2000 Nissan Tsuru

The 2000 Nissan Tsuru, a popular sedan in Mexico, was known for its reliability, affordability, and simplicity. The most common engine option was a 1.6L 16-valve DOHC inline 4-cylinder engine producing around 105 horsepower and 103 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options were available in other years and markets. The Tsuru was generally liked for its fuel efficiency, easy maintenance, and spacious interior for its class. Some common complaints revolved around its basic features, lack of modern safety equipment, and somewhat dated styling. It was primarily offered with a 5-speed manual transmission.

Engine

1.6L 16-Valve DOHC I4 (GA16DE)

• Rough Idling / Stalling
  • Description/Symptoms: Erratic idle, engine stalling at idle or low speeds, especially when cold.
  • Solution: Clean or replace the idle air control (IAC) valve. Check and replace vacuum hoses for leaks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+
• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Visible oil leaks from the valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, or rear main seal.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking gasket or seal.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $30 - $150+
• Coolant Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Overheating engine. Low coolant levels. Coolant leaking from water pump, hoses, or radiator.
  • Solution: Replace leaking hose or component.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $20 - $250+

Transmission

5-Speed Manual

• Difficulty Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Hard to shift into certain gears, grinding noises during shifting, especially into 2nd or 3rd gear.
  • Solution: Check and adjust the clutch cable. Replace worn clutch components (clutch disc, pressure plate, throw-out bearing). Check transmission fluid level and condition, replace if needed.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $20 - $400+
• Worn Synchronizers
  • Description/Symptoms: Grinding when shifting gears.
  • Solution: Replace worn synchronizers. May require a transmission rebuild or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+

Suspension

• Worn Shocks and Struts
  • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, poor handling, excessive body roll during turns.
  • Solution: Replace worn shocks and struts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $400+
• Worn Suspension Bushings
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the suspension, especially over bumps. Loose or vague steering.
  • Solution: Replace worn bushings (control arm bushings, sway bar bushings, etc.).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $300+

Electrical

• Failed Starter Motor
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine cranks slowly or not at all. Clicking sound when trying to start.
  • Solution: Replace the starter motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $80 - $250+
• Alternator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Dim headlights, battery warning light on, engine stalling, battery not charging.
  • Solution: Replace the alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $80 - $300+
• Faulty Sensors
  • Description/Symptoms: Malfunctioning fuel gauge. The vehicle is running lean or rich.
  • Solution: Replace the sensors that are malfunctioning.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $30 - $250+

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust on the body panels, especially around the wheel wells, door sills, and undercarriage.
  • Solution: Repair or replace rusted body panels. Apply rust preventative measures.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+ (depending on severity)
• Headlight Lens Clouding
  • Description/Symptoms: Headlight lenses become yellowed and cloudy, reducing visibility at night.
  • Solution: Polish the headlight lenses or replace the headlights.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $20 - $200+

Interior

• Broken Door Handles
  • Description/Symptoms: Door handles break easily, especially the interior door handles.
  • Solution: Replace the broken door handle.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $20 - $100+
• Dashboard Cracks
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks appear on the dashboard due to sun exposure and age.
  • Solution: Replace the dashboard or use a dashboard cover.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $500+

Summary:

The 2000 Nissan Tsuru is a generally reliable vehicle, but like any older car, it’s prone to certain issues. The most common problems involve the engine (oil/coolant leaks, idling issues), transmission (shifting difficulties), suspension (worn components), and electrical system (starter/alternator failure). Rust can also be a significant concern, especially in regions with harsh weather. The severity and cost of these issues can vary widely depending on the vehicle’s condition and location, but generally, repairs are relatively affordable due to the car’s simplicity and availability of parts.