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Toyota Corolla XRS vs Nissan Sentra SE-R SPEC V vs Mazda3

64 messages,  Last post on Oct 13, 2005 at 7:22 PM

You are in the Toyota Corolla Forum.

What is this discussion about? Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Mazda MAZDA3, Sedan

Messages Page 1 of 7

#1 of 64 2005 Toyota Corolla XRS vs 2005 Nissan Sentra SE-R SPEC V by pat

Apr 21, 2005 (9:18 am)

Forums member saintrose asks:
 
Any ideas what car is the better deal/nicer car? I can spend up to $21K on a new car that will need to last me at least 7 years. I like the look of both these cars. What do owners of each think?
  
Does anyone have Pros/Cons of each.
  
Thanks so much!!

#2 of 64 Reliability by mcdawgg

Apr 22, 2005 (9:11 am)

If reliability is a concern, go with the Toyota. Sentra lately has been below average, according to CR.

#3 of 64 Re: 2005 Toyota Corolla XRS vs 2005 Nissan Sentra SE-R SPEC V [pat] by john500

Apr 27, 2005 (8:28 am)

Replying to: pat (Apr 21, 2005 9:18 am)
I haven't done any research on the pros/cons of each. I have taken a test drive in the Corolla XRS and it was very impressive in my opinion. I think the Spec V might have slightly better acceleration based upon published numbers. I was ready to buy the XRS right away, however, I didn't get the trade in value that I was hoping for. If you can find one (they are in limited production in 05, 5000 vehicles I have been told), you could probably get an XRS for just under $16,000 after negotiations. I would definitely pick the XRS. If they keep production limited to about the current numbers, the resale value will probably hold up very well (similar to the 1999-2000 Honda Civic SI coupes). Although the engine on the XRS is from Yamaha, it has been used in the Celica GT-S for years and should have good reliability.

#4 of 64 Re: 2005 Toyota Corolla XRS vs 2005 Nissan Sentra SE-R SPEC V [john500] by mikegiller

May 01, 2005 (12:06 pm)

Replying to: john500 (Apr 27, 2005 8:28 am)
Do you mean to say that it is tuned by Yamaha? Because the same 1.8 litre engine is in the base Corolla and also Matrix. Lotus credits the 1.8 engine in the Elise to Toyota not Yamaha.

#5 of 64 Re: 2005 Toyota Corolla XRS vs 2005 Nissan Sentra SE-R SPEC V [mikegiller] by john500

May 04, 2005 (8:02 am)

Replying to: mikegiller (May 01, 2005 12:06 pm)
I have no idea. The internet information that I have read indicates that Yamaha "tunes" the engine. What does that mean? Changing the camshaft on the base 130 hp 1.8 L Toyota engine? Why does Yamaha have to tune one of Toyota's engines.

#6 of 64 XRS vs TC vs SI by gmajor

Jun 02, 2005 (10:54 am)

I to am debating the value of the Toyota Corolla XRS, Scion tc and Honda Civic si. A best choice? Honda seems to have better overall handling and crisper engine, Toyota more practicality, and I like the engine. And Scion seems like a sporty Camry with a tight back seat. Having not lived with any of these for an extended period, what is your advice, can purchase for about the same $$, thanks

#7 of 64 mm by corollaxrs2

Jun 13, 2005 (12:09 am)

For the first question, I think that both cars are fairly reliable. Toyota may be a little more so, but you should have no problems with a nissan. I own a corolla xrs and it is so much fun to drive, i test drove the sentra and i ended up with the corolla if that helps at all. Enjoy the 8100rpm redline in the xrs

#8 of 64 steering by carlisimo

Jun 15, 2005 (7:11 pm)

How's the steering feedback in them?

#9 of 64 2005 Spec V by luhnsentrav05

Jun 16, 2005 (8:01 am)

I just bought an 05 Sentra Spec V and I am loving it. The only concerns I would put up are that one: if you're tall like me (6'1"), it'll be a little tight, and two, torque steering.
 
Nissan has done a better job in this model year to check the steering, but I can still notice it. It gets up and goes quick, and its Nissan. I was gonna check out the Corollas, but I see more of them around than Spec V's. Resale value isn't too shabby either, and obviously the owner of the dealership claims resale is there. It's actually hard to find a Spec V, took the dealer I was talking to a week to get one for me to test drive.

#10 of 64 05 Spec V by untchb1

Jun 19, 2005 (7:52 am)

I to recently bought a Spec V. I looked at the Corolla but like alot of other people to many were driving around. I test drove it to and it really didn't have what I was looking for. My dealer at Nissan spoke of the resale on it and compared to the resale of the Corolla in the past when I looked it up I went with the Spec V. The other thing I can credit to the Spec V is its quick and stiff handling. I was taking my daughter to the Zoo the other day running about Sixty with the cruise set. A guy lost some wood off the back of his pickup just up the hill. I didn't see it till the last minute about two feet high. If I had hit it I would have been screwed and the other scattererd lumber could have just spun the wheels and angled my car off the road. I know cause I work in accident reconstruction and I've seen it all. With the driving I've don'e I know the Spec pretty well. But with a jerk left and some breaks I missed the wood with about a car length of space when I passed it. The Caddilac behind me didn't do so well. I was never more impressed with the cars handling. Its pickup its extremely fast. My only dislike to the car is the six speed manual that sometimes if your used to your car shiffting itself you won't find it here. But it is well worth the buy and the torque you have pulling you is insane. My choice was the Spec V No regrets.

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