Since my wife has just finished driving lessons, I'm planning to buy her a 2nd hand car for personal use and bringing our 3 kids to school.
My budget is limited because of a newly started business. I'm choosing between a Nissan FE '99 or a Nissan EX '98 or '99. Kindly educate me on the features (ex. carburator type), advantages, disadvantages, fuel consumption, etc. of the two cars.
Also, I don't know if Nissan is a good choice but its price is lower than Toyota or Mitsubishi.
I generally wouldn't go for Nissans due to expensive spare parts and a number of quality issues among models. This should explain why the price of a certain Nissan is just about the same as, say, a Toyota or Honda equivalent that is 2 or 3 years older.
Contrary to the belief of some, Nissans are quite reliable vehicles (most of the problematic models was from the 1980's). They say parts are more expensive but if you know where to shop, its still actually cheaper then Mitsu and Honda parts and slightly higher only then Toyota parts... and from experience, we've even had more repairs with our Toyota Corolla then our similarly aged/mileaged Sentra.
The relatively lower resale value (which has improved somewhat in the past few years) works to the advantage of second hand buyers most especially. Given that you have a budget for a 1998 or 1999 model, you can set aside anywhere from 180K to 240K for a 1.3L FE (1300cc carburated, power steering only) or a 1.4L EX Saloon (1400cc EFI, there are some models with no power windows but the 1999 models already have). Problems to watch out for would be the divebombing idle issue but this can be more or less easily cured by the a mechanic with the knowledge on the engines (try to check out [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] for more info ).
What's your actual budget?
Some cars worth looking at given a limited budget:
- Corolla 1.3L (96 model to 00 model)
- Sentra 1400 EX Saloon (98 to 00 model)
Thanks kimp0y, squala, vinj and caloyski 5 for all your comments.
My budget is up to P200T only. I also consider Corolla and Lancer but with that budget, I can only buy '96 model and below. I prefer '98 or '99 model upwards. That's exactly the reason why I limit my option to Nissan.
vinj you mentioned that Sentra FE 1300cc is carburated and Sentra EX 1400cc is EFI. Between the two engines, which can give me more in terms of fuel efficiency and which is cheaper to maintain? Which is more reliable?
Newer isn't always better. Perhaps my experience with Nissans was not as good as the others who claim worthiness in their car. I've tried a couple of Series 3s owned by people I know a few years back. One had a number of rattles in the front suspension, and the car was just around 5 years old. The other has an interior that wore very badly, and some power features no longer worked properly. Even the sun visors came off, the first I've seen, and its ower wasn't abusive. Other cars would have fared better given the same number of years.
This is not exactly to talk you from buying a Nissan. Maybe the late '90 models are already better; you will just have to take a look, especially the interior and suspension. But still, I very much recommend older but tested Corollas.
vinj you mentioned that Sentra FE 1300cc is carburated and Sentra EX 1400cc is EFI. Between the two engines, which can give me more in terms of fuel efficiency and which is cheaper to maintain? Which is more reliable?
I've driven recently an FE... power is JUST enough for you to get around. It is a company car so it is pretty much abused (even jsut opening the gas tank is a pain in the arse) but the engine & suspension is still intact.
Just check if the car is idling properly (this is a weak point of MANY mid to late 90s car).
On reliability, the two should just be the same. I'd choose the 1400 EX mainly as it has more power and is EFI but the 1300 carb engine would be less likely to have idling problems as it has no reliance on sensors and the like... I do think the 1400 version would be more fuel-efficient as it has more power and torque, has EFI, but the engine displacement difference is negligeable. I have friends with 1300 engines and they reported the car consumed just the same (or almost the same as) a 1600 vehicle.
Reliability and the condition of the car will also be relative as a lot will depend on the useage of the previous owner. Whether it be a Corolla, a Sentra, a Civic or a Benz... its how the car was maintained and used previously that would determine the outcome on reliability. Thus, take your time to go over the classifieds, take a look at several cars and choose one that you feel is in the best condition or one that you're comfortable with (preferably from an owner-seller).
If you set aside 200K for the car, set aside a little also for maintainance (check the suspension, electricals, drivetrain, drain and change the tranny fluid, brake fluid, PS fluid, coolant, change oila and tune-up, etc...) and some repairs that would most likely crop up as the car is used.
Tnx again vinj for your prompt reply. Your remarks about the EX and the FE are very enlightening.
Mazdamazda your comments about the FE is also informative.
Squala now that you mentioned about being newer isn't always better, I'm also adding on my list Lancer GL, EX and EL '97 model. Only problem is I'm not aware of the differences among the 3.
Any Lancer owners who can help me on this? Please include your comments re: the good and bad sides.
The Lancer EX is a run-out version of the Lancer itlog. It's basically the same as the EL, but rebadged EX because the Lancer pizza was already being sold. I also think the EX is already power steering, as well as all succeeding Lancers. The GL, on the other hand, has a carbureted 1.5-liter engine, a step backwards from the itlog GLi that was EFI.
In another thread, I mentioned that I've experienced an itlog Lancer GLXi from a friend, and it wore out rather badly. Yes, the car wasn't well-maintained, but the difference from my Corolla was clear, despite the latter also not undergoing regular check-ups.
When you're finally buying, don't just take my word for it. Like the others said, try out the cars. Weigh your preferences and technical data, then choose accordingly.
The later model Sentra FEs are reasonably good cars. No power features, so no problems with sticking windows or locks like in all-power Sentras of older vintage... but then, power windows lose a lot of that "power" on any old car.
Electrical gremlins are what I'd look for on EX and Super Saloon (loaded) Sentras... not so sure about LECs, as secondhand ones could have been used as taxis.
Older Civics and Cities should be scrutinized for body repair, as rust is a major bugbear for early Hondas. But you can never go wrong with the engine.
You might want to look at 1.6 models, though... if you wife is driving, I think spending a little more for ABS (it's unrealistic to expect airbags) will give you some peace of mind. I think a Corolla would definitely be your best choice.
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