Automotive Forums

I am getting a deal of 1999 Nissan sentra for $ 2,600. The car specifications are Automatic transmission, GXE Trim, 121,000 miles.

Should I buy the car with those many miles on it ?

For how many miles, a nissan sentra runs good ?

and How is the performance of Nissan Sentra ?


Please let me know about this, I am a very naive person in cars, do not know anything about cars.      

Some quick research tells me that $2600 is a fair price for an automatic GXE with 121K miles, in "average" condition, no other major options, and from a dealer.  A private seller should be asking a few hundred less, unless the car has options like ABS, remote door locks, CD player, alloy wheels, etc.  

Generally, Sentras are highly reliable cars.  Should you buy one with 121K miles on it?  That's up to you, but if you have $2600 or so to spend, you're better off getting a Sentra with 121K miles than a Chevy Cavalier or Dodge Neon or something with 80K miles.

As with any older car with lots of miles, the reliability of it will depend very much on its maintenance history.  If the previous owner(s) didn't change the oil regularly, neglected the coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid, never changed the timing belt, drove it hard in a challenging big-city environment, etc, any car will suffer problems late in its life.  If, however, the previous owner(s) took excellent care of it, then it should run for a few more years without major repair.  

But again, ANY car with that many miles on it may need occasional repairs as old parts wear out.  Even a highly-reliable Sentra or Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic may need shocks, various fluid pumps, a CV joint, or other such repairs as it gets older.  While there's no guarantee that any used car will run for ever and ever, you're simply reducing your risks by purchasing a reliable car like a Sentra.  

The Sentra GXE's performance is not very exciting, but it's perfectly acceptable for a small car.  The last time I drove one, I remember being a bit surprised that, despite its small 115 Horsepower engine, it still felt plenty quick enough.  The steering is direct and accurate, and the car feels generally firm down the road.  

Finally, here are some things to look for and ask about before you buy the car.  

-Are the CV-boots in good condition?  Worn or torn CV boots will leak critical grease that lubricates the CV joints (the part where the front axle meets the wheel).

-How much of the Brake pads are left?  Obviously, brakes must be changed regularly on all cars.  If the brake pads are already worn, you'll simply have to change them sooner than later.  

Another quick bit of research revealed that, luckily for you, the engine uses a timing Chain instead of a timing belt.  Timing chains last longer than belts, and there is no set mileage at which you must change the chain.  But using fully synthetic 5W30 motor oil (it's expensive unless you change the oil yourself) can help maintain consistent oil pressure to the timing chain tentioners, thus prolonging the life of the chain.  

Hope this helps.