2003 Nissan Sentra GXE review from North America

Head gasket was faulty since I don't know when. There was staining on the engine block below the head and I questioned the dealership about it September 2003 14000KM, they said it looked fine/normal. I finally did an oil analysis March 2006 48000KM and it showed a coolant leak, but wear metals were not too bad. The dealership replaced the head gasket under warranty.

There was paint discoloration on multiple body panels. Dealership fixed it under warranty.

The heater fan box has foam that became unglued and interfered with the heater box door operation. Foam could be seen coming out of the cabin vents. Dealer fixed it under warranty.

Performance is about standard for an economy car.

Combined hwy/city fuel economy has been 7.2 L/100KM, approximately 33 US MPG, or 39 IMP MPG since new.

Seats can be uncomfortable after about 120 minutes of driving. I've adjusted the controls and not found a solution, the problem could be my back and not the seats. A 5-10 minute break solves the problem.

Oil changes are not a simple procedure. The oil drain bolt is easy to get to, but the oil filter is on the firewall-side of the engine block, one must contort their arm to reach up to it and it is difficult to get a tool onto to aid in the removal.

The faulty head gasket appears to be a small trend with the QG18DE. Before the power-train warranty expires I advise getting a used oil analysis done just to verify the status of it.