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!

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.

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!