Is a 2005-2006 Nissan Altima a good car?

Used car help: 2007 Mazda 6 vs Subaru Legacy vs Nissan Altima?

• I am planning to buy a 07 model used car for at most $13k of sticker price in Canadian dollars. My aim is a mid-size sedan that is fun to drive, quiet, unique and trouble-less. For 2007 models, First, I am NOT considering Camry by any chance. Second, I am NOT considering Accord because it does not have manual shift override. Next, I don't think I will buy Hyundai or Kia. My final choices are Mazda 6, Subaru Legacy and Nissan Altima. Mazda 6 It has the best interior & exterior. The steering feel is the sharpest and nicely weighted. You can feel the car is well planted in corners. The ride is disappointing. It is hard, which is okay. But, the suspension, being hard, isn't responsive like the Mazda 3. Something feels to be hidden. The base 2.3L engine is weak. Subaru Legacy The doors are heavy. They do add sense of security. The seating is low. Seating inside is like seating in a sports car. For a mid-size sedan, Legacy has very tight turning diameter. Wagon has more road noise than sedan. It doesn't feel as special as Mazda 6. Interior is uninspired. The base 2.5L engine is okay, despite the added weight of all wheel drive. The tail is said to be likely to slide out in fast maneuver, but I haven't tried. Nissan Altima It under steers seriously. I entered a corner at a reasonable speed as I imagined, but almost crashed. The exterior styling is nice to look at in the beginning, but it isn't worth looking as time goes by. It looks big and feels big, despite the sharp and light steering feel. You have to rotate wheels more to make a turn (like buses). The ride is the most comfortable, and it is the quietest. The 3.5L engine is very powerful and sounds wonderful. The CVT transmission is very smooth. All controls have a premium feel. Mazda 6 is the most fun to driver and most unique, but it is the least quietest and comfortable. Nissan Altima is the quietest but is the least fun to drive. Subaru Legacy is quiet but just feels average. There aren't too many Legacys on the market, so the price is relatively high. I don't know which one to choose. My above experience may be wrong or biased. So, if you drove these cars and know them well, please comment and help me make a decision. Thanks. Please welcome to suggest me other cars as well. Oscar

• Answer:

  Mazda6, but check the VIN Stamp. If it was made in America, BEWARE! If it was made in Japan, the quality will be twice as good. But the Altimas are a really well rounded car. You have good taste, but if you honestly enjoy driving the Mazda6, then go for it.