1992 Nissan Sentra XE from North America
Summary:
A good car, but I won't be a repeat buyer
Faults:
The engine misses. I've had it tuned up and checked out, and the problem seemed better for a while. But, after having an accident (not in the car) and being sidelined for a while, I had to let it sit a few months, and found the problem has started again.
I've replaced the brakes a couple of times, the clutch, and a fuel pump. The car does have 200K miles on it. But there were also a couple of problems that, after it broke down, turned out to be recalls (silent or otherwise) such as a pump in or near the tank going bad.
The windshield wiper link broke and, in general, the wipers were not very good.
General Comments:
Overall, my feelings about this car, which is my second Nissan, are mixed. I can't complain too much, because I don't know of many cars that get anywhere near the 200K mark before being consigned to the junkyard, but it does seem to have had a number of problems over the years.
It's very roomy, handles fairly well, and is reasonably fun to drive. But, then again, it's been sitting in the driveway for a bit, as I bought an 88 Camry until I could regularly use a clutch again (as an aside, the Camry is reliable but boring).
I suppose the final point is that, I am still not driving the Sentra and am now shopping for a new car. After some consideration, however, my list does not include Nissan. I'm mostly looking at Hondas, now, although the Mazda Protege seems interesting.
Overall, I think this would be a good car for those in school or starting a career, but I don't want a second one.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 12th August, 2001
22nd Oct 2011, 17:34
This is just a follow-up to my previous comments. I still have my Sentra SE as of October 2011. No problems at all. The little engine still runs like a "sewing machine"! Still getting 44 to 48 MPG on the highway. Come January 2012, she'll be 20-years old! Because of the excellent condition of the Sentra inside and out (original paint still looks new), I have had several folks trying to buy it for almost what I originally paid for it in 1992. I could never depart with it. A True Sentra Lover!!!