1995 Nissan Sunny Van 1.7 diesel from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Bullet proof

Faults:

Wear and tear, never a major issue.

General Comments:

Yes, a van version of the Sunny. A solid and rare forgotten van from Nissan that I used through the late 1990's and early 2000's for work.

It looked a lot like the Nissan Sunny car at the front, virtually identical, but obviously larger van rear cargo area. Inside the cheap plastics on the dash were also from lower range Nissan's. But it was durable and hard wearing.

A bit noisy on motorways, but otherwise pleasant to drive and comfy enough.

1.7 diesel engine was slow but did around 50 mpg; in the 1990's it was like driving for free when fuel was cheaper back then.

Rust got the better of it at 11 years old, but it was a reliable van otherwise.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st December, 2025

1995 Nissan Sunny Sequel 1.4 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Good for what it is, and safe to drive

Faults:

New alternator at 40k.

General Comments:

Got the car as a cheap run around in 2003, paid £1400 for it, but it only had 30k on the clock and was in pristine condition bar a couple of stone chips in the bonnet.

Had a full service history as my father was the mechanic that worked on the car since it was new.

Inside was OK, but found that you would get general rattles from the head rests or centre console from time to time.

Electric windows would also have trouble going up if the window was dry, but a bit of WD40 on the rubber seal sorted that out.

For a 1.4 engine it was quite thirsty. £40 would get you about 300 miles.

Acceleration was quite good for over taking, but past 80mph it started to feel a bit light and twitchy. However a great car for what it is, and only ever had to replace the alternator, which happens doesn't it.

Have given the car to my mum now, and she really likes it, and is able to get her two collie dogs in the boot with ease. Live in Cornwall where the roads are constantly flooded or covered in mud, and this car just keeps going. The car is on about 71k now, and there's just the slight onset of rust on the rear arches, which is good living so close to the sea, and driving the car on the beach everyday with the dogs.

If I was looking for another car and saw a Sunny in good condition, I would get it, but would really have a good look over the car as I have seen some real dogs around.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd August, 2009

7th Apr 2010, 07:06

This car is AMAZING. So easy to drive. Not a fun-mobile by any means, in fact it's a very boring car. But for reliability it's been brilliant. I've had it for nearly four years, and have had absolutely no engine problems at all. Starts first time every single time in absolutely any weather. It's ancient and not pretty, but runs as smooth as anything still. The only thing I ever do is pop windscreen wash in it every so often.

Passed its NCT (Irish MOT) first time in December 2009; I'd done no prep on it at all and they are strict with the test here. The bodywork is still rust free. Had to have some welding done underneath to get it through the NCT in 2007, but I'd bought the beast in Yorkshire, and the road salting there was to blame apparently.

The interior is starting to rattle and squeak slightly, but it's only occasionally annoying, and the poor thing has taken some major hammering on these potholed north-west Ireland country roads.

Everyone who has driven it says the same thing - an ugly little car but surprisingly amazing to drive. A newer bigger car would be nice, however I am loath to part with this super reliable number that is in such amazing condition, despite the fact it hasn't really been well looked after, and will be old enough to drive itself in two years.