1993 Nissan 200SX 1.8 injection turbo

Summary:

Don't think about it, get one!!

Faults:

Nothing as yet as we've only covered 500 miles. Things that need sorting as we bought the car -

Air conditioning fuse.

Immobiliser.

Electric arial.

As you can see, all minor.

General Comments:

Where do I start. We have been looking for around 6 months to get the right 200SX. We have traveled all around the country viewing 200s and this one is easily the best one we have seen. Bright red with low mileage and has been cared for.

Performance is nothing short of spectacular. Everything is all normal until you reach around 3000rpm suddenly you hear a bit of a whooosh and then you're launched!! Reading reviews of other readers of this site and I can only say believe them. Notice how every review has a smiley face - you will not disappointed in buying one of these cars, they are dirt cheap to buy as well, but as other readers have pointed - get a good one. Even if it means waiting 6 months for the right one to come along. The second car in the household is a Nissan Bluebird and if this car is as reliable as that has been then it is the perfect car.

Petrol consumption ain't bad - after-all it is a 1.8. It's probably about slight worse than a 1.8 Bluebird (which can drink the stuff around town). But you don't buy a sports car like this and run it on a shoestring!

Oh, and the pop-up headlights are great! :)

Get one, now!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th May, 2001

1993 Nissan 200SX 1.8 turbo petrol

Summary:

Very quick car

Faults:

Turbo blew an hour after I got it, fully reconditioned one went in, then 4 weeks later the engine packed in, then after a new engine went in the starter motor went, now there is a couple of gaskets gone on the exhaust to the turbo.

Lucky for me though I bought out of a Nissan main dealer so everything was replaced under guarantee, otherwise it would have been very expensive!

General Comments:

A very quick, comfortable coupe. Rear wheel drive is great fun, but make sure you buy a decent one or it could get expensive!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th December, 2000

6th Dec 2000, 05:43

Your driving style has nothing to do with it?

21st Dec 2000, 11:19

My turbo gasket blew on a track day, I got a full set of turbo gaskets, inc engine to manifold for about £50 from my Nissan dealer, however expect a bit more to fit them, I took them to a tyre and exhaust place where I know the manager, and it cost me £120 - and that was on the cheap!!!!

It's well worth it for the performance though!!!

Stuy

1993 Nissan 200SX 1.8 turbo petrol

Summary:

Explosive performance, reliability and not prohibitively expensive - IF YOU LOOK AFTER IT PROPERLY

Faults:

Electric aerial won't retract fully. This isn't major I know (there are far worse / expensive things to worry about) but this leaves it prone to being snapped off. No thank you. I am having to try different things to get round this as the dealer / garage will charge unrealistic money to rectify. Currently being very cautious where I leave car. Any ideas how to solve the problem without having to dismantle half the vehicle, anyone?

General Comments:

I owned one previously and have just bought another. That says something.

The usual stuff about how fast this car accelerates is not to be sniffed at. People who own 'hot' cars usually give exaggerated claims about performance. Everything you read about a 200SX is true. I own an auto ('cos I'm lazy) and believe me you will still wipe the floor with the opposition. I've driven a manual and there's nothing between them. You won't thrash the pants off the engine, either.

If you test drive a 200SX that doesn't keep pulling all the way to the end of the speedo then look for another.

Don't be heroic and decide that getting the car dealer-serviced is the peace-of-mind thing to do. Find a reputable local garage instead. The dealer network will charge you a fortune and be no better.

People who claim the car eats tyres must either buy the wrong tyres or partake in the World Rally Championship. I have no experience of excess tyre wear and whilst I don't drive like I'm 17 I don't drive like I'm retired, either. After all, what's the point in owning a car as capable as this and driving like it's a "Last Car I'll Ever Own" job (tartan blankets on the back seat, nodding dog on the parcel shelf and drive in 5th in a 30mph zone)?

Get the car serviced regularly, make sure the cambelt's been changed (54,000) and give the Turbo 30 seconds to get oiled-up before you use it and 30 seconds to slow down before you switch the engine off to ensure a decent life span. Neglect these wise words and it will cost you. Dearly.

IMPORTANT: Buy the best and not the newest. The engine and (galvanised) body will last and last if the car is cared for. On the very rare occasion you see a ropey one, look at the driver (probably

17 or retired). 'Nuff said.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th August, 2000

30th Aug 2001, 12:31

The engine oil and turbo should be allowed 15 minutes to fully warm up before you start booting it around. Any less and you run the risk of the oil not being able to lubricate the turbo bearings properly.

1993 Nissan 200SX 1.8 16v turbo

Summary:

Tarmac tearing money muncher - Choose one CAREFULLY - my tale of woe

Faults:

What hasn't gone wrong with it?!!

Suspension, ECU problem: car kept losing power at 3,000 RPM then suddenly gaining it - very dangerous, turbo failure - knackered gaskets all over the place £550, big end bearings failed caused con rod to break free breaking whole engine - £2000, oil leaks after new engine, head gaskets x 2. Total expenditure on repairing car = £3500 in 7 months!

General Comments:

Don't get me wrong, the MKI (s14) 200SX is one hell of a car. Scorching performance, tight handling and superb brakes (before they fade). Just don't buy a crap one like I did. Get one with some serious warranty going on, DO NOT EVEN TOUCH IT IF THERE'S EVEN A TINY BIT OF SERVICE HISTORY MISSING. If it pulls to the left or right even slightly, it's had a crash - these cars need to be respected by the driver but often aren't hence lots of examples with accident damage.

Take my advice - as soon as something goes wrong with it, fix it and GET RID OR YOU WILL REGRET IT!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st June, 2000