Nissan Sentra: I remember when that nameplate meant something.

We never got the SE-R in Canada (on the "inadmissible" list due to the seat belts), but I did autrocross my 1.6L B13 many moons ago.

I had KYB AGX struts, Hypercoil OEM-style springs, Suspension Techniques rear bar, Energy Suspension polyurethane everywhere including rack mounts and motor mount inserts, rear upper strut bar, front upper (boo) and lower (YAY!) strut bar, CAI, 2" cat-back.

I liked the "anonymous" look of it on the street, and it handled really well - took me to second place at the Canadian Nationals (lost by 0.1s each day to a much better driver in a much better car).  I stopped racing it when I built the Locost 7.

I love my B13 NX2000.  They are such good, fun, honest little cars

I love the T-Tops, but I really appreciate the "stealth" of the Sentra SE-R

In reply to HotNotch :

Love the NX2000, too. My dad almost bought one but went with the 240SX instead. 

That NX2000 looks great on the RPF1s! 

There was a guy down the street from me in college who had a 200sx SE-R with all the right mods that really got me. Also had RPF1s.

I wish Nissan would build cars like the Sentra SE-R again.

pinchvalve (Forum Supporter) said:

 

It's funny to look back and remember how much I lusted after this car.  140hp gave a 0-60 time of 7.5 and a 125mph top speed. A modern Corolla LE would smoke it. But in the day, it was the poor-man's BMW and I wanted one. 

According to C&D, Corolla is 8.3 to 60, 16.4 second 1/4.  7.4 and 15.8 for the Sentra.

So despite being slow by modern performance standards, its still quick by econobox standards.  That bar hasn't moved in 30 years surprisingly.

In reply to HotNotch :

We had the precursor in the shape of a Pulsar NX SE which was also a fun zippy little car.

In reply to TravisTheHuman :

Totally quick for the day–and fairly light, too, at about 2400 pounds. Plus those 185/60R14s didn’t weigh much. 

When I bought mine, it came down between SE-R and Civic Si. The SE-R cost a little less while having alloy wheels, more power and a limited-slip diff. I’d eventually get an EG Civic Si, though. It just took a few years. 

I wasalso a fan of the OG version, especially the spec V. Never owned a Nissan, though. 
 

My perspective hasn't changed. Now I watch my mirrors so I can stay out of the way if one comes weaving through traffic behind me. 

 

My mother has a 2010 cvt 2.0l sentra.  At 140k she is on her third transmission.  She went over my head and went to the dealer and bought it brand new.  I told her time and time again to get a Honda or Toyota.  It has been nothing for a burden for me and her.  

chief8one said:

It has been nothing for a burden for me and her.  

I've had a few Nissans. Our Infiniti M35x was our last Nissan.  Once I got it running again we bid it "adieu."

I won't buy another; I will live vicariously through you guys who haven't learned yet (big cheese-eating grin).

I bought this Nissan new and severely mistreated it for a few years. It didn't complain much. 
 

chief8one said:

My mother has a 2010 cvt 2.0l sentra.  At 140k she is on her third transmission.  She went over my head and went to the dealer and bought it brand new.  I told her time and time again to get a Honda or Toyota.  It has been nothing for a burden for me and her.  

If it makes you feel better I am the only car guy in the family and no one ever listens to my recommendations.

And yes it always ends with "this is why I told you not to buy that."

In reply to Motojunky :

Nissan (and the world) was very very different then..  I didn't have to remove the right front wheel to replace an alternator back then.

I get claims frequently on Sentras and Altimas. Altima owners in particular are horrible drivers.

"Sentra" usually means I've got a total loss on my hands. Worth nothing, with parts that cost way more than they should.

live shot 

In reply to nsxmr2elises2000 :

Oh no this is local to me. Thank God I have no room left at the house.

In reply to Tom1200 :

lol

I mean, depending on how well that one has been maintained, and given the probable likelihood of zero rust since it's a desert car, that's a legit fly and drive for most of the country...

In reply to 4cylndrfury :

yup there are few of these around for sale from time to time..not as hard to find stock as one would think..

then again where we live..you can find most "rare" things.. if you wait a week