2000 Sentra

[noelsaw]

Nissan's releasing the new Sentra on Feb. 25th, 2000. Tell us what you think of it so far...

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Well its no sportscar but the styling is years ahead of the previous iteration. I still like my dear old SE-R from 92. Best bang for the buck ever! I hope Nissan comes out with a REAL SE-R for these days. A SR16VE to go head on with the Civic Si.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

The price is pretty good. I think it's better than the Toyota Corolla or the Civic. It seems to have a lot of features for the price. I'll have to drive it for a real impression.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>I hope Nissan comes out with a REAL SE-R for these days. A SR16VE to go head on with the Civic Si.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I doubt Nissan would bring an SR16VE car here. I think Honda has the market covered when it comes to souped high hp/low torque compact cars. The new Sentra looks like a mini-Altima with a bit of Maxima. An NDI job if there ever was one.

[This message has been edited by Yak (edited 02-23-2000).]

[This message has been edited by Yak (edited 02-23-2000).]

[GTR]

the sr16ve in the pulsar vz-r puts out 200ps. pretty damn good i say. the civic type r in japan has the b16c(?) with 185ps for output. that's definitely more than the si civic in the us and the si-r civic in canada. has anyone seen the next generation of civics? they look tamer than the current versions. looks like a mini tl from the spy shots ive seen and is just as boring. they're also supposed the cut the si from the next generation. if nissan puts in a high output engine in a 2 door version of the sentra or even a 4 door in that case, they can catch a chance to steal the pocket rocket market from honda and compete head on with the svt ford contour.

[mcervantes]

Well, here's a quick review from auto.com http://www.auto.com/reviews/tony10_20000210.htm


[This message has been edited by mcervantes (edited 02-24-2000).]

[**DONOTDELETE**]

I'm kindda surprised there has not been any test drive report of the new Sentra yet by any major car-mag, with the car being publicly released in &lt; 1 weeks.

Also, I heard rumors that the SE won't be avail till June .. can anyone verify on this?

SD

[noelsaw]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Nismo:

http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum//images/icons/confused.gif One thing concerns me though. I've read the build-quality of the Japan-built G20 was better than the Tennessee-built Sentra. And now for 2000, the Sentra is being built in Mexico. Anyone have any facts on Nissan's Mexican assembly plant? Is it automated or just cheap labor? How about build-quality? Are any other current model Nissan's being built there?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

As to your concern about build quality, I think Nissan's Smyrna, Tenn. plant is capable of very good build quality. I remember my first 94 Altima (all Altimas are built in Synmra) had really exceptional build quality. Also for what it's worth, the Altimas have the JD Powers quality awards for numerous years. I think the G20 could be built in the States with comprable to Japanese quality.

As for Mexico, Nissan has three plants there. Two of them make cars (including the Sentras). All of Nissan's plants are highly automated around the world. I don't think it's a matter of the locale but what the parent company instills in the plant's quality assurance. VW's New Beetle plant is in Mexico and the press has raved about the cars exceptional fit and finish. I've sat in one and test driven and agree that the car is very well assembled.

I would say that the 1995-1999 Sentras were not quite what they could have been in terms of materials used and styling. I think that wasn't really the fault of the plant producing the cars.

[This message has been edited by noelsaw (edited 02-24-2000).]

[**DONOTDELETE**]

On the Mexican plants - one quick question: Is this the first year when Nissan's making the cars out from Mexico? Or was it a mix of Tennesse and Mexico for B14 Sentras? Reason I'm asking is I thought all B14 Sentra's were made in the US but on carpoint.com it shows that 95-99 Sentra's were made in Mexico and Tennesse....

Anyways, I think origin of the car is not necessarily a factor in a car's reliability. Mexican and German built VW's were equally reliable (or unreliable, depends on what you drive : ), Cdn built Civic's were shown to be the most reliable among Cdn, Us and Japan made models. Reliability has never been a problem of Nissans' cars so I don' think there's gonna be a big concern.

Funny when I went to the Detroit car show, Nissan' *strategically* placed a bunch of posters and signs that say "All Nissan products are built to the same tight quality standard regardless of the place of origin" around the new Sentra : )


SD

[noelsaw]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Sprayeddog:
On the Mexican plants - one quick question: Is this the first year when Nissan's making the cars out from Mexico? Or was it a mix of Tennesse and Mexico for B14 Sentras? Reason I'm asking is I thought all B14 Sentra's were made in the US but on carpoint.com it shows that 95-99 Sentra's were made in Mexico and Tennesse....
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I believe the B14 Sentras were initially made in Tenn. then switched over to Mexico because they needed capacity for the Xterra and I think at one time, Nissan was planning to build the yr 2000+ Maximas there (for now the plan is either scrapped or delayed?).


[This message has been edited by noelsaw (edited 02-24-2000).]

[**DONOTDELETE**]

The new Sentra looks too boring to me, but maybe I'll need to see it in person cauz pictures can be deceiving http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum//images/icons/smile.gif

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Having seen it in real I'd say it doesn't make it any more exciting http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum//images/icons/frown.gif Can't say it's ugly, but it's so bland it's a style that you see it and then you forget.

But, driving a sleeper can be good. Cops would pull over the exotic 2 dr coupes' first. http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum//images/icons/smile.gif

SD

[**DONOTDELETE**]

I went to the dealer at my lunch time and checked out the new 2000 Sentra SE.

I was impressed. The fit and finish was excellent. The body gaps very narrow, the paint almost flawless. The interior was very well executed. The chrome door handles were very nice. The only thing that bothered me was the psuedo plastic knobs with the fake metallic paint on them. Overall an A- in terms of styling. I couldn't squeeze in a test drive. Maybe sometime this weekend?

[**DONOTDELETE**]

i think the new sentra has a pretty clean design. the only thing that i don't really like is the altima-like rear end. NDI has odd ideas for the rear ends of their cars. but anyhow, i think the sentra looks great--a big improvement over the last sentra in many ways

[Path&Max]

I stopped by my dealer today for some touch up paint for my Pathfinder(I scaped the bumper on my boat in the garage!!) They had the first 2 se Sentras in. The inside has simularities to the Maxima. Overall its a beautiful car

[**DONOTDELETE**]

I drove the 00 Sentra today at work- I work for Nissan as a Tech, and all I can say is WOW, this car rules, its probably just as fast as a 91-93 SE-R. It felt quick, and in comparison to the 98-99 Sentra SE, its byfar faster. We got our 1st one today, its black, 5spd, SE with 7speaker-CHEAP radio and VSS, ABS, side SRS, and floormats. Price was 16500 bux. The radio sucks in this car, I come far from car stereos, I have a pretty loud system in my SE-R, and compared to my SE-R this new *180Watt* stereo is nothing to write home about. The car is fun to drive, fast, nimble and looks very good. When looking at the B14 Sentra, it makes the B14 look like a upside down bath tub. I recomend this car to anyone looking for a alternative to a Civic or a Corolla, the SE is faster than any Civic SI around town and U don't have to beat the shinkies out of it to go fast- unlike Honduhhs.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Mike Jez:
[B]We got our 1st one today, its black, 5spd, SE with 7speaker-CHEAP radio and VSS, ABS, side SRS, and floormats. Price was 16500 bux. B]<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

What's VSS?

[**DONOTDELETE**]

One thing that sorta got me thinking about is, when everyone who's tested the new Sentra complaining about the stereo, and it's not standard DIN size ... wouldn't an aftermarket Headunit look kind of weired in it??

Well so glad everybody who's tested the car is impressed about it BIG TIME. Now all I've gotta wait is when it arrives in Toronto ...

I agree with the alum knobs .... looks like a poor plastic model paint job. And Nissan has the guts to brag about it ... http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum//images/icons/frown.gif Also, seat pattern is plain UGLY. The non SE's actually get a better seat pattern. At least the seat's supportive though. I like how they've used the 16" Altima SE rims on the Sentra SE. Meanwhile, the G20t still gets the 15" rims ... pretty ugly ones too...what are they thinking at Nissan/Infiniti?!

SD

[**DONOTDELETE**]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Sprayeddog:
I like how they've used the 16" Altima SE rims on the Sentra SE. Meanwhile, the G20t still gets the 15" rims ... pretty ugly ones too...what are they thinking at Nissan/Infiniti?!

SD<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I think the G20 is due for an overhaul in 1-2 years. I think the SR20DE will be replaced in favor of a small V-6.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Here are some pics I just took of the new Sentra. (Got it in yesterday.)

http://marlboronissan.com/display_ads.cgi?id=329736

[**DONOTDELETE**]

G20 - YES, a small V6, or at least the SR20VE is needed! However, don't think model will get overhaul soon (just came out last yr!)

[**DONOTDELETE**]

the new sentra looks good. how does it handle? i owned a 94 sentra a while back and it handled OK. i can only imagine the 16" wheels with the SR20DE with a 5 speed would be much more fun to drive than the 1.6L automatic sentra i used to own. i'm guessing nissan reworked the suspension as well... i hope they did.

['97 S14 SE Turbo]

Not exactly, The P11 came out back in 1996 in Japan, SE Asia, and Europe. What we finally got in '99 was a refreshed P11 that the rest of the world got. UK already have an agressively updated P11 Primera. The next one should be along soon.

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Sprayeddog:
G20 - YES, a small V6, or at least the SR20VE is needed! However, don't think model will get overhaul soon (just came out last yr!)

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

[**DONOTDELETE**]

ahh bzzt wrong. UK has the HP12 already, its totally redsigned from ground up, still uses SR20DE engine. Japan don't have the HP12 yet, Primera sells well in Europe cause of its involvement in Motorsports- BTCC.

['97 S14 SE Turbo]

You sure it's a P12? The doors look mighty similar to a P11 and so does the rear!

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Mike Jez:
ahh bzzt wrong. UK has the HP12 already, its totally redsigned from ground up, still uses SR20DE engine. Japan don't have the HP12 yet, Primera sells well in Europe cause of its involvement in Motorsports- BTCC.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

[2HD]

Does anyone know when they will start showing Sentra commericals, and what the commerials are about?

[**DONOTDELETE**]

anybody know how the new 1.8L engine in the Sentra performs? its horsepower and torque figures look like a good increase over the old 1.6.

[noelsaw]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by nsuguy:
anybody know how the new 1.8L engine in the Sentra performs? its horsepower and torque figures look like a good increase over the old 1.6. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

We haven't had a chance to drive the new Sentra XEs or GXEs. However the new QG18DE engine on paper is a definite imporvement in hp and torque over the previous GA16DE. As usual cubic inches prevail (no matter how small). http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum//images/icons/smile.gif

Improvements include, microfinished crankshafts and camshafts, direct ignition and timing chain to replace the old timing belt.

The Japanese version of the QG18DE the QG18DD (Direct Injection) makes slightly more hp (130 vs. 126) but less torque (128 vs. 129)

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Actually the only diff between the new enigne and old one is the addition of different ignition system, its a coil over plug type. The old GA16DE had a mircofinished crank and cams, also had a timing chain, and variable valve timing. The engine looks like a GA16DE also, but I'm willing to bet its just been stroked to 1.8L from 1.6L, but the diff name might suggest something like a all new engine. The 1.8L are not in yet, but I heard we will get a few this month, prices are invoice around 10 gees for a XE 5spd model.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Today at work I took out the 2000 SEntra 5spd for a test around my test track. I work for the dealer so I get to drive whatever I want. Well this is our 1st model we got and its used as a demo ( not many folks drive 5spds so its not driven that much) we have more Sentras in stock but this one is a DEMO. I had my trusty G-tech with me and ran 5 diff tests on the Sentra with the 2.0L engine. Well my 1st 0-60 was 8.57 sec with too much tirespin in 1st gear. 2nd run was 8.50, 3rd I got 7.59 !!! then for 4th I got 8.23 cause I spun too much. Its not too bad but after getting in my SE-R and posting a 6.4 sec 0-60 time it feels slower. I didn't get to do any 1/4 mile tests or HP tests as I didn't wanna get a ticket in a 55MPH zone for doing 90MPH... I took it to 65 when doing the tests. Also the new Sentras gear ratios suck, I tried to pass a car at 45MPH and I drop it to 2nd ( as I usually do in my SE-R to get some killer acceleration) and this thing was like at 6200RPM- redline is 6600.... I was like this thing sucks, I had to shift very soon. Other than that 7.5 sec 0-60 is pretty decent for a small economy sedan. Especially when not broken in yet.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

how's the interior build quality of the new sentra? and for that matter, how about the exterior build quality? the older sentras weren't so great, the 94 i had had paint problems as well as a cheesily put together interior along with the ignition going out on it, twice. i hope the new sentra is worthy of being in Nissan's new lineup

[2HD]

Edmunds has a review on the sentra! http://www.edmunds.com/edweb/clor/00.Nissan.Sentra.fd.html

[**DONOTDELETE**]

I test drove the Sentra http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum//images/icons/smile.gif

I was the first to test drive the car as I spotted it on my way back home yesterday. The car had 4km on it when I drove it : ) Too bad both SE's were sold before coming to the dealership and I tried a GXE slushbox. The engine was extremely quiet, wind noise was minimal, interior feels refined, suspension setup was very 'european' that it felt rigid but not harsh. Engine didn't feel peppy as I thought it would, but that's with a 3sp slushbox .... 5 sp M/T should be better. I was really impressed after the test drive.

However, my dilemma is - the local Nissan dealer is doing a promo on the Altima, with 2.8% finance and $2k off MSRP right off the bat .... I figure I can get the Altima SE w/ sunroof for ~Cdn$50 more a month over the Sentra over 4 yr loan .... that makes it pretty tough to pick the Sentra.

I test drove the Altima SE. Not bad .... but nothing stands out. Car exhibited too much body roll (even on SE) and it wasn't as fun to drive ....

So my dilemma is my heart wants the Sentra but my brain tells me to get the Altima ..... http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum//images/icons/frown.gif

SD

[noelsaw]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Sprayeddog:
I test drove the Sentra http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum//images/icons/smile.gif
I test drove the Altima SE. Not bad .... but nothing stands out. Car exhibited too much body roll (even on SE) and it wasn't as fun to drive ....
So my dilemma is my heart wants the Sentra but my brain tells me to get the Altima ..... http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum//images/icons/frown.gif

SD<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Just to make sure that was a 2000 Altima SE right? The Altima is definitely a larger car so it won't be light on it's feet like the Sentra...I say go with the Altima if it's a 2000.

Cuz the 2000 SEs have strut tower brace and I believe a new unique new strut with a valve the softens when a certain vertical motion force is achieved and re-stiffens in normal mode for sportier handling.

Here's the article on the new struts... http://www.wardsauto.com/article.php3?articleid=22800951756414

[**DONOTDELETE**]

I want stick shift for sure, on either car. I don't really want a bigger car and comfy ride. I want a sports sedan, and the Sentra SE is sportier than the Altima .... by quite a margin too.

However, 4-5 yrs down the road, the Sentra's gonna be worth 30-40% of its value, while the Altima can prob keep 40-50% .... that means while they cost ~ the same today, the Altima will be worth ~$1-2k more when I sell in in 4-5 yrs. Can't say that's not significant. And that's my dilemma ....

SD

[**DONOTDELETE**]

If I where U I would wait up on the 2000 Sentra a bit... we have seen a MAYOR flaw in the 2 Sentra SEs we have in our lot. Car will be drivable, but when they assembled the car in Mexico they didn't install a frame straightening hooks in the back of the car, in the event of a crash there is no way to straighten out the frame on the car. Needless to say they have to cut the car apart to install the new subframe.

[JonCarson]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Mike Jez:
If I where U I would wait up on the 2000 Sentra a bit... we have seen a MAJOR flaw in the 2 Sentra SEs we have in our lot. Car will be drivable, but when they assembled the car in Mexico they didn't install a frame straightening hooks in the back of the car, in the event of a crash there is no way to straighten out the frame on the car. Needless to say they have to cut the car apart to install the new subframe. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Excuse me if I don't know what the heck I'm talking about, but "frame straightening hooks???" http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum//images/icons/confused.gif
If the frame on my car gets bent in an accident, I sure as hell am not going to try to straighten it out. Don't they consider such a car a "total loss?"

[**DONOTDELETE**]

little cars like Sentras get totaled VERY easily. bending the frame would undoubtedly total it anyhow so it's probably not such a huge flaw--nissan will recall them to fix this most likely

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Hmmmm ... that's not good news.

Subframes can be easily screwedup even on moderate collisions and you do not need a "total loss" damage to do that. If the subframe cannot be straighted out easily that's not good news.

Can anybody else verify this 'rear subframe straightening hook' issue??

SD

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Well its in the rear of the car, with any kind of moderate hit to the back of the car the car would be totalled. The hooks are there to straighten out the frame when an impact like this happens. Without that U get hit at 10MPH in the rear, the car will be totalled, which is stupid. Cars are NOT totalled as easy as U think they are. Car might have 500 bux worth of damage on the exterior but the frame is bent in the rear, and they can't straighten it out, so it needs a whole new subframe, requireing the bodyshop to cut out the floor pan and all material to get the frame rail out and install a new one, pushing the 500 bux repair for just parts, to about 4K bux. With this hook they can throw it on a frame straightening machine hook it up and have the frame perfectly straight and avoid the 4K dollar frame repleacement cost.
Mike Jez
Nissan Tech

[slowpoke]

Any more word on the hooks in the back of the Sentra that are supposed to help straighten out a messed-up subframe? Let us know...

Also, I was comparing the Sentra to other cars (Civic, Focus, Golf, Neon) on MSN the other day... It stacks up really well against each of them in almost every category (with the exception being interior space... not as much headroom or legroom in the back seat compared to some).

I found this interesting, bc Nissan is advertising their car as longer and wider than the Civic or Corolla. That's true, but only on the outside of the car.

The Sentra GXE beats the competition in hp, cost, types of standard items, and others. Those are the biggies. :-) Let's hope it sells well. Here's a link to the MSN Sentra page:
http://carpoint.msn.com/vip/Overview/Nissan/Sentra/New.asp

[2HD]

Just saw the Motorweek review of the 2000 Sentra. They said the driving experience was awesome and the features are "NICE".

After seeing that review I like the front end of the Sentra even more, but the rear looks to much like the Altimas, which I don't like.

The the lights surrounding the license plate look ok!

[slowpoke]

I've seent the edmunds review and the msn-carpoint review, have any of you seen any other reviews? If so, please let us know. http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum//images/icons/smile.gif

[**DONOTDELETE**]

slowpoke, there are online reviews at www.consumerguide.com (http://www.consumerguide.com) and www.nctd.com (http://www.nctd.com)
And don't forget FreshAlloy's review, in the "cars" section http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum//images/icons/tongue.gif Also, where did you find a review on CarPoint? I don't see one anywhere.

[This message has been edited by bigsmooth (edited 03-28-2000).]

[**DONOTDELETE**]

No MSN.Carpoint has not reviewed the Sentra (yet) ... neither has any major car mag (C&D, R&T... ) driven it.

You may find another preview on the pre-production model on www.auto.com (http://www.auto.com) though.

SD

[hiwayman17]

I have looked at the new Sentra, while the dealership was closed. Inside and outside, the car is very sophisticated. I have two problems with the exterior and interior styling. 1.) The styling may actually be too sophisticated and too large-car-like for a small car. This comment applies to the interior and exterior. 2.) I find the rear end styling, while better than the Altima and Maxima, sad and depressing.

Having made these comments, I will also say that if I were in the market for a new car today, I'd probably make the Sentra my first choice. However, since it is a small, relatively inexpensive car, I'm surprised that the styling isn't more youthful and original.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by hiwayman17:
I have looked at the new Sentra, while the dealership was closed. Inside and outside, the car is very sophisticated. I have two problems with the exterior and interior styling. 1.) The styling may actually be too sophisticated and too large-car-like for a small car. This comment applies to the interior and exterior. 2.) I find the rear end styling, while better than the Altima and Maxima, sad and depressing.

Having made these comments, I will also say that if I were in the market for a new car today, I'd probably make the Sentra my first choice. However, since it is a small, relatively inexpensive car, I'm surprised that the styling isn't more youthful and original. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

i think that was the original idea. that's why the new sentra ads have our good buddy Hirshberg crossing out the word "compact" with spraypaint. it has the attributes of a larger car on a smaller scale. which i think is cool. i agree that the rear end styling could be better, but overall it ain't too bad.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Well I got to drive one about a week after they came out in East Tennessee. I really liked it. No Sport Package tho, they said those sold the day they hit the lot. But I liked it alot. Much better than the B14. I have drove both a B14 Sentra SE and old 200sx SE-R and both were small and cramped. I really disliked the grill last year with that plastic nose. The new styling is so nice. The front is one of the best looking front ends out there. The back is a little questionable but everytime I drive by one I like it more and more, kinda like the new Max rear end. The interior is so much larger. Im a large guy and I had no trouble with the ceiling hight or closeness of the door/center console. And everything but that radio nob was nice and thats pretty good.

As for the performance. It pulled hard and put a wide grin on my face and my friends face. I drive a classic SE-R(93) and this one was just as strong if not a little stonger. I dont like the lower redline but that is the way things are going. The handling is crisp and resposive but a little disconnected. You dont get a good feel of the road I think. I cant wait for a possible new SE-R but this is a good go between and great 4 door.

As for some of the build quality questions, I feel that its always tricky if you buy a brand new car. I will give it a year or so before I would even consider a new one. But by then I will wait for a 2 door if possible. Overall this is a great additon/renovation to the Nissan line. I think we are going to see more of them on the roads that the B14's given the same ammount of time.

[noelsaw]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Bowlcut:
Well I got to drive one about a week after they came out in East Tennessee. I really liked it...<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Bowlcut, thanks for posting your impressions!

[**DONOTDELETE**]

I test drove a SE here, and it had a VERY buzzy vibration to it at highway speeds (60+ mph). The Protege and Civic Si were much smoother. I'm really hoping to verify this single car was just an anomaly and not the typical feel. Anyone else feel that the SE had excessive vibration?


I live in the midwest and we have less than ideal road conditions (read potholes, expansion joints, winter road wear & tear). Would the performance package be too harsh for out here? I drive over 45k miles a year with over 30k+ of it on the interstate.

How big of an improvement in looks & handling did the 16" wheels and performance package add?

Thanks.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

I'm planning on picking up a Sentra SE 5-sp with the performance package. I want to get a Stillen cold air intake, headers, and performance muffler for it. I talked to Stillen on the phone and they will have all of these parts available in a few weeks. I'm not a mechanic, but I can find my away around under the hood reasonably well. Has anyone every tried to make similar installations? How difficult would it be for someone who is relatively inexperienced to install these parts and where might I find information that could help me.

Thanks,

Cocheez

[**DONOTDELETE**]

I have another question regarding cold air intakes. I live in the New England and it gets pretty cold here during the winter. I've been reading some articles saying that Cold Air intakes cause problems in cold weather because the ECU can't adjust to the temperature difference. Is there any truth to this? Would this apply to the 2000 Sentra?

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Saw my first Sentra today. I saw just the rear end of the vehicle. What are the designers thinking about when they thought of the backend. Too bland and very ugly.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Bought a 2000 SE with AT SE performance package. The car handles exceedingly well without being too harsh. Somebody posted a comment about excess body roll. No way. I've been hitting off ramps at pretty impressive speeds with damn nice handling and little or no body roll.

I'll be interested in performance (engine) upgrades after my warranty expires in a year or so. (I drive 45k+ a year). I'm sure the AT takes away some from the engine, but my knees kept hitting the steering wheel when shifting the 5 spd. bummer. The AT is pretty smooth and shifts pretty well though.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Auto with the perfomance package? I thought there was only a 5 speed with the performance package. Is this the same performance package that I am thinking about, spoiler, 16's, and limited slip?

[slowpoke]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Bowlcut:
Auto with the perfomance package? I thought there was only a 5 speed with the performance package. Is this the same performance package that I am thinking about, spoiler, 16's, and limited slip?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

It's the same package, only you don't get the limited slip differential with the automatic.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Mike Jez:
If I where U I would wait up on the 2000 Sentra a bit... we have seen a MAYOR flaw in the 2 Sentra SEs we have in our lot. Car will be drivable, but when they assembled the car in Mexico they didn't install a frame straightening hooks in the back of the car, in the event of a crash there is no way to straighten out the frame on the car. Needless to say they have to cut the car apart to install the new subframe. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

My '94 Sentra was assembled in Tennessee, and it doesn't have frame straightening hooks in the back, and neither does my wife's '98 Sentra. I don't know why you're saying it's a major defect. I was rear-ended, and the body shop didn't have any problem fixing it.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

I would like to say one thing, do not even TRY to put headers on the Y2K Sentra, if U do get them done, PLEASE lemme know the name of the shop where U got it done, I wanna make some $$$. If U look under the heat shields on the exhaust manifold U will see something very strange and something that will not let U put headers on the Sentra, smart ones will know what I'm talking about. I don't wanna give it away yet, but please tell me who installed it, what shop.

[Russ2kSE]

Mike, give me a break on what you just said about headers on a 2k. LOL. There is one PRECAT, then a main cat. Just like the 4th gen maximas and now 2k maximas have. As long as you have the MAIN cat on the car it is not illegal. PRECAT is for when the car is cold and you start it. There are several companies that make YPIPES for the MAXIMAS that replace the precat and have a more straight flowing pipe, 20 hp gain! And it is not illegal, its just for OFFROAD use only http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum/images/icons/smile.gif.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Yes. I cancelled my order for the SE. After 7
weeks of waiting, I can see no end in sight. Plus I can't stand the cheap "Midnight black" interior. I'll wait to see what the 2001 Sentra will offer, If Nissan doesn't improve the SE interior, I'll get a Honda instead.

[Russ2kSE]

afmx1, Sorry but the SENTRA interior for the new model is very excellent. I have test driven hondas and all there interiors are PLASTIC, cheaply made. Unless you pay alot of money for a Acura TL or something from Honda, your not gonna get better than NISSAN.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

The quality of the Sentra's interior is not the problem. I just don't like the look of the midnight black seats. I would prefer to have tan interior since I was thinking about getting a white SE.

I agree it has one of the quietist engine in it's class. A friend of mine has a G20 which used the same engine.

I may go for the SE w/o the performance package. But the performance package is such a great deal. But I'll wait to see what the 2001 Civic looks like before I make my decision.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Nismo:
I'll be in the same position in a few months, so please post back your results.

About the muffler, does anybody think an aftermarket muffler would actually be better than stock on this car? The whole idea of the new variable capacity design is to give more positive pressure at low RPMs and still be less restrictive at high RPMs. From what I've seen and read (and heard), all the aftermarket mufflers are loud and buzzy, and give you a very tiny increase of high-end power, but with a big loss of low-end power.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

i actually am wondering the same thing! would an aftermarket kill my low end for a small high end gain? i do need some more noise though! anyone know of any tech articles explaining the system and where is the valve?

BTW, only pop chargers have been found for the 200SE @ this point. that's why i've fabricated my own CAI!

[This message has been edited by 2000SE (edited 06-26-2000).]