Is this a common problem for us 5th Gens? When I had my 99 Maxima up until early 2007, I've never had to change my alternator.

 

I think it is, how many miles are on your car? Sometimes it just the battery though. Repair shops love to jump on the alternator either because they'll make more money or because they don't know much about Japanese cars.

 

Unfortunately from my experience with the 01 anniv that i had when my alt. went bad no one carried a BRAND NEW alt. The only thing offered was remanufactured units. I went through pep boys (much cheaper the the dealer) but they had to replace the alt. 3 times over a two year period. Hope you have much better luck than i did!

 

it has 48k miles on it. the mechanic tested the battery and the alternator was not charging the battery. going to get a rebuilt alternator installed tomorrow. hope it'll last me.