Sell your 1998 Nissan Altima for cash
The 1998 Nissan Altima is a compact car that came with a 2.4L 4-cyl engine. At 28 years old, many are reaching the point where repairs cost more than the car is worth. Running or not, we'll make you an offer and tow it away for free.
- Free offer for your 1998 Altima in about 30 seconds
- Free towing, running or not
- Paid at pickup
1998 Nissan Altima at a glance
| Body style | Compact Cars |
|---|---|
| Engines | 2.4L 4-cyl |
| Transmissions | Automatic 4-spd, Manual 5-spd |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
| Fuel economy | 20–21 city / 28 highway / 23–24 combined MPG |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $2,800–$2,900 a year (EPA estimate at current fuel prices, 15,000 miles) |
| Tailpipe CO₂ | 370–386 grams per mile |
| Versions tested by EPA | 2 configurations |
| Age | 28 years |
Specs, fuel cost and emissions from the EPA's fueleconomy.gov data. Your car's exact equipment may differ.
What affects its junk value
- Age: at 28 years old, most of a 1998 Altima's value comes from reusable parts and scrap metal, not resale.
- Weight: as a compact car, it weighs less than a truck or SUV, so its value leans more on parts than on scrap weight. See how scrap prices by weight work.
- Catalytic converter: like all gas and diesel cars, it has a catalytic converter containing precious metals, one of the most valuable parts on a junk car. An offer assumes it's still in place. More on catalytic converters.
- Known problems: owners reported the most issues with the air bags, typically around 146,000 miles. If that's what failed on yours, it can still be sold as-is.
1998 Nissan Altima recalls
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1998 Nissan Altima. You can confirm with your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Common 1998 Altima problems
Owners have filed 123 complaints about the 1998 Nissan Altima with NHTSA. 17 reports involved a crash and 2 reports involved a fire. Owners reported 9 injuries.
Complaints are reports from owners and aren't verified by NHTSA. One complaint can list several components. Mileage is the median odometer reading owners reported for that component.
Most-reported components
Typical mileage when problems were reported
- Air Bags146,000 mi
- Tires187,000 mi
- Air Bags70,000 mi
- Electrical System70,000 mi
- Fuel System, Gasoline57,000 mi
1998 Nissan Altima service bulletins
Manufacturers have filed 63 technical service bulletins and communications with NHTSA covering the 1998 Nissan Altima. These are repair instructions for known issues, not recalls.
Most common bulletin topics
Recent bulletins
DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous version
12 VOLT BATTERY TESTING FOR IN-SERVICE VEHICLES SERVICE INFORMATION The following Service Information lists NNA procedural recommendations for establishing good connectio
SILICONE-BASED LUBRICANT OR GREASE CAN DAMAGE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS SERVICE INFORMATION Do not apply Silicone-based lubricants or grease to, or around, any interior elect
VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions o
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).
Selling a 1998 Altima: questions
How much is a 1998 Nissan Altima worth for junk?
It depends on its condition, whether major parts like the engine, transmission and catalytic converter are still there, and current scrap and parts prices where you live. Its parts make up much of its value. Enter your ZIP code above for a free offer on your specific car.
Can I junk a 1998 Altima that doesn't run?
Yes. We buy 1998 Altimas that don't start, were in an accident, failed inspection or have a blown engine or transmission. Towing is always free.
What paperwork do I need to sell my 1998 Altima?
Usually the title and a photo ID. Rules differ by state, including what to do with your plates and whether to file a notice of sale. Check our state-by-state car title guides for the official forms.
Before you sell
Sources
- EPA fuel economy data (specs and MPG)fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA recallsnhtsa.gov
- NHTSA complaints, service bulletins and investigationsnhtsa.gov
Data retrieved October 2026.
Get cash for your 1998 Altima today
Get a free offer in minutes. Towing is always free and you get paid at pickup.