Ryan sent us these photos of his 2006 Nissan Altima SE-R. Here is what he has to say:
This is my 2006 Nissan Altima SE-R. I like to call her SE-Rena. While it is "just an Altima," the SE-R version is quite rare and was only built from 2005-2006. The SE-R model included a factory-installed custom air intake and exhaust package (adding an additional 10 ponies for a total of 260), an upgraded "sport" suspension, a new 6-speed manual transmission, unique gray/black leather seats, and of course the SE-R body kit. The SE-R package also comes with a nice set of 18" forged alloy wheels and Bridgestone Potenza 225/45R18 rubber. My car came equipped with every option available except the side airbag package and traction control.
More story and photos after the jump...
The SE-R is about as good as a 3,400 pound front-wheel-drive sedan can be when it comes to fun. The 6-speed manual is precise despite its slightly long throws and the clutch is easy to modulate even though it is rather soft. The steering is weighted just right and the car sits relatively flat when pushed hard. The exhaust has a nice tone that's reminiscent of the Infiniti G series, the engine is free-revving, and it pulls hard throughout the rev-range. The criticism of the VQ's NVH are right on the money, however. The roughness is especially noticeable at idle. With this much power and torque (251 lb-ft) though I can't complain. The engine roars, the tires squeal, and she simply hauls. I normally average 20 mpg (70% city/30% hwy).
The best part about the SE-R is the fact that it is an Altima. It has plenty of room for friends and family and plenty of space to store miscellaneous items. As a college kid, the space comes in handy with all of my books, laptop, paperwork, and clothing. The trunk is also huge so I have tons of room to put my speakers (what's a stereo system without huge bass?), beach towels, and umbrellas.
The fact that the SE-R Altima can exhibit this dual-role personality is exactly why I will be keeping her for many many years to come. She currently has 60,000 miles and hasn't had one issue mechanically. I drive her sensibly as I would any other car. But when the mood strikes, I can easily outrun most other cars on the road and keep up with them when the road turns (or rather when an on-ramp appears because living in S Florida, the roads are relatively straight and uneventful).
The only modifications I have done to the car are tinted windows (with S Florida heat this is a must), the aforementioned subwoofer system, and I also added an aftermarket 7" in-dash DVD/NAV touchscreen with Bluetooth (bought it for a steal: $540!). Other than those upgrades, SE-Rena will remain stock. The Altima SE-R is a great car and will remain with me at least into the next decade. One thing's for sure: she will always have a spot in my heart as the first car I saved up for and paid for myself. All hail SE-Rena!
Thanks for sharing your photos with us, Ryan.
P.S. If you want to participate in the Reader's Long-Term Car segment, click here to read the submission guidelines.
And please note that I am publishing these posts in the order they were submitted. The response was so great that I still have months of backlog to get through. So if you haven't seen your car yet, don't dismay, we'll get to you.
Donna DeRosa, Managing Editor
yellowmiata says:
10:17 AM, 11/19/10
"I drive her sensibly as I would any other car. But when the mood strikes, I can easily outrun most other cars on the road and keep up with them when the road turns." We have similar sentiments!
Thanks for the writeup about SE-Rena & keep rockin' the manual tranny!
Kevin
hank39 says:
10:28 AM, 11/19/10
Nice SE-R! Very flattering-looking car. Both sporty and understated. The exhaust does sound sweet on these. Good job keeping it stock.
tomslick2 says:
10:52 AM, 11/19/10
Who knew they made an Altima SE-R? That is awesome! Save the Manuals!
c5z06er says:
11:03 AM, 11/19/10
Good call going with the manual. I have really heard nothing but good things about all Altimas... it really seems like all Altima owners love their cars. I hadn't heard much about the SE-R, so I found this write-up quite interesting. With 60k on her already, good luck keeping her into the next decade!
powell_jr says:
11:27 AM, 11/19/10
Nice daily driver.
06scooby says:
12:20 PM, 11/19/10
That is a sweet car. I was considering an 05 SE v6 with a manual there for a while... that is before I bought the legacy a year later.
stress83 says:
12:27 PM, 11/19/10
I'm suprised that some haven't even heard of this car. I've always found them to be intriguing, but certainly under-appreciated and unnoticed by the buying public.
zoomzoom22 says:
12:36 PM, 11/19/10
Got my butt whooped by one of these once. Nice looking, great sounding car...I just hate that interior (no offense). I would love to have one of these as my daily driver.
exnevadan says:
12:45 PM, 11/19/10
love the style of that model, and the wheels. nice color combo on yours, have seen mostly black or red SE-R's around here.
wish they'd make an SE-R variant of the new Altima (or Maxima). living in MA, I really wish they'd make one w/ AWD, that I'd pay for.
also have a VQ in my '07 G35 sedan and it is not very smooth at the upper end, but pretty decent until about 5500. 5500-7500, well, it's just not as temping as it should be what w/ the grating sounds.
fundango says:
02:51 PM, 11/19/10
Good looking car, but does anyone else think it'd look much better without the pinstripe? The upward sloping pinstripe just doesn't look right for some reason (prob can remove it easily with a heatgun or blowdryer).
BTW, one of my friends had the same model. Impressive for a 4-door reasonably priced sedan.
altimadude05 says:
03:34 PM, 11/19/10
I can attest to Altima owners loving their cars, because I do! Yes, the interiors have their low points and the (2.5 4cyl) is a bit unrefined at idle. But it goes as quick as I would ever want to, I haven't gone around a corner yet that squeals the tires, and it still looks great.
I bought mine used and it has 90k on it now. No mechanical issues. Can't argue with that.
chirsch3 says:
03:45 PM, 11/19/10
Very nice always liked that car
favorite part the wheels they are just really nice looking
I'd buy one in a minute the altima itself is a great car
revmarc says:
04:35 PM, 11/19/10
I can't for the life of me figure out why Nissan would stop making this car. The SE-R made the Maxima redundant, quite frankly, which is probably the answer. Very nice car.
scott65 says:
04:56 PM, 11/19/10
Very nice car! I love rare sporty editions of regular cars
afty says:
07:11 PM, 11/19/10
Very nice SE-R! I have an '02 Altima 3.5SE manual, and I love it. Sure, it's a little unrefined, and the interior is not the prettiest, but the car is really fun to drive and a bit of a hooligan. Next car will probably be a G35 since you can no longer get a manual in the Altima.
s197gt says:
06:09 AM, 11/20/10
also always liked the altima se-r.
loved the wheels, the manual, and just the right amount of body work.
roadburner says:
02:51 PM, 11/21/10
A very nice example of a rare jewel of a sports coupe.
bodyblue says:
05:31 PM, 11/21/10
"A very nice example of a rare jewel of a sports coupe."
Its a coupe?
jacton says:
06:03 AM, 11/22/10
I really like the SE-Rs alot and this is a super example. The one thing I never understood was the front seats got the contrasting seats while the rear made due with a single color.
litewerk says:
02:02 AM, 11/25/10
As was already mentioned, I, too, have a special appreciation of the rare sport editions of regular cars. (Have previously owned a 1991 Dodge Spirit R/T with the 224 hp, turbo, intercooled, 16V, DOHC 2.2L and 5-speed trans.) Am also a Save the Manuals guy! Great write-up!
jacarig says:
07:01 PM, 11/25/10
Thanks for the compliments guys/gals! This is my baby. And of course I will keep rocking the manual!