That is a excellent question. I knew nothing about Sentra's when I bought mine about 100,000 miles ago. It has not been as reliable as I hoped it would be, but, on the other hand, at 172,000 miles it runs stronger than the day I got it. A lot depends on how it was maintained by the previous owner. I found that many people that trade in cars, are the ones who do not maintain them well. That was my case. Common repairs or ones I needed: Front main seal, alternator, valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket (2 times) , outer CV boots (3 sets), starter, 2 sets of plug wires. There are other things. But, I would buy it again. Great handling car. Overall, it has done well. I also have a Saturn. Each car has its weak points. I come here and go to other forums since I do what repairs I can myself. Other Sentra owners go 200,000 miles or so with a lot less problems than I have had.