1989 Nissan 180SX from Australia and New Zealand - Comments

Had a problem with the yurbo, which I had to get fixed. Some sort of seal broke and was letting oil into the pipes and the inter-cooler, I ended up getting the turbo reconditioned.

The front driver's seat is warped. The upright is twisted and does not go up above a 45 degree angle. It was like this when I purchased the car.

Awesome performance for a stock standard 80's car.

Love the front factory bucket seats.

Engine performance can be increased with a few minor mods.

Great for two people, but impossible when you need to fit yourself, a mate, and a few ladies in.

Body shape is sleek and sexy, an all round great looker.

Well, At least you have moved up from the holden, I have a 1992 Nissan 180sx, it's a dream ride, she never fails me and will take me anywhere I want =D.

Hey There, was just browsing the net and found this site. I'm 17 and looking at buying a 180sx 89 or 90 model in the next 6 months or so. Just wondering if anyone could tell me a little about the car and whether or not it would be a good first car considering petrol prices at the moment?

Thanks matt.

G'day Matt.

I've got a 1990 S13 Silvia (or 180SX) - as a result of reading your post I did some calculations - I do about 215 miles a week, and fill up once a week (50 litre tank). I worked this out to about 19.5 miles/gallon (I STILL prefer the old imperial measure) - and was rather shocked, actually. I'd use a rude word - but I'm not allowed : (.

I'm thinking maybe there's something wrong with the damn thing, but doesn't seem to be. I've got a 1.8 litre non-turbo auto; generally I drive pretty gently, though I do often floor it (and when you do that, you wait a couple of seconds, the tranny kicks down, the tacho needle goes ballistic, and the thing really takes off - but I figure it must be really sucking the juice when you do...)

Anyway, with current prices, the thing is costing me about $60 to $70 a week in fuel (and it HURTS).

I'd say to anyone: DON'T get the auto - the throttle response is appalling, your fuel consumption will be higher, and the change is jerky (at least in mine). Go for a manual: much more fun, uses less fuel, and probably cheaper when the tranny blows.

One more thing, I'd say, insurance is prob'ly gonna be sky high for you at your age... you wanna be practical (which I somehow doubt)? I'd say get a Falcon or Commodore on LP gas (I just thought, I'm assuming you're an Aussie - you used the term 'petrol' - but you could be a pom or kiwi I guess...)

Good luck: mail me at citnamor90@hotmail.com if you want...

Just so you know, an s13 Q's silvia is in no way a 180sx, it may have been built in the same period, but that's about it. I have owned both a ca18det and sr20det equipped 180sx. Everyone seems to favour the sr20 for reliability, but performance wise they're not much different. My current one is my dream car, spent about NZ$20,000 and its competing in drift events and looks the part too (bodykit, wheels, full suspension...) insurance is a bit tough, but aussie prices are generally higher when it comes to cars. This is my third car, awesome car, maybe experiment in cheaper rwd first though :)

Hey Guys.

Hes right an S13 is nowhere near a 180sx (how could you even think about putting them in the same catagory sheesh I think you need a slap acros the face). I wouldn't purchase a 180 as your first car I have just recently bought one and there are so many hassels that come with having this car, but I do admit this is a very sexy car. Firstly they do use to much fuel I would say I spend $50 to $60 in petrol a week, but that is going most places though I do a fair bit of driving. If you are going to buy one for your first car be prepared firstly you won't be able to afford insurace so just be carefull when driving. I found as my 180 is extremely low it took me a while to get used to I have put scratches all over me front bar. Buy a manual I got an auto BIG MISTAKE I find that its jerky, but once you drive it a bit you can make it smooth.

All in all I would have to say that the 180 is a great car I have had mine for 5months now and its going great. Just make sure when your buying yours to get it fully checked out as I didn't and now have to replace the motor and gearbox as the bottom end it going and my gearbox has major slippage.