sentra 140i/160i - what do you think?

[hyperian]

Hey,

I was wondering whether anyone here has ever owned or driven a nissan sentra (facelift model, about 97 upwards). If so, what do you think of the car? Also, for the 160i, does it really pull like it has 81kw under the bonnet?

Cheers.

 

[Vegeta]

If it doesnt have A/C & powersteering it can pull like 181kw and i wouldnt consider it as a town run-about.

If it does than the feeling of 81kw is a bonus
No powersteering for town unless its for the track then its

 

[alloytoo]

Hey,

I was wondering whether anyone here has ever owned or driven a nissan sentra (facelift model, about 97 upwards). If so, what do you think of the car? Also, for the 160i, does it really pull like it has 81kw under the bonnet?

Cheers.

I used to work for the dealership (back in the day), and frankly the Sentra was the most underrated car on the market. Certainly a better performer than the Corolla of the day, and with a nice solid feel on the road.

The 200STi was simply awesome (especially on the long haul) and the others weren't bad either.

I'd recommend the 160i, with A/c and power steering it apparently uses less fuel than the 140i, though the 140 does go like the klappers.

On word of caution, make sure the car hasn't been overheated and that the coolant system is 100% Nissan Multivalve heads didn't take well to overheating.

 

[lucifir]

I used to own a sentra 160Si (the one with aircon and power steering) ... it was a great car .... definitely has a lot of power because the car is so light .... one prob with the sentra's were their braking ... had to replace brake pads/disks at almost every service .... otherwise ... was a really good car

 

[hyperian]

Awesome, thanks for the responses. Is the difference between the standard model and the gxi the body (boot spoiler and side skirts, think maybe a different front bumper too)? Think the gxi might have a big bore exhaust.

 

[lucifir]

the gxi is basically the kit from what I remember .... not sure if the engine was any different though!

 

[jacoh]

140i

I drive the Nissan 140i I have no problems with the engine and has more than enough power, and I do about 5000km a month. The only real problem I have is with the gearbox. If I repair it now it will be the 3rd repair, and if they have to replace it will be the 2nd replacement gearbox. Otherwise I have no complaints about the car itself will buy a new one any day. Would like to get a good condition 200STI.

 

[medicnick83]

mmmmmmmmmm!

Reading this thread has given me another option to the list of possible cars I want.
Basically I wanted either a Toyota Tazz (2000+) or VW Citi (2000+) but now I have 3 cars to consider

 

[Paulr]

Also had two Sentras in the last 10 years, a older 160Gx and a later 160GXi.

Very understated car - there is really nothing much special about them, but there's not much wrong with them either. Fairly comfortable, economic, safe and very reliable.

 

[twiga]

I used to drive a 2001 Sentra 140i, was the last model that was produced in ZA.

It's not very spiffy, but it was a great car for the money. Very cheap to service (no cambelt - has chain).

Feels much more solid that comparable models from Toyota or Mazda.

 

[ckundiona]

Do you know of a place where i can get gear box spares for a 140 nissan sentra 2. The number 5 disengages on its own and what could be the problem.

 

[SirFooK'nG]

I still drive my 98 Sentra 160si. It still pulls like a beaut. Getting a bit old now, Has parked in the sun for the last 5 yrs every day. So the interior is fading a bit. Really a good car in my opinion. But nothing like todays cars though when it comes to safety. No airbags, abs or any of that. And the brakes lock very easily when in an emergency situation!

 

[ALFAHOLIC]

Go 200STI or go home!

these things sit with Vtec's in Cape Town...

But I don't like the shape though..but go 200STi if your into speed...other than that follow your heart not your mind!