NISSAN PULSAR SSS N14/N15
NISSAN DID THEIR BEST TO MAKE MOTORING ENJOYABLE AND AMONG THE GROUP WAS THE 2.0 LITRE N14 PULSAR
During the 1990s. Nissan built some models best described as ‘bland’ and others that did their best to make motoring enjoyable.
Among the latter group were 2.0-litre versions of the N14 Pulsar, which was built locally from October 1991 until 1993 then remained available as an import until replaced in 1995 by the chunky N15.
Most N14s had 1.6 litre engines, however buyers with some extra cash could opt for the 2.0-litre version in plush Ti or sporty SSS trim.
Both produced 105kW from engines that preferred 95RON fuel but used adaptable electronics to deal with the cheaper 91 Octane. Luckily for buyers in today’s market, Nissan’s engine management systems have proven reliable over the longer term and not too many cars are dying from the electronic glitches that virtually wipe out European models of similar vintage.
Along with extra power came suspension tweaks and better rubber (195R55-14 Bridgestones for the SS) which helped deliver improved handling and enhanced levels of fun for the operator.
The SSS came standard with a five-speed manual transmission, whereas the majority of early Tis were auto. From mid-1994 that transmission became mandatory.
Standard features include an excellent power steering system, four-wheel disc brakes and electric mirror adjustment. The TI, at around $1300 more than an SSS, added air-conditioning and auto transmission but took away the alloy wheels.
Pulsar suspension is sound and simple, with struts and anti-roll bars keeping body roll under control. The TI felt softer than an SSS but better than a basic ‘Q’. Load space and accessibility through the curved hatch are excellent.
In reshaped form, the N15 Pulsar appeared in 1996 and it is these cars that will most commonly pop up in the used car listings. The shape lacks the character of an N14, being a bit chunky for some tastes and around 60kg heavier. With the same 105kW as earlier cars, performance suffers.
On the plus side the N15s are spacious for their size and that tall rear hatch will allow sizeable objects to slide inside. For crash protection, the SSS offered a driver’s side air-bag – one of very few small cars of its age to do so – but how well it would perform in a crash after almost 25 years is problematic.
As a car to keep and enjoy, the N14 SSS is preferable to the more commonplace N15 and only slightly dearer. Concerns are finding an original example in decent condition and that essential parts remain available.
Mechanically and provided that basic maintenance hasn’t been neglected, Pulsars present few problems for a car of this age.
Noise from the overhead camshaft or fumes from the oil filler indicate an engine on the way out but replacement units in good condition are still available. Gearbox noise and gear selection problems are common in manual cars, as is clutch wear and noise from the front suspension due to worn bushes.