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"Used Nissan Sentra Model Info And Best Buying Price Tips!"
As Nissan's #2 best-selling car, the Sentra is probably one of the most "global" vehicles out there. It was engineered in both Japan and the United States, styled in California, the interior was designed in Germany and the car is built in Mexico (just a little trivia for you).
Competing against some of the industry's finest (i.e. the Toyota Corolla as well as the Honda Civic), we're of the opinion that the Sentra is definitely worth considering because of its solid build quality and bang for the buck when compared to the competition. Any car that has successfully existed since 1982 has to have a lot going for it.
For those possibly interested in buying a used Sentra, here's a general overview of the more recent used models:
We've had quite a few Sentras here over the years and have found them comfortable with nimble handling and plenty of features. Used car ratings for Nissans are also solid (#7 out of 33 - see Used Car Reliabilty Ratings).
Consumer ratings (by people who actually own the car) are also more than solid. Consumers at MSN Auto, for example, give it an 8.7 out of 10 and also give the more performance oriented SE-R model a whopping 9.7.
In addition, gas mileage ratings are also a big positive ranging in the mid-to-high 20's in the city to mid 30's on the highway, depending on automatic or manual transmissions.
While still a bit in the shadow of better known cars in its segment, the Sentra remains a solid choice thanks to its high-performance version, high fuel efficiency and low maintenance costs.
And with the redesign introduced in the 2007 model, and has carried through to current models, the Sentra has gotten even better. It now looks a lot more like an Altima or Maxima and some used models can be found with more features than is normally expected in an economy car, including a keyless start and Bluetooth connectivity. Thanks to the longer wheelbase on which the car now rides, the cabin is roomy, with ample headroom and legroom for 6-footers.
A used Nissan Sentra can be found in five models: 2.0, 2.0 S, 2.0 SL, SE-R and SE-R Spec V. All models except the performance-oriented Sentra SE-R are powered by a 2.0 liter inline-4 that produces 140 horsepower. Under the hood of the SE-R is a 2.5 liter four that generates 177 horsepower, while the SE-R Spec V comes with a modified version of the 2.5 liter engine and pumps out 200 horsepower.
Used Sentras from this generation can be found with either a 6-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Spec V is 6-speed manual only. In addition, there's also an "FE+" designation (standing for "Fuel Economy Plus") for all Sentra models except the SE-R trims. As the name implies, FE+ models get slightly better gas mileage performance.
The SE-R, particularly the Spec V version, provides impressive performance whether sprinting from a standstill to 60 mph in just 6.7 seconds or demonstrating outstanding grip in the corners. There's no question it offers a lot of performance for the dollar.
The prior Sentra generation, its fifth, was produced for the 2000 through 2006 model years. These used Sentra models are also in sedan form only, consisting of a base XE, a fairly well-equipped GXE and a top-of-the-line SE model.
Initially, they were all powered by a 1.8 liter inline-4 that's good for 126 horsepower and can be found with either 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmissions. The athletic SE-R was reintroduced in 2002, consisting of the standard SE-R with 165 horsepower and a 5-speed manual and the SE-R Spec V with 175 horsepower, a 6-speed manual transmission and 17 inch wheels.
This earlier Sentra generation has proven to have a solid record for mechanical reliability and also has won praise for its functional cabin design, long list of available features and fun-to-drive SE-R models.
Overall Pros: Fairly spacious cabin, simple yet functional interior design, quiet on the highway, performance SE-R Spec V variant available.
Overall Cons: Satisfactory but uninspired handling, ride is on the firm side, smallish rear seat in older models, so-so manual transmission.
All in all, we think the Sentra makes a solid choice as a used vehicle purchase, particularly when considering price and value for the dollar.
How To Get The Best Price On A Pre-Owned Nissan Sentra:
There are actually several different ways to buy a used Sentra at the lowest price, even at wholesale.
ONE - Car Auctions:
You can go to Open-To-The-Public Car Auctions in your own geographic area to acquire a wholesale Sentra first-hand. While this will take some additional time and effort on your part, there are indeed some truly outstanding buys for those who shop these events.
Another excellent method involves getting several used car dealers to compete for your business. See the details in this Used Car Buying Guide. It's just amazing what happens to prices when you force dealers to fight among each other for your sale.
Also ...
If you're interested in a "Brand New" Nissan Sentra, there are some great deals to be had right now if you know how.
People swear by the interesting method detailed in this article for getting the absolute best price on any new car.
