So, I found this on craiglist. I think someone "in the know" looked at it, as the owner said someone "very knowledgeable" checked it out. The "inspector" pointed out some problems and mentioned about the forums and the such. Sorry if I stole it, but this one fit the bill perfectly. I couldn't NOT buy it.
------the ad------
1992 NISSAN SENTRA SER - Best Reasonable Offer
5 Speed Manual Transmission 2.0 Engine 4 Cylinder
147,100 Miles ORIGINAL OWNER
-Inspection good until 8/2006
-Repairs Done (have paperwork):
-Front Axles - 7/2002
-Brakes, Calipers, Rotors, Links, Pins & Bushings - 9/2002
-New Battery - 4/2003
-4 New Tires - 8/2004
-Last Oil Change - 9/2005 @ 145,392 miles
Repairs Needed:
Muffler
Starter -(will start but sporatically)
Blower Fan - (Interior fan will not work without the relay fan being replaced so currently there is no heat or a/c working)
Radio - (doesn't work well but the speakers are in working condition)
Car ran well until starter problem arose. There is no engine or clutch problems. Body has a small dent on driver side at wheel well and there is some rusting on driver side rear wheel well.
Great car for someone who is mechanically inclined or knows someone that is. Also, good for someone who needs parts.
$600 or Best Reasonable Offer
--------end ad------
That was the ad from craigslist. The owner was very upfront and answered all questions I had (consistently even (I tested him)). He was an older gent, so it's not babied, but not beat to death either. I haven't really gone under the car hardcore yet. Just drove it home to PA yesterday (~90miles) and it was a CHAMP! Engine, clutch, tranny all seemed to be in good shape. The interior was in really good shape. Cleaned thoroughly or just clean to begin with.
Issues:
-It does have a pretty bad exhaust leak. I think the flex pipe is disintegrating.....i'm a RICER!! (it's loud...ha ha)
-Brakes were not unsafe, but I'll have to address them.
-HVAC Blower fan - it's really the switch. He described the typical losing 1-3, but then 4 finally cut out on him also.
-Radio - I'll probably replace much of that subsystem anyway (just for clear tunes, nothing ginormous. Helps to have a hookup there.
-The starter is going and it was the owner's daily driver until this came up. Couldn't be stranded in the early AM. It started up everytime I turned the key, but I'll be preventive here.
-Owner caulked the crap out of the seals/window trims. I think they were leaking. On the plus side, it seemed effective in preventing any rust/water penetration in those spots. The trunk doesn't leak. No moonroof to worry about.
-Light rust on the rocker panels and over the driver's rear wheel arch and a door jamb. Not terrible.
-a couple dings, scratches. The drivers front fender looks like it'll push out with some persuasion.
-typical cracked foglight(s) and the pside headlight is yellowed (dside was replaced after minor fender bender).
All in all, I couldn't pass it up. Should be just some light bulbs, the starter and the exhaust for me to get her on the road. Of course I'll do all the fluids and have it looked over more thoroughly. I'm pretty stoked ***.
Between the caulking and dings and scratches. I might just fully prep the car for a repaint.....we'll see what the budget is like and what else comes up. Does someone know the paint code/color name? For some reason I thought they called it Super Black. The car also shakes like mad when it's sitting at idle. Thinking it's a combination of the exhaust and bad motor/tranny mounts. I'm sure they're toast on this 13 y.o. car.
so the plans for now are just for refurbing
engine oil (GTX?)
filter
air filter
fuel filter
plugs (recommendations?)
coolant
tranny fluid
bulbs bulbs bulbs
interior/exterior cleaning
general inspection
fix/stop body rusting
belts
I contributed to the forum (1 yr) and grabbed the service manuals...that should come in HANDY.
I'm just excited that I finally managed to score me my SE-R and it's black to boot!! ...After letting my last one go unceremoniously
(91 black w/ moonroof - engine). Just in time for the convention which is fairly close by!!
Happy to be here
-Wylie
Platinum Punisher
hmmmmm i wonder if that guy puts a bigger wing he might be able to fly?
