I noticed that not many people like Nissan motors in Kenya and so it’s hard getting information before you buy one.
I exported a Blue Bird Sylphy from Japan with 90,000 kms on the dash. My previous car was a Toyota, and I was fairly new to Nissans. It is a well maintained 2007 model and was still in mint condition when I received it.
The exterior is fairly standard for an Asian sedan and frankly depends on the eyes of the beholder. It’s about the size of a Toyota premio plus or minus a few inches here and there (longer wheel base), looks neat with size 16 alloy rims and has the usual curves of Nissans.
The interiors I have to say are quite an effort for that price range. It’s almost as roomy as a Toyota Camry, the chairs are not leather but are quite comfortable. The driver seat is electrically adjusted and has memory settings for two, so you and your missus/man can share the seat on different occasions. The dashboard has a wood panel finish that is very stylish and a very beautiful gear shift to match. The Radio system and its screen is in the middle of the dashboard and blends quite nicely without protruding, in some cars, there are volume and track controls on the steering wheel for ease during driving. The system acts as a FM/AM radio, TV, GPS screen, CD player, Bluetooth, parking camera screen. There are many spaces within reach to keep your soda, coins, license, pens, eyeglasses etc. The noise insulation when the windows are rolled up is fantastic making for a very quiet ride. The boot is quite huge, larger than that of a Toyota premio and can be accessed from the back seat. The boot can be opened from the driver’s side or by a hook inside it reachable through the back seat. The rest are standard things like power windows and mirrors, air con, adjustable steering wheel etc. This particular car came with back and passenger side cameras which are very helpful in packing. It also has the option of key or keyless starting and door opening depending on the set of keys you carried that day. For safety the driver and front passenger get two air bag each, front and side (wake up Toyota).
The engine comes in different ranges, this one came with a 2.0 litre engine with a CVT gearbox (continuously variable transmission). It’s quiet when running and it provides adequate power to propel the 1230kgs plus your weight around. What I found quite appealing under the hood is the fact that you don’t have to open the radiator cap to know the coolant level, which can save a few burns at the petrol station. The CVT gearbox is a very smooth and efficient invention meaning you can accelerate as your passenger drinks their soda without the usual jolt of changing gears. It is also great in engine breaking especially maintaining certain speed limits downhill. The ‘sport’ button on the shift lever lowers the ‘gear’ ratio for powerful accelerations during overtaking from slow speed. The acceleration is average, a bit sluggish the first3- 5 seconds though but compensates by being smooth all the way. Fuel consumption at highway speeds is commendable for the engine size, comparable to a 1.8l to 2l Toyota premio or wish.
The suspension system is soft making for a comfortable ride on rough roads when not carrying too many passengers. Handling in corners at highway speeds is fair probably due to its weight.
THE NEGATIVES
Fuel consumption high in traffic jams
Radio is in Japanese, owner’s manual in Japanese
Rear drum brakes
The car is low and scrapes the underside occasionally
Driver’s seat has limited adjustment options i.e. it can only move forward & up (both at the same time) or backwards & down without the option of e.g. Moving forward without raising the seat or raising the seat but not moving forward etc.
Exhaust pipe next to fuel tank, dangerous for exhaust welders.
REPAIRS SO FAR (after 7,000kms)
Exhaust pipe broke on Kenyan roads due to sea water corrosion, potholes and the low ground clearance.
Usual fluid and filter changes
Aesthetics/dents repairs
COMPARISSON (2007 Toyota models)
Better interior than a premio, more space and gadgets
Poor fuel consumption compared to a smaller engine NZE
Safer than both
Smother ride
Complex repairs for electronics as compaired to NZE which has less
Faster than NZE
Longevity is subject to use, service and road

OVERALL:
It’s a comfy ride for its prize, has enough electronics for a basic ride. It’s perfect for someone who does 50-100km on tarmac at speeds of 70-140kms/hr. It allows for average to good acceleration and overtaking on the highway. It might not excite the WRX-STI types or the Rhino charge petrol heads as much as it might the middle class family man.

Someone is selling a 2007 Sylphy at 800k.

Isnt this a case of rigidity to change?

All technologies were once new and look where we are now!

MK

That was one case of serious malfunction, how many of the same kind of transmission (CVT) are still on the road till now? Any idea?

18 months down the line..they bought Nze. Runs well, reliable, awesome fuel consumption, sufficiently comfy, still good as new