I'm seriously considering passing on my 1991 Sentra SE (no R) which is a bit used at 180,000 miles, and a tad underpowered at times. I'm thinking of getting an Infiniti G20, preferably from 1991-1996. I'm trying to get some of the information that I can't find on car review sites. Thanks for your help.

1. Do all models/trims/years have automatic seatbelts?

2. Is the beloved instrument-panel clock on all G20s?

3. What has been your average MPG?

4. Do you think it would be difficult to find a 5-speed? Was 5-speed available only on the base model or also on the touring ed.?

5. How does the car fare in low-speed, med-speed, and high-speed collisions? How about bumper-thumpers?

6. Are repair/replacement parts extraordinarily difficult to find or expensive?

7. How do passengers fare in collisions? It hasn't been tested by the insurance institute, so any information on passenger safety would be appreciated from those of you unfortunate enough to have been in an accident.

8. Would you buy this car again?

9. Were you satisfied with the standard sound-system? Is road-noise at all a problem?

10. If you could change one thing about the G20, what would it be?

Thanks for your help, and I hope this helps me make an educated decision.

Emily

Wow, another yoo-tawn :hehehe:

I will try to help with a few answers.

1-No. I believe the 91-93 had auto seat belts, while 94-96 have manual seat belts. Someone will correct me if I am wrong.

2-If you are talking about the little clock under the tachometer, yes.

3-For me, I can usually get about 400-420 miles to a tank of gas. But that is running it until the fuel light comes on. I am going to play dumb here, because I forgot what size our gas tanks are. :)

4-I would say, you will have a harder time finding a auto. The 5 speeds are available from the base model, right on up to the touring edition.

I will skip a few here :)

8- Yes I would. :D

Originally posted by boingo82
I'm seriously considering passing on my 1991 Sentra SE (no R) which is a bit used at 180,000 miles, and a tad underpowered at times. I'm thinking of getting an Infiniti G20, preferably from 1991-1996


You'll love the G20. I have a 91 Sentra SE-R I've had since new. I love it and will never part with it, but I think I like my 91 G20 better. It's more solid and it rides and handles better.

Originally posted by boingo82
1. Do all models/trims/years have automatic seatbelts?

As KB said, belts on a mouse came on the 91-93 models. The 93.5-96 models have airbags and manual belts.

Originally posted by boingo82
2. Is the beloved instrument-panel clock on all G20s?

Ditto what KB said.

Originally posted by boingo82
3. What has been your average MPG?

I personally get about 24-26 mpg in the G20. My wife (it's her car) gets about 27-30 mpg. She actually gets more mpg after installing the turbo.

Originally posted by boingo82
4. Do you think it would be difficult to find a 5-speed? Was 5-speed available only on the base model or also on the touring ed.?

I disagree with KB here. There were far more G20s sold with the automatic transmission than the manual. G20s with the manual transmission can be found, but they take a little more effort to find. Both models could be had with the manual gearbox. The "t" model with the manual gearbox is extremely desireable and somewhat difficult to come by.

Originally posted by boingo82
5. How does the car fare in low-speed, med-speed, and high-speed collisions? How about bumper-thumpers?
<snip>
7. How do passengers fare in collisions? It hasn't been tested by the insurance institute, so any information on passenger safety would be appreciated from those of you unfortunate enough to have been in an accident.

Can't answer this, but I would expect the G20 to do quite well. It's a very rigid and sold chassis.

Originally posted by boingo82
6. Are repair/replacement parts extraordinarily difficult to find or expensive?

Not hard to find at all. Many parts can be sourced through Nissan dealers if you know what you are looking for (mostly as relates to the engine). For discount parts, you can order through Infiniti of Scottsdale. They offer a 25% discount rather than the mark-up many dealers charge.

Originally posted by boingo82
8. Would you buy this car again?

Without question.

Originally posted by boingo82
9. Were you satisfied with the standard sound-system? Is road-noise at all a problem?

Wouldn't know about the standard sound system. I pulled it and replaced it with a head unit with a CD player. It already had new rear speakers when I bought it.

Originally posted by boingo82
10. If you could change one thing about the G20, what would it be?


Install a Japanese Domestic Market SR20DET engine (turbocharged). I actually have done that and it makes the car wonderful. It's the car Infiniti should have produced. Plenty of power to go along with the wonderful chassis.

Good luck. I think you'll really like the G20.

Originally posted by boingo82
8. Would you buy this car again?

For sure!!!!


10. If you could change one thing about the G20, what would it be?

Aside from the power issue, which is easily fixed, I'd say turning radius. I don't know about the P10's (91-96) but the P11 (99+) turning radius is scary!

How's the radius in the P10's? Guys?

Originally posted by G-Forces

How's the radius in the P10's? Guys?

Hell of a lot better then my '91 NX2000 (SOLD) I do think the P10 has an excellent turning radius on it.

That was my ONLY nag about my NX2000. The radius just suk'd big time!

Originally posted by G-Forces



How's the radius in the P10's? Guys?

I find it too big.

Oh, and changing headlight bulbs on an ABS-equipped P10 is a *major* pita!!! :D

I have a 1993 (pre-airbags) G20.

The stock stereo system is okay, but new speakers are recommended if you like solid, deep bass. (I blew out a speaker already, but I turn the receiver (original) volume up pretty high).

I've gotten about 26 mpg city traffic (I have the manual, btw)
My best Highway mpg was 37+ on a 5 hour roadtrip with traffic moving at about 75mph...

I love this car. It's got great acceleration, and the handling is very solid. The turning radius is pretty tight in my p10 (but then again, anything is better than a minivan! :flash: )

Originally posted by NismoPC


Hell of a lot better then my '91 NX2000 (SOLD) I do think the P10 has an excellent turning radius on it.

That was my ONLY nag about my NX2000. The radius just suk'd big time!
Haven't diven a P11 yet then eh? A simple u-turn can quickly make itself into a 'race against the clock 3-pointer'. :eek:

My buddy had a NX and I didn't find the NX turning radius all that bad...average acutally for a short wheelbase car.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by boingo82
[B]I'm seriously considering passing on my 1991 Sentra SE (no R) which is a bit used at 180,000 miles, and a tad underpowered at times. I'm thinking of getting an Infiniti G20, preferably from 1991-1996. I'm trying to get some of the information that I can't find on car review sites. Thanks for your help.



3. What has been your average MPG?
Avg 25. Best is 32 doing 80-85 mph on 1200 mile trip.

6. Are repair/replacement parts extraordinarily difficult to find or expensive?
They may cost a little more, but considering how reliable the G20 is, you won't have too much to worry about. Think of the G20 as a Japanese 3-series BMW with 3x the reliability for 1/3 the price.

8. Would you buy this car again?
In a heartbeat.

9. Were you satisfied with the standard sound-system? Is road-noise at all a problem?
Depends. I love tons of bass and treble and to me the standard system just doesn't cut it. I always have my radio on, so road noise never bothered me.

10. If you could change one thing about the G20, what would it be?
1. The factory sound system needs a sub.
2. The G20 needs more power, but that can be remedied with the info and tips from se-r.net and G20.net

PS:Besides, it's an Infiniti! What more reason could you want? ;-0
:cool: :cool:

Originally posted by boingo82
I'm seriously considering passing on my 1991 Sentra SE (no R) which is a bit used at 180,000 miles, and a tad underpowered at times. I'm thinking of getting an Infiniti G20, preferably from 1991-1996. I'm trying to get some of the information that I can't find on car review sites. Thanks for your help.

1. Do all models/trims/years have automatic seatbelts?

2. Is the beloved instrument-panel clock on all G20s?

3. What has been your average MPG?

4. Do you think it would be difficult to find a 5-speed? Was 5-speed available only on the base model or also on the touring ed.?

5. How does the car fare in low-speed, med-speed, and high-speed collisions? How about bumper-thumpers?

6. Are repair/replacement parts extraordinarily difficult to find or expensive?

7. How do passengers fare in collisions? It hasn't been tested by the insurance institute, so any information on passenger safety would be appreciated from those of you unfortunate enough to have been in an accident.

8. Would you buy this car again?

9. Were you satisfied with the standard sound-system? Is road-noise at all a problem?

10. If you could change one thing about the G20, what would it be?

Thanks for your help, and I hope this helps me make an educated decision.

Emily

here's my answers:
1. no. my 93.5 doesn't have auto seatbelts (thank God).

2. the clock is in the instrument cluster by the tachometer

3. i usually get between 25-30mpg (mid grade gas, 50/50 highway/city)

4. i have an auto and mine is not touring. i test drove 3 or 4 before i found the one i bought and all but one were auto. i wish i had a 5 speed, but i got such a good deal-i can't complain.

5. don't know (knock on wood)

6. yes and no. they seem to be a little more expensive than your average car, but they certainly aren't as expensive as a higher end car's parts would be. the biggest area where you get screwed when you replace something is in the labor. usually $80/hr:eek: but you can learn to do it yourself, or if you already know how, and save money

7. don't know again (knock on wood, again)

8. i would buy my car again. the 3 things i wish different about my car-5speed, cup-holders, faster. now i can change all of those, but i'm not going to change my auto for a 5speed (i'd rather spend my money on #3), no decent cup-holders exist for the G, i'm working on making it faster.

9. i had my standard sound system in for about 2-3 weeks before i changed the deck. i didn't like it b/c it was tape. i don't remember quality, but i haven't replaced my stock speakers (just added deck, amp, subs), and i like the quality. bottom line here is-the more you spend the better you're going to get.

10. as stated above i would change 3 things, now that i think about it make that 4: 1.5speed 2.cup-holders 3.faster 4.more groupie chicks...:D

bottom line-i like my car. somedays i love it. somedays i don't like it so much. but i've never hated it, and i like it better than any other car me or my family has had (minus my dad's benzes). if you can find a good deal i would say go for it. check around and don't be too anxious to buy. i was looking for 3-4 weeks to no avail, but then 1st day ad in the paper and we bought it that day. good luck on your search, and tell us what you find.

Thanks for all of your help. I'm not too concerned about horsepower or speed right now - I've been living with 110 for a while and 140 on a car weighing abt. 400 lbs more should not seem at all underpowered to me. I am so glad to know which model years I should avoid right off the bat because there's no way I will own a car with auto. seatbelts. I am a bit concerned about the cupholder issue, but come to think of it, I can't fit anything in my Sentra's cupholder so I won't really be any worse off.

Oh, and what is a p10 vs. a p11 (different chassis?) and what options came with the touring ed. that didn't come on base?
Thanks.

Emily

The differences between toruing and standard are slight. The touring had an all black interior (the standard had a 3 tone interior, black trim pieces, brown dash, brown and tan door panels, and tan seats and carpet) with sport seats, Limited Slip, Fog lights, and a spoiler, thats all I can think of.

Yes a P10 is 1991-1996, and P11 is 1999-Present (although the P11 started in 97 every where else in the world)

Originally posted by FlossinPrimera
(the standard had a 3 tone interior, black trim pieces, brown dash, brown and tan door panels, and tan seats and carpet)

Maybe your car. :)

Mine is two tone interior (black and cream). No brown. Ugh. :D

1. 1993.5 was the first year without the automatic seatbelts.

2. I think so.

3. How do you drive?
Redlining every shift? if so you will get about 20mpg.
Normal driving you will get about 30mpg.
That puts me about 21mpg :D

4. I found one, but it took awhile. I was searching for a car from June till September.

5. Unfortunatly I have experience in this area. I only had the car 31 days before it got smashed. :cry: I was going 45mph and the other car ran a stop sign. It was going 30mph. I got hit in the passenger side door. I was fine but if someone was sitting in the passenger seat they may have got a broken arm if they had it on the armrest. The front door is going to be relplaced and the rest (rear door, rear quarter panel, side skirt, and b-pillar) can be fixed. Estimate is $3000 and will take about 14 working days in the shop, so three weeks.

6. Don't know

7. See number 5

8. YES!!!

9. NO!!! The system was replaced as soon as it could be shiped. It actually took about a week to get since mail went ground since there were no planes allowed to fly at that time. Road noise not a problem unless someone hits you and the door it pealed open. Then it gets noisy above 70mph. Deaf at 85mph.

10. Make it rear wheel drive and have a huge turbo :D

Okay here are a couple things.

Turning radius:

Not great. 35.4 feet is what it actually is. I used to drive a Volvo that could turn in an two lane road. Now it takes a 3 point turn or a quick yank on the e-brake to spin it around. Passengers don't like the e-brake method though. :eek:

Cupholders:

What! you are not going to buy a car if it doesn't have supholders. Seriously, any cupholders are factory are not going to be big enough to fit a Super Big Gulp. If someone is with you they become the cup holder. If not I stick it between the seats in the console.

Differences between 1991-1993 & 1993.5-1996:

1993.5 changed a couple things
Driver and passenger side airbags
Body colored bumpers and moldings
Rear seat headrests with height adjustment
R134a A/C
Alloy Wheels
Cargo Net
Real seatbelts
Airline pockets in front seats
Illuminated driver and Passenger side vanity mirror
Interior lamp fades out
Suspension is a little different and better.

Originally posted by P10DET


Maybe your car. :)

Mine is two tone interior (black and cream). No brown. Ugh. :D

Well, the P10s had a 3 tone anyway.

I wouldn't reject a car because of missing cupholders. I was just curious as to whether the cupholder rumour was true. I'm used to it anyway since the Sentra doesn't hold anything over about 12oz.

I especially find all of this interesting because the dealer next door to my work had a G20 which he said was a 1994. It had 83k miles on it, and he wanted $6000. I rejected it because it was an automatic with auto seatbelts and champagne ext. with the brown interior and auto seatbelts and the dealer seemed questionable anyway. Now he seems extra-questionable because the 1994 might not have been a 1994. It was in excellent shape, though brown is not my choice for an interior color.

I do want a car that's fairly crashworthy. I haven't caused any accidents as of yet, but 3 weeks after I bought my Sentra I was rear-ended at a stop sign by a guy in a 198_? Hyundai Excel. He was going around 20 mph and didn't even look forward until after impact, which knocked me forward into the car in front of me. My car had scratches on the rear bumper and a trunk that didn't latch tightly. His car had both headlights gone, the grill crushed, the hood (which opened backwards if you know what I mean) couldn't close at all and the rear compartment thingy broke and all his junk was all over the seats. I was so glad that I had sustained so little damage (the bumper wasn't even misshapen). I have read lately that many cars have more than $1000 damage in a 5mph bumper wreck and that seems ridiculous.

Anyway, I have appreciated all your info. Thanks much.

Emily

Originally posted by FlossinPrimera
Well, the P10s had a 3 tone anyway.

Nope. Wrong again. My P10 is two tone, stock from the factory.

Originally posted by boingo82
I have read lately that many cars have more than $1000 damage in a 5mph bumper wreck and that seems ridiculous.

My mom backed into a rock and dented the plastic bumper cover on her 1997 Integra. Repair bill $700. Keep in mind that there is no structural damage just a piece of plastic needs to be painted and put on the car. Now that is ridiculous. Why am I at college? I should learn to paint plastic for a living.

Originally posted by P10DET


Nope. Wrong again. My P10 is two tone, stock from the factory.

So your P10 has a tan dash, funky, mine is brown.