1990 Nissan Sentra Review

20 years and getting old

Written by: Dennis Fudge on 08/19/2009

Vehicle

1990 Nissan Sentra 4 Dr XE Sedan

Review

I carpool and cycle whenever I get a chance so the mileage is low (156000 km) in which 85000 km was originally on the vehicle when I purchased it in 1994. But now the car is getting old and the cost for repairs is starting to be almost as much as the vehicle is worth. With two tires needing to be replaced,lower ball joints worn and the gas gauge not working, it is time to upgrade. Plus my children are getting bigger which means a larger vehicle.

Favorite Features

Very low repair cost per year. Sometimes going two years with no cost but for oil changes.

Suggested Improvements

Lower cost, so I can afford a new car.

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$200.00 goes a long way

Written by: james4750 on 08/23/2008

Vehicle

1990 Nissan Sentra 2 Dr STD Sedan

Review

I drive this car everyday to work 25 miles round trip and it has never failed me yet. It has 238,000 miles on it and still runs like new. It does not burn a drop of oil. Other than a new timing chain at 211,000 miles, nothing other than regular maintenance has been done to the motor and still runs like new. Other than 2 clutches I have had no tranny problems. It's 18 years old and I bet it runs another 18 years. I am the car's 2nd owner.

Favorite Features

Good gas mileage, 25 city 30 to 35 highway. Low cost maintenance, easy to drive.

Suggested Improvements

NOTHING!

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My Sentra

Written by: AJ on 06/17/2005

Vehicle

1990 Nissan Sentra 2 Dr XE Coupe

Review

I bought my sentra with 210,000 miles on it in 2005, every thing was original, its past time for it to recieve new shocks, and probably struts, other than that, the regular oil changes from the original owner i boughtit from has saved it from any noise that indicates a worn older engine. this car gets the best gas mileage of any car ive ever owned. it really great for califonia where i live when gas prices are 2.80 a gallon for regular. i dont like the interior so much, its too plain and plasticy, but thats what you get for a 90's car of any kind. i also own an 88 honda accord hatchback, more comfortable +8hp alot faster, and had more options, honda= $1000, a deal, sentra=$1175 all original

Favorite Features

i kinda like the cheap shifter knob

Suggested Improvements

NEEDS indicator if you leave your lights on. Needs tachometor for manuals

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Still going strong

Written by: LAS27563481 on 10/27/2003

Vehicle

1990 Nissan Sentra 2 Dr STD Sedan

Review

I bought this car at 70K miles. It's now up to 300K and getting over 36 MPG on the highway W/O overdrive or cruise. Have replaced clutch once (teaching daughters to drive a stick) and both front axles (boots cracked). Other than timing chain guide replacement, all repairs were to me typical wear items such as brakes, struts at 250K control arm bushings, etc. I have replaced nothing else inside the engine other than oil every 3K miles.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

My kingdom for a cupholder

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GREAT CAR!!

Written by: Horseowner on 02/24/2003

Vehicle

1990 Nissan Sentra 2 Dr XE Coupe

Review

Mine was actually the the '89, but basically the same. Bought with '91K, had 196K on it when slid into the back of a Saturn. Always got 30mpg or better on Calif. gas (33mpg before that), virtually no repairs until 180K miles (timing chain tensioner & alternator went). Fixed accident damage, but bad front suspension - (from the accident?) would be a $500+ repair & the valves & cv joints are threatening to go, so regretfully "retiring" it. Finding it VERY hard to hard to replace, & will be spending a lot more than I paid for this one.

Favorite Features

GREAT gas milege, Excellent handling. Very nimble (though not a whole lot of power). Everyone I've talked to who has had one of these has loved it.

Suggested Improvements

Little plastic bits start breaking around 7-8 years, original paint gets rust under it around the same age. Like many cars the mirrors are a bit inadequate - wide angle "snap-on" rear view mirrors help.

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