1989 Nissan Sentra review from North America

Had a rattle at about 85,000 miles. It was a piece of plastic that guides the timing chain. $250 to find and fix (by a very good and honest mechanic).

It leaks oil.

I can't express how good this car has been to me. It was bought new by my parents in 1989 as one of the "loss leaders" in the Sunday paper. I got it in 1994 when they wanted something nicer. I take it in to the mechanic every 2 years right before my smog check here in California and get a tune up. Nothing special, replace the spark plug wires, check the timing, etc. I had the one problem with the timing chain, but that was really no big deal. And that is it. Really. In the 140,000 miles on the car, it has been in to the mechanic all of 4 times, 3 for the tune up before the smog check. Of course there is the usual repacement of tires, brake pads, etc.

The car runs like new. Silky smooth. It has only not started once - when the battery was 7 years old. It doesn't miss, ping, or hesitate. There is absolutely no sign that the car is even close to giving up. And it's not like I treat the car well. All the Accord owners say "just keep the oil changed...", I don't even do that. It has gone 20,000+ miles a couple of times between oil changes. I'm sure its over 20,000 right now.

I routinely drive 85 mph, and get it up to 95 at least once a week. I'm sure the engine is turning 4500-5000 rpm for most of my 20 mile daily commute. It gets 26-28 mpg.