Used Nissan 200SX review: 1996-2003

Nissan's brilliant 200SX turbocharged coupe excells in performance, but looks bland.  Who says looks don't sell cars? Take Nissan's brilliant 200SX turbocharged coupe, for example. Few cars in 1996 could match its performance, but few people tuned in because of its bland looks.

Model watch

The 200SX story begins with the launch of the all-new S14 model to the local market in 1994 when it took the performance segment by storm. But while this first model had the performance it was a fairly bland looker.

Its lines were soft and rounded, they simply lacked the aggression expected of a car of its type. That changed in 1996 with the release of the first update when its lines were sharpened, it was given a new grille and headlamps and a much meaner stance.

Under the sharp new skin lay the same 2.0-litre double-overhead camshaft, turbocharged, four-cylinder engine. With 147kW on tap at 6400 rpm and mountains of torque from way down in the rev range the 200SX was quite a performer with the power to reach 100km/h in about six seconds and cover the standing 400m sprint in 15 seconds.

There was no turbo lag to speak of, one of the problems that plagued many early turbocharged cars, and the engine was silky smooth right through the rev range.  The S14 was backed up by either a five-speed manual gearbox or a four-speed auto, with the five-speed being replaced by a six-speed in the S15 of 2000. Drive went through the rear wheels which gave the 200SX its great appeal.

While it handled with impressive poise and great road holding, it could be driven on the throttle and oversteer was always possible to induce for a really fun ride. If there was a criticism it was that the ride could be hard and harsh, particularly in the sportier versions like the S15 Spec R.

In the S14, Nissan offered 200SX in Sports Limited, Sports and Luxury versions of the 200SX. In the Sports Limited model you got alloy wheels, airconditioning, cloth trim, central locking, driver's airbag, and an alarm.

Add to that a rear spoiler, ABS, and leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear knob and you had the Sports model; further add a passenger's airbag, CD player and a sunroof and you were in a Luxury model.

With the S15 model change the choices became the Spec S and Spec R. The S had plenty of fruit, including alloys, ABS, air, central locking, immobiliser, CD player, and dual airbags. The sportier R had rear spoiler, side skirts, sunroof, and six-disc CD player.

GT versions of the S and R released in 2002 were dressed up with leather trim, chrome alloy wheels, drilled racing pedals, chrome door handles and performance rear wing.

In the shop

The turbocharged engine stands up well, but turbo engines generally need more servicing because of the harsher operating environment so look for signs that servicing hasn't been done as often as it should.

Lift the oil filler cap and inspect for sludge inside the cover, pull the dipstick and check the colour of the oil, which should be clear without any visible contaminants. The six-speed gearbox fitted to the S15 is noisy (has been from day one) but doesn't appear to translate into a mechanical problem.

Check the clutch. There should be about 25mm free play at the top of the movement, and it should fully disengage at the bottom of the stroke. If gears are hard to select there could be a problem. Clutches take a pounding in cars like the 200SX. Check also for signs it has been used in motorsport. Look also for aftermarket modifications. Many owners fit larger turbochargers, larger intercoolers, and revised electronics among many modifications that can boost performance.

NISSAN 200SX 1996-2003

Well balanced with good road holding
Harsh ride on rough roads
Strong mechanical package gives little trouble
Avoid cars used for motorsport
Noisy six-speed gearbox
Be wary of aftermarket updates
Aggressive styling

Rating

15/20 Pound for pound, few cars can compete with the 200SX.  Exhilarating performance and road holding at an affordable price.