1989 Nissan Pulsar NX review from North America

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.

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.