2003 Nissan Pulsar N16 1.6 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Disappointed. Would not buy a manual again

General Comments:

The manual gearbox had to be repaired, and cost over $1200.. then 18 months later, the manual gearbox again "went" beyond repair. Could not get a second hand gear box. Was told it would cost $5000 plus six weeks to import a new gearbox, and a new clutch would cost around $2000..

The car was 8 years old. Had a trade in value a few months previously of $4000, so was certainly not prepared to spend so much money on a car with nearly 300,000kms. Sold the car to the wreckers who told me this model notorious for faults with a manual gearbox. NRMA mechanic told me similar. Said a manual in an 1800 is good, as also is an automatic gearbox in a 1600 or in an 1800. Knew the car was high on kms, but expected better from a Nissan.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 2nd March, 2011

17th May 2012, 23:46

Hi, my manual gearbox, in the N16 2001 1.6 ST model, has gone. I was quoted $2000 to replace with 2nd hand. Spoke to wreckers, and was quoted $1100 to replace with the 1.8 (apparently the gear boxes between 1.6 and 1.8 are interchangeable).

What surprise me was the price difference between both. The 1.8 gearbox is half the price because there are more of them. Can't imagine the trade price without the gearbox, but propose to sell the car, just not sure with or without the fix.

In reply to 17th May 2012, 23:46

2nd Jun 2012, 19:25

I have just had the same problem with my 2003 Nissan Pulsar manual gearbox. It's completely stuffed after 137,500 genuine kms.

In reply to 2nd Jun 2012, 19:25

11th Feb 2013, 00:33

Was it a 1.6 or 1.8?

8th Jun 2020, 05:33

My 2003 Nissan Pulsar runs OK, but when I pull up at a stop sign it sometimes shudders, any ideas? Thanks Peter.

In reply to 8th Jun 2020, 05:33

8th Jun 2020, 21:37

Check for a perished vacuum hose/line going to one of the components in the air intake system or manifold.

In reply to 8th Jun 2020, 05:33

12th Jun 2020, 06:09

Check the throttle body for carbon deposits. Used to happen with my Nissan 240SX & cause stalling during deceleration.

2003 Nissan Pulsar Q 1.8L petrol from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Fuel efficient, good styling, pretty stoked

Faults:

Rear left brake shoe isn't aligned properly and it shudders under braking. Nissan had a go to try and fix it but its still there. Didn't get charged for that so its cool. Will try and get it fixed next time I get a day off work. Also, the car used to idle really bad when I first bought it. When pulling up to a stop and then put in neutral, it would just rev up to 3000rpm by itself. Second hand dealer I bought it from had a couple of goes to try and fix it and they did (accelerator cable was getting stuck I think they said). Been tops ever since, nothing else wrong at all.

General Comments:

Awesome little car if you're looking for a good compromise between performance and fuel economy/servicing costs etc. The little thing goes nicely when up over 3500rpm, but when driving under 2500rpm you'll get really good fuel economy. 50L tank and I'm getting up to 600km out of it. Just wish they'd put a short shifter in; that's the only thing I want to change ATM. Also might get some strut braces and sway bars later, but that's only because I like to give it a bit every now and then, and there can be some under-steer when pushed.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd June, 2008