The Nissan Sentra has come a long way down from the 1980s, being an affordable and reliable staple for small families. The enhanced drivability, generous cabin space, and sophisticated technology make it a perfect sedan. Whether you drive within the city or plan a holiday, the cargo space would seamlessly accommodate your luggage. Besides, owners appreciate the smooth handling of the car, which keeps the passengers at ease.
So, if you are bracing up to own one of these reliable vehicles, it’s natural to be inquisitive about its life expectancy. In this article, you will get to know about the mileage, life expectancy, common problems, and reliability of the car.
What’s the Nissan Sentra life expectancy?
Taking the average annual mileage to be 15K miles, your Nissan Sentra would diligently serve you for 16 to 20 years. After this, the vehicle would need major repairs to deliver service through an extended lifespan.
With the right kind of attention, care, and maintenance, you can derive optimal value from these cars. Nissan has chalked out a maintenance plan for these cars. Whether you purchase a new model or a used one, adhering to the guidelines will prolong the vehicle’s lifeline.
How many miles can a Nissan Sentra last?
With sensible driving habits and proper maintenance, your Nissan Sentra can last between 250K to 300K miles. So, the new cars should last with you for at least two decades.
To make the most of your Nissan Sentra, you need to check the coolant and oil levels regularly. Also, inspect the air filter for wear levels, along with the tread depth and tire pressures. Follow the factory recommendations while following up on the preventive maintenance schedule.
If you consider high mileage before purchasing a used Sentra, it’s wise not to go for one with more than 80K miles on the odometer. Don’t overlook the previous record of maintenance to ensure that the car had received proper servicing. Inspect the automatic transmission to ensure that no issues crop up with the CVT.
Is Nissan Sentra a reliable car?
Anecdotal evidence and research data reveal that the Nissan Sentra is a reliable car. Under the compact car category, RepairPal has ranked the Nissan Sentra in the 14th position out of 36 cars. Besides, it has bagged an impressive reliability rating of 4 out of 5.
As per J.D. Power, this car’s 2020 and 2021 models have a ‘Great’ reliability rating of 84/100. Even the 2019 model bagged 83/100. Prior to this, the 2017 and 2018 models have an ‘Average’ rating of 75 and 79, respectively. Evidently, the manufacturers have worked on the reliability and performance of these cars over the years.
In terms of reliability, the Sentra is better poised than the Volkswagen Golf SportWagen, Chrysler PT Cruiser, and the Subaru WRX STI. Certain models of the Nissan Sentra that the brand launched between 2013 and 2017 had transmission issues. The Nissan Sentra received a mediocre rating from Consumer Reports, which gave it 3/5. However, the newer models do not cause such concerns. So, if you are planning to purchase one of these cars, it would be wise to go for a model post-2017.
In the first five years, depreciation reduces the value of the Nissan Sentra to half.
What problems does Nissan Sentra have?
The Nissan Sentra has been plying the streets over the last three decades. Users have registered complaints regarding its technicalities. However, the frequency and severity of these issues vary as per the respective model years. Have a look at some of the common issues with the Nissan Sentra.
1. Brake problems
Some Nissan Sentra 2013 owners complained that the brakes don’t work until they press the pedal so hard that it hits the car’s floor. Premature failure of the master brake cylinder primarily triggers this issue. Resolving this problem involves replacing the malfunctioning cylinder. Even the 2020 model has got this issue. In some units, the anti-braking lock mechanisms do not give any warning before they suddenly stop functioning. This can lead to accidents particularly when you drive on slippery surfaces.
2. Suspension issues
Suspension problems in some of the Nissan Sentra 2017 models lead to thumping noises when you drive at low speeds (10 to 20 mph). During the colder months, this issue becomes more acute. Some particular year models also involve noises in transmission. You might hear popping, rattling, clunking, thumping, and creaking noises. Besides, if the road has snow between 1 to 4 inches, the car might lose control.
3. Power steering glitches
In some of the Nissan Sentra 2012 models, the owners complained of the vehicles pulling to a particular side during driving. Besides, the cars might drift from one side of the road to the other. Even after proper wheel alignment, this issue might continue to haunt drivers.
4. Transmission problems
Transmission issues can be serious in these cars. Some of the units between 2013 and 2017 have CVT (continuously variable transmissions) issues. As a result, the transmissions tend to lose power. This causes abrupt stalling or shaking of the car when it gains speed. In the worst scenario, it might lead to total failure.
Are Nissan Sentras Expensive To Maintain?
Nissan Sentra owners are happy with the car’s performance and consistency as the maintenance cost is reasonable. At an annual cost of $491, you can keep the car in proper functional conditions. This maintenance cost is also lower than the car’s top competitors.
For instance, compact cars involve an average annual maintenance cost of around $526. Besides, the Volkswagen Golf requires around $630 for annual maintenance and repairs. Compared to these cars, the Nissan Sentra demands relatively lesser maintenance.
The brakes of Nissan Sentras can last up to 70,000 miles if you adopt a healthy driving style. You can even make the tires last up to 60,000 miles. However, you need to align and rotate the tires at the recommended frequency to make them last this long. For inspecting and replacing the filters, oil, transmission, and spark plugs, make sure to reach out to a Nissan authenticated dealership or a qualified mechanic at a specialist shop. The spark plugs may serve you from 60K to 100K miles.
Are Nissan Sentras parts expensive?
The good news for Nissan Sentra owners is that these cars do not involve expensive part replacements. The car is reliable indeed, and the repair and replacement costs of parts are similar to ordinary vehicles.
Counting in the common parts that you need to take care of such as air filter, oil filter, brake pads, spark plugs, and oil filter, the cost comes to $207.95. This figure is higher for the Volkswagen Golf (240.93) and the Mazda (238.91). Evidently, replacing the parts won’t drain your pockets drastically.
Ways to make Nissan Sentra life longer
- Sensible driving habits and refraining from aggressive driving can make your Nissan Sentra last longer. Make sure not to stress out the car and ensure smooth driving.
- Strictly adhere to the maintenance schedule, besides waxing and washing the exteriors to keep away rust.
- The oil filters need replacement around two to four times a year. This will prevent the engine from developing rust prematurely. The accumulation of dirt in the car’s oil filters can also result in rusting.
- Visit a certified dealership or repair center to fix any possible issue at the earliest before they further aggravate. For instance, when the brake disc wears out, replace it immediately. Failure to do so might lead to accidents that might inflict further damage to your car.
Conclusion
Well, responsible owners can make their Nissan Sentra last longer than the Hyundai Elantra or the Volkswagen Jetta. These sedans have consistently gained popularity in the US, thanks to their long lifeline and moderate maintenance costs. Even second hand cars offer diligent service to owners. Simply follow the manufacturer’s recommendations when it comes to maintenance and repairs. This assures a long lifeline to your Nissan Sentra.
