Anyone know anything about Nissan Sentras?

[exbass94]

Well my sister just moved out a few days ago and bought herself a 1990 Nissan Sentra for $1500. It's got a 12V 4 cyl, a 1.6l I believe, auto tranny, and 84k miles. Anyone know anything about these cars like common problems to look out for and whatnot? I heard this engine actually has a timing chain and not a belt that shouldn't need to be replaced. True? It already needs some repairs, such as brakes, alignment, and a new boot on one of the steering shafts. I'll probably get the radiator flushed too, there was some nasty crap on the inside of the overflow tank. I'll also probably replace thermostat, fuel filter, spark plugs and wires while I'm at it. Am I missing anything?

 

[Ranger44]

Sounds ok. I have alot of good things to say about those nissan cars. Mine was a different model however. I had a 1986 Nissan Maxima with a 3.0 v6 in it. Auto. The car had 126,000 miles on it when I bought it, and I eneded the transmissions life at 236,000 miles, and well the engine still ran and had lots of power for a v-6. I beat out an el-camino with a 305 in it. Shows what a car that is small enough to have a 4cyl in it can do with a 160hp v6. LOL. I wish I knew what I know know and I would have converted it to a 5spd, and still be driving it. You shouldn't have many problems. Just keep it up nad it should run a long time.

 

[Mac]

Any one of them Jap cars have engines made like a watch. If your sister's has less than 200,000 miles should be good with regular oil changes and maintanence.
Dave

 

[projectnitemare]

The sentras do tend to warp and crack exhaust manifolds.

Matt

 

[89REDRANGER]

The motor you have there is the good 'ol G16. 200K my ass! I have a friend that has been through four of these cars over about 8 years. Each one of them ended up with over 400K on them with nothing but fluid changes and brake jobs, and a clutch here or there. They are really tough cars. They make damn fun rally cars on gravel roads. Not a lot of power, so it teaches you how to carry your speed.

Overall, I would bet my truck won't last as long as that little car.

 

[human5]

I had a 91 sentra se-r. It had the 2.0l SR20DE ran perfect! Nissan's do tend to eat tranny's, a lot of their motor's are underrated. On the SE-r's the rack and pinion's were a pretty common problem and the syncroids in 3rd and 5th gears on the manuals. But that car will last forever!

 

[Capt Jay]

I wouldn't buy anything else (new or used). I drive the Nissans ( 300zx and a Titan ) and work on the Fords (93 explorer (built) and 70 bronco ). My 300zx has over 150K and will still do 150mph. I drive the vehicles hard and they just keep running. Oil changes and general up keep and it won't let you down.

That's just my opinion, I could be wrong ( but I'm not )

Jay

 

[Jason]

The older Sentras don't have the manifold problem. That was 2001-2005 models. I was a Nissan Parts/service manager so I still have nightmares about the manifold issue.

 

[widebody]

Actually it is the GA16. I am a huge Nissan enthusiast, I have a RPS13. The Sentra is a really good car, the older ones are still even being assembled in other countries.

 

[Natedog]

They run fine but the interior is CHEAP and falls apart quickly especially if they are not garaged. Not much torque in the motors as already stated. Sounds like you got a good low mileage deal, drive it.

 

[89REDRANGER]

Actually it is the GA16. I am a huge Nissan enthusiast, I have a RPS13. The Sentra is a really good car, the older ones are still even being assembled in other countries.

Yeah, I kinda forgot the A in there. Anywho, the S13 chassis cars are pretty nice. Well balanced, kinda low on power if they have the KA24E single cam, but overall, nice cars. My brother has a single cam 240. Damn fun drift car. Just remember to not slow down.

Anyway, back to Sentras. Yeah I believe the ones made in Mexico are called Tsurus, and I believe the Sunny is still made somewhere. All are the B13 chassis.

As far as trannies go, the only ones that had tranny problems are the SE-Rs. They are still dependable up to 200HP. They were equipped with the good ol Nissan SR20DE, with a turbo option available in Japan which had the SR20DET in it.

I know my Sentras, my girlfriend has one, friends have them, and I'm about to buy another.

 

[Jason]

The newer SE-R sentra's use the 2.5 out of the Altima. Quick little cars.

 

[human5]

Yeah, I kinda forgot the A in there. Anywho, the S13 chassis cars are pretty nice. Well balanced, kinda low on power if they have the KA24E single cam, but overall, nice cars. My brother has a single cam 240. Damn fun drift car. Just remember to not slow down.

Anyway, back to Sentras. Yeah I believe the ones made in Mexico are called Tsurus, and I believe the Sunny is still made somewhere. All are the B13 chassis.

As far as trannies go, the only ones that had tranny problems are the SE-Rs. They are still dependable up to 200HP. They were equipped with the good ol Nissan SR20DE, with a turbo option available in Japan which had the SR20DET in it.

I know my Sentras, my girlfriend has one, friends have them, and I'm about to buy another.

About to get another SE-R too. Looking for a 1st gen and every time I see one I'm broke and it's a shit box covered in rust. I wouldn't mind a 2nd gen Spec-V but I don't like the 4 door idea.

 

[exbass94]

well im glad to hear that they're reliable. I think this car has been neglected a bit but I'm gonna do all the maintenance things i listed earlier. Anyone have anything to add to the list? Also, like I said, there was some naassssty crap all over the inside of the overflow tank. Like green boogery sludge. I couldn't look inside the radiator because the engine was still hot. But when I get the radiator flushed, would that also flush out the overflow tank? If not, what can I do to get rid of that crap?

 

[Sevensecondsuv]

Just don't hit a deer or anything else in one of those little tin can cars (domestic or import). My mom recently hit a cow (yes I said a "cow"). She would be dead right now if it wasn't for the '99 Mercury Grand Marquis she was driving. The 1200 lb cow rolled right over the wind sheild and roof. The car's full steel frame held it's shape and she walked away unscathed. Anything less and she probably would have been decapitated along with the car. (And that's from the Police Officer who wrote the accident report). I've learned my lesson about never driving in a tin can unibody gas saver. It's just not worth the risk to me.