Yep, I'm still in the hunt.. Haven't decided yet.. Still plugging along in the old 96 trooper.
I was considering the Altima.. Infact it was the first test drive a few weeks ago.. I was impressed. Thank God for the internet. Didn't take long to start reading about problems after problems.. Not easy problems either.. major engine problems. Recalls like crazy on the early 2000+ models and war stories about manifold screws or something in the precat getting into the engine and basically ruining the motor. Enough to shy me away.
It's a shame.. A really fun fun car to drive in the 2.4 CVT I test drove. 1st automatic tranny I actually liked. Google after google, I can't find any supporting evidence they've got these issues resolved.. Just user reviews that support by the dealer or Nissan is lousy, so they got stuck with a newer car with a blown motor.. Wow.. Wasn't Nissan always one of the big top three Japanese makers. I hate to see it.. I really hope I'm just over-exhaggerating and it's really relatively isolated, but the data doesn't show it.
So now I'm back looking into Hondas.. Looked at and drove an outback subaru.. I like the practicality of the cargo space, so I thought, "ok, is there a comparable Honda product?" ... so now I'm researching CR-V's, if I can get over the "chick-car" stigma.
I might still have to say "screw an SUV" and just do the Accord. My possible choice would be an EX-L (leather) 2.4L Auto (the wife has to have an auto.. not my choice).
