My GarageIs the Nissan Altima a good used car?
Verdict rates it 3.4/5 overall, with reliability at 3.3/5 and running costs at 3.6/5. Shop 2019+ (6th gen, post-QR25 refresh) first and treat 2013–2018 (5th gen) as a records-only purchase.
Buyer's Guide · Nissan Altima · Midsize sedan
Used Nissan Altima Buyer's Guide
3 min read
Also worth reading: Nissan Reliability Guide, Best Used Nissan Models and Nissan Frontier Buying Guide.
The Altima's driving feel and comfort are competitive with the Camry and Accord — but the Jatco CVT is the single defining variable of long-term ownership.
If the Altima's CVT is the concern but you still want a VQ35-powered sedan, the rear-drive Infiniti alternative is worth comparing — our guide explains the G35 years worth buying and the modified examples to avoid.
Quick Verdict
- Overall verdict
- 3.4/5 · Average
- Reliability
- 3.3/5 · Average
- Best years
- 2019+ (6th gen, post-QR25 refresh)
- Years to research
- 2013–2018 (5th gen)
- Maintenance cost
- 3.8/5 · Good
- Parts availability
- 4.5/5 · Excellent
- Ownership cost
- 3.6/5 · Good
Bottom line: Only with a documented CVT fluid history.
Shopping a specific Altima?
Don't stop at researching the model — get a verdict on the exact car you're looking at.
Quick Answer
A used Nissan Altima is only worth buying with a documented CVT fluid history. The engines last; the Jatco CVT is the single variable that decides whether ownership is cheap or expensive.
- Best pick2019+ sixth generation — newer platform, though the CVT still needs strict fluid service.
- Research carefully2013–2018 fifth generation, where CVT failures are well documented between roughly 90k and 140k miles on neglected cars.
- Walk away ifThere is no CVT fluid service record, or the test drive shows shudder, slip or whine.
With records the Altima is comfortable and cheap to run; without them, a Camry or Accord is the safer buy.
Overall · All generations
★★★★★3.4/5
Only buy an Altima with documented CVT fluid service every 30k, or plan for CVT replacement in the ownership budget. Engine longevity is fine; transmission is the story.
Reliability· All generations
★★★★★3.3/5
Maintenance
★★★★★3.8/5
Parts availability
★★★★★4.5/5
Ownership cost
★★★★★3.6/5
Top Picks
Best Years to Buy
Generations with the strongest long-term reputation.
2019+ (6th gen, post-QR25 refresh)
Newer platform; CVT still requires strict fluid service.
Side by side
Nissan Altima ratings at a glance
| Category | Rating | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 3.4/5 | Average |
| Reliability | 3.3/5 | Average |
| Maintenance | 3.8/5 | Good |
| Parts availability | 4.5/5 | Excellent |
| Ownership cost | 3.6/5 | Good |
Do your homework
Years to Research Carefully
Not deal-breakers — but they reward a careful buyer.
2013–2018 (5th gen)
Well-documented CVT failure pattern between 90k–140k miles on neglected examples.
Known issues
Common Problems
Bring this list to your pre-purchase inspection.
- ✓Jatco CVT failure without fluid service
- ✓Timing-chain guides on older QR25DE 2.5L
- ✓Steering-wheel and shifter-boot wear
- ✓AC compressor on high-mileage examples
- ✓Rear brake caliper wear
Ownership
Maintenance Expectations
Routine maintenance is inexpensive; the Altima uses conventional parts and any shop can service it.
CVT fluid every 30k is not optional — this is the single largest ownership-cost variable.
Before you buy
Inspection Checklist
What to verify on any candidate car.
CVT
Test drive under varied throttle; no shudder, no slip, no whine.
Service records
CVT fluid history documented — walkaway if missing.
Engine
QR25: listen for timing-chain rattle at cold start.
Rust
Rear subframe on Northeast cars.
Interior
Driver seat and wheel condition indicate real-world miles.
Living with it
Ownership Experience
- • Comfortable and quiet; competitive with Camry and Accord on ride quality.
- • Real-world 28–32 mpg highway.
- • CVT is the ownership wild card.
The Verdict
Should You Buy a Used Nissan Altima?
Only with a documented CVT fluid history. Otherwise prefer Camry or Accord.
People Also Ask
Frequently Asked Questions
How reliable is the Nissan Altima?
Verdict scores it 3.3/5 for reliability and 3.4/5 overall. Buy from 2019+ (6th gen, post-QR25 refresh) and the known trouble spots largely drop away.
Which Altima years should I avoid?
2013–2018 (5th gen) deserve the most scrutiny — see the Years to Research section for the specific issues to check.
What are the best years for the Nissan Altima?
2019+ (6th gen, post-QR25 refresh). Those years combine the settled version of the powertrain with the fewest recurring complaints in our research.
How long does a Nissan Altima last?
A well-maintained Altima from the recommended years should comfortably reach 200,000 miles, with the strongest powertrains clearing 300,000+.
Is the Altima expensive to maintain?
Maintenance scores 3.8/5 and parts availability 4.5/5. Routine servicing is predictable; the cost risk is the model-specific work listed above.
What should I inspect before buying a used Altima?
Focus on: CVT, Service records, Engine, Rust. Details for each are in the Inspection Checklist section.
What are the most common Altima problems?
Jatco CVT failure without fluid service; Timing-chain guides on older QR25DE 2.5L; Steering-wheel and shifter-boot wear; AC compressor on high-mileage examples
Is 150,000 miles too much for a Altima?
Not on its own. A 150k-mile Altima with documented service history is often a better buy than an 80k-mile example with no records — the Altima's core mechanicals routinely run well past 200k.
Should I buy a used Nissan Altima?
Yes, if you buy the right year and the right paperwork. Shop 2019+ (6th gen, post-QR25 refresh) first, treat 2013–2018 (5th gen) as a records-only purchase, and make the sale conditional on an independent inspection.
You may also want to research
Found one for sale?
Don't stop at researching the model.
Analyze the actual car you're considering with Verdict.