1990 Nissan Axxess XE review from North America

Tailshaft seal broke 60,000 miles.

Timing chain jumped at 85,000; top end rebuilt.

AWD transfer clutch started locking up at about 80,000; lived with it for a while because it only affected tight turns when the tranny was very hot.

Rear struts blown by 90,000; lived with it.

Transmission bearings shot by 95,000; dealer rebuilt and installed a new AWD transfer clutch while it was apart.

105,000 miles: Couldn't stand the bouncy rear anymore; discovered a Nissan dealer in British Columbia that took care of them and a complete brake job for half what it would have cost in the US.

We live near enough to the Canadian border to make it worthwhile to take the car there for repairs and service. The Axxess was sold there through the 1995 model year, but only as a 1990 in the US. Canadian dealers are more familiar with it, and parts and labor are much cheaper.

We like the size and utility of the vehicle so much that we've put up with several expensive repairs just to keep it. It's been paid off long ago, so we've still come out ahead compared to trading it on a new van or wagon, which could easily run to $30K.