Is surface rust a common problem?

WHO · Jun 19th, 2005, 10:26 AM

Greetings,
I'm shopping around for a daily driver, and after trying a few models and comparing prices etc, I found the Sentra to seem like a very nice bang for the buck.
I did some searches about a few things I noticed and found some threads, but none that gave me definate answers. Most of the new buyers threads are about buying a new car.

Probably going for a 2001 GXE model as I just can't justify paying 3000$ extra for an SE but I still like the comfort of power everything and such.

Enough of the presentation thing now.

I've noticed on almost all the Sentras I've seen, there were a few rust spots, mostly surface rust but still, after only 4 years it almost seems like this is a common problem on Sentras. I'd like to know if that's gonna become a big problem for me, as I'm spending enough time as is on my other car project, I'm looking for a reliable daily driver. Change oil every other 5000 clicks, change brake pads/shoes when needed... you know basically not having to bring it to a mechanic and spend huge amounts on repairs and not actually being able to drive it while it's being repaired. If it's gonna be my daily driver I need to be driving it on a daily basis now don't I?

I've also noticed one of them that had the power windows, the driver's side switch wasn't working, others worked fine. Probably just a switch or electrical problem but still, I'd like to know if any others have experienced this.

Any other common problems I should be on the lookout for while shopping around? Gonna buy this car very soon (within the week) so any help appreciated. Looking for a 2001/2002 GXE 5-speed. Would pay around 8500$CND tx in for it
Thanks! (o:

**chimmike** · Jun 19th, 2005, 10:49 AM

i don't have any rust on my 2001 GXE.....and there's a rust/corrosion warranty, 10 years, on these cars. ( if it's not 10 years it's at the very least, 10 years)

Zac · Jun 19th, 2005, 11:15 AM

is this rust actually industrial fallout?
that results from lack of paint care...

Biscuit · Jun 19th, 2005, 11:29 AM

If you live in Canada, in the northern states, or around the beach, you are definately going to have rust problems. My advice would be to wash the car often to keep all the things that cause rust off of it.

WHO · Jun 19th, 2005, 01:00 PM

It's very likely that it results from bad care. Fortunately I'm a car care nut. I usually wash my cars (by hand not at one of these car washes) once a week as long as weather permits.

Other than that, none of you guys can think of signifiant problems I should be on the lookout for?

I think this forum will be a good resource either way once I'm an owner (o:

Thanks!

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Sam