Used 2008 Nissan Altima Sedan Consumer Reviews
Used Altima for sale
1...
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Altima CVT Transmission Problems
Oblique, 07/23/2010
2008 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
35 of 36 people found this review helpful
Ironically what attracted me to the Altima besides its styling was the CVT (Continuously Varible Transmission) which is a new style automatic with a belt inside instead of gears. It is smooth but not reliable or durable. After just 55,000 miles the transmission began to act up on warmer days especially in stop and go traffic. The dealer just said, "oh that can't happen. They reset the check engine light and charged me to replace the fluid (60K service) and the very next week it got worse, check engine light on all the time. They spent 5 hours telling me a new transmission would be covered under the extended warranty. I am trading this troubled CVT Altima in on a HONDA Accord! CYA, CVT!
Most reliable car with great mpg
brianarm, 10/12/2011
2008 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
59 of 63 people found this review helpful
I bought my altima new for under 20K. I now have 50K miles on it and have had only 1 issue. The bolt holding the alternator broke, the fix cost me $75 because the threads were stripped. I am still on my original tires though I do need to replace the fronts now. I calculate actual gas mileage myself and average 28 mpg in mainly city driving. So I go about 560 miles between fill ups (sweet). Car is plenty quick enough and was a lot faster than accord or camry (which I test drove). CVT is smooth and zero probs. I'm also 6'1 and have no problem with headroom or entry exit of vehicle. There's a reason this car is such a great seller, it's an auto mechanics enemy.....
own 2 of them same year and model
JTAB, 01/19/2017
updated 07/20/2020
2008 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
Both cars have reached over 110k. We just sold both calls in 2020 and had them 12 years. The paint on one car over the roof was really pealing away. Although during the 12th year of life of cars, we drove them very little as we purchased newer vehicles, both cars had some electrical issues. Even after the battery changed, it seemed that the altnerators began having problems. The braking system one car above and beyond brake pads was spiraling down word. We maintained them with synthetic oil and bought them both 2 years old with 17K and 30K miles. Reliability plummets after getting above 105k in one of the two cars. Steering column went at 103K and it was 1300 to be fixed at a dealership. The car wouldn't start. Now same car needs to be towed but due to lock on parking button. We maintain them well with synthetic oil changes and routine maintenance. They go through batteries quicker than they are supposed to. but not the level of Honda I owned in the past. The more reliable vehicle, master brake cylinder went out at 70k. 800.00 repair. Both had batteries replaced X4. Previously, I owned a Honda Civic, sold at 13 years old sold with 270K, well maintained, original owner, no problems until 220K miles. I purchased a 2018 Honda Accord, awesome car, and my wife a 2015 Toyota product. Both have been extremely reliable. My opinion is that if you want to keep the car over 100K miles, then don't buy Nissans. At least not the 2008 period of time. Spend slightly more and buy a Honda or Toyota, or an Acura or Lexus. Much better short-term and long-term reliability with these cars.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
The 2008 is GREAT!
Katrina L. Williams, 10/09/2015
2008 Nissan Altima 3.5 SL 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
14 of 15 people found this review helpful
I brought this car brand new in 2008. I have Loved this body style of car since it first launched!! Having been a 4 cylinder girl most of my life, I wanted something with a little KICK, so I opted for the 3.5 SL. Black heated leather seats, Sunroof, 6 Disc Bose stereo, the works for that year. I have fallen in love with this vehicle time and time again. The take off is phenomenal and year to date, i've only had to replace brakes, Battery, and tires. I keep the oil changed and keep her exterior clean. Although she is a 'low-rider' she still proves herself to be worthy time and time again. I have never had any issues with the mechanics of the push start, although 7 years later, I am having difficulties with the motor on the windows (to be expected), and for some odd reason the back left passenger door is beginning to hold water when it rains. Other than that she is THE PERFECT VEHICLE. Gas mileage is ok, but I'm still loving the CVT transmission. When I first purchased her, she didn't get much play, as she was 'the second vehicle', but with just over 72,000 miles and daily commutes over 2 hours per day, she's handling Well.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Where do I start with complaints?
Mick W., 07/26/2018
updated 08/19/2019
2008 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
16 of 18 people found this review helpful
The CVT transmission failed at 120,000 which I have been told is typical. It is difficult to rebuild so you have to spend 3 grand for a new refurbished one at a dealership. Second, the car eats oil at a record pace. 3 quarts in about 1,000 miles! The mechanic told me the rings are shot in cylinder 3. I saw that Nissan has acknowledged problems with the 2006 Nissan Altima with the 2.5 L engine. Well, the same engine in a car 2 years newer is having the same issues as noted above! I would never buy a Nissan with a 2.5 L engine again! We finally installed a used engine in the car. I do not recommend anyone purchase a Nissan Altima with a 2.5 L engine!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
1...