1990 Nissan Stanza XE review from North America
"My favorite car"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The AC compressor had to be replaced when it was about 5 years old.
The latch for the gas tank door broke and wouldn't close after about ten years (but was easy to fix with a new latch from the junk yard).
The master cylinder for the brakes just was replaced in 2003.
The transmission broke at 143,000 miles (2003). I just got it fixed using a $40 transmission from a Stanza at the junk yard and it works perfectly now ($400 to have it put in).
The reservoir for windshield washer fluid got a leak after about 11 years.
At about 11 years old the car started to idle weird and sometimes stall. The mechanic said that it was a problem with the computer and Nissan had made a chip to correct the problem (apparently others had the same problem). The chip helped as did a tune-up. The new transmission seems to have fixed it all together now.
I think I had to replace some tie rods or something at about 11 years.
General comments?
I really never took care of this car and twice went a year without changing the oil and yet it has really been a wonderful car. It has only ever broken down once in the ten years I've had it and that was this when the transmission broke.
The seats are really comfortable.
It is fun to drive.
Everyone should have one!
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![]() ![]() | Just been better than a car should be, it WILL NOT DIE |
![]() ![]() | A comfortable old friend |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 1994 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.4L Automatic |
| Performance marks | 10/10 |
| Reliability marks | 10/10 |
| Comfort marks | 10/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 0/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 60000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 143000 miles |
| Previous car | Mercury Cougar |
| Date of Entry | 6th February, 2004 |


