Is 115k a lot for a 99 Sentra?

Question

I'm looking for a car and I came across this ad.
http://dallas.craigslist.org/car/335033240.html

It's an automatic with 115k miles.
It's priced about $200 over the Kelley Blue Book value for the car.
Does this model have any common problems I should look for?

Answer 1

I had an 85 Sentra that I got about 220K miles on and kept it on the road for about 13 years. As with any older vehicle, look for the common repairs:
- suspension
- cooling system
- timing belt (forget when Nissan switched to chains...I know the 2002 and 2004 had chains but the 1985 models were belts)
- frame sag

The frame sag and some electrical problems are what ultimately did my 85 Sentra in. Great car though...I've had three Nissan's (2002 & 2004 Sentras and a 2006 Altima) since that and generally find their vehicles reliable, easy to maintain, and reasonably priced (both base and replacement parts). Now I haven't had an automatic from Nissan so I can't speak for the automatic transmission so hopefully someone else can speak to their reliability.

If the owner can provide the major maintenance records for the vehicle, I'd consider the $200 over KBB but if they can't I'd negotiate for a bit lower than KBB. Remember that right around 100-120K is when a fair amount of maintenance is generally due for most cars. Could be someone is just trying to offload their vehicle before having all those things done.

Answer 2

most people drive 12-15k a year, so a 99 is 8 years old.

so anywhere from 96000 - 120000 is normal mileage for that car.

I have owned a Sentra in the past. They run well if maintenance regularly. I have had to replace the clutch (5-speed), add belts and hoses, tune up...just regular stuff, no problems. use good gas, don't use the off the wall brands because they have too much water and can make the car rattle. If the owner took good care of it, I'd pay $200 over the KBB.

Answer 3

I don't know about any problems with it.I would test drive it and take it to get checked out make sure nothing big needs fixed.I don't think it is a bad price on that car i would try to talk them down at least $100 maybe more if you can but if no that isn't that bad of a price.Just take care of it.

Answer 4

Well...a 99 with 115k at least you know its only got abou what...8 years of strain on its suspension. I say go for it but try to argue down to at least blue book value.

Answer 5

Assuming 20k miles per year, for 8 years the mileage must have been 160k miles. I guess it's not much. Check the A/C unit and the under chassis.

Answer 6

i had a 98 sentra with 175k and it ran great i suggest u test drive it make sure there is no leaks, and get him 2 lower the price.

Answer 7

depending on what the average person drives out there on a yearly basis... i know out here in california, the average is 15K per year, so a 99 would have roughly 110K. your best bet is to check out KKB.COM though.

Answer 8

yeah