Any car as it gets older needs knots and bolts tighten now and then. Also depends on who and how it was driven.
 I would not suggest Sentra,  newer Sentra has more problems than older one and it is 2.0 engine.
Most Corolla and Civic comes with 1.8 engine and Corolla looks bigger than Civic. I personally liked Honda but mechanic recommened toyota got used Camry.