Thinking of Buying a 1989 Sentra

fastwaytech · Sep 13th, 2003, 02:45 PM

A friend of mine at work has a 1989 Sentra for sale. It's a base model, with a Manual tranny. That would be the 4 speed I guess? I haven't looked at it yet, going to go this weekend probably. Well she wants $500 for the car. She is supposed to check to see when the timing chain was done last. It had a clutch put in 2001, so that should be ok for another couple years I'm hoping.

But my main questions are:

1. How often does the timing chain (or belt) have to be done on these cars?

1A: If not done, and it breaks or slips, does t cause serious damage?

1B: How much should I excpect to pay to have it done (and what all parts should be raplced with it)?

2. What things should I look for on these cars as far as potential problems?

By the way it has 200,000 miles on it, and she wants $500 for it.

What do you guys think? good deal? should I offer her less?

thanks, Bill in Seattle......

Gsolo · Sep 14th, 2003, 01:43 AM

1) well...i checked out mitchell for their maintenence schedule which is usually by the manufactuer...well they didn't mention anything about timing belt at all...but that only goes to 120k miles. i tell you what though...if the belt has been replaced at all in its life its probably ok, but still worth knowing.

1a)lets just say its usually not good...can cause a valve to go through the piston

1b) flat rate labor is $336 without power steering. then add what ever the chain is (i have no idea) so probably looking at $400...if you could do it yourself though it would be considerably cheaper

2) i have no idea of problems on sentras...wait til someone else can answer that question

as to if its worth it....thats up to your discretion of what you need and what the car might need to run good and last you awhile...have fun

personally i would if its good condition...i bought my pulsar for $900 just cause of a crunched fender(go figure that made it legally totaled)