2005-06 Sentra Spec-V and QR25DE - do they also suffer issues?

[greenwar]

Folks, I am a big fan of the Spec-V Sentra - they are affordable, 6speed, sporty and relatively economical. I am however worried about their reliability. I know the early QR25DE suffered many issues such as pre-cat failure, some bolt getting sucked into intake, oil burning, engine fire etc. My question is Do the newer QR25DEs (say 05-06) suffer from the same issue?

I think time has come for me to switch to all four bangers (anticipating $4/gallon next year). Spec-V makes a great choice (along with Lancer Ralliart). Let me know what you guys know. Cheers!! e

[RED_DET]

All year 02-06 of the QR motors had oil consumption issues, to include the 2.5 altima. I haven't heard any issues with the "redesigned" 07 QR. My wifes 02 had oil consumption issues when I used Mobil 1 synthetic oil. I switched out to conventional oil, penzoil 5w 30 that the dealer uses and haven't had a problem in the past 6 oil changes.

[EL MAMITO USMC]

well the 02-03 came out really bad, i had all the recalls plus some new ones!!! but the 04-05 so far only have minor issues.. if you can get the newer ones that would be your best bet. good luck

[nametakennow]

The precats disintegrate less often, at least.

IMO, you should still buy a header and loctite the butterfly screws as soon as you get any 02-06 SE-R.

The '07s are a different story. They're pretty problem free, thus far.

[NSR_s30]

I've only heard of the oil consumption issues.

[SHIFT_COUPE]

I know you asked specifically of 05-06 but I owned two 2004's, one an SE-R (Auto) and the other a Spec-V. Both had oil consumption problems. If I were to pick from the bunch I would select a 2006.

[greenwar]

Thanks for your posts guys, much appreciated. I see two 05-06 spec-vs for sale as well some great deals from Mitsubishi on their 08 lancer GTS!! I like the GTS quite a bit. I think I will give that a look as well.

[VMPhil]

THe GTS is nice, however if u hold of for the new ralliart, its gonna be 260hp awd. most likely will be priced to compete with the WRX and Mazda spped 3 at about 25k.

As far as The Spec V being Economical, not really. Its rated at 23-29 you will probably see 21-26mpg. it Guzzles for a 4 banger. but the Spec is not something you buy for economic purposes. Its a fun car to drive.

Best of luck considering your purchase

[SeRated]

The precats disintegrate less often, at least.

IMO, you should still buy a header and loctite the butterfly screws as soon as you get any 02-06 SE-R.

The '07s are a different story. They're pretty problem free, thus far.

^^^The oil consumption is due to the precat failure. I agree...do these two things and you should be alright.

[nametakennow]

Not always, some of them just used oil like mad to begin with. However, excessive oil consumption is definitely a symptom of precat failure.

I always say to people interested in B15 SE-Rs that as long as you make sure you've had all the recall work done and are aware of what recalls are out there in case something fails, it's a perfectly fine car to have.

[nissantech06]

THe GTS is nice, however if u hold of for the new ralliart, its gonna be 260hp awd. most likely will be priced to compete with the WRX and Mazda spped 3 at about 25k.

As far as The Spec V being Economical, not really. Its rated at 23-29 you will probably see 21-26mpg. it Guzzles for a 4 banger. but the Spec is not something you buy for economic purposes. Its a fun car to drive.

Best of luck considering your purchase

We get some automotive magazine sent only to car dealers, and they said the Lancer for 2009 will see the base DE and ES get the 2.0 like they have now, the GTS will get the 2.4L out of the Eclipse but up to 170HP (we all know how little performance parts came out for the 2.4L) the Ralliart will be a FWD turbo and of course the Evo X will have AWD. I think the Ralliart, from what the article said, will have around 240-260HP to compete with the regular (UGLY) WRX.

[nametakennow]

If the Ralliart is FWD it will be a horrible failure as an alternative to the base WRX. I've heard rumors in both directions.

[greenwar]

Thanks again guys.

I found an 03 SE-R (not sure if Spec-V) for very reasonable price with 71k miles. This is about the time when things start going belly up right?

Any pointers as to what to look for when inspecting such vehicle visually? Price is too good to not consider it so I figured I would give it a look.

[nametakennow]

I'd say that at 71k, if it hasn't had a recall-based failure, it's a lucky car. Otherwise the engine and/or transmission is younger than the car.

Regardless, just make sure it's had all the recall work and scheduled maintenance (and oil changes, the usual) done.

Visually there's not much to see. Look for all the usual stuff, but it's too young of a car to have a rust issue or anything. Check for corrosion around the battery terminals. Not that it's something odd, but it happens a lot (bad grounding) and you'll want to keep up with it.

[greenwar]

I'd say that at 71k, if it hasn't had a recall-based failure, it's a lucky car. Otherwise the engine is younger than the car.

Regardless, just make sure it's had all the recall work and scheduled maintenance (and oil changes, the usual) done.

Thanks nametakennow!

How do I find out if all the recall work has been done? Can I just contact a nissan dealer with the VIN? The car in question is at an independent dealer who buys trade-ins.

[nametakennow]

Just in case they're liars, yes, the best method would be to contact a dealer with the VIN. They can look it up and tell you right over the phone.

[greenwar]

Hehe, they wont be lying so to speak. Probably will have no clue whether re-call work was done. I will check with the dealer. Thanks for your help.

[D3stro]

The best thing that can happen while buying a SeR or SeR SpecV is getting one that:

A) The recall as been done

B)The engine blow due to precat failure

C)The owner was bright enough to know the problem and what to do for not letting that happen again, getting a header in place.

The B15 SpecV is a good car. Fun to drive, torque, HLSD, 6 speeds, great looking interior. It's been 4 years I own mine and no trouble so far. Got nearly 97000km, got a header since 27000km.

THe GTS is nice, however if u hold of for the new ralliart, its gonna be 260hp awd. most likely will be priced to compete with the WRX and Mazda spped 3 at about 25k.

As far as The Spec V being Economical, not really. Its rated at 23-29 you will probably see 21-26mpg. it Guzzles for a 4 banger. but the Spec is not something you buy for economic purposes. Its a fun car to drive.

Best of luck considering your purchase

You have to be shifting gears at 2500rpm to make it ''economical'' on gaz. On highways, keep the rpm under 3000rpm, that's below 120 km/h or for you guys, that's below 75 mph. I've made 650km on a nearly full tank of gaz.

[nissantech06]

If the Ralliart is FWD it will be a horrible failure as an alternative to the base WRX. I've heard rumors in both directions.

OK, I know I've taken this thread off-subject so I apologize:

The new Evo X will have two models - GSR (Base, 5 speed manual) and the MR (Auto-clutch trans).

The Ralliart is still undecided.