Will soon own a Nissan Sentra 1996 1.6L. I have a few questions....

[mrmr256]

I couldn't find any topics about "what to know" when getting a sentra.

Basically, my parents are giving me a 1996 Sentra for free. It has 220,000 miles (all highway). I drove it for the first time today. For a car its age and mileage it drives very well. It is VERY clean inside and out.

Here's what I know about it so far.. The brakes have been redone: new rotors/pads; new shoes/drums. A/C has been recharged (will have to check if the compressor was replaced) and it blows ice cold. It has power door locks and windows and it all works. No noticeable oil leaks and the transmission shifts just fine (it is automatic) although the engine has the oil grim buildup, but again no noticeable leak after the car's been driven. One of the serpentine belts might need to be replaced, but that will be taken care of.

My questions are simple. I need to know if there's anything I should do once I get the car. What to check? What to replace?

I just need to know the common quirks (if any) these car tends to have. My sister owns a 2004 Sentra (1.8L) and that has problems with the TPS which I was told nissan had some recalls on it, and yet it still has problems with that.

The car has been serviced at my stepdads garage so he does have a history record of it there and will look up what's been replaced on it recently (water pump, gaskets, etc.) if anything.

I appreciate any future help. Thanks.

[ProudNissanFreak]

Here's a review:

http://consumerguideauto.howst...6.htm

I'd have to agree that the seats are uncomfortable on B14's from the 90's, especially on long drives. Obviously performance isn't going to be the greatest since it's a 1.6, but you'll have great fuel economy.

[nametakennow]

Nothing in particular needs to be looked at. Obviously, it's a 13 year old car, so check for rust, obvious signs of abuse, pop the oil cap and look for sludge, check the belts, listen for any odd noises, etc.

[nismoracingsx]

a few of my nissans have suffered from leaky trunks...pull up the trunk carpet and check out the spare tire tub..

[conenubi701]

Check the wheel bearings. Jack up the car and grab the wheel with one hand at 12 o'clock and one at 6. Try to wiggle the tire. If it seems loose you need to change the wheel bearings.