Cars discussed
Nissan Altima
Avoid at 140,000 km. The CVT on 2013-2018 models fails prematurely and a replacement costs $4,000+.
Toyota Camry
The reliable alternative. No CVT issues, regularly reaches 300,000 km with basic maintenance.
Honda Accord
Another strong alternative. Bulletproof reputation with lower long-term ownership costs than the Altima.
Yes, the CVT is a dealbreaker on that 2016 Altima. Owner data consistently shows Nissan's CVT transmissions from that era are prone to premature and costly failure, even with maintenance. At 140,000 km, you are entering the high-risk mileage window for a major repair. You should avoid this specific car.
Instead, consider models known for reliable automatic transmissions and long-term durability. The Toyota Camry and Honda Accord are the benchmarks for this, with owners reporting minimal major issues and vehicles regularly exceeding 200,000 miles. The Mazda 6 is another excellent choice, praised for its reliability and more engaging driving experience compared to its rivals.
Want to dig deeper on a specific car?