Faults:

Ball joint.

Terminals.

Rusty muffler (free).

Bushings were changed.

Water pump (I got it for $21, made in Japan, damn that was cheap).

Head gasket ($10 Felpro).

Dash cracked (yeah, after 25 yrs under that damn hot Caribbean sun).

Nothing bad really.. just the usual maintenance, and the parts are so damn cheap and very reliable.

General Comments:

It was very comfortable drive, although it made lots of noise, it never left me on the road, engine doesn't smoke, trans shifted beautifully... it was a great first car... yeah it was until I sold it for no reason at all... it hurt me like hell, I miss it... well we gotta keep living.

If you're looking to buy it, watch out for leaks, oh and don't worry, it has great gas mileage, although it doesn't have much power... I've never had problem going up hills with the car loaded...

Faults:

Got the car at 28k miles in 2008, sat in my elderly Grandmother's garage virtually unused for 20 years.

On arrival, CV joint replaced.

On arrival, AC recharged.

On arrival, exhaust replaced (rust) .

32k miles, 3 months later, head gasket replaced.

39k miles, 10 months later, oil sensor replaced.

40k miles, 10 months later, radiator hose replaced.

40k miles, 10 months later, AC drain unclogged.

41k miles, 11 months later, water pump replaced.

General Comments:

The hatchback model is ugly. Very few are still on the road today. Unique.

Huge amount of storage with the hatchback, great for hauling things.

Minimalist, surprisingly roomy, well built interior. Comfortably seats 4 people.

Vinyl seats are durable and comfortable, leg room is acceptable.

3-speed automatic is slow and clunky, especially 30+mph, whines at anything above 55 and tops out at 85 on a flat road.

Good turning radius, good 0-30 acceleration, small, good for city driving.

24mpg city, 24-30mpg on the highway depending on your speed.

Did not come with radio, had to drill in my own speaker mounts in the front doors (although the openings and wires were there), the back speaker mounts were already there and less of a hassle, had to hack away at the slightly too small DIN opening to install a head unit.

Faults:

Not one single major mechanical problem for the entire life of the vehicle.

Needed some adjustment on the steering wheel (off center) when car was delivered new from dealer.

Oxygen sensor warning light was on at 60,000 miles, and was reset myself. Reminder to change, along w/the timing belt, as part of routine maintenance.

General Comments:

One of the most reliable cars at the time available. Built in America, and some faults in assembly. It handles better than a civic, and just needed to put in nicer tires (original was 155 80R 13), and replaced by 175/70/13. The 2 door sedan had a very strong & solid frame!

0 to 35mph (5 spd manual) is quicker than a Porsche 944. Handling is superb if use nicer tires.

Noise level is a little higher than a corolla, but handling is the top of its class (especially 2 door sedan version). Its nice handling characteristic was often neglected! 38 miles per gallon highway!

I currently own a Mercedes S Class, but still think that the 1987 Sentra was a very relaible car and best for the money. Buy brand new & used for 150,000 miles! I paid US$ 6,180 for this car brand new in 1987, and used less than US$ 100/year (average) for repair & maintainance for four years!