2004 Nissan Sentra Consumer Discussions

Low End Sedans (under $16k)

• Re: I still think like it's the 80'2 and 90's [joeyrab]

  Written by: backy on May 22, 2011 12:03:31 PM

  Since you provided your personal experience, I'll provide mine: 2001 Elantra GLS, purchased new in October 2000, sold to my sister five years ago. Still going strong, about 80k miles, no major work except regular maintenance and a clutch replacement after my wife and son worked together to destroy it six years ago. 2004 Elantra GT, purchased new in March 2004, 61k miles, still drives like new (60k service increased the ... Read More

Nissan Sentra 2006 and earlier

• Re: where can I get 2004 maint guide. just purchased 04. [alpine951]

  Written by: kirstie_h on Feb 22, 2011 7:00:03 AM

  Maintenance and recalls are completely different. There's no easy way to tell if all of the maintenance has been done on schedule, unless you're lucky enough to have purchased a vehicle that had all service done at at dealership. Here's a link to the owner manual for your vehicle: http://www.courtesyparts.com/pdf/2004-Nissan-Sentra.pdf There should be a maintenance schedule there. As for recall work, take it to a dealership. Since all recall work is ... Read More

• Re: 2004 Nissan Sentra - Car shaking at 65mph [scholly]

  Written by: alexroma1 on Dec 23, 2010 8:26:15 PM

  I once had tire cracked, which was hard to notice; it made my car shake at higher speeds. Check your tires. Also unevenly worn tires recently made my car shake even at small speeds. Changed tires - no more shaking.

• 2004 Nissan Sentra - Car shaking at 65mph

  Written by: scholly on Dec 16, 2010 6:12:14 AM

  Hello, My 2004 Nissan Sentra 1.8s shakes while driving 65mph, I have taken it to the mechanic who can't seem to find anything wrong with it. I have inspection coming up in February, should i be worried? Anyone else have this problem and what was your solution to it. Thanks

Nissan Sentra Prices Paid and Buying Experience

• Paid $14,000 OTD for new 08Sentra 2.0S, in detroit

  Written by: sanjig1 on Feb 3, 2009 7:59:19 PM

  Just bought a 2008 Nissan Sentra 2.0s. Paid cash, OTD $14000 ( including tax title etc). The Dealer is Tamaroff in Southfield, in the metro detroit area. From my this and past experience, this particular dealer gives a very reasonable initial quotes, so there is not much haggling involved. Tamaroff gave me an initial price quote of $15.3K. OTD Another dealer, (Dick Scott) gave me an initial quote of $16.8K for ... Read More

Nissan Sentra 2010

• Just grabbed a 2010 2.0 S

  Written by: backy on Apr 10, 2010 1:47:30 PM

  I just drove home in my new 2.0 S, silver. I agree that it's surprising the car doesn't get much attention. I think it's an excellent value for the money, especially the SR which is about the same price as a comparably-equipped Elantra. Like the Elantra, the Sentra has mid-sized interior room in a compact package. I was impressed with the smooth and quiet ride of the car, and also the ... Read More

Nissan Sentra Starting and Stalling Problems

• Re: Nissan Sentra Starting and Stalling Problems [pat]

  Written by: charlene5 on Apr 28, 2009 12:47:24 PM

  I have a 2004 1.8s sentra and it has had cranking problems for over a year. Recently, it stalled twice after starting with the long crank. It doesn't have a problem first thing in the a.m., but when it does occur it is during the day, and it doesn't always happen. I had the spark plugs changed and the mechanic cleaned out something. I called nissan service and their mechanic told ... Read More

Nissan Sentra Prices Paid and Buying Experience

• 2008 Nissan sentra and trade-in

  Written by: falicity98 on May 29, 2008 8:00:32 AM

  I'm in negotiations with a dealer to buy a 2008 Nissan Sentra 2.0S with floor mats, body-side molding for $14843.00 OTD. That includes a trade-in of a 2004 Suzuki Forenza with 54,000 miles. The Suzuki is in good running condition and the body is good except for a dent in front quarter panel.It also has an alarm system, tinted windows, new tires. I owe 2600 on it. The dealer says he's ... Read More

Nissan Sentra SE-R & SE-R Spec V

• Question on visibility for Nissan Sentra owners

  Written by: nbye on Sep 13, 2007 11:57:22 AM

  OK, Sentra owners, I need your input! I am looking at buying the Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V to replace my current car, a 2004 Toyota Celica GT-S. The main reasons I'm getting rid of the Celica are the poor visibility and the lowness to the ground (I discovered that the sports car style doesn't always work for short people). I have a lot of trouble maneuvering it through tight spaces, ... Read More

Nissan Sentra 2006 and earlier

• Re: 2004 Sentra CD Player problems!!!! [mikee25478]

  Written by: thitinun on Jun 2, 2007 10:07:09 AM

  Dear sir, I wonder if not too much trouble, I would like to know the instruction how to remove the radio from the Nissan sentra 2004. I have the same problem. Thank you in advance for you kindness. thitinun

Nissan Sentra Noises

• Re: godot4 [hawaii007]

  Written by: godot4 on Oct 10, 2006 6:22:19 PM

  hawaii007, don't necessarily give up on the power steering idea. After you mentioned it in your recent post I did some research and came across a Nissan Technical Service Bulletin for the 2003-2004 Sentra (TSB #NTB03096) that states: "An applied vehicle has a "HISS" noise from behind the dashboard after the vehicle has been driven for about 15-20 minutes." Furthermore, it tells the technician to listen for the noise while running ... Read More

Mazda3 vs Nissan Sentra

• Please help me convince my brother to buy a 2004 Mazda 3

  Written by: radical_dreame on Sep 5, 2006 1:17:59 AM

  Please help me convince my brother to buy a 2004 Mazda 3 over a 2002 Nissan Sentra. Please! My family is currently car shopping and for some weird reason my brother to get a nissan sentra. Ugggg. Ewwwww. Anyways, the one he found is 2002 Nissan Sentra with 40K miles for $9,000. I found a 2002 Mazda 3 S, with 20k miles for 15,000. Please what do i need to do ... Read More

Nissan Sentra 2007

• Old and New

  Written by: stshepard on Jul 3, 2006 12:05:59 PM

  I currently own a 2004 SER Spec V, it's a great runnin' little car, it's peppy, although not out right fast, but it has dusted a few Civic's and Mazda 3's (didn't make the guy in the 3 very happy either - I guess he didn't see the SER Spec V badge!!!) I have about 70,000 miles on the car and I still love it, infact I like it more now ... Read More

Nissan Sentra 2006 and earlier

• Re: 2002 Sentra Computer (ECU) replacement [gense]

  Written by: imdoot on Apr 3, 2006 11:02:31 AM

  I also was NOT informed of this recall--I only found out about it when I took my car in 2 weeks ago for other problems (see my post regarding the mass air flow sensor that preceeds your post). I was just furious, because it turns out this recall went out in March of 2004! so we've been driving around for 2 years without knowing, causing god only knows what kind of ... Read More

• sentra

  Written by: serspecv1 on Oct 12, 2005 8:33:55 PM

  I bough a 1991 nissan sentra xe in 1996 and sold it in 2005 and also had a 1994 sentra and the 1991 sentra gave me so much, the car ran grean during my ownership with it. sentras are great cars, now i have a 2003 sentra ser spec v and it flies like a rocket. I hope nissan never discontinues this model, it is awesome, also my girlfriend drives a ... Read More

• Re: Nissan Sentra oil stick or dipstick problem [hambi]

  Written by: mrdipstick on Jul 23, 2005 8:31:28 AM

  A Nissan service bulleting says that it can often be removed by using a shopvac to suck it out of the tube. http://www.infinitihelp.com/Ownership/Bulletins/Nissan/2004/NTB04-140.htm That brought it closer for me, but it did not get it out. I used an unsharpened pencil with a drop of superglue on the end to bring the dipstick up as high as it would go (pulled it hard and fast). It stopped and the pencil broke ... Read More

Nissan Sentra Prices Paid and Buying Experience

• New 2005 Nissan Sentra 1.8 S

  Written by: spotdelivery on Jan 7, 2005 3:42:07 AM

  Just buoght a new 2005 Nissan Sentra 1.8 S yesterday. Did pretty good. $11,888 plus tags, tax, etc. We shopped at Nissan of Tracy in Central California. They were completely awesome, helpful, and honest, which about floored me. Quick backround....   Went in October to Heritage Ford in Modesto. Wanted a 2003 Ford Taurus SE. Nice car, wanted Thirteen something for it. Dad talked them down to 11,500. He was cosigner ... Read More

Nissan Sentra 2006 and earlier

• Re: 2005 Sentra [ottomatic]

  Written by: pfinnell on Nov 11, 2004 4:38:12 PM

  Otto, I like my 2004 Sentra, for the most part. Bought it in February 2004 and as of Nov. 10, I have 26K on it. It is in the shop right now, bad right front suspension, trunk lock assembly and poor gas mileage. I track all my miles and average 29mpg with a 1.8L where the EPA sticker says it should be 35mpg - never got it. With 26K in 8 ... Read More

• Re: Trouble with 2004 Nissan Starting..HELP [pageripper]

  Written by: nismotuned3 on Oct 25, 2004 5:27:02 PM

  Since it's under warranty, that's good. Try another Nissan dealership nearby, maybe another dealer may find the problem. Maybe if you own a "1.8S or 1.8" you shouldn't really rev it up, those 2 models aren't exactly made for performance/racing. I own a '02 Sentra SE-R Spec-V and rev up to 6500 RPMs all the time, but I don't get the "chug-chug" problem like you. Well, hope Nissan finds the problem. ... Read More

• Trouble with 2004 Nissan Starting..HELP

  Written by: pageripper on Oct 19, 2004 11:04:18 AM

  I recently purchase a used 2004 Nissan Sentra, still under warranty. Now, when i drove it home, everything was great. But as notice, when i would drive it hard, or would greater need for acceleration, ex:like passing car's or merging. After i would arrive at my destination and let the car sit, then go back out to the car and try to start it, it would try to start, chug and ... Read More

• 2005 Sentra

  Written by: ottomatic on Sep 18, 2004 8:10:18 AM

  I just went to Nissan's website and noticed they have info. about the new 2005 Sentra, but I didn't take the time to read it all. I did take their virtual reality, 360-degree tour of the interior-exterior of the 2005 model, but didn't notice any differences from the 2004. Anyone know how long the 2005 Sentra has been out, available? And what are the more important design, specs. changes from the ... Read More

• A/C noise

  Written by: ottomatic on Aug 2, 2004 2:02:44 PM

  Because it's summertime, I started using the air conditioning on the 2004 Nissan Sentra 1.8S more regularly. I noticed the A/C makes a sort of wet "gurgling" sound when it's in use and shortly after; this may be a silly question, but is that normal? (The only reason I mentioned it or ask was I don't remember such a noise on the previous car I drove.)

• "window discoloration"

  Written by: ottomatic on Jun 22, 2004 2:41:51 AM

  While driving around in a 2004 Nissan Sentra 1.8S recently, on a sunny day, I noticed something disturbing. Because the sun was out, I was wearing clip-on sunglasses over my prescription eyeglasses, and I had the windows up and the A/C on. When I happen to look at the driver's side and passenger-side car windows, there appeared to be some uneven, patchy discoloration -- a dark, brownish film with nickel-sized gaps. ... Read More

Nissan Sentra Prices Paid and Buying Experience

• bought

  Written by: lalloyadav on Jun 20, 2004 4:41:12 AM

  Bought Nissan sentra 1.8S Auto 2004 for 12,400 drive out. Extras were carpet mets and splash Guard. The price includes 5% sales tax. Was it a good price??

Nissan Sentra 2006 and earlier

• Re: Ottomatic [sandman46 #1616]

  Written by: ottomatic on Apr 13, 2004 2:20:32 PM

  I contacted my local Nissan dealership's automotive service department, about whether the 2004 Nissan Sentra 1.8 S sedan had the "Nissan Vehicle Immobilization System," or NVIS, that some of their car models supposedly do. I was told by the service advisor that the 2004 Nissan Sentra 1.8 S does not have NVIS. I also asked about the protruding stereo antenna, whether it should be removed from the hood with a wrench ... Read More

• instrument cluster and keys

  Written by: ottomatic on Apr 11, 2004 9:12:47 PM

  * The only key hole on the 2004 Nissan Sentra 1.8 S sedan is on the driver's side; is this a recent development on newer makes and models of today's cars? (I find it inconvenient at times to have to unlock the driver's door to reach the glove box from the outside, unless I use the remote control key fob and unlock all the doors with it.) * Is there an ... Read More

• NVIS auto-theft security & stereo antenna on 2004 Sentra 1.8 S

  Written by: ottomatic on Apr 10, 2004 10:45:53 AM

  I have a couple of questions about the 2004 Nissan Sentra 1.8 S sedan that maybe someone can answer definitively for me: * Do you know if the 2004 Sentra 1.8 S comes equipped, standard, with Nissan's Vehicle Immobilization System, or NVIS? (NVIS, as I understand, uses a computer chip embedded in the car keys, like a miniature radio transmitter, that allows only the proper owner to operate the car and ... Read More

• 2004 Sentra 1.8 S Pricing

  Written by: cargeekish on May 9, 2004 7:59:25 AM

  Hey, I walked into the Nissan Dealership yesterday and was looking for a cheap car with basic safety features. The salesman showed me the 1.8 S version of the Sentra. It DOES NOT have ABS, Side Airbags or anything like that. It does have keyless entry, cd, air, etc. The MSRP of that was about 15,200 or so but with a 2500 rebate they were asking for about 12,700. On top ... Read More

• No problems

  Written by: skyler on Apr 8, 2004 7:09:11 AM

  My boyfriend bought a Sentra LE in '94 and has kept it this whole time (he'll be buying a 2004 in a few months). He's never had to have any major work done on it and hasn't really had any problems. I just bought my first car, a 2004 Sentra 1.8S and I couldn't be happier. After driving that old '94 around and then a series of my parents crappy rustbuckets ... Read More

• Re: to #1611 [skyler #1612]

  Written by: ottomatic on Apr 8, 2004 9:22:37 PM

  Has anyone actually test driven and/or compared the Mazda 3 (automatic transmission) sedan to the Nissan Sentra 1.8 S sedan? As others have mentioned, the Mazda 3 seems like a comparable car to the Sentra, like the Honda Civic for example. But Edmunds did not have a "True Cost to Own" figure yet for the relatively new Mazda make-model to compare against Nissan's compact sedan, so I was reluctant to seriously ... Read More

• Mass Air Flow Sensor 2000 Nissan Sentra GXE

  Written by: nmferri on Mar 2, 2004 11:13:47 AM

  I have had my check engine light on since 2002 and have had several recalls performed on my car claiming to fix the problem. However, the light always comes back on and now that my warranty is up they come back to me with the Mass Air Flow Sensor that has to be replaced for $570 with labor. Long story short, I tried working with the dealership, Poughkeepsie Nissan, and Nissan ... Read More

• 100k/5yr warranty is now 999.00

  Written by: sanjig1 on Feb 19, 2004 6:22:46 AM

  Probably today I'll buy the new 2004 red sentra 1.8S with road trip package and maybe the extended warranty.. Anyone please let me know if they have paid a lower price than this: Car price, out the door(including tax title doc dest plate etcetc): 12.7K Nissan Warranty 100k/5yr: 1.0K thanks,.... Sandeep

• I disagree

  Written by: alpha01 on Feb 18, 2004 10:01:16 AM

  tomcat630- "Well, if the new one is coming in spring 2005 it will have to be called a 2005.5 or 2006." Perhaps thats the case, but I dont think its necessarily so. The current Sentra was introduced in February 2000 as a 2000 MY model, not a 2000.5, or a 2001. Indeed, Nissan just released pricing and model year designations for the 2004 Infiniti M45 and Q45 at the end of ... Read More

• no title

  Written by: tomcat630 on Feb 18, 2004 12:12:41 AM

  "The current Sentra was intro-ed in Spring 2000 as a 2000 model, so according to typical Nissan design cycles (5 MYs), the 2004 should be the last, or damned close, and hence, my assumptions above." Well, if the new one is coming in spring 2005 it will have to be called a 2005.5 or 2006. They can't stretch the 2004 MY into 2005. Also, they need Sentra's MPG/CAFE credits for the ... Read More

• jeff186

  Written by: alpha01 on Feb 14, 2004 11:06:49 AM

  If it does continue into the 2005 model year, it will likely be a short run, with the new model bowing for the 2006 MY in early calendar 2005(think March/April). The current Sentra was intro-ed in Spring 2000 as a 2000 model, so according to typical Nissan design cycles (5 MYs), the 2004 should be the last, or damned close, and hence, my assumptions above. Hope this helps. ~alpha If you ... Read More

• 2004 Sentra 1.8s cruise control

  Written by: 98pontiac on Jan 21, 2004 5:25:55 AM

  Thanks to all who responded. It's an automatic, and the dealer doesn't install aftermarket. My nephew (a mechanic) says he doesn't know of aftermarket cruise for drive-by-wire, because with drive-by-wire, there is no throttle cable to make conventional cruise work.      I find it unbelievable a major car manufacturer would make a car without cruise that cruise can't be added to! I thought it odd the car had all other options, but ... Read More

• RE: 2004 Sentra mileage

  Written by: regorette on Jan 20, 2004 10:32:35 AM

  You all having given me some great info. I just want to say thanks for the time you all spend helping out others with all types of questions. I really like the Nissan Sentra 2004, just very unhappy with the MPG. We have had the 2000 Altima, 2001 Frontier, 2002 Xterra and the 2004 Sentra is the only one I have had any issues with.

• 2004 Nissan Sentra Mileage

  Written by: regorette on Jan 16, 2004 2:32:07 PM

  I have had my Nissan Sentra 1.8s for about a month, the MPG should be 28/35 (city/highway). So far I am only getting 24 to 25 MPG. Is anyone also having this problem? 90% of my driving is to and from work, all highway. Anyone have any ideas?

• 2004 Sentra 1.8s cruise control

  Written by: 98pontiac on Jan 12, 2004 7:27:29 PM

  Hi Steven, Just bought my daughter a 2004 sentra 1.8s with 10,000 miles on it. Called today to get cruise put on it, Nissan says they don't do aftermarket, referred us to other shops. Both shops say you CAN'T put cruise on a 2004 1.8s -- something about "drive by wire" -- one shop said they tried it, finally had to take it off, it didn't work. I'll be interested in ... Read More

• Got a New Nissan Sentra 1.8s - First Post here.

  Written by: mr_digby1 on Jan 8, 2004 3:37:33 PM

  Ok....you have all been good at convincing me to get a Nissa Sentra....not too many nightmares on this board about this particular model...I was about to buy a used GXE but instead I paid 700 more and got the 2004 model brand new....buying a new vehicle is normally against my religion but I could not resist because of the price. I paid 14k for it.(out the door price). I'll hang out ... Read More

A good first car

• First car here, too

  Written by: rainbowfarm on Aug 5, 2003 9:47:35 PM

  We are considering a Sentra 1.8S for a first car, too. It would be a 2004, maybe an '03, if they throw an excellent deal at us. We eliminated Hyundai (maybe it is true that they are no longer POS, but... recent APA mystery shopper report is pretty bad). There are more unadvertised costs tacked onto a Hyundai, according to the report (apa.ca), than any other of the cars they mystery-shopped. ... Read More

Nissan Sentra 2006 and earlier

• Redesign and A Canadian Pricing Question

  Written by: miamicrv1 on Jul 8, 2003 6:10:44 PM

  I read that that the Sentra redesign is scheduled for the 2006 model since both Nissan and Renault are sharing key components for their respective models. If the Sentra turns out looking anything like what's in Renaults line up...I think we'd all be very happy. I'm looking at buying a gift for my father-in-law. A 2004 Sentra 1.8 with automatic. Total MSRP is $16,598CAN and $17,466CAN with destination and delivery. Any ... Read More

• no title

  Written by: tomcat630 on Jun 26, 2003 6:49:06 PM

  If Nissan does do an all new 2005 Sentra, I'd expect it to be late in the fall of 2004, like the Mazda 6's intro date. Some recent Asian cars that went over the "5 year cycle". The pre RSX Integra and the 1994-1999 Celica. Some were called a "new generation" because of reskins, like the 2002 Maxima, the 98 Corolla, and the 1998 Mazda 626

• tomcat

  Written by: alpha01 on Jun 24, 2003 9:56:53 AM

  You say there is no word on the redesigned Sentra yet, but this is common among the Japanese automakers (though admittedly, less so for Nissan). When both the Camry and Accord received their most recent redesigns, the automakers were mum on details and spy shots showed up only a few months prior to initial release. You may argue that there is no word on a redesigned 2005 Sentra, but there is ... Read More

• 2004 Nissan Sentra

  Written by: carman54 on May 6, 2003 6:19:33 PM

  I hear the new 2004 will hit May 15..The pricing will be similar to 2003. They are freshening it up a a bit...new colors, new model names..1.8, 1.8S, 2.5S.. some new features..I will wait. I was going to buy 2003 2.5 LE. I suppose I should wait, but the 2003 has a $1500 rebate. I doubt if 2004 will and probably not at invoice either.

• a Nissan brochure

  Written by: alpha01 on May 6, 2003 10:43:07 AM

  I dont know if these were intended for release yet- I got it from a box at the NY Int't Auto Show. The brochure is not marked either 2003 or 2004, but the ONLY Maxima shown, in a 4 page spread, is 2004 MY. Both the Armada and 2004 Quest are both shown in the back, though no information is provided. I can copy the pages of the Sentra and fax ... Read More

Low End Sedans (under $16k)

• To protegextwo re nausea comment

  Written by: backy on Nov 11, 2001 12:04:16 PM

  Larry, if you were offened by my little joke about the styling of the ECHO, I apologize. I thought the pictogram I put after the comment would let people know the statement was in jest. I was also expressing an opinion about an inanimate object, a car, and my personal reaction to it, vs. an opinion about a class of people. I'm glad you think the Elantra is "the real deal". ... Read More