Faults:

Gas tank started leaking at about 140000 miles, this was because the previous owner had stored it with only 2/3 of a tank for a few months. Only cost me $200 to fix at my local garage (Tank: $150 new, Labor: $50)

Suspension linkage bolt is loose. Had the mechanic look at it and told me not to worry, that I could run the car that way until it died.

Stereo is spotty, it works when it feels like it (it's the original stereo from 1993). I remedied this with an mp3 player and FM transmitter.

Trunk leaks. I have yet to find out where but it's not at the top of my to-do list as it really doesn't affect the car in any way.

...trying to think of more but I can't, this little thing's a tank :)

General Comments:

Bottom line, this car is fantastic. I recently graduated from college and needed something to get around, luckily my grandfather found this little gem hiding in the Bronx... FOR FREE! That being said, for the price of the car it's nearly impossible to say anything bad about it.

I get at least 27MPG, even in the cold of upstate New York.

Insurance is dirt cheap, costs me about $30 per month.

Handles like a champ in the snow, drive it responsibly and you WILL NOT go off the road.

Highway speeds are no problem. Shortly after I received the car, my girlfriend and I drove down to Florida (3000 mile round trip), and the only problem we encountered was the left front wheel going bad because I was a dunce and hadn't gotten it replaced when I knew it needed to be. The rest of the trip was without incident, 70-80MPH the entire way, no problem.

It's certainly not a fast car, nor does it handle like a sports car, but neither of these things matter to me as I have a motorcycle for my speed needs.

If you need cheap, reliable transportation that will get you from A to B with simple oil changes and basic TLC, this is the car for you. It's not flashy, the paint isn't shiny, and you won't get 16 year old kids giving you compliments, but then again, it also won't force you to take out a personal loan just to pay for it. So depending on what matters to you, the car may or may not be what you're looking for.

Faults:

I have replaced the alternator, brakes, tie rods, battery, and exhaust system.

This car sat for years from the previous owner, so has considerable rust damage, that is why things needed to be replaced.

General Comments:

I get great gas mileage, paid 500.00 for the car and will only buy Nissan in the future. American cars are too far behind in QUALITY, which is most important.

Faults:

Tune up + oil change when I bought it.

Check ball in fuel pump has been bad since I bought it. Runs fine once its started.

Front brakes and rotors at 117000.

Exhaust rusted through at 120000.

Starter at 122000.

Rear brakes and drums at 125000.

Needs a thermostat - haven't gotten around to it yet.

General Comments:

I love these cars. This is my second one. They run forever, get decent gas mileage, handle alright, and have enough power to be fun (just don't go challenging anyone to a race).

The only problem I have with Sentras is their affinity for rusting out. Both of mine have rusted in the same manner, at the same speed. If I lived in a warmer climate, this car would easily see 300k miles, even with the way I drive it. I beat the hell out of this car and it just begs for more. No funny noises, a quiet idle, decent mileage, etc. Just a little puff of smoke when it starts and off I go.