The Car Buyers Guide For The Nissan Pulsar GTI-R
Sunday, September 26th, 2010When looking at the Nissan Pulsar we see the tough GTI-R driveline includes strong double synchro 5-speed manual, centre viscous diff, open front diff, viscous rear diff & reasonably strong clutch. .Check any driveline whines or rumbles with suspicion as destroyed diffs and hubs cost thousands to replace. Dipsticks load them up with fat sticky tyres, crank up the boost and let fly with four wheel burnouts. Four stud hubs and wheel centres, clutch, hub bearings and driveshafts can only take so much. Check the whole vehicle for structural damage and fatigue from ongoing track and rally competition in Japan and here. Look for signs of roll cage, leftover wiring and mounting points for electronics in the glovebox and the dash.Engine is strong but extra heat in boosted or chipped engines destroys oil seals and valve steam seals. Garrett T3 hybrid turbo lasts but heat-destroyed internal seals will feed oil into intercooler and engine. Rattly timing chain must be replaced before it breaks. Internal oil spray jets for pistons are critical but dirty oil will block them. Look for cracked or loose exhaust and dump pipe, broken engine mounts and very worn propshaft joints. Pinging engines may have ruined pistons and bearings.Correct model code is RNN14. Some imports were complianced legally then had ADR items removed before sale for certifying the next one. Others arrived as parts wrecks, dodged duty then registered with ID from local Pulsar SSS write-off hence no local compliance and potential for being put off the road. Odometers often wound back to 65,000-75,000 km between Japan and Australia. Good ones have full Japanese and local history including documented compliance.Usual Nisan interior fittings and controls fail including heater fans and electric windows. Count the rattles. Is the body loose beyond repair? Will you insure it? High desirability makes lock-up storage and custom alarm essential. Used Toyota Corolla For Sale