Overview of the Nissan Pulsar
This small hatch/sedan model debuted locally in 1980 and established itself as one of Nissan's highly popular nameplates. There was even some street cred for a performance variant badged SSS. In 2006, Nissan inexplicably changed the household name of its small car to Tiida - which was used for virtually every other world market. The result was a badge that didn't resonate with Australians (the model's lacklustre appeal didn't help). The Pulsar name duly returned in 2013 but the hatch was discontinued in 2016 and followed by the sedan a year later.
NISSAN PULSAR GENERATIONS (SINCE 2000)
2000-2006
2013-2017
RUNNING COSTS
Fuel Consumption (2013-2017)
1.8L 4-cylinder: 6.7 to 7.2 litres per 100km
1.6L 4-cylinder turbo: 7.7 to 7.8 litres per 100km
= Highly economical.
= Good economy.
= Average fuel use.
= Heavy consumption.
Servicing
Every 10,000km or 12 months, whichever is sooner. Each service currently costs between $241 and $583 (1.8L) or $276 and $696 (1.6L turbo). Nissan Pulsar parts and equipment can be found on Gumtree.
SIMILAR MODELS TO NISSAN PULSAR
Ford Focus
Honda Civic
Mazda 3
Toyota Corolla
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR: NISSAN PULSAR (2013-2016)
Early versions of the Pulsar with the CVT transmission had a problem with random stalling, which had to be fixed at a Nissan dealership with a reflash of the on-board computer.
When inspecting any Pulsar, check that the brake lights work. A batch of iffy switches that control the brake lights were the problem, but any car with no brake lights is dangerous, particularly in traffic.
This model Pulsar was also the subject of a few recalls including a need to change one of the sensors that was meant to trigger the air-bags.
There was also a recall to change a starter button which could jam and confuse the computer into shutting the car down, and another to check for a potential fuel leak.
