Quickie Used Car Review - Nissan Sentra (2001-2014)

2001-2014 Nissan Sentra

The Good: Oodles of space for such low a price

The Bad: The rest of the package is old

The Say: Forget about the badge, you get more room for sub-compact price.

Go For: 1.6 models
Avoid: 1.3 GX AT

Price Range: P170,000-P370,000
Our Rating: ***

Full Reviews: Used Car Review - Nissan Sentra Exalta (2001-2004)/Used Car Review - Nissan Sentra (2004-2014)
Latest vehicle profile: Nissan Sylphy

See the different versions of this vehicle:
2001-2004
2004-2014

Nissan Sentra Exalta - Generation 1 (2001-2004)

NISSAN SENTRA EXALTA (2001-2004)

This generation is not based on the Sentra, but rather on the Bluebird Sylphy first sold in 2000. Under the N13 platform code, the Philippine version gets three 1.6 models and a sole 1.5 with a 1.3 followed in November 2002.

See the overview of this Sentra Exalta

See the Generation 1.2 model

See the latest model of the Sentra

Used Car Review - Nissan Sentra Exalta (2001-2004)

This week, a tag team of compact sedans would go under Myk Belmonte's scrutiny if they are great buys for you and the first one emphasizes luxury for less cash.

2001-2004 Nissan Sentra Exalta

History
Sentra, Pulsar, and Sunny; these are the names used by Nissan for the Sentra in markets outside North America that often times, they are used for totally unrelated vehicles (read: different styling) in some markets. Some badges overlap one another which includes the Almera (the N17 Sunny) and the Versa (US and Canada). Let's leave this paragraph before I get a headache here.

What you see here is the sixth generation Pulsar under the N16 platform code. Names used include the Pulsar (Australia and New Zealand), Sentra (Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Taiwan), Bluebird Sylphy (Thailand), and Almera (Europe). OK, they might have the same body but carry different rear designs to distinguish one another. By this year, the N17 Pulsar would be revived since its 2005 discontinuation but the Sentra counterpart lives on as the B17 model.

Yulon's takeover had resulted to a slew of new models, which includes the N16 Sentra Exalta basically the continuation of the smash hit B14 Sentra Exalta. Introduced in 2001, it battled with the E120 Corolla Altis and the ES Civic, but caught dead three in the sales charts. It may not replicate the success that it had in the past, but it found a niche. The Exalta badge was used until 2004, with the updated model used the Sentra name only. Variants include the GX (no Exalta badge was used), DS, LS, Superio, and Grandeur.

Value and Costs
Luxury for less starts at P190,000-P290,000, and this price range does not include the B14 Sentra Exalta. If you want one, pay attention to the body styling since some B14's were assembled between 2001 and 2002 due to popularity. Remember, some GX models are previously taxis, so its safe to spot for a high model which had private usage for most of its life.

Parts are aplenty, but costs more than the equivalent of a Toyota or Mitsubishi. Since the current N16 model uses the same engines, there is no problem on searching the components but exterior ones are different. A moon roof comes standard in the Superio but check if it works properly.

Exterior and Interior
Styling is a mixed bag, while some perceive it luxurious, some say it is bland and tacky no thanks to some chrome bits present. While parked side by side with the Altis, the front and side looks dated while the side profile is current looking.

For the interior, let me delve some features (noteworthy ones which one can recall later on) that are available on each trim. GX models do not have any power windows as standard, the DS does not have any airbag or wood trim, LS has gauges sprinkled with chrome and wood panels, Superio models sports a heads-up display and a moonroof, and lastly for the Grandeur model, a pop up LCD screen which has a six disc CD/ VCD changer. The leather material used is top notch, and so with the interior quality (well except for the GS, which has acres of hard plastics). While the car looks big outside, the wheelbase is the same with the B14 model and suffers the same problem, the lack of interior space. Four is almost tight, and five necessitates the call of a road trip with those you are close with. Trunk space is huge that you can nearly fit a body (or the fifth passenger) but at the expense of a suspension problem, just kidding.

Engine
From launch, two engines were made available and this is not anymore the GA series used before. The standard power train among DS models is the QG15DE 1,497cc which has 103hp at 6,000rpm and 135Nm at 4,400rpm. LS, Superio, and Grandeur variants has the QG16DE 1,597cc with 115hp at 6,000rpm and 149Nm at 4,400rpm under the hood. Added in 2003 is the QG13DE 1,295cc that possess 87hp at 6,000rpm and 130Nm at 4,400rpm. How do they perform, if the 1.3 is in the question, it can propel the 1,000kg plus body but can face some difficulties in the higher range. The 1.5, on the other hand, has the capacity of motivating the vehicle but the 1.6 is smooth and can reach the redline without drama. All of them are quiet performers, with virtually no engine noise (except when the vehicle is not in good condition).

Driving Impressions
You'll love the Exalta during long road trips since the suspension set-up gives you a smooth ride. It may be shaky (no thanks to the bulky body) but still tolerable for your daily city jaunts. Steering feedback is not on its vocabulary, especially when reliving your Fast and the Furious fantasies that understeer is very common. Braking for variants with ABS is spot on.

Verdict
If long drives (you travel most of the time) are the need, the Exalta fits your requirements. Sure it may have numb steering and the lack of space, but it is quiet and the luxury features for less money is a surprise here.

Car Profiles - Nissan Sentra Exalta (2001-2004)

2001-2004 Nissan Sentra Exalta

The Good: Comfortable, luxury features at an attainable price

The Bad: Cramped interior, dull to drive

The Say: More luxury tourer in a less flashy image.

Go For: 1.6 LS
Avoid: 1.3 GX

Price Range: P190,000-P290,000
Our Rating: ***

Related Review: Used Car Review - Nissan Sentra Exalta (2001-2004)
Latest vehicle profile: Nissan Sylphy

See the different versions of this vehicle:
2001-2004

Used Car Review - Nissan Sentra Exalta (2000-2001)

Filipinos deserve nothing but the best after a long tiring day. But, do remember that it must be on a budget. And Myk Belmonte scouts around the used car land for bargains that can be had for less. So, you can now tell your friends that your car has luxury items for less cash without joining Showtime or Eat Bulaga.

2000-2001 Nissan Sentra Exalta

History
If you mention the word "luxury", lavishness and tons of money come to mind. Not all people can afford a BMW, Benz, or a Bentley (drool more) - especially in the financial and maintenance sense. Other manufacturers such as Toyota, Ford, and Volkswagen (sister brands of Lexus, Lincoln, and Audi respectively) lend their mass market vehicles and put glamorous features (such as excessive chrome, leather all around, and tons of gadgets).

Yulon Motor of Taiwan purchased 75% ownership of Nissan's newly-built assembly plant located in Santa Rosa, Laguna. Did you know that Yulon had a relationship with Nissan since 1967? Yes, they produce Nissan vehicles under license and also assembles Chrysler, Geely, GM, Mercedes Benz and Mitsubishi. Apart from vehicle assembly, the company engages in vehicle importation. They bring in Infiniti, Nissan, and Renault vehicles to Taiwan.

The Yulon acquisition had the Nissan Sentra Exalta introduced to the Philippine market in the year 2000. It was billed as the direct (and only competitor during that time) rival of the Toyota Corolla Altis 1.8. It utilized the GA16NE engine (the Sentra Super Saloon uses a different type from the GA engine family) and saw the usage of chrome and leather. This model paved way for the usage of the Exalta badge for the N13 Sentra from 2001-2003, it reverted back to simply Sentra in 2004. Variants include the simpler SLA and the fully loaded STA.

Value and Costs
The price of luxury can be had for less than a million bucks when brand new. 10 years later or so, affordable luxury can be attained for P210,000-P260,000. Nissans (in general) do have poor resale values, so these are bargains for used car buyers. You'll also encounter N13 Sentras of later age in that price range, so have a keen eye if its an original Sentra Exalta B14 you'd seek.

Electronic gadgets are a dream for one's car, but their breakdowns can cause headaches. If you're inspecting a unit, pay particular attention to these gadgets (especially in the STA variant) if they function well. The idle air control valve, mass airflow sensor, the alternator, and battery should be checked thoroughly since the gadgets put extra load for the MAF sensor and the air control valve. The rear suspension is soft due to the comfort biased nature and must be checked for weird noises that warrants a replacement. Leather is nice until they have scratches and stains. Spare some money for repairs and you'll be rewarded with a worry free journey. On the flipside, mechanical parts (most of them) are similar to other Sentra B14's.

Exterior and Interior
Not much is to be said with the exterior, since it uses the body of the B14 Sentra where it was based on. Color coded handles are standard - as opposed to the blacked ones in the lowly trim lines. The STA does have the sunroof as standard equipment. You may dismiss this variant as luxurious or tacky looking.

If there's one thing to discuss about the Sentra Exalta B14, it would the interior. Occupants receive a roomy interior but the rear is tight for six footers. Both variants receive wood accents, rear backup sensors, and sapphire starlight gauges. The SLA does have a manual transmission, and basic power amenities; the STA is paired with an automatic transmission and a laundry list of features - which includes the availability of a sunroof, 12 disc CD changer, retractable window shades, leather seating, retractable mirrors, automatic climate control, hands free system (for older Nokia phones), and a four disc braking system.

Engine
If Sentra Super Saloons use a GA16DNE engine mentioned on my Sentra B14 article, the Exalta utilizes a GA16DE 1,596cc for both SLA and STA variants. The carry 110hp at 6,000rpm and 140Nm @ 4,000rpm, almost similar to the other GA engine found on local Sentras. If the SS has the potential to speed up, the Exalta can be described as slower once you get behind the wheel. Why slow? This is because of the added heft caused by the electronic gadgets and the comfort bias rear suspension.

Driving Impressions
If you're the type who longs for the freeway or long drives, the Exalta is the perfect match. Your passengers would feel in comfort since the suspension is tuned for them, and the combo for the leather is nice. But, handling is not as agile as the EK Civic and due to the comfort priority, expect numb handling. Better avoid zigzag roads and tight curves if you want to fully utilize this car's potential as an alternative to expensive luxo sedans.

Verdict
Different people have different definitions of the word luxury. The Sentra Exalta (in B14 platform) is one wonder during its time for offering luxury features at mass market prices. Just remember that luxury items (such as gadgets) are nice to have, but break them and it would mean catastrophe. If you're not a badge snob and adventurous at a same time, why not consider the Sentra Exalta B14?