Nissan 100NX (1991 - 1995)

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

BY ANDY ENRIGHT

Now heres 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 youre after a budget used coupe and want manageable bills without the froufrou image of something like a Vauxhall Tigra. Tracking one down isnt going to be easy but these cars were built on Nissan Sunny underpinnings and are therefore tough and reliable. Its not the last word in the style stakes, true, but the shape has worn well and your neighbour wont know what on earth it is.

The lift-off targa roof panels are the 100NXs biggest draw and differentiate it from its erstwhile rivals. The boot isnt a bad shape and holds 11.6 cubic feet of fresh air but if you want to stow the roof panels, then you wont have room for luggage. The rear seats are a joke, even when compared with compact coupe rivals.

Build
Comfort
Depreciation
Economy
Equipment
Handling
Insurance
Performance
Styling
Value

As a guide, youll get 18inches of legroom in the Nissan compared to 25 in a Tigra and 26 in a Honda Civic Coupe. Whats slightly baffling is where the Tigra and the Civic looked fresh in 1995, they have now dated quite significantly and the more restrained styling of the Nissan now appears easier on the eye. The 100NX was reasonably well-equipped, being supplied as standard with alloy wheels, electric mirrors, central locking, electric windows and power steering. Its worth bearing in mind that this car was developed before airbags and pretensioning seat belts became de rigeur although it is fitted with side impact beams.



You wont 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 shouldnt need to budget much above £1,400 to find a tidy car with the later engine. Insurance is rated at Group 11.



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

(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.



The 100NX isnt 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 isnt 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.



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 dont expect white-knuckle thrills.