One month after purchasing car, spent $900 on repairs. For what? I can't recall, since I've spent so much on repairs and it's been in the shop so many times. I know it had a bunch of oil leaks and there was some sort of major repair job done.
One month later, timing chain broke cost: $450.
Less than one month later, alternator failed Did this repair myself so it costs about $190.
At about 80,000 miles had to have fuel filter replaced. Cost: $260.
90,000 miles the mass air flow sensor went out. cost: $500.
Shortly after, around 92,000 miles, had starter replaced. cost: $350.
Six months later, starter went out again, but was still under warranty. Had to spend $90 on towing and miss a day's work, though I think this repair was the fault of the repair shop.
Car is now at a little over 110,000 miles and is in the shop once again. Not certain of the problem just yet, but think it is the ignition module and can only IMAGINE how much this repair will cost me.
I cannot WAIT to get rid of this car. The car has been well maintained and is only driven to work and around town. Have never taken any long trips in the vehicle or put excessive wear and tear, but have spent a fortune on repairs in two short years. I've probably spent more on repairs than I actually paid for the car. I bought this car because of all the great reviews I found here on CarSurvey... I dunno...perhaps I just bought a lemon?
I wrote this original review and would like to add that I've now found out what the problem is with the vehicle: The ENTIRE engine is blown and must be replaced. Grrr... Needless to say, I am very put out by this and cannot afford the repair nor am I willing to put any more money into this car. I will probably never buy another used car because of this and will now have to settle for a cheaper new car than what I'd intended to trade the car for, due to the fact that I wasn't financially prepared to purchase a new car yet.
Back to comment on my original review again. I just remembered what the first major repair I had done on the car was- The harmonic balancer went out and was $900 to repair.
I bought a 1997 Nissan Sentra a few months ago. I read a lot of great reviews. It won't start now and I am told the timing chain broke. This repair cost is $1000. To find out if the cylinders and valves are damaged, an additional $300. If there is damage, could be another $150 - $300. I only paid $2200 for the car. I don't think I want to put this much money into it.
I am going to take a big loss. Service repair guy suspects there is damage due to gas in oil and not holding any compression.
Most of the problems that this guy described seem to be normal wear and tear problems that need to be replaced at some point any how. I have a 1995 Sentra and I drive the hell out of that thing. It's got 160,000 miles on it. Original motor and tranny, both working perfect. All that's wrong with it are some sticky, ticking valves and a slight oil leak. I've recently got it up to 110 miles an hour and ran out of room.
I have had a problem with the idle getting stuck. It would flood itself out while cranking and would not fire up, but it took me five minutes to getting it go again.
If you service it regularly, don't abuse it and keep an eye on how it sounds and how its running.. It will really last forever.
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