Nissan Sentra questions

I've found them to be very reliable esp. given the price they sell for. They can be a great deal for either a commuter or kid's first car.

I don't know mpg off-hand. It should be inline with comparable Civics and Corollas.

No timing belt, it's a chain. I think they are interference, but you shouldn't have to worry about that if you change the oil. They are very easy to work on.

With a high mileage unit you would want to check for unusual engine noises, sludge under the oil cap from lack of maintenance, poor shifting transaxle (esp. a standard trans - this can be a sign of abuse if the synchros don't mesh easily), leaking power steering rack, Check Engine light on (find out why first) and finally do a basic safety inspection of all systems before accepting the vehicle or commiting to a price.

Toyota MDT in MO

I appreciate the response and suggestions. My mechanic will go over one for me for $70, and I think that'd be money well spent. I'll add the Sentra to my list of vehicles to try to find. So far, it's been tough, but the more fuel prices rise, the more determined I am.

From a mechanical point the car is probably very good. The problem is the company. In 1999 it was on the verge of bankruptcy. A massive re-structuring followed. Its future health may be uncertain.

I know about Nissan's financial problems, but how does that affect me as an owner? Are aftermarket parts not readily available for the car?

I'm considering a '91 model now. The asking price is low enough that I'd just plan to drive it until something so bad happens it's no longer worth fixing.

I cannot offer precise advice, only generalities. If the company fails, or is bought out by another, your car becomes an "orphan". Service and parts soon become difficult to obtain.

Probably a very good car, but it is over ten years old. Some "legitimate" cars become orphaned by that time...