• Our Opinion

• Buy with Confidence

• Legal Disclaimer

Our Opinion

Our Opinion

We Like:

Good size, versatile hatch interior, lusty performance from Holden 1.6 and 1.8 engines, comfy seats, ease of parts and servicing

We Don't Like:

Slightly bitsy interior

The Nissan Pulsar was also sold by Holden as the Astra. Nissan produced the Pulsar as a hatchback and a sedan but the hatch was much more popular and was available with four levels of equipment. The base model GL came with a 1.6-litre engine only, tinted windows, height-adjustable steering wheel, AM/FM radio, cloth trim and the option of an automatic transmission. The next equipment level, the GX, added power steering, electric mirrors and the option of the larger 1.8-litre engine while the top level GXE had the same equipment as the GX plus a four- speaker sound system and intermittent wipers. The sports oriented Pulsar Q was based on the GX with a tachometer, rear spoiler, "viscous-coupled" limited slip differential and changes to the suspension. There were also limited edition specials based on the GX with the 1.8-litre engine. The Reebok had colour keyed bumpers and Pulsar Q suspension while the Sports hatch had special interior and exterior trim and a four-speaker sound system.

In June, 1989, the Series II Pulsar with a minor facelift was released. The GXE was discontinued and rear drum brakes replaced the discs on the GL. A high-mounted stop light is the easiest way to recognise the Series II. The Holden Family II 1.8-litre powerplant became standard on the GX in 1989. It has lots of power at low and medium speeds, which makes the Pulsar responsive and pleasant to drive. In manual form it also means a lot less gear changing. Transmissions are either a five-speed manual or three-speed automatic with a locking torque converter to reduce fuel consumption. Pulsar underbody mechanicals are conventional front-wheel drive.

The steering is rack and pinion and independent MacPherson struts are used at each corner. On-road fuel consumption for the Pulsar is good thanks to the engine characteristics and sophisticated engine management system. Reasonable driving should see a manual transmission version average 10 litres per 100 kilometres. The 1.8-litre engine has more power than any of its rivals except for the Toyota Corolla Twin Cam. Combined with a very competent chassis, this provides excellent all-round performance with safe, predictable handling and good brakes. The engine is not a high-tech multi-valve wonder but gives nothing away in the important areas of driveability and low cost maintenance and repair. Spare parts are readily available and competition from brand line manufacturers on fast moving parts keeps prices down to affordable levels.

The Pulsar has aged well with no particular problems with under body mechanicals, body rust or paint fade, provided normal preventative maintenance has been carried out.

Buy with Confidence

Buy with Confidence

Before making your purchase, make sure you know exactly what you're buying, research your seller, and understand how eBay Australia and PayPal protect you.

Know your purchase

Carefully read the details in item listings.

• Check the car's value and determine how much you want to pay. Use the Completed Listings search option to get an idea of how much a similar model has sold for recently.

• Check if the car is covered by eBay Australia's Vehicle Purchase Protection.

• Ask for a test drive or consider getting a History Check or a Vehicle Inspection if you can't inspect the car yourself.

• Read the description carefully. If you want more information, ask by clicking the "Ask seller a question" link under the seller's profile.

• Always make sure to complete your transaction on eBay Australia (with a bid, Buy It Now, or Best Offer). Transactions conducted outside of eBay Australia are not covered by eBay Australia protection programs. Classified Ads are not covered by Vehicle Purchase Protection.

Know your seller

Research your seller so you feel positive and secure about every transaction.

• What is the seller's Feedback rating? How many transactions have they completed? What percentage of positive responses do they have?

• Cars listed by Sellers with a feedback rating less than 0 are not covered by a Vehicle Purchase Protection program.

• Some car dealers may have a low feedback rating because classified ads do not generate ads. But they will have a icon next to their user name.

• Depending on the car, some car dealers provide a limited warranty. Do they offer a warranty on the car you are buying? What are the terms and conditions?

Buyer protection

In the unlikely event that a problem arises during your transaction, you may be covered by the Vehicle Purchase Protection program

• Vehicle Purchase Protection: When you buy a car online through eBay Motors, you may be covered for up to $20,000 of FREE Vehicle Purchase Protection insurance*.
  
  * Terms and conditions apply.

eBay Australia Security & Resolution Center: Visit the Security & Resolution Center to learn how to protect your account and use eBay Australia's quick and efficient resolution tools.

Legal Disclaimer

Legal Disclaimer

Buying Guides are intended merely as a guide or review for members when considering what products or services they may be interested in bidding on or purchasing. eBay does not make, and nothing in these Buying Guides is intended to constitute, any warranties, guarantees, representations or assurances about the accuracy of the information or content contained in these Buying Guides. Furthermore, eBay does not make, and nothing in these Buying Guides is intended to constitute, any warranties, guarantees, representations or assurances about the nature or performance of the products or services appearing in the Buying Guides. eBay is not affiliated with nor does it endorse the use of any particular product or service.

The content of this guide is licensed from GoAuto © 2006