
I had a rental for 3 weeks. Slow and has a really touchy gas pedal (more of a switch) but a really good highway cruiser (better than the Mustang)
 
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