looking for a new daily? SE-R?

[honda_killer240]

im looking at trading in for a new daily driver my daily right now is a 99 eclipse, i have been looking at the SE-R, what do u guys think of them, is it worth the little bit extra for the spec-v

[Dattebayo]

The price you get on the big brakes is definatley worth it, but as for daily driveing, you could just get a B15 2 liter model. The car is a little big to have anything smaller in it.

[drftsil8ty]

dont buy a spec-v, i have an 04' and it sucks. things are breaking now and they are over rated.

[skydragoness]

dont buy a spec-v, i have an 04' and it sucks. things are breaking now and they are over rated.

i'm curious, what's breaking on it?

[drftsil8ty]

recall on fuel lines, blown steroe(up-graded one), regulateor on the windows are broken, does not idle right(idles different everyday), ac sucks, reverse does not go into all the time(i know its six speed but i talked to others at nissan and they have the same problems with that and everything else), mis. things are just falling off.....example, door panel and seat adjuster. makes funny sounds when i turn. to me these problems should occur like at 120,000 but my spec-v had only 30,000...c'mon. yeah, like i said everybody i talk to (owners or employees) tend to say not to buy that car.

[PalmerWMD]

Hmmm,

I was lookijng for a SPEC V as a possibly daily as well.

I am still consdiring it as problems tend to depress prices when I go used car shopping..

Fred..

[drftsil8ty]

I hope that you find another car that you like, se-r bad.

[piknockout]

Like every car out there, there are going to be some bad ones. The Spec V has its quirks like all cars. I have a 2003 with 67K miles, I drag race it, autocross in it, and generally beat the $hit out of it on a daily basis, and it just asks for more. Any problems I've had have been self inflicted. Generally, the 2003+ Spec V's have had minimal problems and the 2002's were the ones with the major issues. Definitely don't buy an '02, they've given the later ones a bad name. Don't get me wrong, some people have had their problems with them, but not most.

Sorry you've had some bad luck, but I gotta say I love my Spec V. It's not spectacular at any one thing, but it's a great all around car - from acceleration to handling, etc. Just my opinion though, and like @ssholes, everyone's got one (not calling you an @sshole, just using the expression ).

[skydragoness]

recall on fuel lines, blown steroe(up-graded one), regulateor on the windows are broken, does not idle right(idles different everyday), ac sucks, reverse does not go into all the time(i know its six speed but i talked to others at nissan and they have the same problems with that and everything else), mis. things are just falling off.....example, door panel and seat adjuster. makes funny sounds when i turn. to me these problems should occur like at 120,000 but my spec-v had only 30,000...c'mon. yeah, like i said everybody i talk to (owners or employees) tend to say not to buy that car.

I've heard some stuff about a/c on new cars, there's something that the techs have to do (charge them up i think) when they take them off the trucks. Sometimes a car gets skipped over, I'd look into that, all new cars should have frigid a/c. The knock-noise when turning happened in my friend's spec v (before he sold it) he said the dealer told him it was 'normal'.. i find that fishy though

[Kalok]

recall on fuel lines, blown steroe(up-graded one), regulateor on the windows are broken, does not idle right(idles different everyday), ac sucks, reverse does not go into all the time(i know its six speed but i talked to others at nissan and they have the same problems with that and everything else), mis. things are just falling off.....example, door panel and seat adjuster. makes funny sounds when i turn. to me these problems should occur like at 120,000 but my spec-v had only 30,000...c'mon. yeah, like i said everybody i talk to (owners or employees) tend to say not to buy that car.

I have a 2k3 SE-R, the 5-speed. I haven't had ANY problems with it except for a bad steering rack. I've had it since Dec of 2k2.

I couldn't be more happy with mine. I blew a MAF once, but I'm not wholly convinced that it wasn't my fault, so I will give Nissan that one as my fault.

For the record: There is no 2.0l SE-R past 2000 or 2001.

[piknockout]

The sr20de was in the 2000-2001 SE.

My A/C went out on me recently, but just got it re-charged and it was fine. Only like $100 or so I believe. As far as the knock is concerned, some Spec's had steering rack issues, but only a few I'm aware of. I had knock for a little while, but it was due to my lower tie bar knocking on the lower crossmember. Piece of rubber in between and now no more problems for me.

My problems:1. Throttle body - due to unplugging TB without detaching battery first while tightening butterfly valve screws - replaced under warranty.

2. A/C bad after almost 3 years - recharged for $100.

3. Rear wheel bearings went bad - due to taking off rear dust caps to get wheels to fit and bearings got dust and crap in them - replaced for $50 for each one and installed both myself in about an hour. Just banged in dust caps so problem doesn't happen again.

4. O2 sensor came on after doing header install - installed O2 simulator for $40 and now no light.

5. New MAF after bracket broke and knocked it around - got used one for $95.

6. ONLY real annoying problem that wasn't somehow caused by me - sunglass holder won't click to open and have to almost pry it open. But that's it really.

And after 67K miles of being modded and beat on constantly, still going strong!

[214kka-et240sx]

IMO , all the new cars hvae problems with little stuff, as were old cars last long, i havent had any problems with my car with engine, interoir parts, and new cars, they make everything all cheap, thats why the cars don't last long, cuz everything is made out of plastic. i was looking into getting a spec-v but now that you guys had problems with it, then i am not ganna get it, i am ganna just get my FB 240, and start my new project.

[nametakennow]

There are plenty of bad eggs in the SE-R crop, but if you look around you'll find a good one with ease.

If all the recalls have been done on time, then it should be sound. I've never heard of an '04 with the problems listed earlier.

Well, except the window regulators, those are bad on all B15s I've ever heard of, including mine.

Anyway, I'll have to vouch for the 00-01 SE (SR20DE), since I own one. You can find a low miles one for $8k or less, and it's fun out of the box. Of course, the roller-rocker lowport SR20DE has its share of quirks too, but with a stock redline there's no worry of throwing rocker arms. I love mine, ever second of every day (even when the driver's window regulator screams in protest), every stomp of the gas and flick of the wheel is great. Even stock it was fun. It's fat by SR-powered Sentra standards (nearly 2700lbs), but still light compared to QR powered Sentras and even the Civic Si. Handling on an SE or SE-R is bar-none for an FWD car. Imagine keeping up with a WRX in the slalom minus two drive wheels - SCC did it.

Of course, it's a daily, so I won't go into much detail for the aftermarket, but even a daily needs bolt-ons, and those are cheap and add some fun to it.

If you really intend on keeping it a daily, don't research the SE or SE-R much (if you buy one), you won't want it as just a daily anymore.

<- Spends all his money on his Sentra .

[piknockout]

Even stock it was fun. It's fat by SR-powered Sentra standards (nearly 2700lbs), but still light compared to QR powered Sentras and even the Civic Si. Handling on an SE or SE-R is bar-none for an FWD car.

A Spec V and SE weigh right around the same 2800 lbs. Also, the QR is supposedly lighter than the SR due to aluminum vs iron block. Maybe someone else knows for certain, but I'm about 90% sure that is correct.

i was looking into getting a spec-v but now that you guys had problems with it, then i am not ganna get it, i am ganna just get my FB 240, and start my new project.

Remember, I haven't had any real problems other than the ones I've created for myself. You can still get a nice Spec V that will have no issues, just don't get an '02 and make sure all recalls have been completed. But I will say, if I were going out to get a B15 now, I would probably get a 2001 SE and spend the savings on a turbo. But it's too late for me to go back and do that!

[honda_killer240]

thanks for the info guys, what about the srt-4 or maybe a suggestion on another daily i should look at

[partymonster 975]

That a real nice car I say go for it. But buy a base model sentra and take any money you have left over and buy nismo parts and make it a nismo sentra. They look awsome. I think its only around 2000-3000 more for the nismo package wich includes a ton of stuff like engine mods and Brembo brakes. CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO FIND OUT MORE!





http://cars.ign.com/articles/606/606586p1.html

[nametakennow]

Incorrect, the SE is rated at 2674lbs, the Spec comes out to 2743.

The SR uses an aluminum block as well, I'd hate to drill and tap an iron one.

A base Sentra with a NISMO package will still be infinitely slower than a Spec V (or SE). The QG18 needs heavy mods to compete.

[honda_killer240]

how do u go about getting a nismo tuned one or is it easyer to get a base sentra and add parts?

[nametakennow]

At the dealership I'm sure they'd accomodate adding NISMO parts on.

IMO, NISMO parts are way too expensive - $500 header that still rusts? I don't think so.

[partymonster 975]

I think it is better to buy a base model and add the parts later. Here are some sites to get the Nismo parts. Pick R-tune or S-tune.

http://www.nismoparts.com/catalog/?section=376

this one is S-tuned.

http://www.nismoparts.com/catalog/?section=381

This one is R-tuned.

http://www.nismoparts.com/catalog/?section=383

[partymonster 975]

It looks like the S-tune has preformance parts and R-tune has more style ans cosmetic parts so just buy from both.

here are a couple more sites for minor things. The major stuff is on the sites I posted before this one.

1. http://www.courtesyparts.com/nismo/b15/

2. http://mynissanparts.com/s-9-sentra.aspx

3.http://www.thenissanpartsstore...Id=23

[piknockout]

You can't get a "Nismo Package" at the dealership. It's not an option, but you can buy overpriced Nismo parts from the dealership and have them overcharge you for installation. Not only that, only certain parts will fit on a base model sentra, also known as the 1.8S with a QG18DE. The Spec V comes with a QR25DE.

Nismo parts for both - Cosmetics (lips, wing), lower tie bar, front and rear sway bars, strut tower bar, suspension, wheels, and stickers!

Nismo parts for Spec V only - Intake, header, exhaust, camshafts, and probably something else I'm missing.

nametakennow - I was unsure of the weight difference, but it is pretty negligible. I mean, that's easily the difference between two different people. Not noticeable. Wasn't certain on the block though, but I thought I had heard that. But I do know from reading several times that the QR25de is lighter than the SR20de. I'm pretty sure that one's a fact, just too lazy to look it up!

[partymonster 975]

So just get the spec v and add nismo parts to it over time. Thats what I would do.

[honda_killer240]

so the spec-v is wroth the extra dollars, what about just getting the base se-r and building off it

[drifter_for_life06]

cyberkreigs brother owns a 03 Spec-V

not very many problems with it

few things here adn tehre, however he is selling

[nametakennow]

You can't get a "Nismo Package" at the dealership. It's not an option, but you can buy overpriced Nismo parts from the dealership and have them overcharge you for installation. Not only that, only certain parts will fit on a base model sentra, also known as the 1.8S with a QG18DE. The Spec V comes with a QR25DE.

Nismo parts for both - Cosmetics (lips, wing), lower tie bar, front and rear sway bars, strut tower bar, suspension, wheels, and stickers!

Nismo parts for Spec V only - Intake, header, exhaust, camshafts, and probably something else I'm missing.

nametakennow - I was unsure of the weight difference, but it is pretty negligible. I mean, that's easily the difference between two different people. Not noticeable. Wasn't certain on the block though, but I thought I had heard that. But I do know from reading several times that the QR25de is lighter than the SR20de. I'm pretty sure that one's a fact, just too lazy to look it up!

It's not quite as negligible as you might think, but you're right, a big person in an SE is going to be the same weight as a small one in a Spec with a little less gas in the tank.

The internals are beefier in the SR, so that may be why it weighs more. Also consider the idea that the QR block may not be much bigger overall than the SR, but is more bored out. I'm not sure of that last bit though, just a thought. Personally, I'm still a fan of the SR til I hear of a more problem-free QR, but the 05s seem to be doing very well. I still have issue with the tendency of boosted QRs to bend things too.

I believe the 04+ Spec Vs gained a few more lbs too.

Options can add up as well (I have no ABS, sunroof, or leather, so there's a few lbs out, especially the 'roof).

Anyway, that bit about performance parts being for the QR and not the QG is also very true, all the more reason it's much harder to make a fast QG Sentra. You can't take a base Sentra and put it in the same league as a QR Sentra without at least equalling out the prices. The suspension differences (stock) are notable too.

As far as getting a base SE-R, I wouldn't bother. The base doesn't have the HLSD, or any other form of limited-slip. In fact, I think the base has a 5spd. I don't think the Brembo option is available for the base SE-R either.

If you're gonna go, go all out.

Spec Vs can be had quite cheap brand-new if you look around. Take into account end-of-model-year savings too, it's almost time for the '06s to roll in.

I still don't like a lot of the NISMO parts, the performance ones at least. The FSTB and sway bars are great, much better setup (thicker rear bar than Eibach or anyone else I've heard of). However, like I said, the header is crazy expensive and still rusts, might as well get a Hotshot (also overpriced), or an OBX (Hotshot knock-off, I think they have one for the QR now, stainless too, so it won't rust, unlike the ceramic-coated mild steel Hotshot). The cams are probably nice, but I'd rather wait til JWT had some ready, in fact I think they do or are very close, it's been awhile since I caught up on the latest SE-R fanaticisms.

I think that covers everything.

[piknockout]

so the spec-v is wroth the extra dollars, what about just getting the base se-r and building off it

Spec V = 6MT, stiffer suspension, 17's, different interior, 175hp, and a cool Spec V sticker

SE-R = 5MT or Auto, pretty base interior, softer suspension, 16's, and 165hp

It all depends on the price difference you would pay, but for me I would rather have the Spec. You don't feel the need to upgrade as quickly. Not only that, but you could pick up a Spec for about the same price. All in all, I would prefer one over the SE-R, especially since it's not that much. Just my $0.02 though.

[Kalok]

Spec V = 6MT, stiffer suspension, 17's, different interior, 175hp, and a cool Spec V sticker

SE-R = 5MT or Auto, pretty base interior, softer suspension, 16's, and 165hp

It all depends on the price difference you would pay, but for me I would rather have the Spec. You don't feel the need to upgrade as quickly. Not only that, but you could pick up a Spec for about the same price. All in all, I would prefer one over the SE-R, especially since it's not that much. Just my $0.02 though.

Actually, there are very few differences between the Spec V and the SE-R. Most of which are cosmetic.

The "10 extra horsepower" comes from a different air intake and a 2* timing advance. How many people don't put a CAI on their car? As far as the 16" vs 17" wheels... Those 17" wheels are HEAVY. How many people don't put after-market 17" or 18" wheels on their car? Stiffer suspension? Yeah. It has that too. But how many people keep the stock suspension? Interior? I'm not really a fan of the Spec V lava red interior. The transmission, I will give you that one. I would like to have the 6-spd and HLSD, vs the 5-speed I have. A transmission swap from a wrecked Spec will fix that problem.

Basically, the way I look at it is that the Spec V is the model you get if you are not going to do any tuning to your car yourself. The "base" 5-speed SE-R is the car that you get if you're going to do any "real" tuning.

In a nutshell, the transmission is the only thing that you get "gypped" on if you buy a base model SE-R and are doing some tuning youself. Otherwise, save the $3,000ish price difference.

I will stack my "just an SE-R" up against any Spec V with the same mods and hold my own on performance; with the caveat that the Spec has a better transmission.

[nametakennow]

I'll give you that.

However, for a daily driver, he won't be planning much, more than likely, especially not a transmission swap.

Then again, he might not like having 6 gears in a daily (I'd love it, I think).

From the perspective of a project or even a heavily modded daily, the base model is where to go.

I've never heard of a 5spd SE-R having the transmission problems of the 02-03 Specs, either.

[piknockout]

Can't believe I forgot about the HLSD! Doh! Yeah, now that thing is great, I will tell you that.

1. The Lava Red interior was only on the 2002 models, the 2003's and up have silver instead and IMO much better looking than an SE-R interior. My buddy has an SE-R and I can't stand it.

2. The HLSD is almost one of the biggest things that makes the Spec V worth the extra money. And I don't think the difference is $3K. When a friend of mine was looking to buy one or the other, the difference in price between the two was $1,500. Well worth the extra money.

3. The "extra 10 hp" is kind of a joke, I'll give you that one. Mod for mod when it comes to power, the two would be pretty identical. But putting that power to good use, the HLSD in the Spec V will give you better overall performance (ie, the corners).

4. 6 gears with the 6th gear being like overdrive is nice. And mine is daily driven and I don't feel like I shift all that much more than in a 5 speed, except when I'm cruising on the highway I drop it into 6th.

5. Even if you are going to end up getting a better suspension, the Spec V set up is nicer for handling until you actually get around to it, which may be a year or more for most people. And even at that, the extra cost to get the HLSD and interior has already made it worth the money.

6. The 17's with tires are about the same weight as the 16's with tires. And even if you do end up getting another set of 17's or 18's, once again, it may take a year or more. In which case the 17's on the Spec V look really nice. Only reason I switched mine out is because I do a decent amount of racing and prefer a lighter weight wheel. And also, when you go to upgrade, you can sell those stock 17's for a lot more than the stock 16's, thus helping to pay for the new wheels.

7. How can you say "The "base" 5-speed SE-R is the car that you get if you're going to do any "real" tuning." when you're not getting an LSD? Real tuners prefer to have an LSD so you're not smoking that inner front tire mid turn. And if it is the car you get to do any "real tuning", how come everyone buys the Spec V to tune and upgrade and the SE-R's are all snatched up by girls and older ladies who just want a Sentra with more power than the 1.8?

8. For the cost of getting a wrecked Spec V transmission and installing it in the SE-R is going to cost some decent money. I'd rather save myself the trouble, especially for all the other benefits that come with it.

Even though I ended up replacing a lot of those parts, I'm still happy in my purchase of the Spec V over the SE-R. Nothing wrong with "just an SE-R", I just think the extra money for the Spec V is totally justified and I think it was worth the money. But everyone has their opinions, right? :