Nissan Problems

There are four-wheel drives and there are four-wheel drives.  There are those that spend their time doing the rounds in town, while looking like they could go bush if need be, and there are those that are designed to do their time deep in the mulga, but get bogged down in the 'burbs.Two vehicles fit into the latter category – Toyota's Land Cruiser and Nissan's Patrol.Both are serious four-wheel drive wagons, capable of plunging deep in the bush or towing a heavy load. They're heavy duty workhorses, at their best on the job.Model watchIn 1997, the GU Patrol replaced the popular GQ, a rough and tough four-wheel drive wagon that had a big following.  The Patrol follows common practice in this class of off-roader with a wagon body perched atop a separate chassis which is considered the best way of tackling the toughest of conditions a vehicle might encounter.A separate chassis has the effect of raising the cabin quite high off the ground and it also cuts down on the interior space.  Nissan offered a choice of one petrol and three diesel engines. The petrol engine was a 4.5-litre single overhead camshaft fuel-injected six-cylinder unit with a chain driven camshaft and put out 145kW.Performance with the petrol engine was good and the fuel consumption was acceptable. The diesel choices were a 2.8-litre single overhead camshaft turbo diesel six-cylinder engine producing 95kW, a 4.2-litre overhead valve delivering 91kW, and a 4.2-litre overhead valve turbo diesel pumping out 114kW.The 2.8-litre turbo diesel was replaced by a 116kW 3.0-litre in 2000 in the GU II update, and with it came plenty of trouble (see In The Shop).  Performance of the diesels wasn't as punchy, but the low-down grunt they delivered was welcome, along with the fuel consumption savings.Drive was through all wheels, with a choice of two-wheel drive for the highway and dual-range four-wheel drive for off-road use. Front hubs were manual locking on the entry level DX model, but the others had auto hubs.  Buyers could choose between three models -- the DX five-seater, the popular seven-seater ST and the top of the range Ti.In the shopWhile the Patrol is generally a rough and rugged vehicle with few faults, there is a cloud hanging over the 3.0-litre turbo diesel. The problem generally manifests itself in the form of melted pistons, but the most likely explanation is that it's caused by a piston oiling/cooling problem.Not all engines are affected. Those most likely to succumb to the problem are those doing a lot of highway cruising.  Nissan has increased the oil fill and played with alignment of the nozzles that spray oil on the pistons for cooling and lubrication purposes, but there seems to be no consistent fix for the problem.Its important to keep an eye on the oil level in all engines but particularly so in the 3.0-litre turbo diesel.  Apart from the 3.0-litre turbo diesel engine's woes, the Patrol is generally a tough and rugged vehicle that gives good service over the long term.That said, the manual gearbox can have problems with the fifth gear spline and hub.  It's important to check for a service record, particularly if the vehicle has spent time off-road. It's also important to check under the vehicle for damage sustained off-road, like bashed suspension and chassis components, brackets, exhaust etc.On the exterior, look for scratches and scrapes from trackside bushes during road excursions.  Consider carefully before buying a Patrol that has clearly been off-road as there are plenty that haven't spent much time off the black top and they are a better choice.Rating14/20 Comfortable and well equipped small car makes sense for family transport around town.

THE Nissan Z legend began in 1971 with the stunning 240Z and was carried on by a series of great models. One of the best was the 300ZX, sold here from 1989-1996.  It was a well-built, high-performance sports coupe that has aged wonderfully well, so much so it is a popular used sports car today.MODEL WATCHTHE Japanese car industry underwent a sea change in the late 1980s. For years Japanese carmakers had built affordable and reliable cars for the masses, but in the late 1980s they became obsessed with technology and took on the world.Among the many great cars in that era was the 300ZX sports coupe, more a high-performance grand tourer than a light, nimble sportster as the original Z car was, but it was nevertheless a very competent sports car.  Even today its sleek shape and smooth lines are sexy.The car sold here was a long wheelbase 2-plus-2 model with a normally aspirated 3.0-litre V6 engine. It had a perfect 50:50 weight distribution and, with two rear seats, could accommodate two kids or adults at a pinch.  The fuel-injected engine was silky smooth. With four overhead camshafts and variable valve timing, it was quite advanced.Power was put at 166kW and torque at 270Nm, which was dulled slightly by the 1490kg it had to propel. Still it could reach 100km/h in seven seconds, the standing 400m could be dispatched in a little over 15 seconds, and it would reach a heady 235 km/h when asked.The manual was a smooth-shifting five-speed; the auto an electronically controlled four-speeder. Brakes were powerful discs all round, there was ABS, and a viscous coupling in the rear axle for added safety.There were few changes during the eight years the 300ZX was sold here. Airconditioning became auto climate control in 1992, when velour trim also was added. A driver's airbag was added in 1994, as was CD sound and a rear spoiler.IN THE SHOPTHE 300ZX was well designed and built, and has stood up to the rigours of life on the road.  Look for repainted bumpers, which may not be a good colour match. If not painted properly, the paint can blister and peel.  The trim was of a high quality but any car that has been well used, or left in the sun, will be showing signs of ageing.The V6 engine is sturdy and gives little trouble, but they are likely to have been driven hard over the years. Major services at 100,000km intervals require cam belt changes, platinum-tipped plugs and other important items and are expensive.  Gearboxes are rugged and give little trouble. Wear in driveline joints and centre bearings is common.For more information on the 300ZX, check with the Australian 300ZX Owners Association or go to www.aus300zx.comCRUNCH TIMEA DRIVER'S airbag was added in 1994, which makes cars produced after that the safest. Add a responsive, well-balanced chassis, four-wheel discs and ABS and you have a solid primary safety package.OWNERS' VIEWSANGELA Sykes has owned her 1990 300ZX import for a year and loves it. It has a lot of room, and on sunny days the roof can be taken off and put in the very roomy boot.  On the down side it is heavy and thirsty, and the 100,000km service was expensive.Tim Garland has owned an Aus-spec 1990 Nissan 300ZX manual since March last year and is thoroughly delighted with it.  It has done 212,000km, and for a car with such mileage it runs beautifully, Tim says.  There have been a couple of minor issues with it since he's had it, but Tim's main complaint is the cost of parts, having just done the 200,000km major service.THE BOTTOM LINE16/20 GREAT-looking high-performance sports car if you can afford the cost of parts and service.LOOK FORSLEEK timeless stylingENGINE and gearboxes give little troubleLOVELY balanced handlingSILKY-SMOOTH enginePARTS expensive

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 watchThe 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 shopThe 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 1996-2003Well balanced with good road holdingHarsh ride on rough roadsStrong mechanical package gives little troubleAvoid cars used for motorsportNoisy six-speed gearboxBe wary of aftermarket updatesAggressive stylingRating15/20 Pound for pound, few cars can compete with the 200SX.  Exhilarating performance and road holding at an affordable price.