Let’s face it, the Nissan Sentra is not going to become a sought-after collectible. Unlike a ’65 Ford Mustang or a ’57 Chevy Nomad, it will simply be an inexpensive means of transportation. However, this 2005 could be an exception as the cleanest one around after 20 years. It’s a one-owner vehicle with only 59,000 miles that doesn’t seem to need anything but a new home. Found near Providence, Rhode Island, this latter-day “Datsun” is available here on craigslist for $7,500 (thanks for the tip, Mitchell G.).
The Sentra has been a Nissan fixture in the U.S. since first being imported in 1982. It’s considered a compact car today, but it was initially sized as a subcompact. When the seller’s car was built, it was a rebadged version of the Nissan Sunny as sold in Japan. It was part of the Sentra’s fifth generation, produced between 2000 and 2006. A 1.8-liter inline-4 is housed up front in this FWD vehicle, paired with Nissan’s 4-speed RE4F03B automatic, not the troublesome CVT Nissan used in the next decade.
It’s surprising to find a Sentra this old that hasn’t been beaten into the ground. Its only owner likely appreciated the well-equipped econobox, and its condition is hard to fault. Some parts have recently been replaced, such as the tires, brakes, rear shock absorbers, serpentine belts and more, some being a function of their age.
The paint is original, and the body appears to be rust-free, quite an accomplishment since it’s a New Jersey car. It has a few power accessories like the windows and door locks. If you need a nice second car or one for your college-age children, maybe this machine is it. But is the price appropriate for a 20-year-old automobile that’s not on anyone’s collector list?
Probably get snapped up by a delivery driver. 📦 🍕 Thanks Dixon.
Or hooned into a Highway From Hell projectile.
This right here is the solid citizen you’re looking for. Back when Nissan built a no nonsense car. Dependable and economical. Buy it and don’t worry about it. This is as good and predictable as toast with butter and jam.
I don’t believe it’s worth the $7,500 asking price but it will make someone a car that will be able to hit the 200k mile and may keep going
That was my thought. For the money it should be an SE-R with 3 pedals. Might be worth it for a studio rental service getting ahead of the inevitable wave of ’00s nostalgic period pieces.
I bought one new in 2006 and I drove the wheels of it. The last good Sentra, the next gen Sentra had the rubber band transmission and they are crappy still today. We paid 13,999 plus tax and license. Other than oil changes & Air filters, two sets of tires front brake pads, coolant change and one set of plugs. 219,000 miles & 15 years.
I would never try to convince anyone that these will be collectable, either. Years ago, my brother in law had a Sentra LE – Limited Edition. I suppose they only made half a bazillion of that model.