1995 Nissan Tsubame

Introduction:

The 1995 Nissan Tsubame was a compact sports car that was only available in Japan. It featured a lightweight chassis and a powerful engine, making it a popular choice for enthusiasts. The Tsubame was offered with two engine options: a 1.8-liter naturally aspirated engine producing 140 horsepower and a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine producing 205 horsepower. Both engines were paired with a 5-speed manual transmission.

Engine

1.8-liter Naturally Aspirated Engine

• Cam Phasor System Failure: The cam phasor system is responsible for adjusting the timing of the intake and exhaust camshafts. When it fails, it can cause a loss of power and fuel economy.
  • Symptoms: Reduced power, poor fuel economy, engine knocking
  • Solution: Replace the cam phasor system
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

2.0-liter Turbocharged Engine

• Turbocharger Failure: The turbocharger is responsible for providing boost pressure to the engine. When it fails, it can cause a significant loss of power.
  • Symptoms: Loss of power, smoke from the exhaust, whistling sound
  • Solution: Replace the turbocharger
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

• 5-Speed Manual Transmission:

• Synchronizer Wear: The synchronizers help to match the speed of the transmission gears when shifting. When they wear out, it can make it difficult or impossible to shift gears.

  • Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, grinding noise when shifting
  • Solution: Replace the synchronizers
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front Strut Mount Failure: The front strut mounts connect the struts to the chassis. When they fail, it can cause a loss of stability and handling.
  • Symptoms: Clunking noise from the front of the vehicle, reduced handling
  • Solution: Replace the front strut mounts
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator Failure: The alternator is responsible for charging the battery and providing power to the electrical system. When it fails, it can cause the battery to drain and the vehicle to lose power.
  • Symptoms: Dimming lights, difficulty starting the vehicle, warning light on the dashboard
  • Solution: Replace the alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Sunroof Leak: The sunroof can leak water into the cabin, causing damage to the interior.
  • Symptoms: Water leaking into the cabin, musty smell
  • Solution: Replace the sunroof seals or drainage tubes
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Heater Core Leak: The heater core is responsible for heating the air in the cabin. When it leaks, it can cause coolant to leak into the cabin, creating a sweet smell and fogging up the windows.
  • Symptoms: Sweet smell in the cabin, fogged up windows, coolant leak
  • Solution: Replace the heater core
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Climate Control Unit Failure: The climate control unit controls the temperature and airflow in the cabin. When it fails, it can cause the air conditioning or heating to stop working.
  • Symptoms: Air conditioning or heating not working, erratic temperature control
  • Solution: Replace the climate control unit
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary:

The 1995 Nissan Tsubame is a reliable and fun-to-drive sports car. However, it is not without its issues. The most common problems include cam phasor system failure, turbocharger failure, synchronizer wear, front strut mount failure, alternator failure, sunroof leak, heater core leak, and climate control unit failure. While these issues can be expensive to fix, they are not particularly severe and should not deter potential buyers from considering the Tsubame.