Nissan 100 NX Review (1991 to 1995)

Quick Summary

Forever destined to remain an interesting curio, the Nissan 100NX seems to have become a better used car than it ever was when new. It offers a bit of charm for very little money and there are many doing the rounds quite happily that are approaching 200,000 miles. Find one with half that on the clock and you could look forward to a few years of very inexpensive sunshine coupe driving. Just don't expect white-knuckle thrills.

Overall:

Models Covered:(1.6-litre 3dr Coupe [100NX])

NX DIRECTORY

Now here's one that you may not have considered for quite some time but which is not altogether unappealing. The Nissan 100NX offers something a little different if you're after a budget used coupe and want manageable bills without the 'froufrou' image of something like a Vauxhall Tigra. Tracking one down isn't going to be easy but these cars were built on Nissan Sunny underpinnings and are therefore tough and reliable. It's not the last word in the style stakes, true, but the shape has worn well and your neighbour won't know what on earth it is.
Used Nissan 100 NX for sale

History of the 100 NX

The genesis of the 100NX appeared in 1986 in the shape of the no-nonsense Sunny family hatchback, a range which received a major shot in the arm in 1991 with the introduction of a revised range which featured more modern multi-valve engines and revised styling. Ushered in on the periphery of the Sunny barrage was the 100NX, a neatly-styled little coupe that went head to head with the Mazda MX3 and spawned rivals like the Toyota Paseo, another Oriental underachiever.While European markets got a 130bhp 2.0-litre model, the car sold in the UK was only offered with the less punchy GA16DS 1.6-litre 16v which was good for 90bhp, revised in 1993 to the GA16DE engine designation which managed 102bhp. Bear in mind that at the same time, Nissan was selling the 227bhp Sunny GTi-R hatch.The Californian-designed 100NX sold in small numbers over here, shifting around 5,000 units in the four years it was on sale. Its number was up the moment Vauxhall released the Tigra and Ford announced plans for the Puma.
Used Nissan 100 NX for sale

Nissan 100 NX Road Test

The 100NX isn't a particularly exciting car to drive. Its modest power output gets it to 60mph in 10.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 115mph. The upside of this is that fuel consumption averages hover around 31mpg, so running it isn't going to be expensive and this, coupled with the relatively cheap insurance and lift off roof, makes it a desirable choice for penniless youngsters, safety caveats notwithstanding.
Used Nissan 100 NX for sale

Buying a Nissan 100 NX

Look out for worn driveshaft joints on early 100NX models. You should also check for heavy front tyre wear, oil leaks and signs of engine coolant loss, which could indicate cracking or warping of the cylinder head. The interior trim isn't particularly durable and you need to check for rust around the wheelarches and the bottom of the rear tailgate
Used Nissan 100 NX for sale

Nissan 100 NX Typical Pricing

You won't need to rob the pension plan to afford one of these. Trade prices start at under £700 for the earliest cars, rising to £2,000 for the most optimistic vendors with low mileage examples. Do your homework and you shouldn't need to budget much above £1,400 to find a tidy car with the later engine. Insurance is rated at Group 11.
Used Nissan 100 NX for sale

Nissan 100 NX Parts

(approx based on a 1995 100NX) A clutch assembly will be around £85, an alternator should be close to £195 and a radiator around £140. Brake pads are around £35 a set, a replacement headlamp is close to £95. A full exhaust is about £300 (including catalyst) and a starter motor around £240. Do your research and find out which parts are common with the Nissan Sunny as these will often be priced far lower than if, for example, you ask for a 100NX clutch.
Used Nissan 100 NX for sale