2012 Altima...4k off (Cost + $200)...deal or no deal? Or 2012 Camry?

[deal_with_singh]

Hey guys I think I need some help with this one.

I got offered a deal for the Base Model Altima with CVT with 4k off (Manufacture Rebate), and $200 over the car cost price.

Basically comes down to Carcostcanada.com price - 4k, +200 (profit over cost) + all the extra BS fees (excluding etching).

I was considering going with either this or a 2012 Camry.

Heres the Pros/Cons I've come up with:

2012 Camry
Pro:
Always had a camry, so used to driving it
New redesigned model
Really like the new look and the non-plasticy new interior

Cons:
No Manufacture Rebate

2012 Altima
Pro:
A few more features in the base model (Including Push to Start Engine)
4k off Manufacturer Discount


Con:
New Redesigned model 2013 model in a few months


Similarities (based on brochure):
- Similar Fuel Efficiency
- Similar Horse Power


Whats Important to Me:
1) Price
2) Drive of the car
3) Fuel Efficiency
4) Space!
5) Car Features


What I'd really like to know is, what exactly is the difference between the standard camry automatic engine and a CVT engine? This is the first time im hearing about "CVT".


Also do you think I'm getting a good deal, or should I wait? This is the first time I'm not buying a Toyota/Lexus so help me out here guys!

How do you like Nissan? Are they usually this heavy on Manufacturer discounts? For some reason the $200 over cost seems a little too good to be true? Especially since dealer agreed to remove Etching + Admin fees?

[qaz393]

nissan are absolute garbage, do not buy

[cheapmeister]

I like the camry, too many altimas on the road already. I wouldn't want to be like everyone else. Canry looks different so go for camry.

[JohnB]

v6 Camry all the way.

[deal_with_singh]

nissan are absolute garbage, do not buy
Any specific reason?


I like the camry, too many altimas on the road already. I wouldn't want to be like everyone else. Canry looks different so go for camry.

Yeah I love my Camry too, everyone in my family has always bought a Camry or Corolla (when talking about sedans), love driving it, but the difference in price is about 3k I believe. Which is why I was comparing Altima to Camry. If its just as good, might as well go with the Altima right?

As for too many Altima's on the road. Where I live, I see Camry's everywhere lol, barely any Altimas compared to the number of Camrys


To John about the V6, the V6 is not in my budget ATM, but I had a V6 Camry as a rental before, and can truly say it was an awesome car.

[sandikosh]

Buy the Camry.

[lexani]

I recently picked up a '11 Camry SE V6 brand new and it definitely does the job for what I was looking for in a car. My criteria was similar to yours. I cross-shopped the Accord and Altima. The Altima doesn't have the greatest reviews (on rfd, on the internet, and just word of mouth). Plus the interior was horrible IMO. The car just has an awkward shape. I preferred the Camry exterior and the V6 was just enough to get me into one. I know you're looking at the '12 and I had on as a rental in IAH a couple weeks ago and it's a pretty damn nice car. Go for it.

Edit: the Altima CVT or Nissan's CVT in general takes some getting used to. Some like it, others don't. However, there are always recalls on this everywhere you look.

[Andro]

nissan are absolute garbage, do not buy

+1 on that. Nissan have nice features and perform well, however they are terrible on reliability.

I wouldn't say I am a fan of Camry, but at least that car is not bad in reliability

[sourkeys]

Have a 2005 Altima 2.5, no problems with it so far. Just the regular stuff. I find as soon as you get a new car you start noticing more of them. Seems I am one of the few who like Nissan though. However it's not my first choice in cars but have never driven a camry.

[deal_with_singh]

Have a 2005 Altima 2.5, no problems with it so far. Just the regular stuff. I find as soon as you get a new car you start noticing more of them. Seems I am one of the few who like Nissan though. However it's not my first choice in cars but have never driven a camry.
Whats the "regular stuff", my car I want to trade in is an 05 Camry and I haven't had to take it in for a warranty repair yet (150k km on it so far), except the check engine light showed up once, but there was nothing actually wrong with the car, just the sensor acting wonky.

Was hoping for that kind of reliability from my next purchase as well

This threads really convinced me not to buy an Altima...the price is so tempting! But always love more reviews from both Nissan Owners and Non Owners!

[MrDisco]

What I'd really like to know is, what exactly is the difference between the standard camry automatic engine and a CVT engine? This is the first time im hearing about "CVT".

How do you like Nissan? Are they usually this heavy on Manufacturer discounts? For some reason the $200 over cost seems a little too good to be true? Especially since dealer agreed to remove Etching + Admin fees?

I'm in the same boat as you op. I've looked at a lot cars and the biggest con for the Camry is the lack of incentives owing to its newness. As for the new Altima, it will be a few months before you see the 2013 (and of course it too wont have the same incentives) so the question is can you wait or you need a car today? Next year will see a new Malibu, Altima, and further out the Accord, Mazda6 and Fusion.

Note that it's not a cvt 'engine' but transmission (continuously variable transmission). Nissan insists on using this technology vs a regular geared transmission. The driving feel is like a rubber band - the engine just revs without the normal shift points that you may be used to in an automatic. Reliability has been spotty if I go by the comments on Edmunds and the default 'fix' should anything go wrong is for the dealer to swap out the entire unit rather than try to fix it. The theory behind a CVT is that the computer can adjust the gearing infinitely to match your speed to provide better fuel economy. A 6spd gear box like the Camry can get those same #s without this unnecessary complexity.

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/cvt.htm

I would take the 2012 Camry over the Altima. The inside is nicer with better quality trim, roomier, and my guess quieter. The heavy discounting on Nissan's part (which has been going on for a few months now) could just be their attempt to remain competitive with an older model in light of the new Camry, Passat, Optima, and Sonata. I'm not certain but I would also guess that the trade-in value will be higher for the Camry.

Having said all that have you driven both cars? You should buy what you like and not what the online community has to say. The Altima is not a 'bad' car (it usually rates pretty highly by CR). Drive them both before making a choice.

[deal_with_singh]

I'm in the same boat as you op. I've looked at a lot cars and the biggest con for the Camry is the lack of incentives owing to its newness. As for the new Altima, it will be a few months before you see the 2013 (and of course it too wont have the same incentives) so the question is can you wait or you need a car today? Next year will see a new Malibu, Altima, and further out the Accord, Mazda6 and Fusion.

Note that it's not a cvt 'engine' but transmission (continuously variable transmission). Nissan insists on using this technology vs a regular geared transmission. The driving feel is like a rubber band - the engine just revs without the normal shift points that you may be used to in an automatic. Reliability has been spotty if I go by the comments on Edmunds and the default 'fix' should anything go wrong is for the dealer to swap out the entire unit rather than try to fix it. The theory behind a CVT is that the computer can adjust the gearing infinitely to match your speed to provide better fuel economy. A 6spd gear box like the Camry can get those same #s without this unnecessary complexity.

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/cvt.htm

I would take the 2012 Camry over the Altima. The inside is nicer with better quality trim, roomier, and my guess quieter. The heavy discounting on Nissan's part (which has been going on for a few months now) could just be their attempt to remain competitive with an older model in light of the new Camry, Passat, Optima, and Sonata. I'm not certain but I would also guess that the trade-in value will be higher for the Camry.

Having said all that have you driven both cars? You should buy what you like and not what the online community has to say. The Altima is not a 'bad' car (it usually rates pretty highly by CR). Drive them both before making a choice.

After driving the Altima, I felt that it made way too much noise when accelerating vs the silent acceleration of a Camry.

Only reason I was asking for other opinions is I feel I may be bias to a Camry as thats what me and everyone else in my family have always driven in terms of sedans.

As for being able to wait or need immediately, I'm definitely in no rush! My 05 Camry is still pretty reliable but after having it for almost 7 years with 150k km, I feel its time for a change?

I almost made a deal to buy the Altima today, but when I got the Trade-In value for my 05 Camry, I thought screw it, even if I drive it for a little longer, not much room left to depreciate any further!

I really didn't prefer the Altima over Camry, just the price was a really big factor, but in the end I think its worth waiting for Toyota to send out some Mfg Rebates sometime in 2012!

[qaz393]

After driving the Altima, I felt that it made way too much noise when accelerating vs the silent acceleration of a Camry.

Only reason I was asking for other opinions is I feel I may be bias to a Camry as thats what me and everyone else in my family have always driven in terms of sedans.

As for being able to wait or need immediately, I'm definitely in no rush! My 05 Camry is still pretty reliable but after having it for almost 7 years with 150k km, I feel its time for a change?

I almost made a deal to buy the Altima today, but when I got the Trade-In value for my 05 Camry, I thought screw it, even if I drive it for a little longer, not much room left to depreciate any further!

I really didn't prefer the Altima over Camry, just the price was a really big factor, but in the end I think its worth waiting for Toyota to send out some Mfg Rebates sometime in 2012!

bad change, own a nissan, never again in my life another nissan. dont even go korean for cars, korean gf are ok

[Jon Lai]

People are actually recommending Toyota on RFD... this is a first.

[qaz393]

People are actually recommending Toyota on RFD... this is a first.

suprised you are in the thread, this isnt something you can buy and resell for profit off rfd.......:facepalm::facepalm::facepalm:

[TodayHello]

Camry

[flyz]

Did they ever change the overly assisted steering in the new Camry? Driven a 2010 Camry up north and it was terrible....

Edit: Nevermind... looks like it's still there. http://blogs.insideline.com/roadtests/2011/12/2012-toyota-camry-no-longer-terrible.html


The steering on the LE is still devoid of feel and utterly lifeless, but hey, at least the SE offers a bit of feedback and response for people who see the value of having some idea about what their tires are doing.

[wewillsee]

I might be biased but I say go for the Altima. I was in the same boat a few months ago between a 2011 camry and a 2012 altima and went with the Altima.

2012 Camry is the first iteration of the redesign. 2012 Altima is in its last models year and most of kinks are worked out in QR25DE engine so you will be getting a solid engine. Combine that with the 4k off and now it's a tempting deal.

If you are really worried for reliability, get the extended warranty.

In the 3 months of owning the car, it has been amazing. CVT felt weird at first but now it has sunk in. I consistently get AT LEAST 30 mpg or more at 75mph+ and around 34-36 when I go 55.

[wewillsee]

1) Price - Altima
2) Drive of the car - CVT feels unnatural at first but then it sinks in and feels great
3) Fuel Efficiency - Same
4) Space! - Not sure about the trunk space in the new camry. Altima is pretty spacious as is.
5) Car Features - Altima ( Rear parking camera is the most useful out of all. Push to start and the auto keys are awesome when you have your hands full and don't need to pull the keys out of your pocket)

[qaz393]

I might be biased but I say go for the Altima. I was in the same boat a few months ago between a 2011 camry and a 2012 altima and went with the Altima.

2012 Camry is the first iteration of the redesign. 2012 Altima is in its last models year and most of kinks are worked out in QR25DE engine so you will be getting a solid engine. Combine that with the 4k off and now it's a tempting deal.

If you are really worried for reliability, get the extended warranty.

In the 3 months of owning the car, it has been amazing. CVT felt weird at first but now it has sunk in. I consistently get AT LEAST 30 mpg or more at 75mph+ and around 34-36 when I go 55.

CVT is absolute garbage, read the nissan rogue problem thread. ou will avoid nissans

[wewillsee]

CVT is absolute garbage, read the nissan rogue problem thread. ou will avoid nissans

The guy never posted back to update the thread as to what happened. Last update from him is that the dealership said they would contact him. Either his car got fixed or a resolution of some kind.

Generalizing an isolated problem to CVT being garbage is not the best way to do research. OP, read up on some forums to see how people are going with their 2010+ Altimas. During my research most of the engine problems were with models prior to 2010 and 2010+ have been pretty clean.

Both are good cars though, can't go wrong with either. I just don't like how the new camry looks but thats a personal preference.

Edit: if the CVT is indeed garbage, then why does Nissan swear by it in all their cars. They must've gone out of business by now, don't ya think?

[qaz393]

The guy never posted back to update the thread as to what happened. Last update from him is that the dealership said they would contact him. Either his car got fixed or a resolution of some kind.

Generalizing an isolated problem to CVT being garbage is not the best way to do research. OP, read up on some forums to see how people are going with their 2010+ Altimas. During my research most of the engine problems were with models prior to 2010 and 2010+ have been pretty clean.

Both are good cars though, can't go wrong with either. I just don't like how the new camry looks but thats a personal preference.

Edit: if the CVT is indeed garbage, then why does Nissan swear by it in all their cars. They must've gone out of business by now, don't ya think?

http://www.google.ca/search?sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&q=nissan+cvt+problem

[wewillsee]

http://www.google.ca/search?sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&q=nissan+cvt+problem

Basically, it says what I said. Issues with CVT prior to 2008-09. Rogue seems to be the worst of the bunch. OP is not buying a Rogue. Nissan extended the warranty up to 2010 to 200k on their CVT. All the kinks have been fixed (last model year) since then in the 2012.

Nothing new.

[qaz393]

Basically, it says what I said. Issues with CVT prior to 2008-09. Rogue seems to be the worst of the bunch. OP is not buying a Rogue. Nissan extended the warranty up to 2010 to 200k on their CVT. All the kinks have been fixed (last model year) since then in the 2012.

Nothing new.

because u own one you are bias. im bias about my honda transmission too. hoping for the best and that it wont die on me anytime soon.

[MrDisco]

Only reason I was asking for other opinions is I feel I may be bias to a Camry as thats what me and everyone else in my family have always driven in terms of sedans.

I really didn't prefer the Altima over Camry, just the price was a really big factor, but in the end I think its worth waiting for Toyota to send out some Mfg Rebates sometime in 2012!

There's no reason to switch brands if you're happy with the Toyota. Buying a car just for the price: remember you have to live with it so get something you like. I don't think we'll see substantial rebates until later in 2012.


People are actually recommending Toyota on RFD... this is a first.

For those of us who aren't made of money, Toyotas are a very compelling choice (even Corollas).



3) Fuel Efficiency - Same


Altima 2.5S CVT - City/Hwy 32/47mpg, 175hp
Camry LE - 34/50mpg, 178hp



4) Space! - Not sure about the trunk space in the new camry. Altima is pretty spacious as is.


The Camry is much roomier in the back (both legroom and headroom) and 0.1 cu ft larger in the trunk.



5) Car Features - Altima ( Rear parking camera is the most useful out of all. Push to start and the auto keys are awesome when you have your hands full and don't need to pull the keys out of your pocket)

The rear parking camera is a $2500 SL option. I will give you that the S comes with the push button start. Conversely the Camry has more airbags and recently was awarded a top 5 star safety rating from the NHTSA. I'm willing to give up a push button start for that piece of mind.



Generalizing an isolated problem to CVT being garbage is not the best way to do research. OP, read up on some forums to see how people are going with their 2010+ Altimas.

It's not one or two people, but a number of posters who have had issues with CVTs. It's why nissan had to extend the warranty specifically on the transmission. It's great that they're warranting the part, but if you're the one stuck with a lemon do you really want to waste your time and energy getting it fixed?



Edit: if the CVT is indeed garbage, then why does Nissan swear by it in all their cars. They must've gone out of business by now, don't ya think?

My opinion is it's cheaper for them to handle warranty swaps than it is to spend money developing a gear box. It certainly doesn't offer any extraordinary fuel savings so really what is the point of them insisting on this? (as an aside their trucks, 370z and GT-R still use normal cogs)



2012 Camry is the first iteration of the redesign. 2012 Altima is in its last models year and most of kinks are worked out in QR25DE engine so you will be getting a solid engine. Combine that with the 4k off and now it's a tempting deal.

If you are really worried for reliability, get the extended warranty.


Well the 7th gen Cam is a first year model, but as you stated if you're worried about reliability get the ESP. The engine is also a carry-over from last year and it too is pretty solid.

[wewillsee]

because u own one you are bias. im bias about my honda transmission too. hoping for the best and that it wont die on me anytime soon.

of course I am. Just playing the devil's advocate here. There is a thread on Nissanclub about a guy with 160k miles on a 2008 altima still going strong (can't find the link atm).

To the OP, Go for the car you like and enjoy driving. There is nothing wrong with both of the cars. Good luck, keep us posted!

[Karall]

I've had three Altimas since 2000. One 2000 was bought used, another 2006 new and the last and current one 2008 is used RENTAL 3.5 V6. Wife currently drives 2010 Rouge. I never followed schedule maintenance (and not planning to do in the future), only oil and a filter change. Have never had any problems. Also drove Camry SE V6 for a couple of weeks. What can I say... Buy what you feel like. Get Altima if you want to save a buck. Think the Camry is more reliable - go for it. Personnaly, I will not buy Toyota. Any model.

[deal_with_singh]

bad change, own a nissan, never again in my life another nissan. dont even go korean for cars, korean gf are ok

Nissan is Japanese as far as I knew? I've always only bought Toyotas or Lexus's so Japanese ATW for me :)

[deal_with_singh]

I might be biased but I say go for the Altima. I was in the same boat a few months ago between a 2011 camry and a 2012 altima and went with the Altima.

2012 Camry is the first iteration of the redesign. 2012 Altima is in its last models year and most of kinks are worked out in QR25DE engine so you will be getting a solid engine. Combine that with the 4k off and now it's a tempting deal.

If you are really worried for reliability, get the extended warranty.

In the 3 months of owning the car, it has been amazing. CVT felt weird at first but now it has sunk in. I consistently get AT LEAST 30 mpg or more at 75mph+ and around 34-36 when I go 55.
Between the 2011 Camry and 2012 Altima, I would agree that I would probably think the Altima would be a better choice, as the 2011 Camry would see more depreciation sooner etc. But I don't feel that part would apply with 2012 Camry vs 2012 Altima...

The only thing really tempting me towards Altima is the rebate, overall driving was good minus the really noisy engine. As for the extended warranty, I always think of warranty as a scam as the car usually goes bad within the first 100k if its a lemon (which is covered under warranty) or will last you a while. Its one of the only reasons dealers sell you this, 9/10 times they profit!


1) Price - Altima
2) Drive of the car - CVT feels unnatural at first but then it sinks in and feels great
3) Fuel Efficiency - Same
4) Space! - Not sure about the trunk space in the new camry. Altima is pretty spacious as is.
5) Car Features - Altima ( Rear parking camera is the most useful out of all. Push to start and the auto keys are awesome when you have your hands full and don't need to pull the keys out of your pocket)
When driving the only thing I felt un natural was the noise, but that may have been due to a very short test drive.


CVT is absolute garbage, read the nissan rogue problem thread. ou will avoid nissans
I heard this too much, and don't have much knowledge on CVT or have ever even driven CVT which is one of the reasons I'm no longer interested in buying this one, and just planning on waiting for rebates on the camry.


There's no reason to switch brands if you're happy with the Toyota. Buying a car just for the price: remember you have to live with it so get something you like. I don't think we'll see substantial rebates until later in 2012.



For those of us who aren't made of money, Toyotas are a very compelling choice (even Corollas).



Altima 2.5S CVT - City/Hwy 32/47mpg, 175hp
Camry LE - 34/50mpg, 178hp



The Camry is much roomier in the back (both legroom and headroom) and 0.1 cu ft larger in the trunk.



The rear parking camera is a $2500 SL option. I will give you that the S comes with the push button start. Conversely the Camry has more airbags and recently was awarded a top 5 star safety rating from the NHTSA. I'm willing to give up a push button start for that piece of mind.



It's not one or two people, but a number of posters who have had issues with CVTs. It's why nissan had to extend the warranty specifically on the transmission. It's great that they're warranting the part, but if you're the one stuck with a lemon do you really want to waste your time and energy getting it fixed?



My opinion is it's cheaper for them to handle warranty swaps than it is to spend money developing a gear box. It certainly doesn't offer any extraordinary fuel savings so really what is the point of them insisting on this? (as an aside their trucks, 370z and GT-R still use normal cogs)



Well the 7th gen Cam is a first year model, but as you stated if you're worried about reliability get the ESP. The engine is also a carry-over from last year and it too is pretty solid.
You're right with this one, Gonna be driving this for at least 4 years, and would really suck if its something I don't like.


of course I am. Just playing the devil's advocate here. There is a thread on Nissanclub about a guy with 160k miles on a 2008 altima still going strong (can't find the link atm).

To the OP, Go for the car you like and enjoy driving. There is nothing wrong with both of the cars. Good luck, keep us posted!
160k on an 08s quite a bit, I only have 150k on my 05 Camry. Driving great so far, just felt I wanted a change!



Also, thanks to everyone for your opinions, has really helped me make a decision

[kingrukus]

My choice: Camry
This coming from a a Nissan fanboy at heart.

[ccyk]

get a toyota!
I bought a nissan car last month.

[defencerulez]

Nissan is probably trying hard to clear out the Altima because the redesign Altima is coming up soon, so as usual, you save on the price but since it is the final year of a design the resale value is also going to be a lower.

I have a 2nd hand Nissan Sentra, absolutely love it cheaper insurance than a Civic but perform pretty much exactly like a Civic! So it is right up there with Civic and Corolla!

I have never driven any Toyota car in my life, will not comment on that.