Faults:

The electronic display on the dash which showed temperature, fuel quantity, volts and oil pressure was slightly suspect, but apart from that the first 5 years (120000km), there was no other problems. Clutch and Starter motor were replaced, at around 130000km.

General Comments:

This car was a welcomed change from my Sud. Very reliable, economical and cheap to maintain. This was the type of car which you could jump in and drive all day. Sporty interior, great stereo with joy stick control to adjust the balance, alloy wheels and four wheel disk brakes. Great car to drive. The only two areas which I think needed improving, was the boot was too small and back seat was tight. I was so happy with the brand I recently bought a brand new Xtrail.

Faults:

Shocks have leaks.

Air conditioner working sporadicaly.

Bad door seals.

General Comments:

Good first car with great reliability.

Handles reasonably well.

Lot's of room for passengers and storage without being a large car.

Seats are comfortable.

Faults:

I have replaced the engine head and installed a new electronic fuel pump close to the fuel tank, as the new head could not accommodate the old manual one. I had trouble with the new pump leaking however, and I am not sure if its due to too much back pressure or poor fitting. I connected the old return line, but this seemed to have no effect.

The fuel level in the carburetor is only at half way.

The car does not idle until after it has been driven briefly.

I am unsure as to what to try as my budget is limited. I am considering replacing the carburetor.

The oil and compression rings are slightly worn as smoke is sometimes produced whilst under acceleration and on gear changes. It has very little power. I would like to fit new rings when I can afford it.

Two bolts dropped off the exhaust flange recently. On inspection, I discovered it has only a single pipe, instead of the standard twin pipe system, and a universal flange gasket was used. This concerns me and I feel that I should replace the whole system.

The engine is fairly simple, however its emission control system is complex and I am not sure how it works. The extensive hoses makes working on the engine difficult. There is one particular chamber attached to the inlet manifold which has me confused as to its purpose and its impact on the running of the engine. I am having difficulty sealing air leaks around this manifold area.

The timing I believe is out, as I have had difficulty setting it correctly. It prefers to be advanced, as when it is retarded or at normal, the engine pings whilst accelerating.

I would appreciate any advice people could give me on solving these problems.

General Comments:

My car has no rust and the panel paint work and interior is in very good condition. The paint on the bumpers is peeling off however.

All of the window seals are in good condition.

The seats are very comfortable and good for touring.

The manual transmission is smooth and the clutch responsive.

The brakes are very responsive.

There is no uneven tire wear.

The car has responsive cornering and handles very well for its size.

The suspension is a bit on the soft side. I have not bothered to check the shock absorbers as I have been told to expect this in a Bluebird.

There is good visibility in the car and the driver position is good.

Controls are limited and thus easy to find and use.

Air conditioning is not fitted and I would like to find out if this is possible once I have done some work on the engine.

Faults:

Carby........ blocked jets and poor quality (on the makers behalf.. Hitachi??)

Engine was underpowered and slow.

Water leaks around heater inlets.

General Comments:

I've worked a lot now on the engine E.G: Port and Polish, Weber Carbys x 2, performance cam, and now as I type a new exhaust is being fitted (2 1/2"). Looking at installing a turbo, but need more info on the motor limits (psi).

Looking better everyday, reliable now.................. and super quick.