I can deal with small quality issues on a 245hp car, and as far as long-term tests go (Motortrend, Car & Driver, etc.) it seems to be pretty much trouble-free mechanical wise. Again, you have to remember that new vehicles, as well as "redesigned" vehicles have their "first year" flaws until the bugs get worked out (for the most part). I'm not expecting a TOTALLY trouble-free car for the price, as I'm NOT spending more than 25K on a car. If I wanted a really good quality vehicle, I'd be at the local BMW or Mercedes dealer, but not with a second car payment, mortgage, and over $30,000 in Masters degree loans to pay. Right now the Altima is at the top of my list of a LONG line of cars in the $18,000-$25,000 range which I've driven SO FAR. I have yet to drive my "second choice", a WRX, but that'll have to wait until after New Year's.
