1988 Nissan Bluebird review from UK and Ireland
"The best medium sized car for under £1000"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
I have had to replace the battery as it wasn't charging properly. There was some indecision as to whether this was due to a faulty alternator, but fortunately it was just the battery.
It seems to overheat if I drive at high speeds for more than an hour, although I think this may be to a fault in the radiator seal and therefore easily fixed.
Other than that it is in very good condition.
General comments?
Despite the sharp edged 80s looks and expanse of brown plastic inside, this car is fantastic. Zero street cred (which is good considering where I live it would be stolen if it wasn't so ugly!)
It is more capable and comfortable that a similar age Ford Sierra I had, and has lots of electric goodies (which all still work.)
Performance is mediocre using regular petrol, but if you stretch to Super Unleaded (which it is supposed to drink) the car becomes much more responsive. Braking is reassuringly solid. The only thing I'd change is to add weight to the power steering. (You can perform a three point turn with one finger on the wheel.)
I was lucky to find a low-mileage one, as many were used as taxis. I would be more than happy to keep this car until parts availability means it would no longer be possible.
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1988 |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.8 petrol Manual |
| Performance marks | 7 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 7 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 8 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 9 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 65000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 68000 miles |
| Previous car | Vauxhall Omega |
| Date of Entry | 1st April, 2003 |