• Our Opinion

• Buy with Confidence

• Legal Disclaimer

Our Opinion

Our Opinion

We Like:

Looks, practicality, versatility, economy, fun to drive, easy and inexpensive to run and maintain

We Don't Like:

Dreary cabin, not the quality advance it should have been over its N14 predecessor

Nissan makes some exceptional small cars. The smallest Datsuns of the 1970s may be dreary but they are exceptionally reliable. The many 120Ys and Sunnys still chugging about proves the point. The early 1980s ushered in the Pulsar, Nissan's first front-drive small car. It proved economical but not especially durable. The Holden-engined, MK3 version of 1987 fixed this, offering exceptional performance, reliability and value. Four years later, the pretty Pulsar MK4 collected a host of "best car" awards. Fast, frugal and refined, it makes an exceptionally good used small car. The MK5 built on the Pulsar reputation when it arrived in October, 1995, trading form for function with its unusual wagon- like hatch styling. There is also a neat but bland four-door sedan. Showroom traffic was slow to start with but a drop in Pulsar pricing set sales rates racing - buoyed by the limited edition Plus packages - free air-conditioning, alloy wheels and a rear spoiler. 

Compared to previous models, today's Pulsar has more width, length and a longer wheelbase housing compact suspension for improved interior space, especially legroom, and on-road abilities. The LX is the most popular and least expensive version. It slots below the Q hatch, which strikes a fine sporty/value balance, the 2.0-litre SSS hot-hatch and the well equipped SLX sedan. In early 1998 the Series 2 heralded some minor trim and price adjustments across the Pulsar range. Take the LX, for instance. The Series I features power steering and central locking while the Series II adds a driver's airbag, CD player, air-conditioning, keyless entry and a trip computer. The Pulsar LX's interior is from the conservative school of design; very efficient but with dark tones and no flair. So the Pulsar's cabin will not rival that of an Audi but at least it is functional with good build quality, sound ergonomics, space for five adults, comfortable seating and easy controls. The instrumentation is a model of clarity, all-round vision is good and the luggage area is impressive regardless of body configuration.

Nissan makes sweet engines and the Pulsar's twin cam, 16-valve four is no exception. A variable cam timing device - similar to Honda's VTEC system - allows a thick spread of torque at low as well as high revs. It is a lively heart that beats within. Acceleration is brisk from the traffic lights to beyond the national speed limits. It cruises effortlessly with thrifty fuel economy thrown in. Distinctly Continental road manners are also part of the Pulsar's allure, since it is Nissan's European small car ambassador. Well-sorted suspension helps make this Pulsar fluent in ride and handling. The Nissan is stable even when encountering rough surfaces in mid-corner. It sits calm and controlled. The suspension's long wheel travel smooths out the ride while strong brakes inspire confidence. So does the combination of good vision, a light gearshift and power steering when it comes to parking.

Watch out for signs of accident damage - plenty of P-platers pick the Pulsar as their first car - or neglected service intervals. Although reliability is a Pulsar strength, it pays to get a thorough mechanical check-up before buying. Sure-footed dynamics, a spirited engine and impressive fuel economy add up to an exceptionally well-rounded small car.

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