Faults:

Final drive axle broke on a steep road take off. It was found to be welded previously, which is not a wise thing to do since it poses danger to safety.

A persistent stalling problem started and no mechanic could figure out why. The engine would stall and then start right away as if nothing had happened. Even at high speeds it would stall and run right away in a glimpse. I had to live with this for 7 months until I myself decided to change the spark plug lines which solved the problem.

The sunroof was leaking since I bought the car, and that was a pain.

Brake disks and pads needed to be replaced more frequently than normal, but the car was driven hard all the time on the mountainous roads of Lebanon.

General Comments:

Being a station wagon, this car was a surprise in utility to everyone despite its small size. I used to fold down the bag seats and throw in almost anything!

Gas consumption was low although it should have been better for a 70 horsepower engine.

Built quality was decent. The Interior had a clean design with lots of glass area to give an airy impression.

My Sunny was white with body colored bumpers, so my friends decided to call it "Snow White".

I loved my "Snow White" but the lack of power made me always crave for more.

Faults:

Clutch slipping when I first bought it :(

Otherwise that's it.

General Comments:

It has predictable handling and for a car that is coming up to 15 years old, it isn't running too badly.

I've just bought road tax for 12 months so anticipate that it will run till then!

I bought my car from a local mechanic. If you're able to find out that's been in good hands, don't turn it down.

Faults:

The battery went dead and the water pump needed replacing.

The water pump cost only £13, I also replaced the cam belt and fan belt for peace of mind.

General Comments:

The Sunny is very easy to work on and well made, the dealer I use is superb and best of all, it is possible to get the Nissan technical manual for the car, its what the Nissan mechanics use. Ford won't sell you a manual for the Escort!!

Faults:

Exhaust system replaced twice.

Brake linings and tyres when required.

Head gasket blew last month and gear box bearings make a heck of a noise.

Clutch slipped suddenly last year - 2000 - and needed replacing urgently.

Bodywork has lost its shine and refuses to stay polished up for longer than a week.

General Comments:

The most reliable car we've ever owned, only ever letting us down with the clutch and it was well mannered enough to do that in our own road.

Corners like it's on rails.

Accelerates like a snail on tranquilisers, but runs and runs at a steady 80 mph on suitable roads <ahem>.

Endless load capacity with the rear seats folded flat.

Very positive steering.

Built for short bodied people, at 6' 1" I've always had to drive scrunched down to avoid the top of the windscreen!

Comfortable seats, even on the longest run.

Only sold as a newer model, leaves too little space on the front drive!

Faults:

Apart from exhaust, rear shocks and windshield, all that ever broke down in 4 years was the thermostat ($20).

I drive both city and highway, including several trips to southern France (150 km/h non stop).

The car was always Nissan serviced, which is affordable since there's not much to service anyway.

General Comments:

Medium at everything, except for excellent reliability, good finishing and superb handling. Gearbox is like a knife cutting through butter, clutch is light and easy: my grandmother could drive this car! Too bad power steering is only available in the SGX.

It also outsmarts its '87 classmates in terms of practical gadgets (unlock the boot from the inside, etc etc).

With 60 hp you shouldn't be overambitious to impress people, although you can beat many older non-turbo diesels (thanks to the fast gearbox!). Fuel economy is about 1 litre/14 km without really trying.

Not impossible to do a tour of Europe with it (it won't break down) but don't forget your earplugs.

Buy this car cheap (nobody likes it anyway) and never sell it!!

Faults:

Just about everything.

General Comments:

Bloody unreliable. Parts are very expensive as they are not shared by the rest of the Sunny range. Not built to take high mileages.