1991 Nissan Stanza XE from North America - Comments

The fuel injectors leaked at the time of purchase from the second owner. The CV boots eventually decay. Radiator connections become extremely brittle with age. The muffler has begun to shed its outer metal skin.

This Stanza was my first and has been my only car. As the car passed its 10-year-old mark, there were several preventative maintenance and minor repairs reccomended by mechanics. Nothing that wouldn't be expected from other cars, however. Leaking fuel injectors are a common problem with Stanzas, and mine was no exception. I have not encountered any further problems in this area since the repair in '00. Overall, I feel this car is a fantastic value, and it will reward anyone who is willing to pay a moderate/swallowable amount for preventative maintenance and infrequent repairs. Acceleration, engine stability and reliability are phenomonal for a nearly 15-year-old vehicle. The feel of the power-assisted steering was actually a major selling point for me; it is not loose and unsatisfying like many, rather it has a tight and smooth feel. Steering response and breaking were always strong if not mildly shaky. Now both are completely solid after I recently replaced the old, warped rotors and tires. I have not experienced any problems or needed to pay for repairs with regard to the engine, transmission, or electrical system since the purchase of the vehicle. Fuel economy is probably not as strong as other cars in this category, as mine gets between 18-21 MPG in the city, but you will not be disappointed if you give a Stanza the care it needs. It will reward with a comfortable and confident ride, especially if it has been reasonably maintained.

Hoses age and stiffen.

They become brittle.

The increased stiffness means that engine movement puts excessive loads into the radiator inlet & outlet and these can then fatigue and break.

Better to replace ALL hoses every 5 years.

It's a shame that the Nissan Stanza didn't sell as well as they deserved too cause they were really nice cars, although they came with 4 cylinder engine, but the performance felt more like a V6, the early 90's Stanza's are one of my top favorite cars of the early 90's and you definitely get a lot for your money.