Aman said:
I’d go with the Toyota. Nissans, especially the Altima, tend to have engine or transmission issues once they hit 100k miles or earlier.
People say that, but I know folks who have put a ton of miles on their Nissans. My uncle’s 2009 Altima has over 500,000 miles on it!
Thanks, everyone, for sharing your experiences with these cars. I drive a lot between Kerrville, Austin, and San Antonio, Texas, so I’m not sure the Nissan will hold up well for me.
Cass said:
Thanks, everyone, for sharing your experiences with these cars. I drive a lot between Kerrville, Austin, and San Antonio, Texas, so I’m not sure the Nissan will hold up well for me.
CVTs work fine in mopeds and maybe video game races, but in real life, their drawbacks outweigh the benefits. Some CVTs are reliable, but they’re rare. I wouldn’t risk it in a daily driver.
A lot of these Nissans are still on the road. If you like how the car drives, go for it. The seller probably just prefers Toyotas because they’re big competitors.
My 2013 Altima made it to 212k miles before the CVT finally gave out. I’m planning to replace the stepper motor and see if that fixes the issue. In the meantime, I bought a 2013 Camry, and I also had an ‘08 Camry that I sold to a friend—it’s still running with over 315k miles.
I really liked my Nissan, but the CVT problems are always in the back of your mind.
I’ve had my ‘08 Altima Coupe since 2011. The transmission finally gave out around 170k miles, but my cousin is driving it now in Texas, and it’s still going strong.
Nissans and Fords can’t compare to Toyota. The Camry will outlast both of them combined!
I’ve got a 2013 Murano with 106k miles.
From what I’ve heard from Nissan parts dealers, earlier CVT models had some solenoid issues, but that’s been fixed. Just make sure to do regular drain-and-fill CVT fluid changes every 30k miles.
Toyota is the best-selling brand for a reason. Their reliability is top-notch!
T.gwendew said:
Toyota is the best-selling brand for a reason. Their reliability is top-notch!
Yep, Japanese manufacturers have a strong reputation for reliability, and Toyota has a massive presence in motorsports.
You know Nissan is struggling when people on a Nissan forum are recommending Toyota! Haha!
I’ve got a 2016 Altima, and it’s rough. The interior is loud, it feels like you’re in an airplane, and the doors rattle. Half of the electronics don’t even work anymore, and the transmission just failed—they want $5,500 to fix it. I’d say get a Toyota or maybe a Mazda instead.
I’d switch to Toyota. I bought a 2018 Sentra brand new, and I had to replace the transmission four times in five years. After an accident, the car was totaled—honestly, I was relieved!
Rylan said:
I’d switch to Toyota. I bought a 2018 Sentra brand new, and I had to replace the transmission four times in five years. After an accident, the car was totaled—honestly, I was relieved!
Wow, really? I’ve seen some older Nissans with CVTs come through our shop, and they haven’t had issues as long as they’re maintained.
@Zadie
If they’re in the shop, there’s a reason. CVTs are like playing on hard mode—if you want a car that’s easier to live with, pick something else.
Aeron said:
@Zadie
If they’re in the shop, there’s a reason. CVTs are like playing on hard mode—if you want a car that’s easier to live with, pick something else.
They’re in the shop for regular maintenance, not because they’re broken!
Rylan said:
I’d switch to Toyota. I bought a 2018 Sentra brand new, and I had to replace the transmission four times in five years. After an accident, the car was totaled—honestly, I was relieved!
Haha, wow!
Have you thought about getting a Mazda? I’ve owned a Sentra, Maxima, and two Muranos, and I had issues with the Sentra and Maxima, especially with their CVTs. Meanwhile, I’ve owned several Toyotas—never had a single problem. Right now, I drive a Mazda CX-5, and it’s the best car I’ve ever had.