The 2007 to 2010 Nissan Altima: A Well-Designed and Engineered Used Car
When a well-designed, well-engineered, and extremely well-equipped used car sells for a lot less than its closest competitors, chances are the buyer is on to a good thing. In this used-car review of the 2007 or 2010 Nissan Altima, we'll take a closer look at what makes this car such a great value.
The Altima is a lot of car for the money, with its sleek roofline, fender flares, and attractive dual exhaust. You get a lot more styling for your buck than you would with almost any other car in its price range. With its taut chassis and suspension, especially in models that come with a sport trim, you get a high fun-to-drive factor that's missing in many other mid-size sedans.
The coupe was introduced in 2008, one year after the debut of Nissan's fourth-generation Altima sedan. Both the coupe and the sedan offer choices of engines: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder or a 3.5-liter V6. The 4-cylinder produces 175 horsepower, while the V6 puts out 270. Nissan's CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) is the most common, but you may find a coupe with a manual transmission among other options.
The Altima offers many safety features, including front and side impact airbags, side curtain airbags, and active front head restraints. Later models come equipped with anti-lock brakes, tire pressure monitoring, and stability control. Interior standard features and options vary depending on the model and year of purchase.
Our test car today is a 2007 sedan, which comes standard with cloth-covered manually adjustable seats. The base level 2.5 and 2.5 S models also include 16-inch wheels and power windows and door locks. While these features may not seem like a lot for a four-cylinder engine, they're still a good starting point.
The V6 model takes things up a notch with the 3.5-liter S II, featuring sports suspension, 17-inch alloys, leather steering wheel, and power seats for the top-of-the-line models. The 3.5-liter SL model includes heated power leather seats, a Bose premium audio system, dual-zone air conditioning, and more.
When it comes to driving experience, the Altima is really fun to drive, thanks to its excellent build quality, lightweight aluminum suspension, and speed-sensitive steering. If you're looking for an even more responsive ride, look for a Sport 2.5 SE or SR model with stiffer anti-roll bar springs and shocks, as well as large tires.
However, when shopping for a good Altima, there are some things to watch out for. Excessive engine oil consumption can be a problem, particularly in early models of the CVT transmission. It's also worth noting that these cars may have an issue with the transmission failing, which could lead to costly repairs down the road.
To get the most out of your purchase, it's a good idea to have a used car considered thoroughly checked out by a trusted mechanic before buying. While the small fee for this service may seem like a lot upfront, it's worth avoiding the potential headache and expense that can come with owning a problematic vehicle.
In terms of pricing, we've found some great examples of the 2007 to 2010 Nissan Altima. An early 2.4 S model with just 91,000 miles on the clock is available for $10,000, while a certified near-new 3.5 SR model can be had for $27,000. Both of these prices are great deals for a car that's consistently ranking at the top of its class.
Overall, the 2007 to 2010 Nissan Altima is a well-designed and engineered used car that offers a lot of value for its price. With its sleek styling, comfortable ride, and feature-packed interior, it's no wonder this model has stood the test of time. Whether you're shopping for a reliable daily driver or a fun-to-drive weekend cruiser, the Altima is definitely worth considering.