1989 Nissan Sentra review from North America

Starter failed 2 days after I purchased her.

Fuel pump was "buzzing" loud during my initial test drive.

RH rear shock was "clunking" during my initial test drive.

Heater core leak at 117,000.

Just to be safe, and since I was relying on her for long drives from San Francisco to L.A. and back, I replaced the water pump and hoses at 117,000.

This car has never left me stranded. Even when the starter began to fail, I tapped it lightly with the jack out of the trunk and VROOM! Started right up. I found a used starter on eBay from a high positive feedback seller with zero negatives, for $25. Went to the local wrecking yard where I came across a 90' Sentra with only 85k on the odometer and snatched the fuel pump for less than $60. Out of that same car I grabbed the heater core for less than $40. Purchased (2) oem KYB rear struts online (Autohaus Az) for less than $100. Ordered a water pump for less than $60 from the same place.

It's definitely not going to win any races, nor is it flashy or even pretty, but man I've never loved a car so much. It really is such a reliable, simple little ride.

It's such an ease to change things compared to other cars. I was tempted a few times to pick up a better looking Honda Civic from around the same year, with slightly more miles... But in the end I decided to leave the money in the bank. I figure, why bother?

The only other things I foresee having to replace in the near future are the belts. Maybe in the distant future the timing chain... but I don't expect this to happen till around 200k.

Other than that this car can go 85mph easy. Races onto the freeway just fine. Actually pretty zippy for an old car.

Again, I absolutely love it and will own and drive it till the wheels fall off.