Question 1

Is this 2006 Nissan Altima 3.5 SR reliable for daily driving in the UAE?

Accepted Answer

Yes, this model is very reliable for daily driving in the UAE. Nissan built this generation Altima to withstand the hot desert climate, with durable engine components and cooling systems designed for consistent high temperatures. While it is an 18-year-old vehicle, the VQ-series 3.5L V6 engine in this model is renowned for its longevity, and with regular routine maintenance, it can easily handle daily commutes, road trips across emirates, and stop-and-go city traffic common in UAE. Most common issues are age-related wear items that are low-cost to replace, making it a very dependable budget daily driver.

Question 2

What is the typical fuel consumption of this 2006 Altima 3.5 SR?

Accepted Answer

This 3.5L V6 Altima averages approximately 9 to 11 kilometers per liter in mixed driving conditions in the UAE. In highway driving at steady speeds, it can reach up to 12 km per liter, while in heavy city traffic in summer with the air conditioning running consistently, you can expect around 8 to 9 km per liter. While this is higher than modern four-cylinder sedans, it is standard for a 250-horsepower V6 midsize sedan of this era, and fuel costs remain manageable for daily use given the current fuel prices in the UAE.

Question 3

Does this vehicle have GCC specifications?

Accepted Answer

Yes, this 2006 Nissan Altima sold in the UAE market when new has full GCC specifications. GCC-spec vehicles are engineered specifically for the region’s hot climate, with reinforced cooling systems, corrosion protection that resists humidity and coastal salt near Fujairah, and adjusted tuning to handle long periods of high-temperature driving. They also come with factory warranties that were valid for the UAE when new, and parts are easily and affordably available across all Nissan service centers and spare parts dealers in the country.

Question 4

What is the common maintenance I can expect for this vehicle?

Accepted Answer

For this 18-year-old Altima, most routine maintenance aligns with standard used car upkeep, and costs are very low. Scheduled maintenance includes oil and filter changes every 5,000 to 7,500 km, regular coolant flushes to protect against overheating in the UAE heat, brake pad and rotor replacements every 30,000 to 50,000 km depending on driving habits, and periodic replacement of suspension components like bushings and shocks. Major issues are rare for this model’s V6 engine; most owners report only routine wear and tear costs, with annual maintenance expenses typically under 1,500 AED for well-cared-for examples.

Question 5

Can this Altima handle long road trips from Fujairah to other emirates?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely, this Nissan Altima is well-suited for long road trips across the UAE. The spacious cabin provides enough comfort for multiple passengers on multi-hour drives, the powerful V6 engine has plenty of power for highway cruising and overtaking, and the model has proven itself reliable for consistent long-distance use in the region. As long as routine maintenance is up to date, the cooling system is properly serviced to handle high outdoor temperatures common in the UAE, and tires are in good condition, this Altima can easily handle frequent trips from Fujairah to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or any other emirate without issues.