Used 1996 Nissan Sentra Sedan Consumer Reviews
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12 years, 147,273 miles later
I absolutely adore my little Nissan. Never had any major issues except the O2 sensor. This car even sat for over a year and I was told there was nothing wrong with it surprisingly, just need some TLC. It's got great pick up for an automatic 4 cylinder (gotta know how to use that overdrive button!). It handles quite well, I tend to drive it at no less than 65-85 mph and I get about 35-40 mpg depending on how well I top it off. The clear coat is peeling, it's got some scrapes and bruises, but I doubt I'll trade her in, I'm way too attached. This car has been there for me always and never left me stranded anywhere (knock on wood). Nissan knows how to make a car!
The Boo-Mobile
I purchased this little car following Hurricane Katrina as my car was pretty trashed by the storm. I paid about $2500 for it and it was/is worth every penny. The car had about 11K when I got it. I just love my little car, its a 5 speed, its been very reliable and I haven't had to invest much $ into it. just before X-Mas 08 I had to replace the valve cover gasket, then the car started driving 'weird', I thought I needed an alignment but it was the front axle. After fixing that issue the car runs like a charm. I am pretty sure I need a complete tune-up because I am not getting the mileage I should. I am VERY happy with this little car!
Original Owner
I have had this car eight years... I have replaced the tires, 2 shocks, alternator, battery, and catalytic converter (the O2 sensor rusted off). Not bad at all for 8 years use. The belts are not toothed and tend to squeek unless you tighten them often or replace them every couple of years. I believe this car will go another 100k miles and still look good.
Good Car, Bad Trim
I bought this car used with 39000 miles and have NEVER had a major problem. It now has 109K and shows no signs of slowing. The major gripe we have is the interior is not as well designed as we would like. It seems that every couple of weeks we find a "mystery" piece of plastic or molding that fell off from somewhere. Also has problems with exterior paint chipping and slight rust. Paint is bubbling and peeling in spots. Good gas mileage. Averaged 33 mpg on the last long distance trip. We average about 300 miles per tank for normal driving. Would recommend as a good basic car.
Am I the only one??
I've had my sentra 6 years. I am the second owner of this "piggy bank". It seems everytime I think I've fixed a problem, another shows up. Paint on bumpers has peeled off, a/c and power options don't work!!!! gets mighty hot in FL!! So far replaced distributor 3 months after purchase, replaced engine last year, alternator 3 times, cv joints and the headliner just last month, along with all the "normal wear and tear" - brakes, tires etc. This car has 165,000 miles.. so I guess I can't complain too much.. Good first car... but would expect more from a Nissan in the future.. I could have bought 2 cars for the amount of money I've put into this one!!!!
My Mean Green
THis is my first car that was my own. THere are times where i complain but when I think about it I"ve only had to spend $20 on a new AC system,I got brand new brakes (rotors and everything for $200) and a new alternator for $50. I bought my car used and it didn't have a warranty. THe gas milelage is Great, I can go close to 300 miles on one tank of gas. and it only takes $10-15 to fill up. Someone hit me in the rear and my bumper didn't have a dent at all. This car is a very good deal for the year it is. Very easy car to handle, compact parking you name it...
Reliable
I purchased this veh 3yrs ago with 75,000 miles - I now have 170,000. With regular oil changes, maintenance, this car has gotten me though difficult times
Very cheap to drive
When I first got my license I bought this car with around 175k miles on it. The car is a great commuter and definitely cheap to own and drive. I get around 31 MPG in the city and 41 MPG when traveling, so trips are no longer going to eat your banking account. I carpooled with 3 other people to Chicago, 5 hours away, and paid about 12 dollars for a 2-way trip.
Little Econobox
Mine's a stripper model, power nothing, 5spd. I'm not really attached to it. It has an ok amount of power, but you have to work to drive it fast. Handling again is alright, but nothing to brag about. Sryling again, nothing to brag about. The interior, boring and basic, well designed and built, but basic. I guess the only bragging rights this car has is an EPA rating of 30/40mpg (personally I average 30mpg over mostly city driving). Anyway, to be honest, I wish I had gotten a Honda Civic - they seem to have a little more character. The Sentra is a fine car - it's just boring, that's all.
Great car
This is a reliable vehicle that gets good mileage (33 mpg highway). It's dependable and also handles well. Overdrive provides decent acceleration for its size. It's a good commuter vehicle.