Faults:

Engine wouldn't start intermittently.

Using the drivers side power window would trip a fuse and completely immobilise the car.

Fast tyre wear.

Large supporting underbody brace not present.

General Comments:

This was my first car purchase, and very valuable lesson indeed!

This is a beautiful looking car; however it also does attract some negative attention, as I was pulled over by the police on my first day of driving! They just wanted to "check" my license.

The car was very difficult to start. Often I would have to spend over 10 minutes trying to start the car with different techniques. On the first day, I was stranded at my friends house for 30mins, and then again in the same week when going out for a family dinner. Not confidence inspiring!

Engine was replaced with another CA18DE imported from Japan. It ran better; however it still didn't start well cold and still wasn't very reliable.

Handling at first was very rough/stiff in comparison to previous cars. I soon discovered this gave the car great handling ability in corners and a pleasure to drive through the hills!

After 4 months driver side power window switch use caused a fuse to blow, which in turn somehow immobilised the vehicle. I discovered this after the second time it happened. I did not use the window again after this.

When it came to selling the car and getting a RWC, it apparently was missing a large brace only on the LHS of the underbody.

Next time I would certainly recommend a full mechanical inspection for a person purchasing an older import!

Faults:

I replaced the rear brake pads at 96000.

Hand brake cable snapped at 96000 as well.

Driver's seat has a small tear.

General Comments:

This car is quick and handles well, but watch the back end when accelerating in the wet as it likes to snap out.

Silvias can be bought for a lot less than an RS turbo and can be tuned to over 300bhp.

Faults:

Absolutely nothing.

General Comments:

I had an older Silvia a couple of years ago, but this had to go when it started to look a little tired. It had covered over 275000 miles, so I'll let it off...

I had no hesitation in hunting another one out when the time came and I travelled over 100 miles to buy the one I have now.

The performance in standard form is a little hampered by silly design foibles, but once overcome, the car is wonderful fun to drive and offers terrific value for money.

I have heard many people say that Silvias are tricky in the wet and prone to biting back, but mine has never once scared me and I do drive it hard.

My car has a stainless exhaust, K&N 57i kit (yes they do make one, hunt it out), uprated and lowered suspension and 17" TSW alloys. I am about to fit an uprated actuator and a dump valve and have the whole thing re-sprayed.

All the modifications have been done at home, by myself and there is nothing on the car that I would not attempt to repair or service myself. It is all easily accessible and well designed.

If anyone reading this wants to pick my brain feel free to email me at silvia@mach-one.uk.com and I will offer what advice I can.

Go and buy one, do not be discouraged by anyone :)