1997 Nissan 200SX Reviews

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1997 Nissan 200SX Touring 2.0 turbo from UK and Ireland

Model year	1997
Year of manufacture	1997
First year of ownership	2006
Most recent year of ownership	2008
Engine and transmission	2.0 turbo Manual
Performance marks	8 / 10
Reliability marks	9 / 10
Comfort marks	5 / 10
Running Costs (higher is cheaper)	8 / 10
Overall marks (average of all marks)	7.5 / 10
Distance when acquired	84000 miles
Most recent distance	90000 miles
Previous car	Mitsubishi Shogun

Summary:

Cheap, VERY fast, reliable and stunning

Faults:

Worn bushes, rear shocks needed replacing - but consistent with age and to be expected around the mileage they were changed.

General Comments:

Fantastically reliable (even with upgraded power/suspension/braking modifications).

Fantastic economy for the power (25mpg-ish/280bhp). Cheap running costs (between £60-£200 a year).

Great handling. and that X factor that just makes you/it feel special every time you drive it. Rarer than an M3, but similar performance once tinkered with and better looking :)

The only drawbacks I would say of this car is that is the handling, it's not bad as standard and very comfortable, but it feels like a boat - once upgraded the handling transforms but at the expense of noise and comfort.

The other thing is general noise, they can get noisy when modifying from standard due to lack of sound deadening, but deadening it yourself does help...

Also, not so much a drawback, but something to watch out for is that it is of course a sports car and as a result practicality is affected, don't expect a full size boot (although its not exactly small) and don't expect lots of legroom in the back with the 2+2 layout...

I guess they look a little clumsy as standard too, but once you get rid of the silly offset standard wheels and skinny tyres it starts to look like a proper sports car..

But believe me, if you can live with the minor drawbacks you will absolutely love this car - it's nothing like a run of the mill 3series/MR2/Celica etc.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd August, 2008

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1997 Nissan 200SX SE 1.6 DOHC from North America

Model year	1997
Year of manufacture	1997
First year of ownership	2007
Most recent year of ownership	2007
Engine and transmission	1.6 DOHC Automatic
Performance marks	5 / 10
Reliability marks	9 / 10
Comfort marks	8 / 10
Dealer Service marks	10 / 10
Running Costs (higher is cheaper)	5 / 10
Overall marks (average of all marks)	7.4 / 10
Distance when acquired	150000 miles
Most recent distance	154000 miles
Previous car	Pontiac Firebird

Summary:

Nothing special

Faults:

The CV joint boots busted.

General Comments:

It was a good car. But it had very little acceleration. I had to floor it to get to up some hills. It nothing compared to my 1997 Trans Am I had.

It got good gas mileage, but that just didn't make up for the performance of the car.

Oh yeah, the stock speakers are terrible on this car. They can't handle very much at all.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 4th October, 2007

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28th Jun 2008, 23:48

Agreed that the 1.6L engine is underpowered, but this is a vehicle that will last for long periods and wants to be run. My 1997 now has 547K on it and still loves to go.

With regular maintenance this engine will outdistance most of the new "FUEL_EFFICIENT" stuff being put out 10 years later. I get 35-37 city and up to 45 highway on this engine. The only key is that it needs to be run -- it doesn't like to sit for any period of time - it prefers to run and run and run.

Other positives: most items requiring regular maintenance are easy to get to - including spark plugs - right on top of engine block. Air Filters and other regular maintenance are easy to access and replace. Very easy on tires.

Downsides: Hate to say it, but electrical (particularly rheostats) has been a problem. Runs thru an alternator every 200K or so. While easy on tires, too light overall particularly on rear and will fishtail if not familiar with behavior on wet roads.

Overall, planning on buying another Nissan based upon the overall behavior of this one... not too many vehicles that maintain over 500K or 11 years...:)

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27th Feb 2010, 19:51

To add to her history - she's now at 572K... and still prefers to be driven, as opposed to being a short trip car. I apologize to her regularly, as I work at home now and we don't have the same opportunities to drive... LOL.

Over the last 2 years, finally had to replace the fuel pump, starter and have the hubs replaced as the CV joints had started to weld. Also had to replace the battery connectors as they get loose over time. None of this unexpected - for them to make it this far is pretty astounding! Fully expecting that she will need a clutch replacement (never been done), but when I compare what I've spent in maintenance and repairs, insurance, etc. and the continued reliability (and still a cute vehicle) against the insurance, payments and hassles of a new vehicle - I'll hold on to her as long as I can...