Nissan 200SX- Yay or nay?

Nissan 200SX- Yay or nay?

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The DJ 27

Original Poster:

2,666 posts

260 months

Sunday 16th May 2004
quotequote all
Just been browsing autotrader, wasting time really, and discovered that, for the price of a half decent french hot hatch, I can have a 200bhp rear drive turbo jap nuttermobile. For example, 99T reg, black with cream leather, 17k miles, £6,650.

So are they any good to drive, and are they a decent car for a 20 year old on a fairly limited budget to use as a daily driver? I.e, are there any huge timebombs or regular big bills? Insurance may be a bit steep but not appreciably more than on a decent hot hatch. Opinions please people

cptsideways

13,648 posts

259 months

Sunday 16th May 2004
quotequote all
The DJ 27 said:
Just been browsing autotrader, wasting time really, and discovered that, for the price of a half decent french hot hatch, I can have a 200bhp rear drive turbo jap nuttermobile. For example, 99T reg, black with cream leather, 17k miles, £6,650.

So are they any good to drive, and are they a decent car for a 20 year old on a fairly limited budget to use as a daily driver? I.e, are there any huge timebombs or regular big bills? Insurance may be a bit steep but not appreciably more than on a decent hot hatch. Opinions please people


Standard they are bombproof, they can be had a lot cheaper than that as not the cheapest cars to run. Get some spare wheels & naff tyres & come & play with us lot here sure there are plenty of guys who will offer you advice on there.

Hates_

778 posts

260 months

Monday 17th May 2004
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Excellent cars. I had a '93 S13. Certainly didn't find it cheap to run! Especially with the massive number of performance parts available, new tyres for drifting etc etc. I was getting around 18Mpg, which with fuel prices being what they are, doesn't make it economical in any sense. You'll probably be looking at an arm and a leg for insurance though. I was paying £1400 (0 NCB, licence for 5+ years, on street parking, 0 points, 0 accidents/claims).

DustyC

12,820 posts

261 months

Monday 17th May 2004
quotequote all
Surely there cant be a better RWD bargin than the 200SX.
What other car can you get of that age for the same money that is 200BHP 200lb.ft torque, front engined AND RWD?

If you can get the insurance go for it.
My brother has one of the same age and its a lovely car.
Do a search on members cars here to read owners reviews of them.

Hates_

778 posts

260 months

Monday 17th May 2004
quotequote all
DustyC said:
Surely there cant be a better RWD bargin than the 200SX.
Too true!

vixpy1

42,676 posts

271 months

Monday 17th May 2004
quotequote all
Go and have a gander at www.sxoc.com, and yes, buy one!

The DJ 27

Original Poster:

2,666 posts

260 months

Monday 17th May 2004
quotequote all
What I meant by "cheap to run" is, do they go wrong a lot? My current car is turning into a money pit because so much keeps going wrong with it (Seat Ibiza, W reg ). I can live with fuel and tyre bills as they're already pretty big now. Sounds good though

DustyC

12,820 posts

261 months

Monday 17th May 2004
quotequote all
My bros S14a (also T reg) has been running fine.

Of any Jap car I have had I have never had any problems with them and have taken them all over the 100,000 miles mark.

Dakkon

7,826 posts

260 months

Monday 17th May 2004
quotequote all
I used to own an S14a, great car, make sure you get the touring, which will get you leather, air con and multi-cd, some even have the stereo controls off the steering column which is very nice too.

Whilst they are praised for their drifting capabilities, be careful in the wet as the backend can come out on you when your least expecting it.

Another good site is www.200sx.org, run buy guy in New Zealand, think his name is Chris, very helpful.

Mr E

22,127 posts

266 months

Monday 17th May 2004
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DustyC said:

What other car can you get of that age for the same money that is 200BHP 200lb.ft torque, front engined AND RWD?


MR2 Turbo. But without the front engine bit.......

DustyC

12,820 posts

261 months

Monday 17th May 2004
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my post dissappeared?

DustyC

12,820 posts

261 months

Monday 17th May 2004
quotequote all
Mr E said:

DustyC said:

What other car can you get of that age for the same money that is 200BHP 200lb.ft torque, front engined AND RWD?



MR2 Turbo. But without the front engine bit.......



So exactly as I said then!
Close contenders but all missing out on age/price are 944S2 or TurboSE, BMW3, and if you want to get into the sports car club thing then a TVR S is a good place to start. Then again those cars will probably all cost you more in maintenance.
If its for every day then stick with the 200SX for the best bargin. After that MR2 turbo.

DustyC

12,820 posts

261 months

Monday 17th May 2004
quotequote all
in other words 200sx = yah!

Seaton

400 posts

261 months

Tuesday 18th May 2004
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Yay, Had mine for a few months now, not spent a thing other than new wiper blabes and petrol,



>> Edited by Seaton on Tuesday 18th May 18:37

doobs too

102 posts

252 months

Thursday 20th May 2004
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I had an S13 until recently and it was relativly cheep to run (I do my own servicing). It did use juice if you tan, what doesn't? Offset that against the depreciation you (wont) see on a late one that you're looking for and you're on to a winner. Maybe not as fast in a straight line as an MR2 turbo but it's more practical (kind of) and cheaper insurance (MR2 turbo's are all imports), cheaper to buy and come from a company with real motor racing heratage which Toymotor, no matter how many F1 races they loose, can't match.

Also, they are loads quicker then they look. I live to pi55 of beemers, the satisfaction of blowing the doors of a brand new £25K 3 series in an £800 Nissan was lovely. I now do the same to £32K TT's in my £5K 300ZX, lovely.