Used 1998 Nissan 200SX Consumer Reviews
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Still love my car after 11 years
I've been very happy with this car that looks just like the one pictured :) It's going strong after 11 years and 128,000 miles, with little maintenance. I have had some minor repairs done, but it beats having to buy a new car.
Great car overall
I've had this car for 2 years now and she's running fine so far. One of the obvious yet best things about this car is the gas mileage. When it comes to tuning, there aren't a ton of mods out there for it, but you can purchase mods for a 95-98 Sentra with the same engine size and type and it'll be fine. So far I've got a cold air intake, cat-back exhaust, and street springs. Performance was a little lackluster stock, but when modified... well, I'm left speechless. Great car and lightweight as well.
Ten Years and still going strong!
I have 201,189 miles on my car. I replaced the computer chip, kind of expensive. But, overall just standard maintenance, tires, oil, brakes and 1 battery. Starts always! Not very fast, but once it gets up to speed, you can lock the cruise at 80 and go. Averages 36 mpg!! I think I will keep it until it falls apart, or 500,000 which ever comes first.
An ackward looking sleeper.
Quick 5 speed manual. OK MPG. Poor rear visibility.
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nissan never should have discontinued this model!
What their going to spend all their extra money on!
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Tons of fun
This has been a great car. It's a ton of fun to drive. Responsive, quick, reliable, quick, fun, and quick! Good factory stereo, moon roof, comfortable seats, and quick. Did I mention "Quick"?
good sporty commuter cars
My wife and I bought the SE-R in 2001 for a commuter for her. In two years and nearly 35,000 miles there's not been a bit of trouble. We're nearing 90K now and our mechanic said the little guy is doing great. Lot of fun on the road; the light body and 2-liter engine make driving in traffic a bit more fun and it handles very well. I'm 6'-3" tall and sitting in it works fine but getting in and out it a bit of chore when you're bigger.
Engine issues: double your budget.
My new-to-me '98 200SX SE is typical, according to local mechanics: it boasts 171,000 miles, and has needed a timing chain replacement, oil temp pressure switch, motor mounts, control arms and ball joints, and replacement of hoses etc cracked rubber bits, for a few years/couple owners before me. That timing chain SNAFU disregard nearly killed the car. I can't find anyone willing to attempt it, even for the 10hr estimate that works out to more than I paid for the car, which (at $1500) was too dear. So I've found an intact engine at a wrecking yard, and am paying a mechanic to fit it to the car. I've driven it several times, with the bad timing and oil pressure switch, and as is the car goes from 0-60 in about a minute and a half, and that sucks a lot of fuel: ~19mi/gal. When the new engine is in play, and esp when I've got intact control arms and ball joints on the car, and matched wheels and tires, I expect 40mph, and precision awesome performance. It will be well worth the $4K I expect ultimately to have invested in the car. I'm a petite blonde, accustomed to DIY modified sports cars like Miatas and my beloved Mazda3. This car may be perfect for me, when repairs are complete. The turning radius is 34.1', which even on dead suspension makes for neat u-turns. The low stance allows for aggressive handling on freeway onramps, even with less than certain footing on bad tires and torn open ball joint boots. This tiny sexy little coupe is a hero. I hope to give it another 171K of happy motoring.
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Never had a problem
I bought my Nissan 200SX brand new in 1998 and it has never failed me. It still runs great. I definitely think it is fun to drive. The interior is nice and and four fit pretty comfortably considering its a small car.
SE-R
It's great No problems as long as you keep the car up!
Fast, Roomie, Where do I put my drink?
All around an excellent car. Great handling, good acceleration. Gas mileage is a little disappointing, but not altogether bad.
I Love My Car!
This car is SO fun to drive! My boyfriend and I almost always take my car on road trips because we both enjoy driving it so much! I have also ridden as a passenger in the back seat, and was amazed at how much room I had - even the head rests are comfortable! It has a lot of energy and is the perfect car for me.
Bring the 2 door car back please!
This car styling has some promise, my husband replaced the 15 alloy wheels with 16 -6.5. Made some subtle changes in appearancce to the front wheel wells. By no means does this car look like a flaming,write me a ticket officer car, it's a sleeper. Very stealthy. If nissan is listening (hellooo) they should bring the 200sx se-r with the newer drivetrain/engine in the sentras of today, call it a limited edition, but don't prostitute the car with flaming model indicators of the new sentra's se-R, it looks ridiculous. If they were to think of bringing back the 200sx se-r styling, target the consumers of the 30 yr on up crowd, this would indeed be a winner.
Little slow...but always dependable!
Well I don't know who would say a Nissan is a bad product but I have to disagree. I've had a 1998 200SX for three years now and have never had any problems. The only thing I wish is that Nissans could hold their re-sale values a little more, THEY DON'T! Also this car is not for someone who likes to put the pedal to the medal. The SE ( the one I have) is slow on pick up with a 1.6 115hp engine. I hear the SE-R version was much faster. But as far as it being reliable....I could never complain about that, excellent on gas and emissions as well. Overall great first car for a new driver or someone older looking for something extremely dependable.
Fun for students!
I enjoy driving this car. The car has a sporty look but I get the benefits of my insurance with it being classified as a sedan. I still get about 32 miles to the gallon. I think it is a great car for a student and it can be really fun especially with the sliding sunroof, spoiler, tinted windows and cd player!
200sxser
Great car. Fast, powerful (weight to horse power ratio) and excellent quality. Made several trips south of the border) at full power for hours (just shy of the speed limiter) without any problems at all. My former US cars rattled since new and I did not trust the engines for long hours in high rpms. The car still feels like new. Engine, suspension and shocks are amazingly perfect after 60000 miles. We had a 95 Mustang GT and it was as fast as it but for the speed limiter. Very civilized, excellent sound system, and an excellent purchase.
Dependable, fun to drive
Bought the car new in '98. Had several problems when new, but once they were fixed by the dealer, the car has proven very reliable, fun to drive and has held up exceptionally well. Initial problems included leaking freeze plug, broken clip inside the steering wheel. Dealer corrected all problems.
My Car
I have been very happy with the performance of my car. The only thing wrong with the car is that it isn't to roomy.
Tim loves his 200
I love my little 200sx, it only has the 1.6 engine but still has good pick up when it's only me with 1 passenger. more than that and i do notice that i have a small engine. i find it comfortable and all controles are excesible. but i did need to have the rack & pin replaced before the warrenty was up.
Good except for electrical glitches
I had my 98 Nissan 200SX for 5 years and bought it new. Problems were: (1) Electrical glitches: cigarette lighter doesn't work, CD eject button only works when car is off, replace circuit board that controls fan/AC level, and light in automatic gear switchbox that erratically went on and off. Keep in mind that this is over a 5 year period, and the glitches were fairly minor. My mother owned a 97 Altima that also had some wacky electrical issues. Does Nissan have a problem with this? (2) Problems due to living in New Orleans (with its horrible roads) and not the fault of the car: Broken oil pan, cracked brake drums.
Nice Car!
200SX is a great car for young people who doesn't have the money for a luxury sports car. With little mods it can be turned into a sportier coupe, just replace it's 14 inchers with 16's and you got a new powerful look!!. No mechanical/electrical problems experienced.
Great car!
I had this car for five years, never had a problem with it. It's absolutely fun to drive, good gas milage and very reliable.
NEEDS HYDRAULIC CLUTCH !!!!
This is a GREAT car, but it needs to get with the times. A 1998 should have a hydraulic clutch, not a crappy cable clutch. All of you people that like the mushy clutch in this car, this is probably your first stick shift car. Believe me, after you have driven a hydraulic clutch there's no going back. Hydraulic is better performance, stiff with good pressure for easy take off out of first gear.
Like a good friend, reliable and fun.
When trying to buy a car for a high school teenager, one must always take into their "need" for a fast and good looking car. This car I believe has good looks and although it won't beat any decent DSM's it's handling is superb, and to add to that it is the most reliable car I have ever known. Nissan builds cars like rocks, and spin down the block solidifies this. The transmission in this car is incredible, everything is point to point, no "grey gears" to felt. While in a race this car may never keep up with those DSM's it will defintely outlast them, plus just remember who has working AC.
Like it!
This car is very reliable. It is perfect for one or two people, but I would not recommend it for a family.
Fun To Drive Yet Economical
I bought this car when I got tired of my week 2Liter Ford Escort Sport Se, and I must say this thing is awesomely powerful, even though the engine is only 1.6... I took civics and focus without much effort. I would like to get the SE-R for the 4 wheel disc breaks, more power, but at the cost of gas mileage, power windows/doors and sun/moon roof. I wouldn't mind a 2002 Sentra SE-R Spec V, but they are still to expensive and most likely will be cop magnets, thats why I whant a '98 SE-R, because no one expects to much out of it. Great Car highly recommended for everyone! I Have a black car, with a custom grill, grey seat covers, the car looks awesome!
Nissan 200SX SE-R
I love it! It is very reliable and even though it has a smaller engine then my last car, it is very peppy!
good fuel effeicent car
this car it sporty in look, but has little pick power when you intially hit the gas, even as a standard, my automatic '92 escort had more power. But it flys down the road easy reach high speeds, it is very fuel effiecent with little maintance.
Great Commuter car
I love my 200sx because it is reliable, spanky(notreally powerful)but averages 30mpg on gas. it is well built and put together and I love it. The only problem I've had so far is oil leak due to a faulty valve cover which was fixed for under $200 and the annoying check engine light that my mechanic cannot figure out. I would recommend this car to anyone looking for a reliable transport that won't drain the bank account.
Surprisingly Fun Yet Practical Car
The lightweight manual transmission base model, despite not having significant amounts of power, is still fun to drive. Although its somewhat tall stance and small brake rotors may suggest otherwise, this vehicle is capable of some very spirited driving. Interior cabin space is very good, visibility is excellent, and highway mileage is impressive (I often average 38 mpg on mostly highway driving). I would reccomend this car to younger drivers who want a fun small car that can still comfortably carry their friends and their overnight bags.
"Personalized Puddle Jumper" - My mom
Each person who buys a car has varied expectations out of their purchase. My scenario: recently a 16-year old high schooler car enthusiast who payed for everything but the initial price. Performance: never whiny free revving engine with 5 speed, ok acceleration at high revs, shifting never sloppy. Cost and Upkeep: BEST part of the car. 30+ mpg very spirited driving, no unexpected repairs w/ normal maintenance. Aesthetics(inside and outside): overall above average function and placement but kinda plain. Add some zest with seat covers, speakers, neon or whatever to PERSONALIZE! I had 3 minor crashes to body and chassis which never changed how it drove..EVER. Would drive it, but totalled
200SX Review
I'm on my 8th year of owning my 200SX and still look forward to driving it every morning. It's fast, fuel efficient, spacious (I carpool with 3 other guys), and well-designed. And best of all, it's not one of those dime-a-dozen compacts you see on the roads everyday. I've brought it in for regular maintenance and have had no problems with it at all. The engine has a deep, confident tone, and the ride is smooth and controlled. The only poorly designed feature is the placement of the cup holder - which blocks the radio buttons when in use. All in all, a great value for those looking for an efficient commuter car.
My favorite car
It's a reliable, comfortable and fun to drive car. Never had a problem with it.
Solid Car for 10 years
I'm the orignal owner with 105k on it so far and have had barely a single problem the car. I replaced the alternator at 56K and o/w nothing but routine maintenance. Good handling on curves and mountains. Good visibility but some wind noise. No power locks or windows to break - manual works. Smooth shifting and decent acceleration.
Love my 200SX
Bought it new in 1998. Love it. Had to replace the windshield wipper motors twice on both sides. Besides that, no problems at all. I'm at 118,000 and my mechanic says it's running great. The only thing I really hate is the cup holders, they're useless. It has all the getup & go I need. (I got my first ever speeding ticket in it!)
This car is horrible
I had a Nissan 200sx for approximately 3 years and it was the worst car I ever owned. The paint topcoat had a defect-- my car had no shiny finish and it looked rusted and worn after the first wash. Nissan would not repaint my car even though it was under warranty. The battery died 4 times and since the interior lights broke after the first month I know it was not because I left the light on overnight. I traded this car in for a 2000 Chevy Blazer and I was only able to get $5300 dollars for it--I purchased the car for $18,600. Bottom line--this car sucks and Nissan is terrible to deal with!
Not too shabby...
I got this car new in 1998 and I am nearing the end of my very long 5-year lease. (Yeah!) While my overall experience has been positive (no mechanical failures, etc.) I thought it was important to say that I quickly outgrew the 200SX. What you get in fuel economy you give up in power and comfort. Buy this used only if you are a teenager or a very petite young lady.