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2003 Nissan Altima Base 4dr Sedan Manual

2003 Nissan Altima
Trim Info:
Front Wheel Drive, 4 Door Sedan, Compact
23 mpg city / 29 mpg hwy
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January 14, 2013, 2:14 pm

Lewis N
 

Question: Is this normal? Gearbox related

I bought a 2003 nissan ALMERA not an altima from a local used car dealership with a one month warranty. The car has done 77k miles. I didn't have a chance to test drive the car but was sold it on the condition that there were no problems with the car. I found a few problems the main one being with the gears. So I took the car back to the dealers the next day they said they will fix it. Then I picked it up the day after that to find they hadn't fixed the issue with the gearbox.

So the issue with the gearbox is that when I accelerate the gear stick moves forwards or backwards depending on what gear I am in. It doesn't move out of gear and it feels like it is locking into place. Also when I gear down especially from 4th to 3rd the gear stick jolts backwards and forwards a couple of times when I engage 3rd gear.

The guy has now told me this is normal in used cars and mentioned something about the engine mounts. So I asked him if it can be fixed his reply was no and not to worry about it. I feel like he is lying but don't have the first clue about cars to back it up. Also I find it strange that this is normal behaviour for a used car I have never seen it before and neither has my dad.


January 23, 2013, 1:12 pm

Elizabeth K
Expert Mechanic

If you were sold the car with out test driving it on the condition that there were no problems with it, whose judgement decides that there are no problems? You think there is a problem, and the seller thinks there isn't one. It seems reasonable that you should be able to bring the car somewhere else for a diagnosis to determine whether the car has a problem or not.

From your description, it sounds like the motor or tranny mounts are bad, and should be replaced.


1/1 users found this helpful.

February 5, 2013, 8:48 am

Lewis N
 

After persistence and keeping written records of conversations I managed to get them to fix it. The bushes were worn on the gear linkage. The car is now a lot better although there is still some movement in the gear stick but nothing I wouldn't consider to be normal.

Thanks.


0/0 users found this helpful.

February 5, 2013, 10:34 am

Elizabeth K
Expert Mechanic

You're welcome, good job.


0/0 users found this helpful.

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