1989 Nissan Pulsar NX 1.6 from North America

Summary:

Sick!

Faults:

Few rock chips on the paint.

General Comments:

Awesome condition, it is definitely a flashback to the past.

Its handling is quite good with performance rims, and a new exhaust system makes this thing fly!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th October, 2010

1989 Nissan Pulsar NX 1.6 from North America

Summary:

We love this car, and we'll repair it until we can't find parts

Faults:

The rear struts were froze up when we bought it.

We found out shortly after purchase that the timing chain guides had broken, and the chain had worn through the timing cover, which is also the oil pump.

The new timing set gear broke after 20 minutes. Local machine shop replaced 2 bent valves and had to "straighten" the warped head. The overhead cam was seized because the warp was so bad. That is why the new timing set failed.

At 169,000 the clutch went.

At 171,000 the manual tranny went.

The halfshafts went bad around 171,700.

Muffler failed at 173,000.

The headlight mechanism has never aimed properly.

General Comments:

Not very quick from a standstill.

Has good handling with good tires.

Vibration causes rattling at times in body parts.

Back seat is very small, so we leave it folded down.

Very comfortable seats.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th January, 2009

1989 Nissan Pulsar Vector Ti 1.8L Holden Astra Engine from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

A great commuter/first car

Faults:

The 'ECM' (Engine Control Module) goes silly sometimes, shutting the engine down for unknown reasons.

The poorly designed oil cap leaks oil. I have changed it a few times with one from a wrecked car, however it still leaks.

The clear coat on the body has deteriorated, leaving unsightly white marks all over the car. They do polish out however. I don't mind as they stop people from stealing my car!!

General Comments:

Being a more modern engine than my old KA Laser, it is easy to service myself. I changed the oil, belts and filters with little technical experience in an afternoon.

For a small car, the ride is quite soft and smooth.

I can get approximately 400km out of a tank of fuel, only going as low as halfway between empty and 1/4 full.

My pulsar is Auto, gear changes do produce quite a large jolt at times.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th July, 2006

1989 Nissan Pulsar Vector 1.8 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Reliable, good commuter or first car

Faults:

Nothing major, just general wear and tear; distributor and ignition module.

The airconditioner stopped blowing cool air, was quoted $1200 to fix, decided winding down the windows was a better option.

Replaced exhaust with standard size, ran smoother and quieter.

I'm still in touch with the current owner who's had brakes, bushes, shocks done, etc.

Synchro was also worn on second gear which required a slightly more delicate approach to gear changes.

General Comments:

Reliable, nice to drive, plenty of low end grunt for a little commuter, steers nice with plenty of feel, comfortable seats. Boxy shape makes it a boon to park. Excellent fuel economy.

Noisy at speed, makes long trips tiring (don't buy one with a modified exhaust if you plan to drive long distances). The trusty old family four built by Holden engine is unwilling to rev with little top end, it's no sports car, but still more grunt than say a similar yr laser or corolla.

The little boot is pretty hopeless, buy a hatchback.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th August, 2005

1989 Nissan Pulsar Q13 1.8L Unleaded from Australia and New Zealand

Faults:

The Instrument cluster needed replacing as the fuel, temperature and revs all were not responding properly.

The radiator fan stopped due to a link with the Instrument cluster.

General Comments:

Great little car with a surprising amount of power for the engine size! Handles great for an old car and is quite comfortable.

Seats are really comfortable with enough room for passenger comfort.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st May, 2005

21st Jun 2007, 09:23

My instrument cluster died as well. Only thing that works is the speedometer. Still haven't fixed it, but will now that you said the radiator fan is linked to the cluster. Car could overheat and then disaster! Great little car though. Its done 265000km and feels tight and perky! Yeah baby. Bought with 12 months registration, great CD music system, no rust, nice interior, clean engine, great paint job, new tires all for $2200. GO THE 1990 NISSAN REEBOK PULSAR! BUT: beware the CLUSTER people, it's a quitter! Booooo to the cluster. Hate the cluster!

2nd Apr 2012, 02:09

Did get the luster electronics overhauled for $250, and works perfectly.

Nissan's own workshop refused to try, and suggested I dump the car - what do they know!

The problem was caused by pressure on the circuit cable at the back of the cluster, rubbing a dashboard brace located centrally immediately behind the cluster panel itself (i.e. pushing against the cluster circuit cable).