After getting rid of the GTI I thought we might try to get by with just the 99 Maxima as are only car for a bit maybe even through the winter. That lasted an entire week of trying to juggle work trips (to short to rent) kids Jazz dance Basketball swimming, wife's social life etc.
So I set a budget of maximum 9 K tax in and a minimum of 07 with less than 100K, air cruise and manual and went to work. The result:
2007 Sentra 2.0 S 6 Speed Coveinience pAckage (Air Cruise 16 inch wheels)with 89000 KM.
It was an off lease car purchased by a dealer/bodyshop client. They also do Nissan mechanical service so mechanically it was well checked and cared for. All checks on accidents etc came back clean.
There is some obvious wear on the interior from an elbow rubbing the door panel or by the shifter but mechanically the car is very good. I was also able to get new winters at a very reasonable price with the deal.
Car isn't perfect for for an 07 its very good. One slight scratch on the trunk that would buff out. A couple minor little paint chips here and there.
Since this is going to be the primary car until we finally retire the Maxima in the spring it does meet my minimum criteria for long work trips. At cruise in 6th at 120 its right around 3K but quieter than the GTI for sure. The cruise holds speed and I expect with the 2.0 it will be reasonable on gas. The seating position is fairly high which my 5 foot tall wife loves. There is a surprising amount of room in the back for the kids and the trunk is very decent sized.
Its no GTI though. Engine makes lots of noise but not much thrust. Shifter is video game like and although I haven't missed a gear 6th is tricky. Suspension rides like a bigger car but its tippy on corners and understeer is always lurking. Thus I have dubbed it "the Toaster" and my kids have picked up on it. Its grey, nondescipt and its what I term an "appliance". Hopefully it will do its job and not break for many years.
