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Nissan Sentra 2006 and earlier

2065 messages,  Last post on Mar 09, 2013 at 1:02 PM

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What is this discussion about? Nissan Sentra, Sedan

Messages Page 151 of 207

#1495 of 2065 Problem with my 2001 Nissan Sentra GXE by angrynissan1

Aug 30, 2003 (8:51 pm)

Okay, I bought my car from Mark Escude in Jackson, MS with only 7 miles on it. I bought it in December of 2000. I was told when I left that if "I take care of my car, my car will take care of me." I was also told that I should be receiving more paper work and my extra set of keys in the mail. I did not get either of these items. After several months of waiting, I had to drive all the way back to Jackson from Laurel, MS and ask them about the items-they said they did not know what I was talking about. When I asked about my extra set of keys, they could not find them and that they had already sent them (or should have)->but then someone finds them and gives them to me.
 
Then, for the first few months, I had a blast with my new car. No problems. No problems until the recalls. I had 3 recalls within the first year.
When I took my car for one of the recalls, the mechanic at Columbus Nissan in Mississippi tells me that one of the pieces to my air conditioner had been broken and that the freon had leaked out every where. Now, this was not my fault. Up until then, I had been taking my car to get its oil changed every 3,000 miles. The part was something that I could not just break-so it was a defect from when I bought it. They had to replace the part and fill up my car with freon-which I had to pay for. This whole time I was sitting and waiting for about 8 hours and was late for work. They told me originally that it would take less then 3 hours so I waited b/c that was the city I had to work in. They seemed real nice about it but I was worried that they would find other things that were wrong with my car.
At that time, my engine light had come on. I thought it was the recalls, and the mechanic said it might be that and that it might be the air conditioning part that had broken. I fixed it and it cost me about $175. He told me that my light should then go off in the next couple days-it didn't.
Recently, within the last month, my car stopped completely on me at a stop light. Well, I took it in to Chris Posey Nissan in Laurel, MS and they told me that it was the sensor that was messed up and then they insisted that I get a 'fuel iduction' which I have no idea what it was. When I asked them-they told me it was something to get done every 60K miles-now mind you, my car's service soon light has been on for over a year and it has less then 50K miles on it at the time. So they ordered the part and I paid $124. I was told that my sensor should work and that the service light should go off-it didn't and my car stopped again while at a light.
I take it back to the same dealer and they say that I need the fuel induction thing again. Then they put it on the machine and they tell me it was the 'idle air valve'. Okay-which is correct?
Anyways, it would cost me $100 for the part and $100 for the labor. I said I would bring it back. Then they call and tell me that a part has come in for my car. I ask them about the part-apparently they ordered a part for my car without asking me and without telling me that I needed it. Keep in mind-I did not order the part and did not give permission for them to order the part. The part was not part of the idle air valve.
So, my car is currently sitting in front of my house and can barely go down the street without stopping on me when I slow down or break.

#1496 of 2065 Mine just keeps going and going and going by 2young2retire

Aug 30, 2003 (9:05 pm)

Sorry about your problems but not every car and dealer is a problem. I have had absolutely no problems with my 2002 GXE and would not hesitate to buy another one if something were to happen to mine. Luv the car.

#1497 of 2065 2003 GXE by sandman46

Aug 31, 2003 (5:09 am)

My a/c leak was finally fixed, a factory defect I was told. A small hole in the plastic pan that the evaporator sits on behind the lower dash in the passenger foot well.
The car is still very tight and drives like a much larger car. Hope the mpg's improve though.
Still a happy camper, the wife also wants the car now and wants to give me her 2001 Altima.
 
The Sandman

#1498 of 2065 2003 Sentra GXE - My Review by tony1034

Sep 26, 2003 (6:56 am)

I recently bought a 2003 Nissan Sentra GXE back in March 2003. I've been driving the car back and forth to work every day. My commute is about 35 miles each way. Since the car was new I've filled the tank everytime when needed and have all my slips showing how many gallons to the 1/1000th. I've recorded my mileage on every receipt. I havn't had the car in for any issues ... YET, but will be within the next week. I do my own oil changes.
 
Fuel Mileage:
 
For the first 3,750 miles I was only getting 26mpg. My commute is all highway. I drive 70-77mph on the open roads. I was very dissapointed. My 95 Toyota Corolla had 186k miles, never in the shop and got 33mpg. I heard the fuel mileage was better after changing the oil the first time and the motor had a chance to break-in. So I changed the oil and drove to 7,500 miles. Fuel mileage was the same, 26mpg. I did try to drive it slow 55-65mph for one week, no lead foot, and I got a tad under 28mpg out of it. I really thought about getting rid of it at this point. I'd of ran over the guy that put the 35mpg window sticker on these cars. So after doing some research, and having experience with my motorcycles, I changed the oil again at 11,250. But this time I used Mobil 1 synthetic oil. Corvettes come from the factory with it in them. It is the best rated synthetic oil you can buy. My wife drove the car a day later and came to me. She said "What did you do to the Sentra?". I was like "why do you ask?" She said the car ran soo much smoother and quieter. Had more pep to it too. I noticed the same thing but didn't have a chance to tell her. I drove the car and now I was getting a tad under 30mpg. WOW! I was really impressed how much this oil helped. Also, bear in mind I drove in the summer with the AC on. My other vehicle is now running Mobil 1.
 
This now brings me to my next discovery. I no longer use the AC since its cooler in NJ, but I work very early in the AM and my windows like to fog up. I noticed that if you start the car, turn on the selector to defogger, the AC compressor kicks in (which it should). My window will clear up and after driving for a bit, I'll turn it back to blow out the front vents. The compressor should dis-engage at this point. But it doesn't. I didn't notice it at first, but now that its even cooler out in the mornings, I was freezing going to work, like the AC was on. I pulled the car over and no matter what I selected, the thing wouldn't dis-engage. The only way it will stop is if you turn off the engine. Then the ducts blow outside temp air. I've tested this thoroughly for the last several weeks. These cars get worse fuel mileage when using the AC compressor, so it must be hurting the fuel mileage. I've been busy and havn't had a chance to have it looked at by Nissan, but will call today for an appointment.
 
Driving Impression:
One of the other reasons why I though about selling it at the 7,500 mile mark is that the seats are the most uncomfortable seats I've ever been in. They are the WORST! I hurt my back before going on vacation. On our vacation, we drove a total 1,500 miles in our Honda Odyssey w/ leather interior on this vacation. I was not a bit uncomfortable during the 6 hour, 420 mile ride up to Vermont. I get home. Rest for the weekend and go back to work Monday. My back was feeling better, but after 20 minutes in the Sentra, I was in pain. Had to stop and take a break. The last review is deceiving on the links off Edmund's. The review I read, the Sentra was rated #1. But it was the SE-R, with different interior and power. Reading it again, the test was unfair. It outpowered everything and thats why it won. Then they do another test, with the LE. It still had the peppy motor, but the review is horrible. Take away that motor and use my GXE and its in probably last place. What a hunk of junk. Nissan really let things slide on their econo box. After my experience with the 95 Toyota Corolla, I'm sorry I didn't get the new Corolla, instead of this Sentra. The Corolla is rated at 39mpg highway. My old one was rated at 34mpg highway and got 33mpg, with me driving the heck out of it for 186K miles.
 
If I was looking to buy a new econo/commuter car, go look at the Corolla or the Honda Civic (rated best on fuel economy and comfy interior).
STAY AWAY from the Sentra. It's built more like a Yugo.
 
Just my opinion,
Tony P.

#1499 of 2065 tony by alpha01

Sep 26, 2003 (7:36 am)

I disagree wholeheartedly with you re: seat comfort, and not for anything, its your fault for not looking more closely at MPG ratings prior to purchase. Also, perhaps you should have consulted Edmunds True Cost to Own. I personally feel the Sentra is solid small car and an excellent value when properly equipped. One other thing- dont forget this car is 5 years old and is due for replacement soon. It certainly isnt the best small car, but its far from a Yugo- which is a curious comment, given that you havent had ANY build issues with yours, expect possibly the AC, which may in fact be a design issue (see below).
 
BUT- with respect to the passage below, my 03 2.5LE DOES THE SAME HIDEOUSLY ANNOYING THING:
 
This now brings me to my next discovery. I no longer use the AC since its cooler in NJ, but I work very early in the AM and my windows like to fog up. I noticed that if you start the car, turn on the selector to defogger, the AC compressor kicks in (which it should). My window will clear up and after driving for a bit, I'll turn it back to blow out the front vents. The compressor should dis-engage at this point. But it doesn't. I didn't notice it at first, but now that its even cooler out in the mornings, I was freezing going to work, like the AC was on. I pulled the car over and no matter what I selected, the thing wouldn't dis-engage. The only way it will stop is if you turn off the engine. Then the ducts blow outside temp air. I've tested this thoroughly for the last several weeks. These cars get worse fuel mileage when using the AC compressor, so it must be hurting the fuel mileage. I've been busy and havn't had a chance to have it looked at by Nissan, but will call today for an appointment.
 
best regards,
alpha

#1500 of 2065 Sentra had being good for me by lgoldin

Sep 26, 2003 (10:04 am)

I must be lucky. I have my 2001 SE for almost 3 years. I like its seats which I can adjust to comfortable position. There is always a sound of something working when you turn on vent, but I don't know whether this is AC compressor or cooling fans. Originally I was also dissapointed with a gas mileage which was supposed to be 24/32mpg and I got average of 25. But when I tried to drive along with a crowd and not lead foot it went to 27 on a same root. But what surprised me a lot this summer is a mileage I got on couple of long trips. I was going 70mph for 4 of hours each direction on cruise control and got better than 36mpg!! AC was off but vent was on all the time on defogger, i. e. AC compressor was on as well. So far I am very satisfied with the car and plan to keep it much longer.

#1501 of 2065 vibrations in the steering? by toga333

Sep 26, 2003 (6:26 pm)

I recently hit a HUGE pothole in wonderful New York, NY. Long story short, I had to replace a front alloy, and tire (I got four new ones). My question is, Even after an alignment I get a noticable shake in the steering 70+MPH. I have a '01 SE w/ P/P. I remember always having some feedback through the steering, just not this much! Any Suggestions

#1502 of 2065 Synthetic Oil by sandman46

Sep 28, 2003 (4:49 pm)

I now have 3500 miles on my Sentra and plan to change the oil and filter at the 3750 mark, as per the manual. Has anyone here switched to Mobil 1 instead of regular dino oil, and if so, was there any noticeable difference in the car, or should I just stick to my 4k dino oil and filter change schedule?
Thanks for any help with this question.
 
The Sandman

#1503 of 2065 re: vibrations in the steering by lngtonge18

Sep 28, 2003 (7:04 pm)

Either your tires aren't properly balanced or you bent the tie-rod or control arm when you hit the pothole.

#1504 of 2065 alpha01 by tony1034

Oct 02, 2003 (3:32 am)

Hi Joe,
 
Sorry, the Yugo statement was just sarcasm. I don't know how tall you are, and if it makes a difference on seat comfort, but I'm 5'10" tall. The seats are very uncomfortable for me. I've owned at least 35 cars in my lifetime, and I'm just not all that impressed with this Sentra. You are correct on the fuel mileage thing though. If I had looked into it further, I'd probably have bought the Honda Civic. It gets much better reports on fuel mileage. I sold a 2000 Nissan Maxima before getting this Sentra. I loved my Maxima (miss it a lot), but a 26k dollar luxury mid-size was just not practical for commuting. It got like 22-23mpg, but ran on premium fuel.
 
The other thing I forgot to mention in my review was that the suspension on this Sentra is awful. I have a 2003 GXE. It has 15" rims with Michelin P195/60-15 tires on it. When you hit the slightest bumps in the road, it's like "BANG!" The same roads I drove with the Maxima, I didn't even know the bumps were there. Don't get me wrong, comparing the Maxima to the Sentra is like comparing apples to oranges. Not even the new Altima compares to the Maxima in driving comfort. My neighbor has a brand new 3.5 Altima. The interior is the cheapest looking interior I have ever seen on a car that stickered for 25k. But I'm sure some people love the new car's "fresh" look. To each their own, that why we call them opinions. By the way, I did own a Yugo for about 4 weeks back in the late 80's. It was given to me for free (HAHAHA....LOL) and my friends and I used it for a baja buggy until we blew the engine. We beat the heck out of it. Would pick it up and put it sideways at the store parking lots, just to get a good kick out of people's reactions when they saw it. For the record, the Sentra is much better than the Yugo.
 
I still havn't called Nissan on the defroster/compressor issue. Too busy at work and at home w/ three kids.
 
Good luck with your LE.
 
Best regards,
Tony P.

Messages Page 151 of 207

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