2002 Nissan Sentra SER SPec V 2.5

Summary:

I will never buy another Nissan

Faults:

My Head Gasket went out at 85,000 miles. Originally the dealer when I lived in Atlanta told me I needed a new engine. The dealer in Chicago, where I now live, told me that I needed head gaskets. Because I was told I needed a new engine the car sat up for a year (all of 2006) while I saved money.

General Comments:

The car is fantastic as far as performance goes. But the engine is crap and Nissan knows it, because they put the same engine into their 2006 Altimas and now they've called them all back and if you go to any Nissan dealer, they have this engine sitting in their storage rooms, because they need to be replaced.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 21st January, 2007

2002 Nissan Sentra GXE 1.8 Liter

Summary:

Recommended

Faults:

Nothing, except the emission control, for the gas tank. $335 to repair.

General Comments:

A great small car, for the average couple, back seat is a little crowded, but for $14,400.00 loaded, with most amenities that we were looking for, with today's prices, the Nissan Sentra is a bargain.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th January, 2007

2002 Nissan Sentra gxe 1.8

Summary:

Not recommended

Faults:

Mass air flow had to be changed at 70 000km. The car stopped completely in the middle of the traffic. At idling speed, motor keep changing rev between 400 and 1200 rpm. Cost 639$

Front disks changed at 80 000km. They were torn and too rusty.

Mass air flow again at 90 000km. Another 639$.

Some lights on the dashboard burned out.

General Comments:

This car is noisy.

The fuel economy is poor for a car with such a small engine. I'm having trouble getting over 400km with 40 liters during the winter.

Good point, insurance cost is low.

I thought sentra was a reliable car, maybe it was before they were built in mexico.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 20th December, 2006

2002 Nissan Sentra GXE 1.8

Summary:

It's not a Buick, but does the job!

Faults:

Nothing really serious, just a few annoying things.

>Paint is very thin along the bottom insides of the doors (starting to rust)

>Clear coat is coming off the side mirrors.

>Fuel cap retainer came off.

>CD/Radio display light only works when it feels like it.

>Muffler hanger broke (Just needed welding)

>Put some washers on heat shield for cat. converter to keep it from rattling. (Sounded like it was coming from behind the dashboard)

General Comments:

>Not a bad car for the money.

>well equipped with PW, PT.Cruise, tilt, etc..

>Seats are a little hard on the butt on long trips.

>Car is quiet, handles well and cruises good on hi-way, Power is on par for an economy car.

>Average about 40 MPG/IMP Gal.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th September, 2006

6th Feb 2010, 23:05

I am the original poster for this review and wanted to update. This car has given me no additional problems in the last 3-1/2 years or so. Front brakes were redone last summer $300 and that's it, other than oil changes. car now has 157,000 K on it and is still working fine. Even started up no problem on a morning here recently when it was -40. Check engine light has came on last week and is still on, but the car seems to be running fine. Plan to buy a cheap code reader and check the code myself before I take it to a garage or dealer as they, more often than not, try to bend you over a barrel and take your wallet.

8th Apr 2013, 21:48

I am the original poster of this car... she's still going strong. Only problem since the last post was a broken coil spring on the passenger front. Put in new struts when I changed the springs ($400 at Canadian Tire for both... installed myself).

The engine light problem I was having last post turned out to be only a low coolant level (bought myself a code reader).

I've had this car for over 7 years now, and it now has 214,000 km on it. The body has no rust, but the paint is starting to show its age.

I plan to keep this car for a few more years yet.

12th Sep 2014, 18:22

I am the original poster. I finally sent the old Nissan packing, even though it was pretty much trouble free in the 8 1/2 years I've owned it. It started giving me grief since the last post.

Head gasket got a pinhole in it, harmonic balancer went. Brakes were going to have to be replaced soon, so I sold it for parts before it became a money pit.

It had 243,000km (approx 150,000 miles) on it. I was hoping I would get 300,000 km, but oh well, time for a new one...