Owner Review: Reliability and comfort in one package - My 2004 Nissan Sentra N16 1.6 VTC SG

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Basic information

2004 Nissan Sentra N16 1.6 VTC SG

Reason why I bought this car

I've actually inherited this car from my dad back in 2014 when he upgraded his

ride to an Estima (after I've sold off my Proton WAJA 1.6(Man.trans.) (2004), upon hearing me ranting about the standard WAJA QC issues over the accessories like Power Windows, door handles,etc ( you know, a Proton after 10 years).

This car was purchased back in 2004 by my dad at around RM100k, and had only travelled for 60k KM when I took it over in 2014. And Up till now (2021), the car only clocked a total mileage of 137k KM. All I can say is in 2 words, reliability and comfort is all I could describe this car. To be honest, majority of the accessories components (eg. door handle/locks, power window switches and mechanics, immobiliser, etc) are still working fine till today! I've never had to bring it to the accessories shop due to any of these parts failures!

The reasons why I choose this car

Talking about the ride, Initially, I don't really fancy the ride, as I find it too soft, hence by upgrading the stock tyres (185/65/R14) to Michelin PS3 15 inch(195/55/R15), and upgrading the stock suspension to APM Performax suspension. I can only say, it's "Wunderbar" now. it does give me a firmer, wonderful ride on the road!

Over the transmission and engine performance, the 4AT transmission and the DOHC, chain-driven QG16 engine didn't give me any issue at all (except-for-those-wear-n-tear parts) till this very day!

And in terms of performance and responsiveness. I believe this is very subjective to each individual out there. As for me, it's good enough. The rev point from 2.5k to 3.4k RPM is so sweet.(guess that's where VTC kicks in!)

User experience

• I have already done 137,000 km
• My average fuel consumption is 10 L/100km

The overall experience is great, still very solid, even when you close the doors, close the bonnet. AND you won't get that "boat ride" sensation now with a little upgrades done to the tyres and suspension in place.

In terms of NVH, I can't say much, as it's already aging.(c'mon guys, 17years whaddya expect?)

And in terms of maintaining this car, I'm telling you it's quite economical like any other Japanese car of the same segment,

On the minus side of things, there's only 2 points: 1) Cabin is not really that spacious. And 2)I'd say it is not a fuel efficient car. (well, guess the power-to-weight ratio is just not too great) I could only stretch up to approx. 400km with a full tank (came with 40 liter fuel tank capacity) for town use!

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Great and reliable workhorse
• 5 star JNCAP
• Economical maintenance costs (compared with the same segment of other brands).
• Eoise insulation (so-so, already aging) * spare parts easily sourceable

Cons

• Cabin is not spacious (compared to similar category of other brand) 
• No ABS/ESC/EBD
• No fancy infotainment 
• Not really a fuel efficient car

Ratings

Total Score: 4
Performance: 3.5
Quality & Features: 4
Space: 3.5
Ride Comfort: 4
Fuel Economy: 3.5

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