by : Howie!

If you're in the market for second hand EXA/Pulsar NX there's just a few things you should keep in mind when it comes time for an inspection. I had highlighted these out to one of our members (Nismobaby - Vi Pham) in order to prevent her going through what I have and other members have gone through. The list got so big I decided to share this with everyone else.

Here are things to look out for or do when it comes to the inspection:

  1. Get a mechanic to check your vehicle before you put any money down (or unless someone you know has some mechanical knowledge, however EXAs are finnicky little cars and even some mechanics can't figure them out).
  2. check out the power steering rack (they cost a fortune to rebuild.. actually around $400-500 for recon in my area).
  3. check for any hesitation or misfiring (this indicates a worn coil pack.. there are four coil-packs in your car and they cost $250 each from nissan).
  4. check for a slick gearshift (i.e. no crunching or missing gears, a single gear on your car can cost anything up to a grand to replace).
  5. check for accident damage of course.
  6. check for previous modifications and that they were done properly.
  7. check your boot and if it smells like petrol after a drive (this was recalled defect I heard about.. my does it but it's not dangerous so I haven't had it fixed).
  8. check if fuel/temp gauges work properly (a shorted power transisitor is a common problem on EXA's.. not expensive to fix but frequently happens at least once to the majority of owners).
  9. check oil gauge in centre console works properly (often these things go.. they aren't worth fixing.. mine isn't so i left it there.).
  10. check the pop up headlights.. make sure they go up and down without any clicking sort of noises or grinding noise (better to get someone else to stand closely to the front of the car and listen for this).
  11. if the car has done 100,000kms check that the timing belt has been changed (these are darn expensive but must be changed, if not the car can lose compression when it snaps and you can say bye-ye to your engine)
  12. and then check for the usual stuff, air/con, radiator, targa roof, exhaust......

Many would agree that a well looked after EXA is just as reliable as (if not more) than a Holden Commodore or Ford Falcon. But the reason this list was made is because, mechanics will often overlook these problems if they are not familiar with the EXA, and I feel it the the duty of the EXACLUB to point these (expensive!) problems out so you don't end up feeling like you bought a lemon.

Just remember, once you get your EXA check your fluids regulary and also service your new car every at max every 5000kms. If you look after the EXA, it will look after you.

Happy cruising!