2002 Nissan Sentra SE-R 2.5L QR25
Summary:
Decent car. Will never buy a brand new car ever again though!
Faults:
- Crank position sensor
- Throttle positions sensor/actuator
- Transmission grinds from 2nd to 3rd
- Intermittent stalling/power loss
- Mass airflow sensor
- Pre-cat replaced
- New/refurbished motor (piston misfired)
- Limp mode
- Computer
General Comments:
Well like everyone else who has posted here, my issue's have been the same with this car. It's now 8 years old, and once I decide to buy something new, I will keep this as a winter beater.
I've had all the above list replaced at least once for sure.
Engine changed at 117,000km/72,700 miles, after hearing a rattle in my exhaust, which happened to be the honey comb pre/catalytic filter in my exhaust pipe. After asking Nissan to replace under warranty just the pre/cat, they didn't and charged me $150cdn for diagnostic. The next day after work, my car jerked on me and I saw black smoke coming from tail pipe, and a flashing service engine soon light. It turns out one of my pistons was now misfiring not even 24hrs after they told me my car was fine. So they replaced motor and cat under warranty.
Starting issues, having to crank 2 or 3 times to start the car. I find if you turn the key to the on position and wait for the 4 beeps to finish, the car tends to start first crank almost every time.
Been to Nissan countless times for this car. Got almost everything replaced under warranty.
The only thing I replaced out of warranty was throttle position sensor after having "limp mode" issues; the car just died on me. That didn't fix the problem, so I changed the computer, and problem fixed.
I change my oil every 4000km/2500 miles; never had low oil issues ever. And I only use premium gasoline (91 grade or better) as lower grades tend to create issues and slower throttle response.
I am now at 185,000km/115,000 miles, and the car's been running great other than regular maintenance, and wear and tear.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 26th July, 2010