Prematurely worn tyres (due to bad tracking).
Warped front discs.
Misc. engine problems (too many to list and I don't have the mechanics sheet handy).
Injector failed.
Turbo may be on the way out - crack noticed by the mechanic, temporarily repaired by a turbo mechanic.
The car is running lean, fixed by changing HT lead plugs.
Group A spec fuel pump incorrectly fitted by a shoddy mechanic, causing a silicon seal to corrode into the petrol tank and almost kill the engine.
Intercooler pipe seems to have come loose - low boost power and a large amount of air blasting under the bonnet on throttle.
Well you've probably just read the comments regarding what's gone wrong with the car - let me briefly explain. I bought the car with 105k miles on the clock in August 2000 after not really looking around enough. It had a few bodywork defects (patches of rust here and there), a bit of a worn drivers seat, but overall was OK. Then the hidden problems emerged.
First trip to the mechanics for a major service when it started making all sorts of odd noises set me back around £800. Since then, almost all the recurring problems have been fixed, but unfortunately due to a rather laid back mechanic who seems to specialise in Citroen BX's all day misfitting my fuel pump, it's not quite back on the road.
So, how does it drive? Absolutely fantastic. I've fitted an HKS Hiper Muffler exhaust and some uprated suspension which has dropped it a tiny bit (warning: exhaust hangs down, even as standard - grounds on some bumps / lanes) and made it about 30% stiffer. Has made a nice difference. Standard wheels and tyres on the car and it handles so sweetly and has great grip.. in the dry..
Been taking it easy as it's my first rear wheel drive car but I've already had some interesting experiences in the wet. Needless to say, I'm still able to write this report as it's extremely controllable when the rear starts to let go!
I'm looking forward to getting the car back in the next couple of days from the garage, and spending large amounts of time driving the beast in the (hopefully warm) coming months.
If you are considering one of these cars, or just want to know how they stack up against the competition, allow me to help. Good condition cars can be found cheaply, and give good reliability. They are fast, comfortable and very pleasant to own. A range of people seem to suggest the car looks old, like it should be driven by retired old people (who I have nothing against provided they aren't on the same country lane as me) but it's a moot point.
Besides, I love just blipping the throttle with this exhaust on now!
Yes, well done...
Hi All, just updating my review on this car.
If you get a 200sx, UNDERSEAL it. Especially if you live in a coastal area like I do. The car is susceptible to rusting, most pronounced around the rear spoiler area and the sills underneath, and when they get rusted then it's going to require work (possibly expensive) to get it through the next MOT.
The engine is definitely a good point about the car, but if it has had bad servicing intervals then like most neglected mechanical items it can fail.
The aftermarket potential for this car is huge. The UK's fastest 1.8 litre 200sx puts out over 500 bhp. It's not cheap to get this power, but it is attainable. The Nissan 200SX Owners Club has many members attaining over 270 bhp (crank figures) quite easily.
As for my own car - it got towed away two days ago to the scrap yard. Unfortunately the car had been laid up on the driveway for some time awaiting engine repairs. Once the repairs were underway it was noted that the underneath of the car was in such a bad state it was going to be too expensive to repair it to an MOT'able state.
And yes I would get another 200sx (and have done!)
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