Owner Review: A product of pure passion - My 1990 Nissan Cefiro A31

** This article is published on WapCar Community, represent the opinion of users. Click the link below to enter the community for car enthusiasts in Malaysia
https://forum.wapcar.my

Basic information about my car:

1990 Nissan Cefiro A31 

Reasons why I bought this car(purpose):

I wanted a mid size sedan but it must come with a RWD (RWD) lay out. Most cars nowadays are either Front Wheel Drive (FWD) or All Wheel Drive (AWD). Searching for one has led me to several brands and models. I don't have a big budget so options are limited.

Car selection process

• I have a budget of: RM15,000
• Models that I have considered include: E46, E36, W124, E34

Reasons why I chose this car:

The cefiro a31 has what I always wanted in a car. It rolled out of the factory in early 90's with  a low roofline, a comparatively long wheel base, projector headlights, independent rear suspension, rear wheel drive and a 6 cylinder engine. Sharing chassis platforms with Skyline R32 and Silvia S13 has provided me with a lot of future upgrade potential.

User Experience

If you're considering buying an old car, always remember to check its condition thoroughly. This is my personal experience about my 1989 Nissan Cefiro which is my daily car and I travelled long distances back and forth with it.
These are things that i take precaution :
First, beware of rust and make sure it doesn't interfere with overall structural rigidity. Blown engine is much cheaper to replace compared to body work. I have witnessed cars being scrapped away because of bodywork failure.

Second, double check the wiring system. You don't want to be stranded because of simple things such as corroded terminals, loose connectors or rotten wires. Mass Air Flow wiring and sensors are a common problem for RB20DET engines like the one I have in my car but I sorted it out.

Third, replace important parts such as fuel pumps, sensors, alternator, and belting. These are important parts that might cause bigger problems if neglected.

Fourth, get a proper tune. Lots of tuning gadgets and tuners out there nowadays so go get one if you have the budget. Tuning is not all about power. You tune it to optimize its power output along with its fuel consumption. My cefiro needs about 11liter/100km without tuning compared to an average of 9liter/100km after tuning. 

Those are four things that I have put on focus when I decided to buy this car. I can say it is in a reliable condition although a bit stiffer especially on uneven roads due to my current suspension setup.

Pros and Cons

Pros of my car

1. Has quite the same chassis platform with Skyline R32 and Silvia S13. Lots of parts are interchangeable.
2. Wide variety of aftermarket performance parts.
3. It's an old car with a worldwide fan base. 

Cons

1. Cabin space is a bit cramped. Especially rear passengers.
2. Some parts are hard to find nowadays or overpriced.
3. High Fuel consumption especially during city driving and of course when it's not properly tuned.

Total Score: 3

Performance: 4

Quality & Features: 3

Space: 3

Ride comfort: 3

Fuel Economy: 3

Price & cost: 3

Summary:

Well, after all it's just my personal opinion. Rates given are solely based on my own experience driving what I have. If you ever decided by yourself to buy this kind of car, I believe you know what you're looking for. When I decided to buy it, I already knew that I was not going to keep it in stock condition. You gain some, you lose some and that is what you need to remember when you are into car modifications. What I have right now is far from perfection but it's a product of passion. And I hope I'll be able to fully restore it according to my own plans and desires.

Interesting Events:

I am not a mechanic but the car was never sent to any workshop in this 2 year of ownership.  Almost everything (tuning, bodywork, paint work, wear and tear) was done by myself during my free time. It's a slow process but I enjoyed it.

📢📢Announcement:

After reading a countless number of Owner Review stories, are you interested in sharing your own story also? WapCar sincerely invites YOU to share the genuine feelings of your car!

You may receive special souvenirs from WapCar! Sign up now to know more! WapCar staff will contact you shortly after you sign up.