1985 Nissan 200SX from North America - Comments

Almost no repairs in 13 years, 130,000 miles. Replaced the alternator, computer and exhaust manifold. All within the last 3 years. Other than scheduled maintainance, no other repairs done to the car.

Runs like a dream, 26 mpg, never uses oil. Exterior finish impeccable even though it has never been in a garage. Interior has held up as well. Great car.

It would have been nice to see a picture of your car alongside your article. Like you, there have been no major repairs in 14 years of owning my 1987-200SX. The interior has held up great for its age, and the exterior still has original paint.

My car has never been in the shop, never been in an accident, or repainted. It has weathered 11 winters and right now, gives me 32 MPG on the highway.

Can you believe I still have original electrical/electronic parts I haven't replaced yet? Nissan didn't spare any smarts when they designed and built this model. In the years I've had it, I have added a few accessories to it such as front spoiler/rear spoiler/custom stereo and custom wheels which have enhanced an already classic bodystyle.

I plan on keeping this car until it rusts out or until I can no longer get parts for it, whichever comes first.

I also have a nissan 200SX. I only have a problem with the fuel pump, it does not shut off and the clucth is almost gone. Runs great, I was just racing the other day, smoked them.

I have an '85 Nissan 200SX Turbo - love it, even though it's starting to cost me money. Fun and fast for it's age. Had to recoil the manifold bolts that were stripped and leaking and most recently had to replace the gas tank and the fuel sending unit as the connections and wires inside the unit had corroded - can't just replace the wires for $10... It's rusting around the wheel wells, but not worth fixing. Everything works great except for the back window washer squirt and the "low gas" light in the dash. Turbo isn't 100% anymore, but still puts out. I'll drive it until it falls apart.

I got an 85 200SX 2 years ago to deliver pizzas with. Shortly after I patched the body, and painted it bright orange. I removed all logos, and added a long blue neon light under the grill, and wheels from a 98 240SX. People are baffled as to what kind of car it is, and I receive complements daily. In those short years it went from 108K to 137K, and only required costly brake work aside from regular maintenance. Oh yeah, I brake torque, neutral drop, and drive like a maniac, and it takes it in stride.

I just purchased a Nissan 200sx for 800 bucks. I thought that was high priced because it was an 85. It looked jacked up, but it was only dust. I fell in love with the car and I am going to put money into it. After reading everyone else's comments makes me anxious to get started. The car runs good and fast! My only complaint is I wish I would have bought it in 1985! All HALE THE 1985 NISSAN 200SX!!!

INFAMOUS MOSBERG OVER AND OUT...

I bought a 85 Nissan 200 SX about 4 years ago for 300.00 from a friend. Other than the power sun roof being cracked (but does not leak) it is in great shape both the body and the interior is stained (can't find out how to replace any suggestions please post). The car had only 78,000 original miles. I have done nothing, but put on new rear brakes. New tires, oil changes. Runs like a dream. There is one weird thing going on the oil lite has been blinking on and off for about a year and half, but you can see the oil is being pumped. I can't figure out why it is doing this as well.

I just picked up an '85 200 SX. The previous owner did lots of mechanical work, and to my surprise, it doesn't drive or ride like a 20 year old car. In fact, it runs a lot better than my 88 corolla. This 200 SX has about 243,000 kms on it, but as far as I'm concerned, it could have been driven off the dealer lot just the other day.

Howdy I have a 85 non turbo 200sx and I'm having clutch probs. the car takes off as soon as my foots even thinks about releasing. I'm not sure if it is the master cylinder or clutch platers. Also it idles at 1300rpms and when I hit the gas it drops, then goes right back up. She is a real rubber burner though and I love the way the back in sinks down when you hit second.

Just bought a 1985 200SX today and paid 700US for it. I had owned a 1988 a few years back and was very happy with it and it had massive power with the 3000 V6 in it. Wish I would have kept it. But alas today I have another although it's a coupe with the 2.0 engine, it runs great and just needs some TLC. I need to redo the door panels because of sun damage from sitting for over a year, but am pleased to have finally found a good one. Nissan makes great cars as long as they are the US and Japanese manufactured. Stay away from those built in Mexico because they really are crap.

Ledfoot2000 in NC.

I had an 85 200SX hatchback 5spd manual that I bought in 93 for $2000. Within a the first month I burnt the clutch after a few too many donuts and tire squeals. It was my first manual which I learned to drive by trial and errors. It was a very reliable car and very easy to maintain. I did my own tuned up and even fixed my own brakes. It never spent a day at the mechanic for anything other than the clutch issue. I was always impress as to how a 4 cylinder engine uses 8 spark plugs!

My 200SX drove any distance without sweat while sometimes overloaded with furniture and appliances. I kept until I graduated from college. By then it had over 140kmi on it (from the original 75kmi) and sold for the same amount that I bought it for 5 years earlier. I wish my M3 will be this reliable.