Faults:

Worn bushes, rear shocks needed replacing - but consistent with age and to be expected around the mileage they were changed.

General Comments:

Fantastically reliable (even with upgraded power/suspension/braking modifications).

Fantastic economy for the power (25mpg-ish/280bhp). Cheap running costs (between £60-£200 a year).

Great handling. and that X factor that just makes you/it feel special every time you drive it. Rarer than an M3, but similar performance once tinkered with and better looking :)

The only drawbacks I would say of this car is that is the handling, it's not bad as standard and very comfortable, but it feels like a boat - once upgraded the handling transforms but at the expense of noise and comfort.

The other thing is general noise, they can get noisy when modifying from standard due to lack of sound deadening, but deadening it yourself does help...

Also, not so much a drawback, but something to watch out for is that it is of course a sports car and as a result practicality is affected, don't expect a full size boot (although its not exactly small) and don't expect lots of legroom in the back with the 2+2 layout...

I guess they look a little clumsy as standard too, but once you get rid of the silly offset standard wheels and skinny tyres it starts to look like a proper sports car..

But believe me, if you can live with the minor drawbacks you will absolutely love this car - it's nothing like a run of the mill 3series/MR2/Celica etc.

Faults:

The auto gearbox oil cooler sprang a leak and had to be replaced. The dealer wanted an absolute fortune to replace it at over £400! The problem was solved by obtaining a decent second hand part from a breakers yard. My local mechanic was then able to replace, total out lay (including the part) was just £90.

The dealers are horrendous, and seem to know little about the car. Parts take ages to order and are very expensive. Best shop around breakers yards, as parts manufacturers do not seem to make pieces for the 200sx.

General Comments:

Having said that, it is a real drivers car. The handling is excellent, and it drives beautifully. The performance will bring an instant smile to the driver. It reminds me of my mis-spent youth romping around in big V6 Capri's. Plenty of go, no space in the rear seats, and lethal in the wet!

The touring version comes with a full black leather interior, 10 stack Sony CD and smooth automatic transmission.

Although I was unsure about going back to a four cylinder car again, this car has changed my mind. Its tremendous fun.

It's a nice looking car, its sober appearance is pleasing to the eye and hides its power potential. A real wolf in sheep's clothing.

Faults:

Exhaust centre section split when 15 months old, but replaced under warranty.

Scrubs inner edge off front tyres long before rest of tyre is worn, but this is apparently normal for the steering geometry!?

General Comments:

The V rated Bridgestone tyres supplied by Nissan are good but too soft. Equivalent Dunlops make the handling too nervous. I finally switched to the Z rated Bridgestones which have all the characteristics of the original V rated set, but they last twice as long!

Replace the standard air filter with a K&N unit for better response. Fit some soundproofing felt around the boot and rear wheel arches - the reduction in road noise is brilliant.

I love it's understated styling, and it's rarity value and sheer grunt, but depreciation is going to be horrendous (70% in 3 yrs).

Faults:

31K miles in 8 months and nothing but routine servicing + 1 pair of brake pads (£100) and unexplaing thuds at rear in first few months which disappeared of their own accord.

General Comments:

Thrash it when cold and the turbo makes a very nasty noise - I suspect the bearings are dry for the first few miles, so keep the revs low for the first few miles.

Dealers don't really know the car - e.g. they insist on trying to service it at 9000 mile intervals, not 6000 miles. However, standard service prices are the same as a Primera, and half the price of any BMW dealer.

Insurance not too bad, tyres dead after 15000 miles.