So we got a 2010 Sentra

[Stelth]

First, let me say thanks for all the advice, I already knew some cars I wanted to steer clear of, and I learned about some more (Mitsubishi). We went out looking, and found a nice, relatively low mileage metallic red Sentra 2.0S. Very nice to drive, comfy, big trunk. Will also get better mileage than the F-150 my wife's been driving since the Saab decided not to run anymore. It should do a good deal better than the Saab, too.

It looks like any good 5w30 will do the trick for oil. It has the CVT, so I'll have to figure out what maintenance that requires. I like the CVT, it gives pretty good oomph getting on the freeway, and then settles down to a pretty low rpm for cruising.

With Chevron Supreme currently selling for $1.99/qt, I think I know what oil it's going to get.

 

[bourne]

Valvoline makes a CVT fluid thats compatible with Nissan CVT. You might have to call them to find out where you can get some from. Dealerships are usually pretty pricey on the CVT stuff.

Chevron will work great. I would stock up for the next 5 oil changes. Other than that , they are pretty low maintainence vehicles.

 

[Towncivilian]

I wouldn't use any fluid other than Nissan's own NS-2 CVT fluid. I would not want to risk voiding the warranty on the CVT.

Stelth, I would download a copy of the factory service manual as it'll be an invaluable resource. To save a copy of the FSM, right click -> Save As on every PDF, save them into a single folder, then use fwd.pdf to navigate.