# Repair or Sell

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/repair-or-sell/48196>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** nissan, sentra, gaskets\
**Created:** [May 1, 2010, 3:31pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/repair-or-sell/48196 "2010-05-01T15:31:25Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![martimj](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/cab0a1/32.png) [@martimj](https://community.cartalk.com/u/martimj)\
**Post date:** [May 1, 2010, 3:31pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/repair-or-sell/48196/1 "2010-05-01T15:31:25Z")

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I have a 2004 Nissan Sentra 1.8 with 80770 miles. Since paying it off two years ago, I have made numerous reapairs, including a crank sensor, ball joints on both driver and passenger side, and an ignition issue, totally about $3,000.00.  
  
 Now, the head gasket is leaking coolant into engine block, causing a misfire in the 3rd cylinder. The repairs have been quoted to me at $1718.00, plus new tires for a total of $2300.  
  
 I was told this is a common problem with the Sentra.  
  
 My question is, do I sell or repair the car? I live in an urban area and am thinking that taking public transportation through the summer would be a nice break from the car drama.

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**Author:** ![krishnamurphy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/f4b2a3/32.png) [@krishnamurphy](https://community.cartalk.com/u/krishnamurphy)\
**Post date:** [May 1, 2010, 3:41pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/repair-or-sell/48196/2 "2010-05-01T15:41:46Z")

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I’d suggest trying the public transit option for a week; it may suit you perfectly, or you could find it terribly burdensome to be dependent. You’re lucky to have the option, but if you find it’s not for you - well, that would indicate time for more investment in a vehicle (whether it’s this one or not.)

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**Author:** ![jayhawkroy](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/jayhawkroy/32/33_2.png) [@jayhawkroy](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jayhawkroy)\
**Post date:** [May 1, 2010, 3:41pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/repair-or-sell/48196/3 "2010-05-01T15:41:58Z")

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Neither $2300 or $5300 would have gotten you a better used car with an unknown maintenance history. I wold go ahead and keep the car, and repair it. However, I would shop for a quality indepenent mechanic to do the work; same for the tires. Depending on who price you the tires, they may be had cheaper at wholesale clubs, or other tire shops.

Of the items you list, I would consider the head gasket and possibly the crank sensor issue as premature and out of norm for this type of car. You also need to check into when/if you require a timing belt replacement, at about $500 or so.