Faults:

Rust on rear inner sills and boot lip.

Turbo manifold gaskets needed replacing.

Slight wind noise starting from passenger window.

Engine starting to show signs of wear.

Cigar lighter not working.

General Comments:

There is no doubt about it that if you are looking for a bargain performance car the 200sx is a top consideration. Front engine, rear wheel drive lay out makes for great dry road handling.

UK availability is moderate with the usual Auto Trader and Exchange and Mart being good places to source one.

I would advise prospective buyers to note the following:

Service history is vital, save time by ask vendors over the telephone to go through the cars service record.

I change the oil and filter on mine every 5000 miles which seems to be the norm amongst caring owners.

I did switch from mineral to synthetic oil, but the car started to lose oil due to synthetic being so thin. I am currently using semi synthetic which works well.

My car was originally supplied in Portsmouth, which explains why it has suffered from rust in the well known boot lip and rear sill areas.

I drive the car quite hard and rear tyres are worn after 8000 miles.

The interior does not wear that well, the drivers seat has started to lose some base support. Overall the interior's are relatively comfortably but lack a sense of sporting occasion.

During the 26,000 miles I have cover I have changed the brake pads twice and discs once. The discs warped so I opted for Tar-Ox drilled and grooved replacements which work tremendously well.

The 200sx should run effortlessly, the engine note should be smooth throughout the full rev range, check that yours is.

Finally a good 200sx will provide great entertainment if a good, looked after example is bought. Currently a 91 model in good condition with 70-75,000 miles can be bought for £2300 - £2800. Go and enjoy an overlooked performance bargain.

My scores are relative to cost.

Faults:

Milage counter clock has stopped counting. Replacement from the dealer is expensive, but picked one up from a breakers for 1000% cheaper.

General Comments:

Seriously fun car to drive.

Very smooth to drive and on the pick up.

When the Turbo comes in at around 3000rpm you sure know it. Both from the noise of the Turbo starting and by the fact of being pushed back in the seat.

Faults:

Engine is making a BAD ticking/knocking noise. Happens only when I try and maintain a constant speed. Only above 2000 rpm.

Have been told by Norris Designs over the phone, i.e. they haven't heard it, that it is the big end bearings, although I went to a Nissan dealer for a diagnosis, they said it sounds 'top endy', but without a full strip they can't say for certain.

Have been to a knowledgable friend who says that big end problems make the most noise under acceleration and when revving the throttle. However my noise doesn't appear under acceleration, I can accelerate all the way to 100mph without hearing noise and with plenty of power just like before the noise appeared. When I back off completely i.e. foot off the accelerator, the noise isn't there, it only happens when I try and maintain a constant speed with the engine above 2000 rpm, so I have been driving around at no faster than 35-40 mph which is about 2000 rpm in fifth.

Norris Designs said that if it is the big end, then it is cheaper if I replace the engine than rebuild it.

I figure if it is big end, then I need new engine so any damage I cause by using the car doesn't matter.

Anyone got any thoughts?

Anyone got much personal experience with working on them that might know what it is?

Anyone know of a 200SX club in UK? I know of Swedish and Australian clubs and also of 240SX US club, no help.

Sorry to use carsurvey like this but I am desperate.