We suggest a used 3rd generation Nissan Sylphy instead of a new basic national car
Exactly 10 years and 4 months ago Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) launched the third generation Nissan Sylphy and it was feature packed for its time. This Nissan Sylphy was sold in approximately 120 countries, including Japan, China, Thailand and Australia (as the Pulsar) as well as the USA (as the Sentra).
Sadly we did not get the 4th generation Sylphy. Not just Malaysia, but ASEAN nations have stopped selling this sedan as well.
Today, it is some what forgotten in the used car market and we think it is great used buy for a family on a budget or even a retired Malaysians looking for low cost reliable motoring.
Interestingly, this Sylphy is powered by a 1.8L MRA8DE Twin CVTC engine. This Nissan engine was efficient, compact and lightweight coupled with continuously valve timing control on both intake and exhaust sides.
Did you know that the long stroke design provided better torque delivery for improved acceleration in the lower speed ranges. This engine was matched with the XCVT (Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission) with a sub-planetary gear for smooth shifting with minimised power losses.
Its aerodynamic body shape provided lower air resistance and optimised under floor airflow to achieve coefficient of drag of 0.29 making this sedan fuel efficient.
You must get inside this Sylphy to appreciate its space and very wide and comfy front seats. Plus it has 510 litres of luggage space capacity, which was at the time best in its class.
This Sylphy offers great safety features starting with six SRS airbags, VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) together with ABS (Anti-locking braking system), EBD (Electronic Brakeforce distribution), BA (Brake Assist System) and TCS (Traction Control System), which help the driver stay in control and avoid danger in emergency situations. You also get Xenon headlights with auto levelling and washers (with the 1.8VL only).
This Nissan Sylphy was sold in 2 variants, 1.8 E and 1.8 VL. The choice of five colours includes the Cayenne Red, Premium Black, Bronze Gold, Diamond White and Brilliant Silver. The on-the-road new selling price for this Sylphy was RM111,900 for 1.8E and RM121,900 for 1.8 VL, with a warranty of 3-years or 100,000KMs, whichever caame first.
Today, 10 years later the used value of this well equipped and comfortable family sedan starts from just RM24,000 to RM32,000 and there are plenty (dozens in the online used car classifieds) of well maintained units for sale. Most owners would have been family people and they would have continued maintenance with the dealer.
Take your time to find a unit that has 10-year maintenance records and just one owner. If the price is in the range we mentioned above, then it’s a good buy right now.
