WTB: '00-'01 Sentra SE Auto

Might as well put this out to the GRM community and see what, if anything, comes of it.

I'm looking for a new 'family' car for the wife and I and the 2000-2001 Sentra SE is on the very short list of most-desirable options in our budget. It has to be the SE with the 2.0. Apparently the SE made up 22% of '01 Sentras and 12% of '00 models.

We test drove one at a dealership last night, and liked it, but he was asking too much for the moderate amount of work it needs and wasn't interested in coming down on the price. (This one)

I'm aware of this one and will be calling today. It has a salvage title though per carfax.

Here's what I'm looking for: Clean title. It must be an automatic. Under 150k miles, the lower the better. If it needs no mechanical attention at all, we could pay up to $5k. I'd be willing to go after one that's a little bit rougher (like the one we looked at) if the price is right (low $3k range).

I'm in Dayton, OH but would consider traveling substantial distance for a GRMite inspected and approved example.

I would also be interested in the non-SE-R 2.5 equipped cars but these seem even less common and likely more expensive ( 2003 Sentra 2.5LE and 2004 Sentra 2.5S ).

Expand your search to include the Infiniti G20. This the tarted-up Sentra. They have the same 2.0L engine and most examples will have the auto trans. The wheelbase is slightly longer which should result in a better ride and expect niceties like leather interior, climate control and bose stereo.
http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/cto/3133454636.html
http://lexington.craigslist.org/cto/3143796980.html
http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?zip=44870&endYear=2009&modelCode1=G20&showcaseOwnerId=65370107&startYear=1981&makeCode1=INFIN&searchRadius=300&listingId=324860521&Log=0
http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?zip=44870&endYear=2009&modelCode1=G20&showcaseOwnerId=65370107&startYear=1981&makeCode1=INFIN&searchRadius=300&listingId=325627813&Log=0

I've got the G20 on the radar too. They're about 300 lbs heavier and apparently not as lively as the Sentras. My wife used to have a '96 Altima with the KA 2.4 and misses the power compared to her current '02 Prizm with the 1zzfe 1.8 and pathetic 3spd auto.

Reading the reviews on Edmunds the Sentra SE has "plenty of smooth-revving power, taut handling, sharp steering and responsive brakes..." while the they say that the "G20's 145-horsepower 2.0-liter DOHC engine revs freely and smoothly, but can be deemed spirited only when equipped with a manual transmission. The optional four-speed automatic saps power, emasculating the performance part of the car's equation. Curvy roads are where the G20 shines, thanks to a well-tuned suspension and communicative engine speed-sensitive steering. "

I guess I just need to drive one.

How about another small Altima? They made those till '01. The 2.4L is stout and peppy but not known for great mpg.

The low end Prizm got a 3 spd but the higher end model got a 4spd auto. The easy way to tell is the 4 spds came with a tach. In 4 spd trim, the '01 and '02 Prizm was rated for 40 mpg hyw! The 3 speed was more like 30 hyw.

Update:

I found an '01 Sentra SE at a dealership in Columbus and was able to get it at a fair price.

Pro-tip: Using the CarFax website to search can let you find vehicles at dealerships that have not yet been prepped for sale and that are not listed on the dealer website or anywhere else.

We were ready to go look at this Infiniti G20 in Florence, KY and it does seem quite nice for anyone looking for one of those: Infiniti G20 CL ad. It has 88k miles and was driven by a superintendent and his retired-teacher wife. It is an automatic.