Reliable
Brake discs + pads replaced at 130000 km.
The clutch plate had to be replaced at 160000 km.
A little bit of rust here and there towards the end of my ownership, but nothing major.
A very reliable car. Started 100% perfectly.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 24th July, 2009
Truly fun and fast little beast!!! (cheap to run too)..
-Engine broke after driving on some rocks. This really wasn't the cars fault.
-Had a few problems with the electronics.
-Some minor rust.
This was my first car after getting my drivers licence. I think that the car was far better and faster than I expected in the first place. It's quite rare and doesn't look that aggressive, which makes it a little beast. It was faster than BMW 325i (E36) or Audi A4 2.8 quattro from standing start, I don't know about the "opponents" transmission though (auto or manual). Even I was surprised from the performance. The handling was good when compared to the age and type of the car (It wasn't a sportscar, but still better than my newer Nissan Almera or Volvo 850 Turbo).
I had some problems with the electrics. Windows and lights didn't always work properly. Within last year I owned the car some minor rust appeared on the rear arches and trunk lid. The car was also painted quite badly by previous owner (some paint dropped off).
Mechanically the car was really good. I drove it quite hard and never had any problems before a rock hit the engine (I sold the car after the accident, and I miss it).
Driving the car wasn't that expensive either. No matter how hard I drove it, the fuel consumption was about 8-9 litres/100 km. (approx. 30 mpg?) Original spares are twice the price of the normal Sunny (depends of the specific part of course).
If you find a good (or a little bit better than mine) expample of this truly fun car, I would recommend it if you are looking for a sporty little hot hatch. Cheap to buy, relatively cheap to maintain and drive. A wolf in sheeps clothes. (GTI-R would be a nice experience)...
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 15th September, 2008
Old, but still kicking ass and taking names.
Biggest problems in the last annual inspection were:
Rusted badly near the rear shock absorbers (you could've pressed your hand through it if you'd wanted)
A broken anti-roll bar.
Engine and transmission works like a charm, even though both are still original parts from 1988.
It accelerates slowly (0-100 Km/h @ 12sec, including the turn to the freeway), but has no problem keeping up with the rest of the traffic.
My Sunny has some mild case of overheating in the summer - to it's defence, it's been around 25-30 degrees Celsius here the last few weeks - but once driving on a freeway, or just somewhere over 60 km/h it gets enough air to keep it cool without the radiator fan that occasionally kicks in if you have to drive/stop frequently.
I don't know have many others had the same problem.
The car has been very reliable for the short time I've owned it, the engine runs smoothly and emission values are way under the set limits.
It is also very comfortable and roomy in the cabin, shame you can't say that about the trunk; Don't get me wrong, you can fit many 6-packs of beer and a sub-woofer there if you wish, but might be tough to fit in hockey sticks or something else long or moderately high objects (e.g. lawnmower).
It's really hard to find anything bad to say about this car.
Yes, it has it's small quirks and problems, but for a car that is nearly 18 years old that is to be expected.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 21st June, 2006
Speed limit? I can't go that fast, but this looks good isn't it :)
Clutch, one shaft above the valve's, brake pipe and some electrics.
Car is nice looking and cheap. It has weak point's in clutch, but I can manage that cause I am although driving almost reliable car that anyone can afford.
Maybe needing some extra power some day.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 22nd February, 2005