1991 Nissan Stanza XE review from North America

My parents got this car in late 1990 when I was fairly young, however now that I am of driving age, and my parents have gotten a newer car, this Stanza is mine. I starting taking car of it around 128000 miles. Until that time, it had had relatively few problems.

The gas tank was recalled in 1995 or so, but that was covered by the dealer.

Parents replaced clutch around 75000 miles. I replaced it again at 13600.

Distributor cap and wiring has become corroded twice in about 4 years. At about 129000 miles I had to replace it, my parents commented they did it about 3 or 4 years before that. This is probably due to our severe winters here.

Fuel Injection system replaced (getting about 15 mpg, as opposed to the 20-22 it should get, the system reportedly leaked) at 135700 or so, it is said this is a flaw with Stanzas.

Starter seized right before it went into the shop for the fuel injection problem, assumed to be due to extreme temperatures (-30 to -40 degrees F).

Other than these problems that recently cropped up, it has been a very maintainence free car. My mechanic reports that after I got the clutch replaced (the 136000 mile job), there was no forseeable work that would have to be done for several years.

The Stanza is the best car I've driven other than an 86 BMW 320 (which had much more horsepower).

The interior is comfortable, and 5 people can be transported with ease (though 5 person road trips are somewhat cramped).

The controls are laid out in a simple to use manner.