New Car Inquiry - 2024 Sentra SV

[rijndael]

My family needs another car. It will be a commuter car for another teen driver, who's also driving siblings to school, and for running around town. I'm admittedly not a Nissan fan, especially with their current gloomy outlook and CVT history, but it's hard to ignore the pricepoint of the Sentra SV.

I'm looking at a 24 Sentra SV. Either new, or nearly new from a Hertz rental sale. If it's from the rental, it has under 8K miles, it's around $18.5K.

Buy? Avoid?

 

[cptbarkey]

Corolla or Camry.

 

[svtrit]

I'm not sure on the 24 Sentra, but I am a huge fan of Nissan cars, including the CVT. I don't own one currently, as I don't need a commuter car, but I would buy Nissan again tomorrow if I had to.

 

[rijndael]

The Corolla would be a 2023 with about 27K miles, for $19.7K

 

[IndyIan]

I'd look at what a new base model Sentra goes for, probably not much over $20k?
Seems $18.7 https://www.edmunds.com/nissan/sentra/2025/vin/3N1AB8BV7SY250739/?radius=6000

 

[LazyDog]

I would avoid, Sentra.
If you still want to purchase one the fuse block it has fuses in the top and bottom of the box.

 

[SwampSurvivor]

If you change the fluid / filters every 15-20k miles, the transmisson will last.
I don't believe the 2020+ Sentras have the 2 speed CVT, just a single speed more simple unit.

 

[JavierH19]

The cvt will last if you just spill and fill it every 15-20k miles. The engines will last if you use something better and change it a bit more frequently. Apparently the 2024 or 23 model year has the new "nissan xtronic" which is nonsense since it's the new jatco cvt-xs jf023e and is rated to 205 lb ft. The 2022 and older have the jf011e my old outlander sport has which is rated to 184lb ft and that has been a breeze to service since it has a regular drain bolt that lets a gallon out without the pan and pickup tube drop or it's just over 5 quarts instead and i can easily refill with the dip stick tube. No idea how that changes with the new one. Seems to still use the same nissan ns-3 fluid which cross reference to others. If it is still easy to service it's worth buying but only on a discount. Don't be afraid to go to another state if it's thousands cheaper but make sure you finish the paperwork and agree on a payment price with a signature before going so they can't scam you into paying more once you're already there.

 

[RooflessVW]

I'd rather have a '95 Sentra and sink $5k into it.

 

[Oillover]

The cvt will last if you just spill and fill it every 15-20k miles. The engines will last if you use something better and change it a bit more frequently.

+1
A little maintenance goes a long way.

 

[SwampSurvivor]

I'd rather have a '95 Sentra and sink $5k into it.

95 Sentras rusted out here 20 years ago.

 

[RooflessVW]

95 Sentras rusted out here 20 years ago.

That's a shame. Every now and then I see one on FB Marketplace. I had a '96 200SX way back in the day.

 

[Sayjac]

Do you plan on diy oil and filter change? If so, entire splash shield/belly pan must be removed to access both oil drain plug and filter. That involves removing multiple plastic push pin clips 'at least' mid-teens+ in number. And several bolts. If one had a lift, tolerable perhaps. Ramps or jack stands, very diy unfriendly in my observation. Rogue the same deal. I've read comments saying not 'that bad', I don't agree. If that doesn't bother you and you're ok with the CVT, I guess it's an option.

 

[rijndael]

Yes, I'd DIY the maintenance.

Is it worse to access than a 2018'ish CRV? Those stupid quarter turn fasteners are a pain. You have to push down on the clip, from the hidden side, to get them to engage.

 

[skyactiv]

I'd get a new 2025 base Jetta. The 25's have a new front end and look better than the 24's. They aren't as bad as the worry worts make them out to be.

 

[Sayjac]

Yes, I'd DIY the maintenance.

Is it worse to access than a 2018'ish CRV? ......

I'd have to look up the 18 CRV before I could comment on that. But multiple cheap plastic clips likely best removed with one of those clip removal tools. And you know some of the clips will break over time. Thing is, instead of making an opening or openings for oil drain and filter drain/removal the whole thing must come off. I watched several YouTubes on it. Those with a lift can sometimes let the front part hang down and pivot. Ramps, jack stands, no can do. Maybe it wouldn't bother you like it does me. You should watch several you tubes on that current generation and read the comments for better idea what I'm referencing.

 

[rijndael]

I'd get a new 2025 base Jetta.

I’d like to be at 20k OTD, max.

 

[Sayjac]

Here's what you're looking at with 24 Sentra.

 

[rijndael]

Gotcha. That’s like my 24 mustang gt.

 

[skyactiv]

I’ve been in a current generation rental Sentra. It had a sunroof and safety driving lane keep… features. I’m tall and skinny and my gripe with the car is that the inside rear view mirror is placed lower than most cars creating a blind spot looking out the windshield. Maybe the lower trims have it placed higher that lack a sunroof? I’d be sure to have anyone who may drive the car sit in the drivers seat and see for themselves before committing to a Sentra.