Nissan Pulsar C12 (ST-S & SSS) Experiences

ywpn on 13/08/2022 - 16:47
Last edited 13/08/2022 - 17:49 by 1 other user

Hi all!

Anyone here with a Nissan Pulsar C12 ST-S or SSS model?

Looking to get either of the models above, but I'm reading a lot of things about CVT failure on the 1.8L B17 sedan. The C12 and B17 appear to be in the same generation/time period so I'm wondering if the C12 is also susceptible to CVT failure.

I test drove the manual today and the clutch was too tall, stiff, and springy. The gearbox…I don't know how to describe it, but it felt like it was made of wires, and every shift felt lifeless, too.

How's your experience been with the CVT or manual?

Automotive Nissan

Comments

  • Muzeeb on 13/08/2022 - 16:50
    +5

    Nissan passenger cars are not famous for their transmissions.

    • Nugs on 13/08/2022 - 18:02
      +1

      My 180B coupe's box was so sloppy could move knob side to side about 3 inches whilst in gear
      .

      • chickenchipsgravy on 13/08/2022 - 18:52
        +4

        I had a girlfriend that….

      • Muzeeb on 13/08/2022 - 18:59

        You must have had a good example because the average free play was 4 inches*

        *Wheels Magazine 1973 February Edition

  • brendanm on 13/08/2022 - 17:22
    +1

    Just have a look on gumtree/marketplace for pulsars, then see how many are really cheap with transmission problems. Hint: quite a few for sale with transmission problems.

    • akyeeeahdude on 13/08/2022 - 21:51
      +1

      Just had a quick look for ST-S and SSS Pulsars (of this generation) on Gumtree Australia wide and I couldn't see any for sale for even a remotely cheap price…

      I don't have any issues personally with Nissan CVTs. I've owned the following CVT cars and had absolutely no issues with the CVT:

      •2006 Maxima ST-L
      •2010 Maxima ST-S
      •2006 Murano Ti
      •2010 Murano ST
      •2016 X-Trail ST-L

      There's plenty of information on some models of CVT used by Nissan being unreliable but personally I'd honestly say these are reported by owners who never had the CVT fluid changed.

      • ywpn on 13/08/2022 - 22:53

        I test drove a CVT ST-S with ~60000KM, and switching between P, R, and D, I could already feel the juddering :(

      • brendanm on 14/08/2022 - 09:02

        You looked too specifically.

  • Brian McGee on 13/08/2022 - 17:55
    +1

    Shatco transmissions in general are pathetic. The manuals feel like a stick in custard because they have cable controls instead of a rigid linkage.
    The sedan also had recalls for engine cutting out so check if that’s been done if you consider one.

  • FTTNope on 13/08/2022 - 20:02
    +1

    Borrowed a friend's C12 Pulsar SSS (CVT) for a week once. The car had no redeeming features, was very happy to give it back. Any particular reason why you're looking at one over any other small cars?

    • ywpn on 13/08/2022 - 22:52

      I was looking at the Clio RS which I thought was a great pocket rocket, but my partner said it was too small.

      I read the Pulsar ST-S and SSS have the same engine as the Clio RS but with way more space.

      It ticks everything we want in a car…except for the transmission and swaying/leaning when cornering (and not even at fast speeds).

  • nephilim on 13/08/2022 - 22:56
    +2

    Keep in my the last pulsar was a tiida, and Nissan Australia decided to punish us by selling a even worst car as a Tiida.
    All just Cleo's with just as bad cheap build.

    • ywpn on 13/08/2022 - 23:00

      Yeah sitting in Clio RS feels a million times better than a SSS and the prices are almost the same second hand.

  • Slinky0111 on 14/08/2022 - 08:31
    +1

    Yup! I have a 2017 pulsar b17 with the cvt gear box. Gear box failed around 180 000kms.

    I was at sea world on the Gold Coast at the time and the car was towed to Von bibra dealer on the coast. The car was not purchased through them, I had ever only got the car serviced through my local mechanic, and the car was purchased as dealer used.

    When organising the tow to them they straight up said I would have to pay for thr diagnostic ($400) and if it was a gear box failure they would submit a good will repair to Nissan Australia. Which was approved very quickly.

    Car is still going strong now at 230 000kms.

    There is quite a few fb groups for those cars in aus and internationally, and the gear box issue comes up quite often.

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