Nissan 200SX 1989-
  • Economy

    Value

    4 out of 5 4.0

    HUGE performance for the money. RWD fun at it's best.

    Costs

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Most parts have to come from Nissan and are frighteningly expensive. Main dealer servicing is tragic by most people's standards. Some good independent specialists around, though, but choose carefully. Expect 24-30mpg depending on how you drive.

  • On the road

    Driving

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Fantastically rewarding drive - beautifully balanced, loads of feedback, dry grip is prodigious. Beware of oversteer in the wet - it will bite you if you push too hard out of a corner. Engine is carried over from Silvia and can be a little harsh.

    Performance

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Wolf in sheeps clothing - 165bhp as standard, with potential for MUCH more (I've driven one with 608bhp - scary and not recommended!). Eats XR's, RS's, GTi's etc. for breakfast. Accelleration over 2,500rpm has be felt to be believed! Beware in the wet!

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    1 out of 5 1.0

    I may have been unlucky, but this has been the most unreliable car I've ever owned - engine, gearbox and chassis have all given problems and been expensive to fix. Disappointing for a Japanese car.

    Image

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Pretty, understated lines still turn heads. Beats rival Toyota Celica hands down. Some really dodgy body kits out there, though! Shame they never made a convertible version...

    Comfort

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Good side bolster support from seats, but generally not the most comfortable - certainly won't suit everyone. Nice driving position, but limited rear visibility due to steeply raked screen and thick pillars. Rear seat is a joke for anyone over 4' 6"".

  • Security and Service

    Security

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Surprisingly, S13 200SX isn't favoured by joyriders, but standard security is poor so if they wanted it, they could have it easily unless you fit an alarm. Thatcham approved alarm/immobiliser a very good idea.

    Service

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Dealers always helpful and knowledgable, but prices far too high. DIY servicing is realistic - invest in the Nissan S13 manual it's well worth it. Choose independents carfully as bodged servicing can lead to BIG bills later. Engine needs fully-synth oil.

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    Broken piston rings misdiagnosed by specialist as failed turbo resutling in £500 for unnecessary turbo rebuilt, followed by £1,200 for engine rebore/rebuild with oversize pistons/rings etc. And that was parts only as I did the work myself!

    Other

    Too many niggling problems to list. Beautiful car and great fun to drive, but let down by build quality and engineering.

    Ownership

    Did you buy the car new?

    Used

    Would you buy the same model again?

    No

    Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?

    No