I made a post a while back about these cars, but what I’m looking for is some more info on documented issues with the 03 model. Also, with a higher mileage Sentra, what are some other issues that may pop up?
There are several major issues to be aware of with the '03 Sentra:
- butterfly screws in the intake manifold that come loose and fall into the engine - simple fix by using loctite on the screws
- Precat failure
- Steering rack leaks
As with any higher mileage car, you’re probably going to get more NVH noise and interior squeaks as the sentra interior isn’t exactly made of high qualilty materials. Also, look for any clunking in the steering as that could be a sign of a leaky/failing steering rack.
I took one for a little rip yesterday, it felt alright, and sounded decent. I now understand why some of you mentioned torque steer, it happened like crazy. It felt really stiff and stable taking corners faster than I should have with no issues, I’m just not too keen on getting one with over 100k on already on it.
torque steer? wtf we have LSD which helps alot with torque steer. also my 03 has 70,000km and no steering problems at all.
-change header for catless one
-loctite butterflys.
-then drive.
-fuel pumps on these also seems to me a common issue.
other then a few rattles caused by bass, car runs mint.
pm me if u want to take a spin sometime.
even with quaiffe (sp?) LSD’s stock, SRT-4’s manage mad torque steer. The only way around it is… RWD 
The Spec V’s limited-slip differential makes the front end feel as if it’s really digging for traction, but it doesn’t eliminate the torque steer… It’s also pretty harsh on it front tires if you abuse them.
fixed.
Pretty much anything can happen with a spec…off the top of my head:
Precat
Butterflies
Crank Position Sensor
Fuel Pump
ECU
Wheel Bearings
Tranny grind
Headgasket
It is pretty much a hit and miss with reliability in the spec.
headgasket eh? I went and checked out another one last weekend, the dealer showed me some of the recent maintainence that was done before it was put up for sale. The headgasket was one of them, and it only had just over 30k on it
I thought head gasket failures occured in mainly boosted applications on the Sentra?
I’m not really sure to be honest, but it makes you wonder how and/or why it has blown after only 30k on the car. Makes you wonder what else happened with it, and how it was driven by the previous owner. Needless to say, as soon as I saw as I saw the report, I got up and walked out.
Didnt see this but I kinda glanced through… Some 02-03s have gear issues (most people find it grinds 2nd-3rd gear). Mine had this problem. I solved it with a short shifter adapter and redline tranny oil.
yah my shift froim 2-3 was rough for a whie till i replaced the fluid then it was just fine, and even better with the ss adapter.