How Many Miles Can A Nissan Altima Last?

With inflation hitting the US and ever-increasing gas prices, it’s a great idea to be careful with the vehicles you purchase, as not all brands and models are equal. Even though manufacturers try to improve the quality, it’s essential to consider various factors beforehand to ensure everything will work out.

Such factors could include gas consumption, the interior and exterior of the car, the engine, and features, with maintenance costs playing an important role. None of those can be removed from the equation if you want to make the right choice. 

However, reliable performance and service life are a whole other matter. If you want to purchase an automobile based on those factors alone, there are multiple things to consider, especially when talking about Nissan as a brand. 

How Long Will Nissan Altima Last?

If you’d like a more concise answer to your question, you should know that all Nissans are durable and have a reputation for quality. That’s why Altima is a fairly popular choice for Uber drivers and taxi fleets across the globe. And they’re looking to buy only proven car models that can provide reliable performance for as long as possible. 

Data from owners shows that Altimas can last between 250,000 and 300,000 miles, amounting to about 15-20 years, with average driver mileage in mind. It’s not uncommon for this model to work well beyond 300,000 miles, but this requires due diligence on the driver’s side.

Proper maintenance always goes a long way if you want to ensure that something lasts. However, there are a couple of problems to consider before purchasing an Altima. 

Transmission Problems And Recalls

Even though all of the above is true, some years were especially rough for the Altima model. For example, CVT or Continuously Variable Transmission was plagued with issues for the 2010-2016 iterations. Plus, delayed throttle response and stuttering movement clearly pointed to the issue on the manufacturer's side.

However, the 2013 model had the most recalls to date. It garnered around 12 in total, with 2,081 complaints filed by the owners through National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There were problems with faulty airbags, exterior lighting, and multiple other issues.

With that in mind, it’s best for you to buy a more recent model. Altimas from the year 2017 and onwards seem to be the most reliable. They have a tiny number of recalls, with only a negligible amount of complaints filed overall. 

Maintenance Costs For Nissan Altima

When it comes to maintenance costs, your experience may vary. If you risk buying one of the 2010-2016 models, the infamous CVT issue may set you back by 3,000$. But when speaking overall, Altima costs around 471$ to maintain in proper condition. To put it in perspective, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Toyota Prius V require $400, $388, and $437, respectively. 

Overall, it’s best to follow simple guidelines to make sure you’re taking care of your automobile optimally:

• Try to keep your service visits regular. It’s best to visit an auto shop every 7,500 to 10,000 miles to have a mechanic check things out. You never know what might happen, and regular auto shop visits will definitely alleviate this uncertainty. 

• Change your motor oil. Old oil accumulates deposits and drastically reduces your engine’s service life. So, it’s best to change it periodically and not forget to check the oil filter as well, as it may require replacing.

• Bring your car in if the “check engine” light is on. It’s imperative as the light illuminates whether it’s a minor or highly pressing issue. 

• Clear your engine. Removing dirt and grime can significantly prolong service life, helping you keep down those maintenance and repair costs. 

Summary

Nissan Altima is a solid choice if you’re looking for a durable and reliable vehicle. It will last you anywhere from 250,000 to 300,000 miles and cost you $471 to maintain in proper condition.

Even though there were issues with earlier models, newer ones have fewer recalls and a negligible amount of complaints. No brand has a perfect track record, but manufacturers tend to own up to their mistakes and fix the issues in newer models. 

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