2003 Nissan Altima

SL Sedan

4 Cylinder 2.5 Liter

Automatic

1N4AL11D53C122588

Gasoline

Power Windows

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 The most significant thing about this vehicle is that I had the motor replaced in 8/2008 because of leaking seals. Nissan bought a bunch of catalytic converters that were defective and disintegrated over time, somehow causing metal particles to be sucked back into the engine (or something like that) and destroyed the seals. The new engine has about 62k. I also had the converter replaced. I have owned this 2003 Nissan Altima since 2005. I bought it with 46k on it, and It has served me well. I had a fender bender a couple of years ago when a car slid into my rear bumper at a stoplight on a wet road. Cosmetic damage only and was repaired under insurance. Like any car with 175k, it has some wear and tear, which I have highlighted in photos. Driver side seat has a couple of tears. Arm rest has some cracking. The cup holder top could stand replacing. The right front light assembly is a little foggy (you can buy $20 repair kit), and the driver's side mirror needs repainting. I have maintained the vehicle with regular oil changes, tire rotation (the current tires have about 15k on them, so in very good shape – Uniroyals),brake pads, etc. Most of the miles are highway. In the last year I have replaced both rear wheel bearings, right front bearing, front rotors, both thermostats. The engine overheated not long ago, which was the reason for the thermostat replacement. There was also some exhaust in the coolant, so after researching it, I bought a bottle of Steelseal and ran that through the engine according to their instructions. The engine temp is fine, there is no more exhaust in the coolant, and it apparently has resolved the issue. I talked to a Steelseal dealer who has used it 8-9 times for himself and customers, and has had good luck. You can check them out at www.steelseal.com. There is a little shimmy in the steering wheel, and I don’t know exactly what is causing that since I replaced both rotors last summer. I think that one of the wheels may be a little out of balance. The shimmy disappears above 60 mph. There is also a little “whirring” sound, which I think is attributed to a noisy rear wheel bearing assembly. I bought the Duralast from Autozone, which should be a pretty good brand. It hasn’t affected the ride or mileage so I basically ignore it. It also disappears above 60mph. The rear wheel bearing assembly bolts on, so you can replace one in less than an hour if you want to. Everything works. The alternator was replaced last summer as well. It also a sunroof, which does not leak, 6 CD changer, radio, etc. For the last 4 months I have been driving 400-600 miles per week, and wanted to upgrade my model year a little, which I did. I think you will enjoy this vehicle, especially the heated seats this time of year.