While it's not my cup of tea, oilBabe's 2010 Altima S has been almost flawless in 75K miles over three years.
Other than having to connect an evaporator drain hose the first summer, it's just been gas, oil changes and a new set of tires before this winter.
She really loves the keyless entry where she just carries the fob in her purse. For a mom with things to juggle, I can see why that's a valued feature.
Just replaced the batteries on it around the same time as the tires, so just a little over two years life from the factory batteries.
It's a little more sporty than a Camry, and likely has similar reliability.
I think she wishes she stepped up to the SL with a few more features such as a lighting package, and perhaps automatic headlights. I suspect some of those may now be standard on the new 2013 Altima S.
Originally Posted By: Boomer
My wife has a ten year old Saturn that we intend to keep as a grocery getter. For trips and usage for her small business (she gives lectures on making quilts), I'd like her to have a new car that should be more reliable. The Saturn has been reliable but with 104,000 miles on it, I am leery of the fuel pump, the alternator, etc as they are all original.
Anyway, we are looking for a front drive (preferably) sedan that is big enough to hold a child seat in the rear seat for our 11 month old grandson. The car needs to be automatic (not stick) and should be easily servicable by yours truly for oil changes, etc. It should have as a minimum power windows, locks, air conditioning, CD player and radio. There is no need for Bluetooth or GPS as we have the latter as a high quality stand alone unit. Powerdoor locks, remote trunk lock release and power seats are also on the list.
We have narrowed down the field to the following:
1. Nissan Altima
2. Honda Accord
3. Volkswagen Passat
4. Chevrolet Malibu
What are your opinions on which is the best of these? What are your reasons? Have I left out any (not a Toyota guy, sorry) that we should be looking at?
Thanks for the thoughts and advice.