1989 Nissan Pulsar GTi-R 2.0 turbo from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Awesome, dragon slaying hatchback

Faults:

Nothing at all has gone wrong with this car as yet.

I've only had it for a few months, so it won't really be a true test, however it hasn't demanded I empty my wallet on it yet.

General Comments:

The car is awesome.

It still scares me when I floor it and always, always brings a big smile.

It sounds good, handles great and is the fastest car you can buy for the money. I'd recommend it to anyone, the running costs are high, but if you like a fast car and are prepared to pay extra for fuel it's worth it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd November, 2002

1989 Nissan Pulsar NX 1.6 4 cylinder from North America

Summary:

Lovable, reliable, fun, slow, and costly in terms of parts

Faults:

The car needed new shocks right after we got it.

The timing belt and the clutch needed to be replaced immediately, which took around 9 hours of my brother's time. My new clutch is no good, and it also needs to be replaced.

The alternator died at 121,000. However, there was adequate warning, as the lights would headlights would fade as I pressed the accelerator.

Power steering rack leaks slowly.

There is normal wear-and-tear on the seats, but there aren't any holes or tears yet.

The rubber hood supports squeak, which is a common problem on both the Pulsar and the 300zx.

There is a mysterious "cricket-like" brake squeak.

Radiator hoses needed to be replaced at 122,000.

Broken trim piece to the rear of driver's side window is an $80 piece.

The weather stripping is large and complex, making it a $160 part (each) that needs to be replaced.

The car badly need paint, and has a few surface rust spots.

General Comments:

The car is unbearably slow, with a 0-60 time of approximately 12 seconds.

With my new suspension and tires, the car handles pretty well.

The T-top makes the car a joy to drive, especially in a hot sun.

The car doesn't seem to use any oil, and the engine seems to be bulletproof. This is in part due to an oil change every 3,000 miles.

The back seat is almost non-existent, so don't plan on putting anyone back there.

Parts are expensive, forcing me to make routine trips to the junk yard to find all the minor parts.

Painting the car will not be inexpensive, due to the fact that my car needs to be stripped due to previous bad paint-jobs before I got the car. Trim cannot be removed safely, as it is all glued on, or involves breaking the clip on pieces, which is expensive to fix.

The front seats are comfortable and are in good positions.

The hatchback makes it easy to carry large objects (it can even be removed). However, heavy objects are not a good idea, as the car will be hesitant to stop.

Yet in the long run, considering I will not be giving up the car any time soon, I may put in a larger 1.8L Turbo, as the performance is intolerable. It is quicker than many cars, and isn't hesitant to rev to the 6500 RPM redline, but it is not quick enough for my taste.

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

Review Date: 7th July, 2002

1989 Nissan Pulsar NX 4 cylinder from North America

Summary:

A very fun little car with a lot of surprises

Faults:

I had to replace the head gasket, struts, timing chain, and other things that one would expect to replace with a car that has 100,000+ miles.

General Comments:

I loved this car. This was my first car. I had it for about 2 years. The only reason I got rid of this car was because I was stupid and had new car fever. I would highly recommend this car to anyone. The most dependable vehicle I have ever owned. Extremely fuel efficient. I cannot say enough good things about this car. I am looking to find another Pulsar to drive on the weekends. They are very fun to drive.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th April, 2002

21st Apr 2004, 14:12

Hello, I am John, I am looking for a transmission and cannot find one. If you know where I can get one that will be a big help, thank you.

1989 Nissan Pulsar NX 4 cylinder from North America

Summary:

Hard to find dependable car

Faults:

Nothing major has gone wrong with this car. I have had to replace the clutch once. I did have to have the cylinder head resurfaced once and the head gasket replaced twice, but I'm sure this was due to the way I drove the car.

The piston rings are wearing and it burns oil pretty badly.

The carpet has pulled away near the passenger side door, but that can be easily fixed.

Rear struts are also starting to go at 130,000 miles.

General Comments:

This was my first car and I still love to drive it even though I am about to buy my third car. I never sold it because it is great to keep around as a spare car. It has started everyday through two rough Wisconsin winters.

It is a very small car and the interior can get gloomy, but once you're inside it doesn't seem as small as it looks.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th August, 2001