Used 2002 Nissan Altima Consumer Reviews
Used Altima for sale
209,4xx Miles and Dying Strong
Joe K., 02/25/2019
updated 03/01/2021
2002 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
Honestly, I want to like the car, however there are just too many problems. Sure, it is my fault for buying it used with 171,000 on it and clear signs it was wreaked at least once. In the 2 years of owning this car I have replaced the oil pan (rust), driveshafts, valve cover gasket, PCV, plugs, coil packs, right front hub assembly, exhaust manifold, o2 sensors, battery, alternator, the pipe off the exhaust manifold, trunk seal, front passenger window regulator, and then little plastic bits like the clip that holds the hood prop. Being a full time college student and doing my own repairs hasn't helped I have dumped a lot of money into the shitbox...I understand that a car of that milage and age would have problems but even then this is the worst I have seen. Right now this that need replacement is a long list starting with yet another front passenger window regulator and a the rear breaks. The car is now stalling when warm and is getting worse. The scary part is this is my only car and my daily driver. I have done some research so if I get this stalling issue fixed I will update. My overall advice, based on my own experience and read the reviews here...RUN!!! GTFO!!!...this car is the biggest money pit I have ever seen and I have no choice but to feed it...*sigh* I hope you are doing the right research before buying DO NOT DO WHAT I HAVE DONE! Learn from my mistakes... everything still stands but that damn thing is gone and I got $950 for it. I did fix the breaks and the stalling. It had 213,000 something miles on it when I sold it. I don't own any more!!!
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Beware when you go over 100K miles
Bill, 08/21/2009
2002 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
The car was great until 100K miles. Since then replaced cat converter, O2 sensors, fuel door and driver side door handle and now the head gasket blows. Went on other forums and it's a typical problem that was known by Nissan. Won't buy another Nissan. Don't buy a used 2002 Altima.
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Wonderful car
02Altima, 08/05/2010
2002 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
5 of 9 people found this review helpful
I bought this car in November of 2001 and now have 166k miles on it. I've never once had a problem with it, mechanical or otherwise. I've done all the routine maintenance and it's been a dream. Just know that most people writing reviews are only doing so to complain. This is the best car I've ever owned and at least 5 friends of mine have bough Nissans based on what they've seen from my car. When the time comes for something new I'm definitely buying Nissan again!
A fine, reliable car
dinoman, 11/13/2009
2002 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Bought the car new for its huge interior and exciting acceleration. It won out over the current Accord (much smaller interior, bland) and Camry (boring, slow, awful brake feel). Have had to replace the hood prop rod catch and took it to dealer for drive belt squeal when started cold. That is it. Pretty good for 92,000 miles and eight years!
Stay away from thw 2002 Altima
Gone Driving, 04/18/2004
2002 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
The car is just shy of 2 years old and has had a new catalytic converter, radiator, engine mount, heater core and ABS sensor. It has ongoing problems with vibration and wind noise which have still not been corrected . There is rust on one of the engine brackets which according to Nissan has no metal in it. The car had starting problems. The brakes have no power assist in very cold weather for the first minute or two after starting the car. Unfortunately all the excitement that I had when I bought this car has turned into lack of confidence in Nissan Products.