14th Sep 2005, 22:41
Thanks for the excellent review!!! I think that its awesome that you have done so many repairs by yourself. I bought my 200SX so that I could learn how to work on it myself... so far I've learned how to do a couple minor things such as changing the oil/filter, and the fuel filter. But I look forward to learning more. Again, thanks for the excellent review, I can't believe that your car has 300,000+ miles on it.
12th Jan 2007, 12:26
Is this car good for drifting cause I have one to. I got it cause it reminded me of the 1986 toyota corolla hatchback.
4th Jan 2009, 00:09
I bought mine about nine months ago for $250, and it needed some heater core work. I had a problem for the longest time getting the car to rev past 4000 rpm while in gear. I fixed it and the car has given me little trouble, though finding parts is very hard in my area.
11th Apr 2009, 16:58
I purchased my 1987 Nissan 200sx from a friend who worked so close to his home that he hardly needed to use the car --- and always had to jump it 'coz the battery had discharged.
The car requires very little maintenance, though I've had to do some repairs myself due to the fact that this particular engine (a 2.0 liter four cylinder that has 8 spark plugs!), because of its age, had quite a few vacuum hoses that had cracked and started leaking; I know this whenever the car idles roughly.
Also, the interior door trim and dashboard have developed cracks from shrinkage & UV bombardment.
Starting the car requires, I swear, only half a crank of the starter motor. It purrs like a kitten immediately even during cold starts.
The rear shocks had to be replaced, outer tie rods, speedometer cable gear (at transmission), rear calipers love to seize especially if you don't use the e-brakes often.
I have a slight power steering leak that I chose not to repair; instead I added a bottle of Lucas p/steering stop leak and so far it seems to work.
I presently have 17" rims on it for looks, but would occasionally switch back to the original 15-inchers whenever I plan on taking long road trips. The car rides harshly to begin with.
I've always enjoyed 5-speed rear-wheel drive cars, and this one is definitely one of the more enjoyable vehicles I have owned.
The rear wiper motor stopped working, but was easily fixed by opening up the motor and spraying it down with liquid penetrant (not WD-40).
Rust is an issue with this car, especially at the fender openings; try to keep rust at bay by touching up the paint with rust-preventive treatment/paint.
Dressed it up a bit by replacing the steering wheel with a carbon fiber GT Grant (10.5 dia) as I didn't really like the original. I also replaced the pedal pads and gear shift knob with aftermarket racing-style carbon fiber units.
The engine continues to pull strong (almost 200K on the odometer), but it feels like it could use a 6th gear. I'm sure a lot of 200sx owners will agree with me on this. Did you notice how the original exhaust pipe made a u-turn coming from the rear muffler? I've always disagreed with that design and have since custom-fabricated an exhaust system that runs a straighter path to a high flow muffler. Definitely freed a few more horses by doing this.
Oh, by the way, leave the drifting to the 240sx; this car is way too heavy and lacks the chassis rigidity for that kind of use.
8th Sep 2010, 07:33
Brilliant cars! I hope you do not mind someone from 'over the water' making a comment. I bought my 200SX S14 in the U.K.
Are your 200SXs the same as ours? Mine is a 1996 model, and I thought it was doing well getting to 207,000 miles with no major problems (everything in the U.S.A is bigger and better!).
So far the only problems have been a blown turbo gasket - a nasty job to do and a fuel pump at 130,000. Other than that, just routine maintenance at 6,000 mile intervals which I have carried out myself.
Will let you know if I can get to the big 300.
Best of luck to you all.
Ian - England.
16th Nov 2010, 20:22
Great review.
I too own a 86 200SX. My luck hasn't been as good as yours.
I only have 140k on mine and have replaced wires, rotor, cap, timing belt, plugs, fuel filter, muffler from cat back, complete brake job, and one alternator. I am currently contemplating if the car is worth a new dissy. Six hundred dollar part here in Canada and no used parts available. The duel spark system is a pain to diagnose problems too.
I would never buy one of these cars again. Too costly to repair and ignition problems can be very costly. Also it's hard to find a good mechanic to work on these older Nissans.
24th Apr 2003, 16:11
I too own a 200sx, I bought it from it's first owner for $1000 with only 110k!! it's an excellent car, fun to drive, especially when you get up to speed, I've had very little problems with it, I had to change an alternator at 130k, and the rear windshield wiper stopped working on mine too, but it handles great, the pickup is awesome, I can easily bring it up to 100mph, and it remains a smooth ride (though below 50mph is kinda rough) it's incredibly smooth to shift, and the position you sit allows an excellent view and a low to the ground feeling, I love my 200sx and will never get rid of it.