One of the most detailed listings that I’ve seen in a long time, the seller of this 1991 Nissan Sentra SE-R knocks it out of the park with photos and a fantastic description. This is a very rare car to see for sale today and they have this example listed here on eBay in Excelsior Springs, Missouri and they’re asking $22,500.
Yes, $22,500 is more than this car cost new in 1991, but we’ve gone over that a million times. A lot of vehicles go up in value over the years, just like a lot of other things. This car would have been somewhere around $12,000 to $15,000 new in 1991, or between $28,000 to $35.000 in 2025 dollars. There’s a lot of utility and fun wrapped up in this car for $30,000. You can get cheaper cars, but there were always less expensive cars for those who didn’t want to spend more to get more.
Nissan made the third-generation Sentra for model years 1991 through 1994 and they were made in several countries, including right here in the U.S. in Smyrna, Tennessee. The SE-R model of this era only came in a two-door body style and was available only with a five-speed manual. It was often compared to the BMW 3-Series, had comparable numbers, and was about half the price or less, but, it was a front-drive car, so there’s that.
As with the solid, rust-free exterior, perfect Aztec Red paint, and everything else outside, the interior also looks like this car just rolled out of the Tennessee factory. We saw a “field find” example about a year ago here, and our own Todd Fitch bought one new in 1991 so I’m sure he can fill in any blanks that I’ve left out. The seats look new both front and rear as does the trunk compartment.
The engine is Nissan’s SR20DE, a 2.0-liter DOHC inline-four with 140 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, sending power through a five-speed manual to the front wheels. The seller says it runs as you’d expect, everything on this car works as it should, and to always buy the nicest example of any vehicle that you can find. This has to be that one. Have any of you owned an SE-R?
Pocket rocket at its finest. 🚀 🪶
Had one.
Second best car I have ever owned! Back when Nissan was making exceptionally built “inexpensive Toyota’s”, instead of the volume-chasing, CVT junk they are peddling today. Not sure on that price, but not saying it’s not tempting at it either.
I had it’s sibling (2 of them actually) the NX2000. Adding t-tops and bigger radiator and brakes over the Sentra SE-R, they were a blast. I’d love to have either of them back now, but sadly, they never come up for sale. I live in the mountains, where FWD is faster on most roads here, and it was great fun chasing pony cars and the like with the NXes. They and the SE-R have a LSD from the factory, and the engine is legendary and bullet proof. Timing chain construction, but still high revving with a 7800 rpm redline and an 8100 rpm fuel shut off. Wonderful machines! Worth the money when you see how many are available to buy these days.
I always liked these and agree that they remind of the 3 series. But 22 large? No way. What was I driving in 1991? A red Thunderbird. More of a tourer but this car might have lasted longer.
I like this little Nissan. It looks like it would be a blast to drive, especially with a stick. Great color combination too. Its really in nice shape too. If you want one of these, this would probably be one of the nicest ones left out there.
This car sold on cars and bids in 2020 for $12k with 33,000 miles on it. Hasn’t been driven for 5 years? Just wondering.
I thought about buying one at the time. These were cool little Nissans. I think this one’s just a wee bit over priced. lol.
I was a BMW 2002 guy my whole life and always liked to get one of these but the right situation never happened. This looks like a good one but not for 22k for me. They are rare and desirable and the guy who has this cash and wants it will be happy. Its a typical 90’s Japanese car with great reliability. 22K turns it into an investment car, not a driver! Nice example though!!
Wife had a 91 GXE and I bought a 92 SE-R. Was in the search for a 240, but the Sentra SE-R knocked my socks off on the test drive. Was a super comfy car and a hoot to drive. Was quick off the mark and had a great top end of you were gutsy enough to push to the redline.
Has the 5th gear pop out fix been done? It happens on every one eventually.
I’ve owned one since 1993. Wonderful car and this is a beautiful example, but this is still a silly asking price.
Had one. Loved it, but a 14 year old boy took his uncles car for a joy ride, and being chased by a local policeman, plowed into the right rear. Lived on a one way street. Insurance company wouldn’t total it. Not the same after that.
Just what the market needs today. A factory hot rod based on a sensible 2-door sedan.
I had one new in 1991…….a Screamer out the door, and a ton of fun…..Never any issues other than tires from all the fun driving. Built very well.
Oh boy would this be a fun car to own. I loved the 1991-1994 Sentra’s. I really wanted to buy a new one in 1994 but my wife and I had recently moved into a new house and the timing wasn’t right. Too bad.
Back in ’94 I think it was, I went looking for one of these. I had had enough of the SHO nickel and diming me to death with repairs.
None of the dealerships had one to test drive, but while visiting one of them, they wanted the SHO and made me a sweet trade-in deal towards a Maxima SE. Not exactly what I came in for, but that car served me well and not a single problem – made me happy.
I still would love to get behind the wheel of one of these someday.