1987 Nissan Pulsar NX 1.6

Summary:

Not a bad purchase, but she's getting old

Faults:

Head Gasket

Entire Transmission.

General Comments:

I bought this car because I loved the look of it, and I still do to this day. Unfortunately because of rust, transmission problems, slowness, and high kilometers, I must sell it. Honda will be my next purchase. The T-Tops are a HUGE advantage, and the rarity of this sleek looking sports car once in a while turns heads. I'm sorry did I say sports car? I meant sports coupe, because although it looks fast, it's just the opposite. The acceleration is sluggish (which is sad for such a light car), but the handling is definitely satisfying.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 25th November, 2002

1987 Nissan Pulsar NX SE 1.6 Litre

Summary:

A money stealing pile of metal

Faults:

The clutch was starting to go out after only 20,000 km's of driving.

Starter motor went out on car at 218,000 costing me a fortune to replace.

The rear shocks were broken at 205,000 kms.

The oil sending unit went out at 207,000 km.

The headlights were stuck on high beam at 215,000 km's.

The brake warning light had been stuck on since 220,000 km's.

The car squeaked and groaned like crazy, from something wrong in the body frame at around 210,000 km's.

The clutch squeaked and clicked when engaging throughout the whole ownership.

The left headlight became dim at 205,000 km's.

Two wheel bearings have gone out on both rear wheels, at 208,000km's and 218,000 km's respectively.

Rattling noise in my rebuilt engine since 215,000 km's.

I could go on with more problems, but I think you understand.

General Comments:

Well, this car has been a complete mistake for me to purchase. I have had nothing with problems with it, and I thought I was going to be purchasing a reliable car because it is a Japanese make. Well, I now understand Nissan can't even begin to try to compare with even Ford. Honda is just millions of times more reliable than Nissan, and I will definitely go with a Civic for my next car.

The car was also extremely slow. I can't remember a single car I raced that I actually won.

The only thing positive I can say about it was:

Decent fuel economy,

Top speed was not bad (around 210 km/h), T-tops were nice in the summer.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 13th November, 2002

20th Jan 2003, 06:54

Over 200,000ks you've gotta expect some faults. Most of the problems you mention are not serious design flaws - except maybe for the creaking/groaning.

Maybe your judgement is a little harsh?

11th Jul 2005, 21:58

You should have inspected your car before buying it.

15th May 2007, 14:27

I have the same headlight problem. I think it is actually the switch itself. if you touch it a little down towards the off position (don't actually turn it off though) the lights will return to normal. I get this problem ever now and then, but consider it a very minor annoyance.

1987 Nissan Pulsar NX 1.6

Summary:

Sporty, economical, reliable, but slow

Faults:

I needed to replace the head gasket. I knew I would have to do this before I purchased the vehicle. I loved the look of the car.

Body has minor rust. It needs a paint job badly.

General Comments:

Being my first car, so far I am happy with it. With only one problem, I have to admit I am impressed.

For a little while I wanted to get rid of it. While my friend's drove around in their newer sports cars, I was unsatisfied with the performance of this vehicle.

But my friends are also thousands of dollars in debt. I, however have paid off the car in 3 months and ready for a new paint job.

The car however, a gorgeous and reliable little vehicle and I was crazy to think about selling it. Once you have T-Tops, you don't want anything else.

I am starting to put money into the car to make it look and sound nicer. I can do this since it is very reliable.

I love this car, it has everything I need, but speed. But it is good enough for now. I am only 17. For my first car it's a pretty cool car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th September, 2002

9th Jun 2003, 08:08

The pulsar is a great car!!!

The e16i engine is a little slow, but the SE model with the CA18DE engine is much faster and fun to drive!!

20th Jun 2006, 11:37

I bought a 1987 Nissan Pulsar XE in 1987, (only had 14 miles) and drove it to 300,000 miles. I loved this car. It was reliable and never broke down except when the timing belt broke, otherwise, it was an excellent vehicle. I paid a little more than $10,000 new and got my money's worth!

The only reason I traded it in was because of mileage, but it still looked great. I drove it to the dealer and traded it in for a Mazda MX6, (a Ford Probe in disguise). I miss that car. I often wonder why Americans cannot build reliable cars like that one. I have owned a Cavalier, Mazda MX6 and a Grand Am, none making it to the ultimate 100,000 mile mark except the Pulsar.

I keep looking in the papers in hopes of finding a 1987 - 1990 model. I want to fix one up, even if it means putting a new engine in it. Wish me luck!!

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