Faults:

Had a 2005 Pulsar sedan for 6 years. It drove well, and never missed a start. BUT it started burning lots of oil after 100k km, and became worse and worse after 150k (around 500mL every 700-800km). It seems that it is a common problem for the Pulsar N16's QG18DE engine, which is susceptible to worn piston rings.

General Comments:

Affordable, but not durable.

Faults:

The car has a slight pull to the left, only noticeable when hands are briefly lifted off the steering wheel. Under normal driving circumstances, the pull is not noticeable.

The rear window washer water hose popped off due to a faulty valve. This was repaired under the warranty.

The headlamp sockets became brittle and snapped when replacing the globe. Once again, this was repaired under warranty (an extended warranty in this case).

During the extreme heat last summer (over 47 degrees Celsius), the clutch got stuck at the floor when changing gears.

The engine has started to become a little noisy, and consumes a lot of oil in between services.

General Comments:

I purchased the Pulsar from my brother, who had it since new, making the history of the vehicle known to me. For us both, it has been an exceptionally reliable car, having never broken down.

The car is comfortable, and easy to drive and park.

The hatch back can offer a lot of space when the seats are folded down, and I have used the car to move house on two occasions.

The Pulsar is economical to drive and cost effective to service. I have always returned to the Nissan dealership for all follow up work and service, and I have always been pleased with their professionalism and helpful nature.

Faults:

Car battery leaked corroding surface of the battery bracket, minor problem, replaced battery and spray painted bracket.

Steering pulls to the left, noticeably. Recent wheel alignment, still exactly the same so learnt to live with it.

Besides that car has been working perfectly with regular service.

General Comments:

I bought this car second hand at an auction for an insanely low price of about $6,000. It had only done 30,000km and had minor panel damage.

Been driving it for almost a year and has shown no major faults. It is very zippy at 2nd gear around 3000rpm. Has out performed many cars in its class eg. Lancer and Corolla.

Despite this the fuel consumption is reasonable. Traveling 650-700km on a tank with modest driving. Highway driving it is very efficient, I went from Sydney to Thredbo and back in about a tank of petrol.

But fairly thirsty with lead-footed driving traveling 550-600km on a tank.

Only problems are that the seats are low to the ground and the windows are high, limiting vision. The head rests on the seats are made at an awkward position/angle, which is slightly uncomfortable. The suspension is soft making taking corners at high speeds is not recommended.

Overall, I would recommend this car, it's an alternative to the reliable Corolla.

Faults:

Steering pulled to the left. Had wheel and camber adjustment 4 times within 3 months by 3 different shops. Made a small difference, but still very noticeable.

Vehicle was acquired unknowingly with 2 buckled/dented rims, which I can back up with a mechanical report 2 months after buying it. This is not a warrant-able item, it's there-for the buyer's (me) problem. Felt as if the vehicle was constantly being driven over small bumps. Very frustrating and made it hard to enjoy driving.

Engine noisy after 1 month (`30,000kms).

General Comments:

I would not recommend buying a Pulsar if it is ex-fleet/rental.

Go private and check to see if the vehicle has been in any accidents. If so, I would not recommend buying. (Check the boot under the carpet for any missing insulation behind the brake light hubs).

When buying one in an auto, make sure that when the gearbox changes gears, it doesn't delay and is smooth. Any hard changing would suggest that it has had a hard life. A common problem with 4 cylinder auto's.

The steering is smooth, although a little untidy when changing lanes at high speeds, many times having to counter steer.

Suspension is soft and smooth.

Interior is very comforting and has a warm presence. All instruments are easily accessible and in plain sight.

If buying a lesser year of the N16 Pulsar, get one with cruise control; these systems are very easy to use and are great for highways.