Dealer visit checklist
2018 Nissan Altima checklist
Print it or keep it on your phone. Tick each item as you go so nothing gets missed.
Inspect the car
- Check every panel gap and look for mismatched paint (signs of past accident repair)
- Look at the tires: even wear, matching brands, at least 4/32" tread
- Check under the car and engine bay for oil, coolant or other leaks
- Start the engine cold; listen for knocks, ticks or squeals and watch for smoke
- Test every window, lock, seat, light, the A/C, heat and infotainment
- Test drive on city streets and highway: straight braking, smooth shifts, no pulling
- Ask for the service records and a vehicle history report
- Have an independent mechanic do a pre-purchase inspection (about $100–$200)
Known 2018 Nissan Altima problems to check
- CVT transmission reliability issues — the Xtronic CVT is the most-reported concern, with some owners experiencing shuddering, hesitation, or failure between 80,000-120,000 miles; a pre-purchase inspection should include a thorough CVT fluid check
- Excessive oil consumption on the 2.5L QR25DE engine — some owners report needing to add a quart of oil between changes; monitor levels closely and ask for service history
- Timing chain stretch — reports of timing chain rattle on startup, particularly on higher-mileage examples; listen carefully during a test drive
- Brake wear — front pads and rotors tend to wear faster than segment average, budget for replacement around 40,000-50,000 miles
- Interior trim and infotainment connectivity issues — Bluetooth pairing glitches and cracking dashboard trim are recurring minor complaints on this generation
Ask: have these recalls been fixed?
- LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH: Nissan North America, Inc.
- BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA: Nissan North America, Inc.
Negotiate the price
- Know the typical price: about $16,500 for this model year
- Negotiate the out-the-door price, not the monthly payment
- Get the full price with every fee listed in writing before you sign
- Bring your own loan pre-approval so the dealer has a rate to beat
- Say no to add-ons you didn't ask for (paint protection, VIN etching, nitrogen tires)
- Negotiate your trade-in separately, after the car's price is agreed
- Be ready to walk away; another listing is usually a click away