Faults:

I faced some issues with the fuel and water pumps, but I think it was normal since the car has over 200k km.

However, the biggest issue remains the air flow sensor, which is very rare and very expensive.

General Comments:

It is my first car, and it was a dream for me to have a car like this. Initially, I expected to keep it for 2 or 3 years, and after more than 7 years, I still have it and I'm happy.

When I just acquired it, I made some little repairs and servicing, and then I realized that the car had quite a lot of power and is very agreeable to drive; I never mind driving for hours with this car, since it has good road handling and is comfortable.

Despite the car being more than 20 years old, its engine is still desirable today and remains still difficult to beat, even by the brand new 1.8L cars.

I had the opportunity to have newer cars, but when I compared the Bluebird SSS, there's no really significant difference, so I prefer to enjoy it a bit more.

Faults:

Transmission blown up $1000.

Alternator replaced $200.

Blown heater hose $600 most of it labour.

General Comments:

This car is very fast and comfortable too. with the 5 speed manual and exhaust mods/inter cooler, i have G-tech timed it as 0-100km/hr in 5.5 seconds.

Even in stock form you get to 100 in about 6 seconds. you could compare it to a WRX as they are both mid size turbo AWD sedans.

However unlike the WRX the bluebird Has a good sleeper appearance and won't attract the police, you would not pick it at the traffic lights as a fast car. my last car was a HSV VS GTS and the SSS eats it for breakfast, plus it returns not bad fuel economy, even if you have to use 98+ octane fuel.

Faults:

Very little. Normal maintenance. Had to replace the r/h side steering arm rod? at 240000. Little things like speedo, indicator and electric antenna. For the rest very little. It just keeps going.

Change oil/filter every 8500 to make sure chain stays in good order. Engine still does not use any oil and no smoke at all. I am a happy chappy.

General Comments:

Like the smooth drive of the car - you are just gliding on the road. Very comfortable, especially on the longer distance.

I am 196cm, but plenty of room for this tall fellow. Lots of space for the family and their luggage.

Engine a bit noisy when idling, Could do with a bit more power, especially when loaded.

Handling very easy, suspension a bit soft, but I like it. (wife hates it, but hey she drives an MR2 sports car). Not too happy with the brakes, especially when you go a bit faster it takes quite a while to slow down -- the only negative point I think.

Fuel economy not too bad. I get 13/14ks out of a litre on the longer distance, 11.5 in town.

Car doesn't look too flash, probably a bit boring, but hey, who is complaining. It's the cheapest car I have ever owned and I love it. Know I need to upgrade (245000K!) but keep postponing it.

Faults:

Had an exhaust leak... nothing else.

General Comments:

Excellent car. have added aftermarket exhaust , pod air intake, lowered and aftermarket rims. mo mo steering wheel and a small audio setup. SR20DE loves to red-line all the time. love my bluebird!

Faults:

Cracked windshield cost $NZ2000 to replace!

Nothing else!

General Comments:

The U12 Bluebird runs an SR20DE which makes about 125kW. The FWD puts down a lot of this available power and pulls remarkably quick for a car of its engine size.

The styling is relatively modern and sporty for a car of its year.

The creature comforts include Air Conditioning, Climate control, Power Mirrors, Power windows, ABS, Tape/Radio Stereo and a cool little screen on the windscreen that displaying your speed digitally and a few other things.

Unfortunately when I had to replace the windscreen it cost $NZ2000 because of the special glass insert. A normal windscreen would have cost me $NZ500.

The Bluebird has a speed governer at 185km/h although I suspect with this function disabled would make it to 220km/h.

Its 0-100km/h sprint takes about 8 seconds and it keeps pulling reasonably quick from there.

The boot is reasonably large and fits 3 sets of golf clubs and trundler's easily.

All in all I would definitely recommend this car to a family looking for a mid-sized car in the price range of $4000-$7000.