1997 Nissan Sentra GXE 1.6

Summary:

It takes a licking and keeps on ticking

Faults:

Car was in a front-end collision at 71K miles. It was not a straight-on hit, so most of the damage was on the front passenger side corner. Radiator, A/C condenser, headlight and other cosmetic parts were replaced.

Brakes were replaced around 110K miles.

Alternator died around 135K miles.

An A/C line started leaking around 140K miles. I have not had this repaired.

Starter died around 150K miles.

Muffler, front and rear pipes were replaced around 160K miles.

Oil began to get into the distributor, requiring replacement of most ignition components at 173K miles.

A couple of power window switches have broken. I had one replaced shortly after I bought the car, but another is still broken. I can still control all windows from the driver's door, so I haven't bothered fixing it.

General Comments:

A number of components have needed replacement within the last year, but despite all of the problems mentioned above, the car still runs beautifully. Some exterior wear and tear is really the only difference between now and when I bought it, nearly four years and 115K miles ago. I have driven the hell out of this thing and it just keeps going. I intend to keep it until the engine or transmission fails.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 3rd January, 2006

1997 Nissan Sentra GA16DE 1.6L

Summary:

A good, reliable car at the least.

Faults:

I have had the car for a month or so. I have had no problems so far.

General Comments:

This is a great car. While some might consider the styling of the car plain I find it in good taste. The interior is very comfortable and roomy for a small sized sedan.

I bought the car from a small dealership for a very good price. I don't know who the previous owner before was, but they took very good car of the car. Only 50,000 miles in 8 years. I had a Nissan dealership inspect it when I had oil change and no problems from what they could tell.

I am a pizza delivery boy and travel to school 25 miles both ways and the car has been nothing, but great to me in the time that I've had it. Great gas mileage, performance (for a compact car), and reliability are all standard on this car if taken care of right.

One of the best things about this car is how neatly organized the engine compartment is. Everything is very accessible and it looks clean.

The car was only $4,800 with 49,900 miles on it. And if you are fortunate enough to come across a car like this I suggest you buy it or at the very least strongly consider it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th October, 2005

11th Jul 2006, 15:26

You haven't driven the car enough yet. Give it another 500 deliveries, and you'll wish the car had proper wheel support.

1997 Nissan Sentra GXE 1.6 gasoline

Summary:

Great car, if you can find one, buy it

Faults:

The alternator went out right after I installed a sub woofer and amplifier, and the drive axles were starting to show wear right at 100,000 miles so I replaced them.

General Comments:

The car travels really well, great car for a teenager. I bought it when I was 18, and I still own it. Its not the quickest car in town, but it can outrun a V6 mustang. When I bought it we were in the process of moving, so in the first year of owning it I put 20,000 miles on it in 6 months, and it didn't give me any problems.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th June, 2005

14th Jun 2006, 15:21

To the commenter who put Potenzas on his car and did a bunch of other things to his car:

I would try out Yokohama Avid H4, TRZ or Touring tires to quiet down the ride and make it track straight. Try Chevron fuel system cleaner next time. I've used Gumout too and it is definitely different from Chevron and other cleaners. Bosch +4's aren't for a N/A 1.6 litre. If you don't like changing your plugs every year or two, try out iridium plugs. Denso and NGK are good brands. I have the less expensive NGK iridiums in my Maxima. Made the engine run smoother. Otherwise, stick with the good old copper plugs.

26th Mar 2008, 22:31

Sold for a grand, bought a '91 integra with 29k original miles instead.

- hoglahoo.