1996 Nissan Avenir Salut X SR20DE

Summary:

A well featured wagon

Faults:

Wouldn't start one day for no apparent reason, have had the same problem with the 89 Bluebird, I think it may be a computer glitch or a temporary sensor fault.

General Comments:

The car has a shake or vibration coming from the front, it feels like a wheel unbalance, but is not. I have even changed the brake disks, but cannot find the source of the problem.

Other than that, car is good.

One of the slickest manual gearboxes that I have ever used.

Engine is smooth and flexible, but doesn't really get going until it is over 4500rpm, however it is very responsive for a non-turbo 2 litre engine from there to the red line.

It has been lowered and has quite stiff suspension and 205/15/55 directional tires, so it sticks to the road pretty good. It is really well balanced through higher speed corners (rated 65kmh and up), but tends to understeer in tighter slower corners. I would fit an adjustable rear anti roll bar to tighten the rear roll and improve turn in if I could, but it has torsion beam rear suspension, the twisting of the beam effectively acting as the anti roll bar.

The brakes are very sensitive and responsive, but will start to fade after 2 or 3 fast stops from 100kmhr.

Cabin is nice and comfortable, but could do with a little more arch and side support in the front seats. The rear seats are very good for a wagon and are even tilt adjustable.

Being a Japanese Import it is a bit short of sound insulation from the road and is a bit noisy on the chip seal, but not too bad.

All of the interior materials and plastics are extremely hard wearing and show virtually no signs of wear after 130000kms.

Overall a very good car, with the handling balance on tighter corners being my only real gripe.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th February, 2004

15th Mar 2004, 18:20

This seems to be a fairly well thought out review. I have recently bought an imported 2litre turbo diesel version - auto, I'm afraid as I could not source a manual. This review has given me a few pointers. Perhaps, it could have had more technical details.

8th Oct 2006, 03:22

Did you ever find the cause of the vibration?

3rd Oct 2007, 02:01

I own an Avenir GT4-S. It has proven to be a very practical wagon. Plenty of space in the rear, and the rear window opens, allowing you to really fill up the boot. The rear seats are tilt adjustable, and there are cup holders front and rear, and reasonable leg room. I have also noticed that the rear passengers sit higher in the back, allowing comfortable travailing.

Been the GT4-S version it has the Sr20DET engine. (Turbo). It has plenty of power and is also AWD, fitted with the Attesa system, which really drives you around the corners.

All and all this car has been the most practical, powerful and comfortable car I have owned, but could have done with more sound insulation.

As for fuel economy, in town driving it uses about 12 litres per 100km, and on the open road about 10/100km.