Used 2002 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V Consumer Reviews
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TYPE R SPEC V NISSAN SENTRA SPEED MACHINE
I've purchased this car only for the fact that the manual transmission has 6 gears. The interior looked really sporty and its was all red inside somewhat like material used in jerseys and I really liked it. The car currently has 186,000 miles and I drive it really hard and always responds aggressively. I have toped the speed at 140 miles per hour in a safe straight away and it still wanted more. I've only changed the normal wear tear items like wheel bearings and the brakes and a power steering hose that leaked and that's it for the miles this is a great car. After modifying the exhaust and added legal CA headers it added much more power. The car does feel solid for its size and takes turns like a champ.
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Fun Nissan
I'm no car expert, but I've driven two Spec-V Sentra; so I figure to have a say. I consider this car to be a very great affordable car. The Spec-V model provides comforts, speed, and good looking aesthetics. The 6 speed version is perfect for your needs on the road. On HWY 1 (Californians will understand) this car has the acceleration to get you over any hills, and the handling for the windy roads you will find.
Spec-V 02
This is the second 02 spec-v i have owned. The first was just crap but it was because of the original owner treated it like crap... previous owner was a young girl who did not know how to drive a stick. Now i got another and it had the new motor, tranny, and clutch installed by nissan due to recall on the original motors. Car has about 50k miles on it and i couldnt love it more. I have owned lots of tuner cars and i must say this is by far my favorite. Handles great, amazing power for the 4 banger. I have a few mods to the car nothing to crazy just cold air, exhaust, and suspension. gets pretty good gas milage could be better though. All in all i give this car a 4.7 out of 5
Wont be buying another
I purchased my 02 Spec v from the original owner at 41k back in oct of 08,the car was perfect condition, one owner, all maintenance records ,I bought it because the original owner simply didn't need it anymore(close friend)I figured "hey im buyin a nissan it'll last me through college" WRONG!I lay no fault at the original owner, but at nissan , at 61k im having alternator, transmission and a whole lot of other electrical problems ,needless to say I didn't think SE-R parts would be easy to find but this is ridiculous,if only the performance made up for it when I hit the back roads its all gravy but in the city im highly disappointed with reliability,performance and MPGs, my last nissan EVER
Nickel n dimer
After almost 6 years and 55k miles I have replaced almost everything on the vehicle except the engine. Not exaggerating. Wish I was. Purchased with 94k miles and just turned 150k. If I didn't love the car so much I would have sold it for a Mustang. Have a decent amount of mods and heavy suspension upgrades. Everything that broke on the car I replaced with high performance parts. I drive this car HARD Daily. Throw 6 inches of snow at this car and it's useless although it's dry weather fun makes up for it. This is NOT a reliable commuter. Missed more days of work than I'd like to think about being stuck with this car. Will not buy another when I tire of this one. *new* ok so I was asked to update my review! My Nissan hasn't run for about 7 months now. I have a 14 Elantra I use for work transportation and pleasure. Not as fast and fun to drive as the spec v but way more reliable. I wanted to sell the Nissan but it actually died when I was just trying to let it run a few minutes so the battery wouldn't die. Might need a computer who knows. Gotta fix n sell pronto. *new* asked to update. Sentra still dead. Now have a 17 Focus ST. Best car ever. Really need to get rid of that Sentra. Sentra still dead sitting at shop. Focus still the best.
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- Performance
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Bang for the Buck
I love this car. 2.4 liter engine 175hp, Sport tunes suspension, six speed manual transmission, sport seats, and everything you could ever want in a car for under $20,000. What could be better.
My ratings
fun car to drive i love it
Nissan Spec V - Bad Manual Tranny
I like the looks and engine has decent pep. The manual transmission leave a lot to be desired. Had nothing but problems with the manual tranny. The gear ratios don't seem right and shifting gears is problematic, hard to do and often caused grinding. I've driven stick for 20 years and never had this before. The Audio system is overrated, for the price. The dealer turned into a #@$ after the sale, when I complained about the transmission.
2002 SE-R Spec V
Great car for a great price, speed and acceleration is unrivaled for anything in this price range. I just wish the gas tank was bigger, but it suffices. A great car to drive, takes off really quickly. You have to be careful because there's alot of torque an its FWD, so you have to be on your toes.
YeeeeeeHaw
After test driving this vehicle I had a big S___eating grin on my face. What a blast to drive. I am 37 and the father of 2 kids, so i wanted something sporty, economical, and practical(4 doors). I did alot of research into all the other makes and models and test drove almost all of them(no american manufacturers). In my opinion the sentre se-r gave me all of what i was lookin for at the best price (17,200).Yes there are minor things that are not great about the car but, when you compare it to the competition they become irrelevant. Do yourself a favor and test drive one.
When I can drive it, it's great
Bought my Nissan Sentra Spec-V on July 16, 2002. It has been a pleasure to drive … ample power, handles great, stylish, fun to drive. Love the six speed stick, the interior is very cool and it is the best car in its class for the money. However, it only has 318 miles on it and it has been to the service department 2 times already! Currently it is in the shop to repair the clutch noise and because the engine is knocking. Sounds like a diesel truck when I start and turn off the car. Other complaints – gear shift takes some getting used to (a little stiff and plasticy) and the rear end styling could use a touch up to match the ultra- hip front.
the Sentra seR Spec V
its the best car ever ...nothing could over do it..
great bang for the buck
This car brings back the idea of driving back. "fun". I waited for awhile to get this car and I love it
SE-R Spec V
This thing handles like it is on rails.0-60 in just over 7 seconds and brakes from 60 in 121 feet. This car is very fun to drive and draws lots of looks from others from it's factory body kit and 17" wheels.
Just test drive it for yourself...
I don't have too much to say about this car except "MAN IT's FUN." It's a fun, fast, and very affordable car. I would recommend it to anyone...
What To Say,?, It Is A BEAST!!!
FUN! On a bad day, take a drive and things feel so much better! I feel what everyone previous to my statement has said, except for one guy... (who probably got the car when the assembly line was taking a break) This car is beautiful. Everything is unique. People get in my car and say, "What is that, oh ish, this joint is sweet, damnnn!". And after you purchase one you will do the double take back at your car in the parking spot and smile. Feeling like I got the best car in the lot. (figuratively-$$$) I need not say more. I almost turned into a salesman trying to get all of my boys to buy one. It is that impressive. Sunr/f, Audio Fanatic, 17in, Spec V, got in 11/2001 19000 after tax title
Nissan SPEC V Blues
I have already replaced one rim and will probably have to replace another. Shifting remains an adventure. Oil consumption is high - the dealer checked into this and stated that the engine has a lot of channels and it takes a long time for all the oil to redeposit in the pan.
NISMO SPEC-V
This car is awesome, very fast, fits 4- people good. Im glad I bougth this car.
this car is the bomb
this car is the bomb
SE-R Spec V
Pros. Great performance. Decent gas mileage. Smooth engine. Great Seats. Decent Stereo. Cons. Poor dealership. Poor paint. Semi-sloppy shifter.
Love the Nissan Spec V
I have over 30,000 miles on the car and it's only a little over a year old. I love to drive this car. I've done every engine mod including taking out the balance shafts and grounding the knock sensor and I've NEVER had to take it into the shop/dealership. I still have a smile on my face everytime I get in this car. Great gas mileage and REALLY fun to drive. I highly recommend this car to everyone young and old. LJ
What a Ride!
This car is FUN! I have only had the car for a couple of days and am still breaking it in, but it is fast without even trying. I can wait until I get it broken-in and really see what it can do.
The best performance for 18k brand new
I have a 03 spec v and its a great little car for the money. You can't get all the features and all the performance from any other import for even 4 grand more. And honda doesn't even know what torque is.
Spec V
The Nissan SE-R Spec V is not only fuel efficient, and comfortable, but also a pleasure to drive. I would recommend this highly reliable car to anyone.
I GOT MY SPEC V FULLY LOADED for $18,600
All I have to say is that for 2002, there is certainly not a better car for the money. I am getting 0-60 times of 7 flat and 1/4 mile times of 15.3-5 depending on the day. If someone can please show me a better car that came fully loaded with a cd player, 6 disk changer, 9 speaker system, subwoofer, sunroof, front and side airbags, ABS, spoiler, helical limited slip differential, and 17 in flossin Enkei rims, I would really like to see. There is no doubt in my mind that this car kicks ***. I am a junky for the turn, and if you like to take turns at high speeds, then this is the car for you.
Drivers (On A Budget) Wanted
Needed: a long-term reliable commuting car, quick and fun, for a little money as possible. At $18K fully loaded, there's no decision to make. Key attractions: Altima engine, big for the Sentra class, delivers serious torque without a turbo- or super- charger; 6-speed; handling-oriented suspension; and driver interfaces for real drivers (seats, steering, etc.) Strangely, while this car is clearly targeted at the 17-25 demographic (black-netting-over-orange fabric, Rockford-Fosgate stereo w/ trunk mounted kicker box), it only comes with 4-doors. Fortunately, Nissan did a great job of giving the dull Sentra body a totally different SE-R look.
what happened to the tail lights?
this car is fun to drive and has more than enough power for a mid size sedan! There's only two things i can say about the spec v that i don't like. One is the second power source next to the emergency brake can't be used at the same time as the other one or your turn signals and hazard lights will blink extremely fast. Nissan still hasn't come up with a solution. The second thing is I feel they gave up on designing new tail lights for the spec v. The new maximas and altimas have them why can't we. It seems that all models of the 2002 sentra have the same tail lights.
Perfect Sport 4-door sedan
Since I brought it I had nothing 2 complain bout' it's fast 4-door sedan, When do see a car that doesn't really needs to hook up with 17in. rims 7 speakers and subwoofer momo sport like seats and fancy shifter and red lightin', great on gas. If U R considerin' 2 buy a sprot sedan u should think that it would beat tha prices of, Mazda,Honda,Volkswagen. Plus to note that it's in the family or step family of the Nissan Skyline with it's SE-R SPEC V engine.
Import reliability ?
I bought my car off of the first owner (personal friend) who meticulously maintained it for the first 41k, it was a peach, after that it all went down hill, the cel is pretty much always on for one reason or another (it eats 02 sensors), fuel economy is terrible, the best I have managed is about 29 mpg hwy and that's shifting at 2k, the trans mission grinds 3rd gear, and the paint has started to Peel at 65k, Peel! And my car has always been garaged! Still, it does have some perks, great handling and torque and great in snow but not much else, this will be my last Nissan
Just Makes Sense...
This car just makes sense in almost every way. It offers practicallity along with styling and performance. Where else can you get all that for under 20K! My last 96SER has 120K miles and is still going strong. I hope this new one came from the same mold...
SE-R Spec V < the sum of it's parts
I purchased this car spanking new and enjoyed its strong engine with gobs of torque (for 2.5 liters), loved the limited slip differential, lots of grip from the tires and suspension. I was excited to finally own a new car I could pamper and keep minty fresh. Well, the honeymoon didn't last very long. From day one, literally, I kept fresh (every 3,000 miles) Mobil 1 oil in it, but despite my efforts, the car burnt more oil than any car I've ever owned, 2quarts every oil change. Also at about 30k to 40K the car lost a lot of power, started blowing black smoke which made it impossible to keep the bumper clean. Also, the clear coat started to peel @ 50K, making the car quite ugly.
Nissan=poor build quality
Terrible paint Car is constantly going to dealer for"adjustments" and to fix defects and problems caused from poor quality controll
Great car
This car is one of the best cars you can get for the price you pay. There is no other car on the market that can do what this car can do for under 20K. It's got great acceleration and it's just fun to drive with six speeds. The car handles smoothly and the seats are very comfortable. They hold you pretty well in place when you make those sharp turns. And for 17" wheels, the ride is extremely quite and smooth. The interior is spacious and there is a lot of trunk space. The car is big enough to fit 4 while sporty enough to have fun with. The gas mileage is good too for a car with this capability.
So far so good
I was trying to decide between this and the RSX Type S and This car blew me away. It sells itself. All you have to do is drive it. It has abundant power over almost all the RPM range. I was doing 110 and had to swerve out of the way of an armadillo (I live in Texas), and the car stuck to the ground. The only gripe I have is that my blinker is flipping out on me. I'm satisfied.
spec V
i just bought the 2002 nissan se-r spec V about a week ago. this car i VERY fun to drive and VERY fast. the 2 things i don't like about it is the color of the seats, there all red unless you get the leather package and the dealership where i got the car (Colonial Nissan) gave me s**t about getting the floor mats that were supposed to come with the car. other than that it's a good deal!
moded v
i hade my v for 3 weeks now i went all out with the fanatic pkg & moon roof for $20k flat the 175 horspower motor feels vary strong and i love the rush when my blood race's when i skrach 1 2 and 3rd gear {TIP WANT TO CHERP 4TH GEAR.. RED LINE 3RD WITH YOUR RIGHT FOOT ALL THE WAY ON THE ACCELERATER THEN ENGAGE THE CLUTCH WITHOUT LETINGOUT THE ACCELERATER MOVE TO FORTH THEN LET THE CLUTCH OUT AS FAST AS YOU CAN YOU WILL CHERP FORTH I DID}I MODID MY V WITH HI FLOW MUFFLERS COLD AIR INTAKE HOT SHOT HEADERS WITH THES EASY EXTRA'S I MAD 198.7 HORESPOWER ON THE DYNO AT THE CRANK SHAFT FOR $650 THE ALREADY FAST V IS FASTER AND WITH MORE DEADLY WHEEL SPINING POWER
great sports sedan
very fast for a 4 door, rare to see, takes right turns with ease and you can really floor it in the middle of turning on the street(not recommended). interior has all you need, exterior is clean looking, bumpy on rough roads but worth it everywhere else. first new car at 18 and best decision ive ever made.
Proud Spec V owner
I've owned the vehicle for a little less then a year. It's been fantastic. Mechanically sound even with a few mods added from previous owner. Absolutely fun to drive. Only gripe would be the torque steer when giving a modest amount of gas from the start. For a tuner fan like me though, it provides more fun. For already being a 6 year old vehicle the engine on this vehicle runs flawless with 85,000 miles. A warning to potential car buyers... you will want to drive this car aggressively, it begs for it.
Spec V for 3 seasons
Good reliability, poor handling in the snow. I didn't expect for it to be great,but I got stuck on a slight incline and had to hoof it home. I have read about the tires and that is where Nissan seems to have gone wrong, although I think that it will still have problems after new tires are installed,I think it will be better. Other than that,this car is awesome. Handles very well in dry conditions, good pick up and go. Back seat leaves a little to be desired,but if you wanted a back seat you would get an Altima. The back seat is big enough for a car seat, and maybe one adult. This car is absolutely great for 3 seasons,
2002 Spec-v
I must say this car hits the spot for bang for the buck. I just replaced my first spec-v after it was totaled from a head on collision at 35+mph. I walked away with only sore muscles and nothing else. The whole front end was smashed in but there was not damage done to the interior. I must hand it to Nissan for building such a safe car.
LOTS OF CAR FOR THE MONEY!!!!
If you are looking for a compact per- formance vehicle for around $20k, this car is PERFECT!! After driving a Honda Civic Ex for the past 3.5 years, I'm in heaven!! We're talking 175hp vs. 127hp. It MOVES!! After reading another consumer's review describing the Spec V as a "pocket rocket", pretty well sums it all up.
2002 Spec V - Very Happy
I've had my eye on the Sentra for some time now - and when I missed my chance to get an SE last year - it turned out to be the best thing. I hadn't sat in this car long and I knew I'd buy it. The interior is laid out almost perfectly, the shifter is crisp and clean, the acceleration spirited, and the value is exceptional. It is practical (4-dr) and actually roomier than most competitors. Mine was 18,388 with sunroof, 6-disc changer, dest fee, audio fanatic package. Eat that, Camry.
I definately recommend the Spec V
I've got 5500 miles on it so far. It's been a really good car. Very fun to drive. The rear end likes to slide; but, it's nothing a better set of tires wouldn't fix. Seats are perfect. I took a 2000 mile trip and didn't have any sore spots. Shifter gets bad reviews; but, I got used to it very quickly. Only option I didn't get was the ABS/Side Airbags. I wish I had gotten the ABS, those wide tires like to slide on wet blacktop streets.
Best Front Drive Perf. Car For The Money
This car will absolutely smoke cars so many cars that are so much more money. I'm sure all driving enthusiasts will get a kick out of the "Helical" limited slip front. I don't think another front driver(stock)can hook up it's tires any better. It's really quick off the line. While the other guys engine is reving up you're blowin by. Front end also works better than any other I've driven in the corners so it's fun on the back roads too. So many kids (and Bemers) will want to race you in this car! -It's a lot of fun to own.
Impressive car...a must buy!
I bought this car looking for a sporty, fun car that I could still drive my friends around in when we go out. The four doors are great, but the engine is unbelievable. The key with this car is the torque available to you. The powerband is huge, and the car goes when you want it to. Turning is no problem with the added struts, and launch times are low. My best on my second ever 1/8 mile run is a 10.28. Basically, this was a well designed car with great modification potential. But if that's not your bag, no mods are needed...it's a stock rocket!
Enjoying the Ride
With 6000 miles on this car, I have nothing but praise for it. It is still a joy everytime I sit down in the supportive bucket seats, shift it into first and take off. Power is available no matter where you are in the power band and it has the handling to the match. The car was a joy to drive on the race track too, it ate up the 3.2 VIR track with grace and finesse. Screaming out of the corners! Buy one you will enjoy it!
POCKET ROCKET
This car is the best bang for the buck out there. I have raced and beaten the following in my $16K SpecV: Audi A4 1.8T/2.6, V6 Mustang, most Mercedes Benz, Acura RSX, Acura Integra GSR, VW GTI 1.8T/2.6, VW Beetles, Neon R/T, Chevy Z24, BMW 323/325/328, Ford f150, etc. etc. etc. the list goes on and on. This car looks like an econobox but flies like an M3. You don't see too many on the road. HONDA BEWARE!
Drive it to believe it.
For under $20K my car can performs in a class with $40K competitors. Contrary to Edmunds own statistics, its capable of 7-7.1 second 0-60 times. Most 5- speeds will hit 60 in second gear, but the Spec-V is geared lower in 1st and 2nd and hence you must get into 3rd to hit 60 mph - but by that time you'll have a smile plastered across your face. The car feels solid, with a suspension that makes most sedans feel like SUVs when cornering. Dual anti- sway bars and a front strut tower brace lend rigidity to the frame. Edmunds says its styling is boring, but compare it to car makers trying to be cool with their wavy lines, and the Spec-V simply looks better.
Just bought a Spec V
Just purchased in mid-April 2002 from Libertyville IL. The sticker was $18,800 for the Spec V w/ audio fanatic & sunroof packages. Ended up paying $18,000 even, which isn't bad (vibrant blue). The 6 speed manual is great, a lot of power. The ride is a little rough, but that is expected with the performance suspension, but overall is not that bad. The 300 watt audio system is great, enough bass, but also has good clarity as well. Styling is cool, 17" wheels look fantastic, agressive- looking front end, and 4-dr still maintains sporty look while providing more room. Overall I'm very happy w/ my purchase.
2002 Spec-v
The new spec-v The only extremely bad point which makes me wish i didn`t buy the car My car has now 4965 miles on it and i and many other owners have numerouse paint chips on the front of our cars and even the roof nissan refuses to repaint the hood blaming the consumer for it`s poor paint quality , my car in peticular has bad paint a very well resoected autobody shop has tried to get a consistent reading on paint thickness and can find none so if you don`t mind your cars front,sides,roof having no paint \, however with the poor paint the car will have no resale value in my oppinion don`t buy the car i`m planning on selling mine