Sentra S 1.8L

• Automatic transmission
• 42,000 miles

Bought the car at 18,000 used at the dealership. It was in very nice condition, at 42,000 miles, the check engine light came on and the engine was sputtering. Took it to Auto Zone and they diagnosed the issue as "Multiple Cylinder Misfire" from the codes off of the handheld in which I google'd, (for free might I add). No books on this car as of yet. After taking out the sparkplugs, I did smell antifreeze indicating a head gasket problem. Decided to change it myself since I am mechanically inclined. Headgasket...80 bucks, bought the intake, exhaust, thermostat housing gaskets as well, total, low 200's. Bought the head bolts for 5 bucks a piece, 50 bucks total, 10 of them. The engine is wonderful to work on, so easy, put the engine in top dead center, just unbolted everything around the head and pushed it back, mark the cams, easy.....I am now on the 2nd head gasket at 95,000 miles. It was overheating, this is due to the compression, again, bad head gasket. I did take the head to get it resurfaced. I love everything about this car except the head gasket, fingernail thin roll on assembly line type seal. Other than the headgasket, I would recommend this car. If your not mechanically inclined, DO NOT BUY this car, I am not the only one after research and its not limited to the Sentra, the Altima as well I see. Also, the CD player died, but MP3 player in AUX works fine. ;) The cruise control is off and on, it flickers breaking the cruise when your in it. Possible moisture from overheating. Everything else seems to work fine, this car is easy to work on, but I know most take their cars to a mechanic, so this car is not recommended. Hopefully I can get good mileage out of it after changing the headgasket as I am still paying and just want to pay it off, 1 more year.......