1995 Nissan Sunny GTi -R 2.0 turbo

Summary:

Average performance car - do not buy!

Faults:

The driver and passenger doors developed major water leaks after 10,000 miles.

The turbo unit was replaced at 20,000 miles.

The synchromesh became damaged on fourth and fifth gear at 24,000 miles.

The water pump has been replaced twice at 14,000 miles and 25,000 miles.

Steering rack and alternator developed faults at 30,000 miles.

General Comments:

I owned the car from new and serviced the car at a dealership regularly, still - the car had poor reliability.

The parts prices are hideously expensive and servicing is equally as expensive.

Overall a good handling car that is much overhyped, I now own a Sierra Sapphire Cosworth 2wd (standard) that is much quicker 0 - 60 MPH and faster above 100 mph. I think the performance ratings of these cars have been over-hyped. This car is an average performance car when compared to a Cosworth.

If you buy one of these cars - be prepared to put your hand in your pockets very regularly.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 25th July, 2002

28th Jul 2002, 01:05

It would appear that this person has been sold a lemon. In my experience the GTI - R is awesome in standard form and even more potent modified.

26th Aug 2002, 04:51

Certainly seems to have been sold a bit of a dodgy car. My friend has one of these rockets and no way would a cossie beat it, anywhere up the speed range. The fact that he's gone from a 4 wheel drive to a 2 wheel drive probably shows why it feels different to drive. Get one of these up to 300+ hp and there's not a lot to touch it!

31st Aug 2002, 14:33

Don't just slate a car because you got a duffer. Don't tell me that you honestly think a Sapphire Cossie, sorry "fast taxi" is even comparable with the likes of Japan's finest rice rocket. My mates had Cossies for years, sure you can get them to go quick, but they cost a bloody fortune and he's always under the bonnet or on the back of a tow truck. He's mad about Cossies and loves them to bits, but when I got my GTi-R and then started tuning it, his Cossie was making even more frequent trips on the back of transporter wagons.

He is a Ford mechanic, and even he is impressed with the genuine levels of torque and power that can be extracted from a GTi-R. My Pulsar is producing 365 bhp at the engine with a drop of 98 hp in transfer loss; that is 267 approx at the wheels. And 354 lbs of torque @ 4237 rpm.

My friend's Cossie produces 428 bhp = 330 at the wheels, 398 lbs of torque at 4360. So his would be faster; well you would think that, but put down your copy of Max Power for a minute. Ever heard of power to weight ratio mate? Get rid of the taxi, my mate will give you a tenner for it for spares, and get yourself another rice rocket... but a good one next time mate LOL.

1995 Nissan Sunny LX 1.4

Summary:

Good cheap reliable family car

Faults:

The blower motor switch only works on setting 4 (maximum), this has been like this since I purchased the car and doesn't cause too big a problem.

Drivers electric window is the only electrical gizmo to have partially failed in the life of the car, and that is just sticking slightly and is slow to close.

Both rear sills required extensive welding to pass the MOT at 85000 miles.

Both Constant Velocity gaiters required replacement at 85000 miles.

The original Nissan cassette player has just failed at 90000 miles and requires replacing.

Apparently the steering is slightly loose.. but nothing to be concerned about.. as explained by the mechanic during the MOT.

General Comments:

I get about 45 miles per gallon from this car and consider this to be really good as I am not the most calm driver on the road.

The car is good to handle around town, and when needed acceleration is pretty quick for the engine size, motorway cruising speed is good for a 1.4 with quick uptake between 60 to 90 MPH.

Comfort is reasonable, but only for front seat passengers, rear adult passengers find the cabin a bit squashed. But rear access on the 2 door hatch is good because the front seats shoot forward when requiring rear passenger access.

Boot space is good, and when the rear seats are folded down, can get 2 adult bicycles (with the front wheels removed) in the rear with no problem, and with a bit of fiddling can get a good driving position without being squashed up.

I would definitely buy another one of these cars, having owned two already.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th August, 2001