1996 Nissan Pulsar CJ-I 1.5 double over head cam

Summary:

Great car, would recommend to anyone

Faults:

Passenger door lock has a fault. If you unlock manually, it won't actually unlock, you have to either unlock with the key from drivers door, or unlock by the driver's door with the "unlock button".

General Comments:

This is a terrific car, the seats aren't so comfy, but is very cheap to run. They have a very smooth ride to them, and are very peppy compared to our old Lada.

I am a bit worried about the crash test results though, as they say a lot of head injury can be caused in the driver's head region.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th September, 2005

20th Sep 2005, 22:10

Hi I wrote this comment.

Now the cars electronic ignition has packed up and is jolting and jolting around, it will cost $500NZD for a part from Japan, NOT happy!

1996 Nissan Pulsar Q 1.6

Summary:

Great handling, reliability and fuel economy

Faults:

In 100,000km of motoring the only problem has been with the air conditioner. There was a minute hole in a metal pipe that allowed the gas to escape over a 3 month period. This was fixed outside of warranty when eventually the hole become large enough to identify. The dealer continued to recharge the gas for free until the problem was solved.

General Comments:

This is the most reliable car that I have ever owned.

It is also very comfortable, with firm, but comfortable seats. A slightly drab, but functional interior is let down by a lack of cup holders. Also I replaced the weak stereo unit with a CD head unit and better speakers.

Mine is a dark green Pulsar Q hatch, and I have tinted the windows and added some alloy wheels and low profile tyres to improve the already impressive handling as well as trying to minimise the slightly daggy station wagon looks.

The car has been ultra-reliable. It has never broken down, and apart from a minor fault with the air-conditioner needed not a single fix under warranty and has only required standard servicing in 100,000km. Additionally Nissan service costs are the cheapest I have ever come across, and resultantly I have chosen to continue its servicing with the dealer.

I purchased the car because of the high cost of insurance on my previous Suzuki Swift GTi. It seemed to be the best handling and sportiest car of it's type, however I have always been disappointed with the performance, not in comparison with Corollas or Hondas of a similar vintage, but when compared with the Pulsar SSS or my previous Suzuki. But I refused to become a hostage to exorbitant insurance premiums.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd January, 2003

26th May 2003, 04:02

I too own a Nissan Pulsar Q hatch, except I have a 5 speed. Like you I have added things ie a Descent stereo system, bonnet protector, alloys, and flare stickers. They are an extremely reliable car and previously I owned a Nissan Pulsar sedan auto and it had travelled 292500kms which I did them all. I like you have no hesitation in recommending to anyone one of these great little cars. Cheers.

11th Nov 2008, 17:08

The wheel sizes at 14 inch are over dimensioned for the over steering characteristics it displays. Also they definitely stress the wheel alignment.

I replaced them with 13 inch; all corrected now (28 lb pressure may contribute to the alignment staying true). Unfortunately over drive is now normal drive. I don't really miss it. It's an infinitely better car (I suspect the same applies to other Nissans of similar wheel pressures and sizes).

1996 Nissan Pulsar SSS 2.0 4 cylinder (SR20DE)

Summary:

A darkhorse at the lights!!!

Faults:

Nothing... with only 35k's on it, you wouldn't expect anything to go wrong.

General Comments:

Very deceiving car, looks like a normal Pulsar, but it's something completely different.

I can't praise this car enough, it's so quick and handles like nothing else... and it's not even a turbo!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th March, 2001