1989 Nissan Pulsar Reviews

Few rock chips on the paint.

Awesome condition, it is definitely a flashback to the past.

Its handling is quite good with performance rims, and a new exhaust system makes this thing fly!

The rear struts were froze up when we bought it.

We found out shortly after purchase that the timing chain guides had broken, and the chain had worn through the timing cover, which is also the oil pump.

The new timing set gear broke after 20 minutes. Local machine shop replaced 2 bent valves and had to "straighten" the warped head. The overhead cam was seized because the warp was so bad. That is why the new timing set failed.

At 169,000 the clutch went.

At 171,000 the manual tranny went.

The halfshafts went bad around 171,700.

Muffler failed at 173,000.

The headlight mechanism has never aimed properly.

Not very quick from a standstill.

Has good handling with good tires.

Vibration causes rattling at times in body parts.

Back seat is very small, so we leave it folded down.

Very comfortable seats.

The 'ECM' (Engine Control Module) goes silly sometimes, shutting the engine down for unknown reasons.

The poorly designed oil cap leaks oil. I have changed it a few times with one from a wrecked car, however it still leaks.

The clear coat on the body has deteriorated, leaving unsightly white marks all over the car. They do polish out however. I don't mind as they stop people from stealing my car!!

Being a more modern engine than my old KA Laser, it is easy to service myself. I changed the oil, belts and filters with little technical experience in an afternoon.

For a small car, the ride is quite soft and smooth.

I can get approximately 400km out of a tank of fuel, only going as low as halfway between empty and 1/4 full.

My pulsar is Auto, gear changes do produce quite a large jolt at times.

Nothing major, just general wear and tear; distributor and ignition module.

The airconditioner stopped blowing cool air, was quoted $1200 to fix, decided winding down the windows was a better option.

Replaced exhaust with standard size, ran smoother and quieter.

I'm still in touch with the current owner who's had brakes, bushes, shocks done, etc.

Synchro was also worn on second gear which required a slightly more delicate approach to gear changes.

Reliable, nice to drive, plenty of low end grunt for a little commuter, steers nice with plenty of feel, comfortable seats. Boxy shape makes it a boon to park. Excellent fuel economy.

Noisy at speed, makes long trips tiring (don't buy one with a modified exhaust if you plan to drive long distances). The trusty old family four built by Holden engine is unwilling to rev with little top end, it's no sports car, but still more grunt than say a similar yr laser or corolla.

The little boot is pretty hopeless, buy a hatchback.

The Instrument cluster needed replacing as the fuel, temperature and revs all were not responding properly.

The radiator fan stopped due to a link with the Instrument cluster.

Great little car with a surprising amount of power for the engine size! Handles great for an old car and is quite comfortable.

Seats are really comfortable with enough room for passenger comfort.