2008 Nissan Altima 3.5SE coupe. My new car?

**121Traffic** · 01-27-08, 02:36 PM

Anyone have one of these or test drive one? Thinking about buying one? I am. We have a Nissan Dealership in my city that has the exact one I am thinking about buying. The 3.5SE 270 HP V6 model. Kind of a lot of power for a FWD though, but I test drove it and it was nice. Just have to be careful about spinning the wheels from a stop.

I like how the car looks, and with the Premium package, it's got a lot of nice amenities to go along with standard stuff. Altogether it would have leather interior, GPS touchscreen nav system, power moonroof, 6disc CD/MP3CD changer, iPod hookup, climate control, backup/reverse camera, HID headlights, etc, etc. The one I loved was a charcoal type grey. The gas mileage isn't that great, but I have a relatively short commute nowadays.

I wanted to see if anyone else had been mulling one over, and what your thoughts were. The reviews on the car are mostly positive, with most reviewers biggest con being the understeer when cornering at speed. I don't plan on beating this car up, so I'm not too worried. What does everyone think? And yes, I know that it's not the big truck and SUVs here that most cops love, but that's not really my style. Plus, I like being able to go out and find somewhere to parallel park.

Some fancy pants pic

The interior (no nav in this one. I want the nav!)

**MacLean** · 01-27-08, 02:38 PM

Looks a LOT like the Infinity without the super sticker price.

Sweet car!

The roads where I live would eat that car alive, but I can dream.

**121Traffic** · 01-27-08, 02:42 PM

maclean, most reviewers have commented that the rear end is VERY Infinity-influenced. Which would not be surprising, considering Infinity is Nissan's luxury line, like Honda/Acura and Toyota/Lexus.

MSRP is about 24K with the big motor (rather than the 2.5 L 170hp I4 for $20K), but with all the extras I want, it stickers at about 31K.

As for the roads, yeah I worry about that too. I'm thinking about just making a big down payment rather than trading in the honda. I can drive it when the weather is bad.

**narcodog** · 01-27-08, 03:38 PM

Originally Posted by 121Traffic

maclean, most reviewers have commented that the rear end is VERY Infinity-influenced. Which would not be surprising, considering Infinity is Nissan's luxury line, like Honda/Acura and Toyota/Lexus.

MSRP is about 24K with the big motor (rather than the 2.5 L 170hp I4 for $20K), but with all the extras I want, it stickers at about 31K.

As for the roads, yeah I worry about that too. I'm thinking about just making a big down payment rather than trading in the honda. I can drive it when the weather is bad.

For every thousand dollar you put down it will reduce you monthly payment about $16.00. Just to let you know.

**Five-0** · 01-27-08, 03:59 PM

Not a fan of FWD.

**nsb22** · 01-27-08, 05:02 PM

That's a nice looking car!

**121Traffic** · 01-27-08, 05:06 PM

Originally Posted by Five-0

Not a fan of FWD.

I love AWD (I want a WRX, but the 08s are nasty looking!), but FWD is the next best thing for snow out here in Colorado. RWD is not so bueno, and I need to get to work!

**MacLean** · 01-27-08, 05:07 PM

FWD technology has improved a lot, especially in the Japanese cars.

Torque hop is all but gone.

**E-man** · 01-27-08, 05:57 PM

I hear good things about the Altima.
I like the coupe but its small, I got a fambily so that rules out coupes.

IF your in the market for the new 2 door japanese rides test the new Accord coupe. The V-6 is 268hp, and the styling is very much like a Bently. YES I said ACCORD looks like a BENTLY...

See ^^^

**121Traffic** · 01-27-08, 06:07 PM

E-Man, I already drive a Honda, so it would be easy to trade up. Problem is, I just DO NOT like the new 08s! Dunno why, but Nissan I think has stolen the show in 08 as far as exterior styling.

**E-man** · 01-27-08, 06:19 PM

I think the exterior on the Accord is nicer but the interior is too busy. Too much going on.
I have the 07 Camry and dont like it but the engine, 268hp is unfreakingbelievably fast.
Cant imagine the ALtima being lighter and better sport tires.

**121Traffic** · 01-27-08, 06:26 PM

The 3.5L V6 is their flagship motor. It puts out 270 at the flywheel, and has very good torque, which is what matters on the line and for acceleration. Pair it with the Altima's 6-speed manual, and that is a fun drive. Problem is, with the FWD, a lot of that would be wasted with tire squeal, and you will sometimes have to deal with torque steer. The only other option is the 2.5L I4 at 170hp. I wanted just a bit more kick than that.

The Altima has a pretty good suspension (standard stabilizer bars, etc), however, to make the ride sporty. I went and stared at it on the dealer lot again a while ago (it's in my district) and I've decided that I love it. I want it in Precision Grey.

**Lazy Fed** · 01-27-08, 07:36 PM

Get an EVO!!!

http://www.mitsubishicars.com/MMNA/j...x.do?loc=en-us

Click on the gallery tab

**Ducky** · 01-27-08, 08:35 PM

I've got an old 94 Altima GSX and I'll tell you, I'd buy another one in a heartbeat. I can really only say good things about it. Very, very few mechanical issues over the last 14 years (starter & CV joint, replaced each one time. That's really about it) and no matter what, she runs.

**armsmaster270** · 01-27-08, 08:48 PM

I got the 07 Hyundai Sonata and am very impressed with it. It handles beautifuly, It comes with a 203ci - 3.3l V-6 with 4 wheel disk brakes, 4 doors and lots of room.

**MacLean** · 01-27-08, 09:23 PM

All the cars posted are nice rides, but I am keeping my SUV

**nsb22** · 01-27-08, 10:36 PM

IF i ever win the lottery, the evo will be mine, as well as a WRX, a hummvee and a 6 ton truck

**Hannah87** · 01-27-08, 10:46 PM

It's a very SHARP looking car! that's for sure!

**TXCharlie** · 01-27-08, 11:11 PM

I've owned Hondas, Toyotas, and Mitsubishi's - And a fried has an Ultima. I don't think anyone can go wrong with any of those cars.

My 6-cyl 2005 Galant is actually in a lower class and less HP than your Altima I think, but it still has torque that you can feel even in passing at highway speeds - If you're not careful, it's possible to over-torque the wheels, which will actually start slipping during passing. This causes the traction control to intervene.