Models · Nissan
Nissan 200SX / Silvia S13, S14 and S15 buying guide
Nissan's turbocharged, rear-drive coupé, sold in the UK as the 200SX and in Japan as the Silvia. The S13 was sold in Europe, the S14 followed in the UK in 1995, and the S15 was sold new only in Japan and a few other markets. UK buying guides cover the S14, so the checks below are written for it.
The versions
- S13: pop-up headlamps; sold in Europe as the 200SX; first powered by the 1.8 turbo CA18DET
- S14 200SX in the UK from 1995: 2.0 turbo SR20DET, 197bhp, manual or automatic, coupé only
- S14A facelift: revised front end and headlights, and ball-bearing turbochargers
- S15 (1999 to 2002): sold new in Japan, Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand; Spec-R with a 250PS SR20DET
- Rear-wheel drive throughout; many cars have been remapped or modified
What to check on a 200SX
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
Rust in the sills, arches and boot floor
What to look for: Look closely at the front and rear wheel arches and inside the wheel wells, and press firmly along the sills, especially the rear of them. Lift the boot floor and look under the spare wheel. If possible, look at the floorpan and chassis rails from underneath for patches or plates.
Why it matters: On the S14, rust is the main issue, with the rear sills and boot floor the usual places. Minor corrosion is normal even on a good car, so it's a question of how much. A clean, solid example has usually been looked after and should be reliable for its age.
Turbo and exhaust manifold leaks
What to look for: Listen at the engine bay with the engine idling; an unusually loud, chuffing idle is the thing to note. Look around the turbo and exhaust manifold for oil or soot, and watch for blue smoke on the drive. Check a catalytic converter is still fitted.
Why it matters: On the S14, blown turbo gaskets are common and make the idle noisy, and the exhaust manifold is a known weak point that can leak; many have been replaced already. Heavy blue smoke and oil around the turbo point to a worn turbo. Removed catalysts are common and make the MOT difficult.
A rattle on start-up (S14)
What to look for: Ask for the engine to be cold when you arrive, and listen at the front of the engine as it starts. A rattle in the first few seconds is the thing to note. Ask how often the oil has been changed.
Why it matters: On the S14 a start-up rattle can point to a worn variable valve timing unit, which is relatively common and best fixed early. Skipped oil changes speed up camshaft wear, so regular changes are a good sign.
Also in the full guide
- Gearbox synchros and the clutch
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the 200SX
The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.
General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with Nissan.