Im planning on buying a used car and have it down to three potential buys. Altima 3.5 coupe, 2009 Maxima, both are around $17 with 50-60k and a Mitsu Lancer $12 with 40-50k. My question is how reliable is the 7th gen compared to the 6th gen. I have owned my 6th gen for 6+ years and have only had to change 1 alternator, 1 battery, 1 cam shaft position sensor and the basics oils, brakes etc. I dont beat on my cars. Which is prob why I never had trans problems with my 6th gen like others on here. What should I look for when buying a 7th gen aka weak points. Also what is your overall experience, going from a 6th gen to a 7th gen? If any of you have any experience with any of the other cars I have listed please feel free to chime in..
Thanks..

 

Probably half or more of the folks here went from a 6th gen to a 7th gen, me included. Both the 6th and 7th gens are reliable cars. As Nissan adds more and more to the basic content of these cars, there will, of course, be more things to go wrong.

I had very little trouble with my 6th gen in five years, and have had no trouble with my 7th gen in three years. But you can glance down the thread titles and find both 6th and 7th gen owners who have had a few problems, and a few folks essentially got lemons.

Be sure and drive all three cars carefully, listening for any unusual noises or behavior. Make sure the car you choose has not been in an accident or had tonado damage or flood damage, etc (check the metal under the floor mats, trunk liner, etc). Probably a million cars have been damaged to some extent by the unprecedented weather events of 2011.

The motor and tranny are probably the most expensive parts to repair or replace, so pay particular attention to those. Check the tire tread for even wear. Uneven wear indicates the car needs at least an alignment, and possibly more. Check under where the car is parked for fresh liquid of any kind. Check all fluid levels, and check the condition/color/smell of all liquids. Check all lights, incl low and high headlight beams, regular and high mounted brake lights, tail lights, turn signals. Check the HVAC system, including the AC. Make sure the doors, trunk lid, hood, power windows, mirror adjustments, etc operate properly. Drive over a few speed bumps or irregular surfaces and listen for strange noises.

I could list a hundred other things here, but just take the time to check everything.