There is a potential purchase now. Things have changed a bit and we are focused on getting a car for my wife that will replace the Maxima as the 2nd car next summer. At that time we will be in a position to buy another "main" car. I've been promised I can have a greater degree of freedom come summer.
Anyways really trying to stay below 9K including tax. Definitely want manual and since the car needs to be a main car for a few months it needs to have cruise for my work trips.
Drove this today
http://halifax.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-cars-trucks-2007-Nissan-Sentra-2-0-S-6-speed-Sedan-W0QQAdIdZ322648524Turns out I know the owner through work. Its a lease return he recently bought but circumstances caused him to end up with an extra car. Its really clean. Service records Carproof though work etc all checks out. No big scratches etc. New (although Chinese) All season tires. I was surprised how much room was in the Sentra. You sit up a bit higher which my wife will like. Has all the basic features I need like an AUX in jack to hook up sat radio, cruise, AC. Shiftier is not Honda slick but its "ok" I didn't miss any gears. Power is adequate. Doesn't want to be revved to redline but doesn't seem to have any issue maintaining highway cruise. 120 KPH is right around 3K (I thought it might be less with 6th gear) but its really pretty relaxed and quiet. Feels like a bigger car. Handling is no more than OK. Soft suspension that soaks up bumps but between the high CG and soft suspension it doesn't make you want to push it.
My wife has to test drive it but may make an offer after that ..but its going to be pending a clean bill of health and in particular a full alignment check. Apparently there were quite a few 07-08 Sentras that had rear alignment issues but the rear suspension is non adjustable. Lots of reports of people with these issues have 0 luck getting Nissan to fix it and ending up going to an alignment shop to have shims put in. No way I'm dealing with alignment issues. If that's not in spec upon purchase its a no go.