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Used 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan Consumer Reviews

3.8 out of 5 stars
72 reviews

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3 out of 5 stars

Always buy the extended warranty

smith, 01/20/2019
2012 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful

I purchased my Nissan Altima in 2012 it has been a great car. A little over $37k miles 2 nice sized spots of rust appeared on the trunk. Very noticeable. Asked dealer about it and it wasn’t covered under warranty. I tried the touch up paint that was made for the car from the dealer and it showed up a lot darker than the brilliant silver which is the color of my car. Around $72k miles is where I had to have my transmission replaced. If it weren’t for me buying the $100,000. Mile extended warranty I would have had to pay over $4000. My deductible was $150 and I was happy very happy paying it over the $4000. But after googling this issues for the Altima and rogue transmission issues I wasn’t happy Nissan did not back up the brand and take care of this at no charge to all effected. I have a far commute for work so the miles came very quick on my car and I was always on schedule for all oil changes. I’ve had these 2 issues but my 2012 Nissan Altima S is still running strong with over $143k miles on it with no other issues.

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2 out of 5 stars

Give me back my Honda.

Robert, 04/10/2016
updated 10/11/2016
2012 Nissan Altima 3.5 SR 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
19 of 23 people found this review helpful

If you're considering an Altima, specifically a V6 model, check out other offerings by Honda, Toyota, Chevy, Hyundai, Ford, or even Chrysler/Dodge. I bought my Altima certified pre-owned with 16000 miles on the clock. I enjoyed and loved the car since it had every feature and option available. Well at about 18000 miles when I brought it in to the dealership for numerous rattles while driving. Not too long after that, the car started to shudder when taking off after a stop, as well as hesitating. I took it back to the dealership where they said that the transmission was defective and had to be replaced, at 20000 miles. The car seemed to drive fine for a while but then, it started getting horrible gas mileage and hesitating again along with my brake light flashing and my traction control light illuminating. Took it back again at 22500, which they said my master cylinder was bad, brake booster was bad, and the car had a bad head gasket which was causing the coolant to leak into 2 cylinders causing them to misfire. Also, it had a bad motor mount and the exhaust had a leak. They replaced and repaired everything under warranty. Drove it until about 29000 miles and the replacement transmission started to shudder and hesitate again, as well as making a loud whining noise from 3000 rpm to redline. Took it back and the dealership said the replacement transmission had an internal failure again and needed to be replaced. Now for the pros of this ultra reliable crap mobile: the seats are comfortable, the ride is pretty smooth when it wants to be, and when the car isn't having any issues, the acceleration is great. Better than any car I've owned. But I'd gladly sacrifice some features this car has to go back to my trusty V6 Accord. Too bad it can't happen, since I'm upside down on this Altima. UPDATE: The replacement tranny replaced at 29k started exhibiting the same issues as before around 33k. I decided to trade it in despite the fact it wasn't worth anything and I still owed a lot. Needless to say, I'm glad to be out of the Altima and into a Honda Accord.

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
2 out of 5 stars
Performance
3 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
1 out of 5 stars
Value
2 out of 5 stars
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1.75 out of 5 stars

Most dangerous vehicle on the road

lindalebron, 06/10/2014
2012 Nissan Altima 3.5 SR 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
29 of 36 people found this review helpful

I have had repeat visits to the dealer to address the problem of hesitation when accelerating, which I am told the service department cannot duplicate, and they cannot fix what they can't find. I have had my car for 26 months and hate driving it on the highways. When I travel to San Diego to visit grandchildren, I rent a vehicle. Am I the only Altima owner experiencing this problem? Now, the transmission is jerking when driving at low speeds. So, the vehicle is back at the dealer's shop once again. What a horrible Nissan product!

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5 out of 5 stars

a real car

omar, 08/25/2015
2012 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
12 of 14 people found this review helpful

I have a 2.5s special edition no issues I put good gas 89 octane lasts me 2 weeks and drive it every day very strong reliable. brakes wasn't too impressive but upgraded them to cross-drilled slotted rotors and it's perfect now great car to have

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Great used car purchase

Kevin OBrien, 06/15/2018
updated 12/21/2023
2012 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful

Bought this car used in 2015 with only 10,000 mi. on it. I now have 54,000 on it and its been a Great buy so far. The only thing I have done to it other than oil changes is a brake job at 48,000 mi. my only complaint is that the seats are not as comfortable as my 2005 altima. Now have 78000 miles and still running great, just had transmission fluid changed with no other problems, just put new tires on and it feels like a new car. Now on its 7th year of ownership with 99000 miles and still running great. Only repair since last time was rear calipers at 98000, cant complain. Had a recent problem with rear suspension that cost me $2300.00. Debated whether to repair or junk the car. It only had 116,000 miles on it. I went ahead and did the work and so far Im happy I did. Time will tell if it was the right decision?

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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