Decisions... buy a TSX or keep the Sentra?

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psteng19

Diamond Member
Dec 9, 2000
5,953
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I currently have a '96 Sentra that's got a few dings and dents but runs perfect (140k miles).
Clutch (original) will need to be replaced within the next 5k miles, but other than that, it's treated me well.
Everything still works, and best of all, it gets me 40-44 mpg on regular. It will probably run forever at this rate, at least another 5/100k easily.

I've been eyeing a TSX for a few months now and it fits me just fine.
Found a used one with 30k for around $20k, just the way I like it - black/black, 6 speed.
The only thing is that mileage won't be as great (30 mpg - I drive about 700 miles per week) and it wants premium.
Also, I'll have to get full ins. coverage. I only have liability on the Sentra and it's dirt cheap.

The pimp factor of the TSX isn't really an issue because I already have a gf and she loves the Sentra - rather she loves the idea of me not spending more $ on cars.

I can comfortably afford the TSX and keep the Sentra as the daily driver/beater, but that doesn't make financial sense, because it's really just wasting money since the TSX won't be used much.
Selling the Sentra would only net me ~$1500 and it's worth more to me than that.

I'm out of college not too long ago, steady job, and living with parents.
I could put the car money into a house or another type of investment.

Given my situation, what would you do?
TSX or Sentra (save $ and put elsewhere)?
 
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boyRacer

Lifer
Oct 1, 2001
18,569
0
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Keep the Sentra.

If I were going to splurge for a new toy, I would go for a better car than the TSX. :)
 
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psteng19

Diamond Member
Dec 9, 2000
5,953
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Originally posted by: Oger
it gets me 40-45 mpg on regular.
Click to expand...

Try again, either your math sucks or you are fibbing.
Click to expand...

Bold claim there Roger.
Consistently this past summer, I got 490 miles before the dummy light came on.
I filled it up at the same pump at the same gas station and the meter read a tad over 11 gallons (13 gallon tank).

490/11 = 44.5 mpg
Close enough for me to put down 45 but if that upsets you, I'll change it to 44 mpg ;)

Windows up, no A/C, over-inflated tires, 98% highway @ 65-70 mph in 5th, not impossible in a puny 1.6 liter engine :D
Nowadays I only get 35-38 :( Damn winter gas.

edit: I mention same pump and station because I've noticed that different pumps even in the same gas station will fill up to different amounts that vary by as much as 2 gallons.
So if you fill up more at one pump, and on the next fill up you get a pump that auto shuts off 2 gallons early, your math will be all off.
I make sure to get the same pump each time.
 
O

Oger

Senior member
Sep 30, 2004
438
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Amazing how you and your vehicle defies the laws of thermodynamics, claim that mileage figure all you want, the only way you are going to get that kind of fuel mileage is up on a sling behind a tow truck.

The Jetta TDI diesel get's that kind of highway mileage on a good day.

The best fuel mileage I ever recieved was 42.5 in my 1996 Hyndai Accent with a 1.5 L engine at 55 M.P.H on the highway in Kansas where there are no hills whilst drafting tractor trailer trucks.

Now getting this fuel mileage consistently is physically impossible with your vehicle.

Oh, by the way, you are the one with the bold claim there my friend.
 
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sniperruff

Lifer
Apr 17, 2002
11,644
2
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I already have a gf and she loves the Sentra - rather she loves the idea of me not spending more $ on cars.

I'm out of college not too long ago, steady job, and living with parents.
I could put the car money into a house or another type of investment.

i think you just answered your own question... keep it until something major dies.
 
Vic

Vic

Elite Member
Jun 12, 2001
50,422
14,337
136
I used to get a steady 45-50mpg highway in a 91 CRX Si on regular. Roger never believed that either IIRC. Drove over 70k highway miles in one year in that car.
I don't see how linking to fueleconomy.gov proves the thermodynamic efficiency of the car's engine.

Anyway, keep the Sentra until after you move out of your parent's place.
 
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psteng19

Diamond Member
Dec 9, 2000
5,953
0
0
Originally posted by: Oger
Amazing how you and your vehicle defies the laws of thermodynamics, claim that mileage figure all you want, the only way you are going to get that kind of fuel mileage is up on a sling behind a tow truck.

The Jetta TDI diesel get's that kind of highway mileage on a good day.

The best fuel mileage I ever recieved was 42.5 in my 1996 Hyndai Accent with a 1.5 L engine at 55 M.P.H on the highway in Kansas where there are no hills whilst drafting tractor trailer trucks.

Now getting this fuel mileage consistently is physically impossible with your vehicle.

Oh, by the way, you are the one with the bold claim there my friend.
Click to expand...

I can make that claim because I witnessed it.
Your link shows nothing about the law of thermodynamics.
It shows an EPA estimate and nothing more.

Just because your Hyundai couldn't achieve 45 mpg doesn't mean it's not possible in a Sentra. What's your point?
In fact, here is a link on your Accent.
37 mpg highway on the most fuel efficient model. I guess you are breaking some laws yourself too if you got 42.5 mpg.

Check the Sentra forums. I'm not the only one getting near 45 mpg.
 
C

CTrain

Diamond Member
Sep 26, 2001
4,940
0
0
$20K is not bad for a car after getting your first good job.
I spent $12K for my first really nice car after getting a decent job and haven't regret it since. It was a 99 Si and I paid cash and it been an awesome car for me.
At the time I had an Accord that would have ran for another 5 yrs but why not drive a nice car when you have the mean.

Since you spent so much time in a car, why not splurge for a nice car.
 
A

Argo

Lifer
Apr 8, 2000
10,045
0
0
Buy buy buy!!! Money means nothing unless you can use it to make yourself happy :)
 
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psteng19

Diamond Member
Dec 9, 2000
5,953
0
0
Originally posted by: maddogchen
Save money, keep Sentra, and move into apartment with gf to get away from parents?
Click to expand...

That's the sensible thing to do, isn't it?

The crowd is torn between the two choices.
I bet the older crowd is keeping the Sentra and the younger crowd wants the TSX.
 
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sniperruff

Lifer
Apr 17, 2002
11,644
2
0
Originally posted by: psteng19
Originally posted by: maddogchen
Save money, keep Sentra, and move into apartment with gf to get away from parents?
Click to expand...

That's the sensible thing to do, isn't it?

The crowd is torn between the two choices.
I bet the older crowd is keeping the Sentra and the younger crowd wants the TSX.
Click to expand...

no im 22 and i voted the sentra. i'd run the sentra to the ground, then buy a new mazda6 or a used maxima.
 
J

jvarszegi

Senior member
Aug 9, 2004
721
0
0
You're agonizing between a choice of a wimpy, reliable, sensible car and a wimpy, reliable, more expensive car.
 
TheLonelyPhoenix

TheLonelyPhoenix

Diamond Member
Feb 15, 2004
5,594
1
0
You drive almost 3000 miles a month, and you want to spend 20k on a car that's going to give roughly 2/3rds the mileage uising premium gas?
 
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