NISSAN 200SX

THE CHARMS OF THESE SWEET COUPES ARE NOW RECOGNISED BEYOND THEIR ORIGINAL AUSTRALASIAN AND JAPANESE MARKET TERRITORIES

When Nissan’s 200SX arrived here in 1994 its simplicity of purpose reminded those with decent memories of the much admired 240Z. The S14 shape originated in 1993 and was sold with 2.0-litre turbocharged and 2.4-litre non-turbo engines in various markets. Transmission choices were four-speed automatic or five-speed manual.

The design was designated a ‘2+2’ but sitting in the back was impossible for most fully-grown humans. The SR20DT engine seen in Australia with its 16-valve head and single turbocharger was durable and understressed, delivering 147kW at 6400rpm. Some owners add a larger turbocharger and exhaust, unleashing considerably more power.

Cars sold into Australia came in three trim levels; Limited, Sports and Luxury. The Luxury came standard with automatic transmission and dual air-bags which were options on lower-spec cars.

When the S15 version arrived in 1999 the three trim levels became two – designated Spec S and Spec R. Six-speed manual transmission standard with the four-speed automatic available on both models.

Base-level Spec S cars sold new in Australia for $39,990, with automatic Spec Rs at a still-reasonable $45,990. To those was added a short-lived GT version that came with standard leather trim and was available briefly during 2002.

Specification levels were high, with both ‘R’ and ‘S’ versions delivering standard air-conditioning, ABS brakes, dual air-bags, a CD player and the usual power-operated inclusions. Stepping up to a Spec R added a CD stacker, power sunroof, the body-kit and rear spoiler.

S15 coupes were the last Silvia-derived cars made by Nissan. Their availability was limited to Australia and New Zealand and the Japanese domestic market.

However, demand in other parts of the world for these historically-significant cars has seen popularity grow. Their competence in ‘drift’ competition – as detailed by the numerous Internet video clips – helps to keep used values strong.

In addition to Australian-delivered cars, S15s with Silvia badging are available at the ‘grey’ end of the sporty coupe market. These came with a more extensive body-kit than ‘official’ arrivals and the possibility of a non-turbo version of the SR20DE engine.

MARKET REVIEW

Almost all of the S14s in our market have seen their 20th birthdays and S15s aren’t far behind.

Early cars can be found in decent order at under $10,000 but switching to the visually different S15 brings an accompanying leap in average values. Some cars offered in early 2018 were tagged at up to $40,000, however $20-25,000 seems enough to lock down a fine example of Nissan’s final Silvia derivative.

Non-standard body kits brighten the conservative exterior and are often accompanied by larger-diameter wheels. Providing the reduction in sidewall height isn’t too extreme, ride quality won’t be absolutely destroyed and some extra rubber on the road isn’t a bad thing.

Larger turbochargers with accompanying intercooler are popular too and power gains can be significant. However, every extra kilowatt delivered has an effect on engine and transmission longevity, so don’t expect a car pushing 250kW or more to be tractable or cheap to maintain.

If an S15 is offered for sale with sketchy or zero service history, don't touch it, no matter how low the asking price may seem. Insurance costs can be significant too, especially for younger buyers.