Most reliable? 02 Altima/Maxima/Acura TL?

[as6654]

2002 Altima 3.5SE auto, 02 Maxima auto, 02 Acura TL?

what would be the most reliable and require the least maintenance of the three when buying used?

thanks

[Masked Bandit]

They're all pretty solid but I think I've heard about tranny problems in the Acura? I had an '03 Maxima at one point but I sold it before I hit 80,000 kms. It was rock solid to that point but that's not really saying much I guess.

I've owned a couple of much higher km Nissans in the past (trucks & a Pathfinder with over 200,000 km) and there were very reliable. I guess that's why I kept buying them.

I don't think you'll have much trouble with any of those three choices.

The only thing I didn't like about my Maxima was the amount of torque steer however it was also the only FWD vehicle I've ever owned. Maybe it's the same in all of them?

[D. Dub]

As a rule Acura trumps Nissan in reliability. That being said -- life is too short too worry about it -- buy what you like.

[prae]

no way I'd touch a TL of that generation.

[freshprince1]

My 2002 Maxima SE is rock solid; an excellent car.


It's also for sale....;)

[Khalil.e]

Have had both in the family (Maxima and TL), both cars were pretty rock solid. Fortunately the TL was sold before any tranny problems arose.

I'd go with the Maxima - that thing would pull on the TL every time :D

[ragu]

02 Maxima by far.

[as6654]

Originally posted by ragu
02 Maxima by far.

because it's made in Japan?

[Doozer]

Of course, I may be biased, but I'd consider the Alty if you're considering the Maxima. I guess it would depend on how close the prices are.

That year they've got the same engine, and the Alty is lighter. That Maxima is "tuned" different from the factory, but in reality there's not really a difference. I've dyno'd my car with a Maxi on the same day (within an hour), and the rating was 1hp different. :dunno:

Of course, maybe the Maxi has more options that you want, but as far as power to weight, the 02-06 Altys seem to be a better bang.

[brownboi]

ive had an 03 TL an never had a problem with that
i would suggest a TL looks good, runs great, an has power as well

[sugoi240]

I suggest the one that wasn't bagged on and had good
maintenance records

[ragu]

Originally posted by as6654


because it's made in Japan?

TL is known for its transmission issues and Altima is not my cup of tea; Maxima is pretty good value for money. Also, all the people I know with Maxima are pretty happy with it...