2013-2019 Nissan Sentra : What You Should Know Before Buying
The Nissan Sentra is one of the most affordable cars out there and its fuel consumption ratings are also very low, which makes it an attractive model for consumers wishing to cut down on their expenses.
We find quite a good number of recent units on the used car market. Nevertheless, if your budget is a bit limited, you should probably consider an older Sentra. That's precisely the subject of the present article. Here is what you need to know about the 2013-2019 Nissan Sentra.
A Youthful Makeover
First of all, the complete redesign of the Sentra in 2013 was the first in almost a decade and brought several changes. The Sentra adopted, among other elements, the same grille as other Nissan models as well as a more elevated style. The cabin was transformed to offer a more modern presentation, better comfort and, above all, one of the most spacious environments of the category. We won't forget to mention the very generous 428-litre trunk.
This Sentra uses a four-cylinder, 1.8-litre 130-horsepower engine. It could be associated with a six-speed manual gearbox or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). With the former, the average consumption approached 8.0 L/100 km. With the latter, it averages around 7.0 L/100 km.
Unfortunately, Nissan’s continuously variable transmission (CVT) has had several problems over the years, notably in the Sentra. Certain owners have had theirs repaired or simply replaced. A class-action lawsuit against Nissan Canada was even authorized. For this reason, choosing a Sentra with a CVT gearbox is a risky bet. Make sure that the transmission maintenance has been done and seriously consider getting yourself an extended warranty for more peace of mind.
On the Road
On the road, the ride is quite smooth, but the handling is not very inspiring. The steering lacks sensation, while the rear suspension is limited to a torsion beam.
The Sentra has gone through an aesthetic and technical update for the 2017 model year. We're talking about a revised and sportier driving, among other things, with the addition of a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine unleashing 188 horsepower. This engine was available in the SR Turbo and NISMO versions.
The addition of a new seven-inch colour screen and the optional NissanConnect System with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto marked the last year of this generation of the Sentra.
In conclusion, know that the Sentra is vulnerable to corrosion. A simple yearly anti-rust treatment should do the trick. What's more, a dozen recalls have been issued in Canada, the majority to correct safety problems related to airbags and the electronics controlling them. Before buying, make sure that all the repairs related to these recalls have been conducted on the vehicle you’re interested in.
