Q: So I've been shopping around for my first car for a little less than a year. I know what type of car I want, it's just that all of the models I see seem overpriced for their yr. I want some type of import, like a Nissan,Toyota,Honda,etc. I have found a nissan altima 98 for $750,because it needs a new transmission. Does anyone know where I can find a price of a transmission, and would it be worth it to purchase the car and have work done? (I'm a college student on a budget,btw) Also, just to ask 2 ?s in one,how are chevy malibus?(98) Thanks for the answers, I appreciate :)
A: I work on older Altimas everyday and I also own a 98 Malibu. Both are good cars. You can get a used trans from a salvage yard. Might cost you around $500 dollars for the trans then you have to pay someone to put it in. Both the Altima and Malibu with the 3.1L had intake gasket issues. The first thing I would look at if you are gonna go with the Malibu is see if the intake gasket is leaking or has already been replaced.