Nissan 1999: a complete guide to models and their features

Cars Nissan The 1999 model year remains popular in the aftermarket due to its reliability, parts availability, and time-tested design. This year became a transitional year for many lines of the Japanese brand: some models still retained the classic features of the 90s, others already received modern technologies at that time. Choice suitable 1999 Nissan depends on your goals - be it an economical sedan for the city, an SUV for off-roading or a sports car for driving.

In this article we will analyze all the key models Nissan, released in 1999, their technical features, typical problems, and we will give practical recommendations for purchasing. We will pay special attention to those aspects that are often overlooked when inspecting a used car: body corrosion, the condition of automatic transmissions and electronics. If you are planning a purchase or already own Nissan this year, here you will find up-to-date information to make an informed decision.

What Nissan models were produced in 1999?

1999 was a rich year of diversity for Nissan: The company offered more than 20 different models, ranging from compact hatchbacks to full-size SUVs. Many of them were available on the Russian market, and some were only available in Japan or the USA. Here are the key lines to consider:

• 🚗 Sedans: Almera, Primera, Maxima, Teana (in some regions), Cefiro
• 🚙 Hatchbacks and compacts: Micra, Sunny, Tiida (first generation), March
• 🏜️ SUVs and crossovers: X-Trail (debut), Pathfinder, Patrol, Terrano, Safari
• 🚐 Minivans and station wagons: Serena, Wingroad, Elgrand, Laurel
• 🏁 Sports models: Skyline (including GT-R), Silvia, 350Z (concept), Stagea

Commercial models stand apart (AD, Vanette) and rare specimens for the domestic Japanese market, such as Cube or Presage. For Russian buyers, they are of greatest interest Almera, Primera, X-Trail And Pathfinder — these models are best adapted to local conditions and have a developed service base.

An important nuance: in 1999, Nissan began the transition to new environmental standards, so some models (for example, Skyline R34) were already equipped with catalysts, which complicates their tuning today.

Technical characteristics and engines

Engines Nissan 1999 were famous for their endurance, but they also had weaknesses. Most of the motors belonged to the families GA, SR, QR And VQ. Let's look at the most common options:

Engine model	Volume (l)	Power (hp)	Typical problems	Recommendations
GA16DE	1.6	99-105	Seal leaks, high oil consumption after 200 thousand km	Check the oil level regularly, replace valve seals every 150 thousand km
SR20DE	2.0	140-150	Problems with the timing chain (stretching), leaking rear crankshaft oil seal	Monitor the chain tension, listen for extraneous noises during cold starts
QG18DE	1.8	114-125	Overheating with a faulty thermostat, cylinder head gasket leaking	Change antifreeze every 60 thousand km, monitor the temperature
VQ30DE	3.0	200-220	Oil consumption (especially after 250 thousand km), wear of catalysts	Use high quality 5W-30 oil, check compression
RB25DET (Skyline)	2.5	250-280	Problems with the turbine after 150 thousand km, overheating	Regular tuning and diagnostics of the turbine, oil pressure monitoring

For most naturally aspirated engines (GA, SR, QG) it is critical to observe oil change intervals - every 7-8 thousand km when using semi-synthetics. Turbocharged engines (RB, SR20DET) require even more careful care: high-quality synthetic oil and regular checking of the cooling system.

Automatic transmissions (especially RE4F04A/B on Primera And Almera) often become a weak point. Signs of wear: jerking when switching, delayed response, oil leakage. The recommended automatic transmission oil change interval is 60 thousand km, even if the manufacturer indicates “for the entire service life”.

Weaknesses and typical breakdowns

Even the most reliable models Nissan Years of 1999 have characteristic “diseases” that you should know about in advance. Here are the key problems for popular lines:

• 🔧 Almera N15: corrosion of rear arches and sills, leaking camshaft oil seal, wear of wheel bearings (characteristic hum at speeds of 60-80 km/h).
• 🔧 Primera P11: problems with electronics (engine control unit, oxygen sensors), oil leakage from under the valve cover, wear on the silent blocks of the front levers.
• 🔧 X-Trail T30: corrosion of the rear door and trunk lid, leaking transfer case oil seal (on all-wheel drive versions), wear of the driveshaft bearings.
• 🔧 Pathfinder R50: problems with the automatic transmission (especially when towing), oil leakage from the rear axle, wear on the steering rack.
• 🔧 Skyline R34: overheating (due to a weak cooling system), turbine wear (after 100 thousand km), problems with electronics (especially on versions with ATTESA E-TS).

Particular attention should be paid body corrosion - the main problem of the majority Nissan this period. The most vulnerable places:

• 🚘 Rear arches (especially in Almera And Sunny)
• 🚘 Thresholds and lower parts of doors
• 🚘 Trunk lid (for hatchbacks and SUVs)
• 🚘 Spars and suspension mounting points

⚠️ Attention: Upon examination Nissan 1999, be sure to check the condition of the drainage holes in the doors and trunk. Their clogging leads to moisture accumulation and accelerated corrosion. Also pay attention to the condition of the glass seals - their wear often causes leaks.

Electronics Nissan This period is considered reliable, but there are several typical problems:

• 💡 Failure of the crankshaft position sensor (symptoms: engine stalls while driving, does not start)
• 💡 Problems with the immobilizer (especially on Primera And Almera)
• 💡 Corrosion of contacts in the fuse box (leads to unstable operation of headlights and power windows)

How to choose a 1999 Nissan on the secondary market?

Buying used Nissan 1999 requires careful preparation. Here is a step-by-step algorithm that will help you avoid mistakes:

1. Determine the purpose of the purchase: suitable for the city Almera or Micra, for the family - Primera or Wingroad, off-road - Pathfinder or X-Trail.
2. Explore the history of the model: Some versions had factory recalls (e.g. Almera with motor GA16DE and timing chain problems).
3. Check the documents: original title, no restrictions, ownership history (preferably no more than 3-4 owners).
4. Inspect the car: Use the checklist below.
5. Run diagnostics: computer error checking and test drive.

Checking the body for corrosion (arches, sills, bottom)|Engine diagnostics (compression, oil level, noise)|Automatic transmission test (smooth shifts, no jerking)|Checking the suspension (knocks, play, condition of shock absorbers)|Electronics diagnostics (all sensors, lighting, climate control)|Test drive (acceleration, braking, handling)-->

Pay special attention to the following points:

• 🔍 Mileage: for Nissan For 1999, a mileage of up to 200-250 thousand km is considered normal, subject to regular maintenance. Mileage over 300 thousand km is a reason for in-depth diagnostics.
• 🔍 Service history: availability of records of oil changes, timing belts, brake pads. Lack of history is a red flag.
• 🔍 Interior condition: wear of seats, steering wheel, gear lever can tell about the actual mileage. For example, on Skyline R34 With a mileage of 100 thousand km, the steering wheel should be almost perfect.

⚠️ Attention: Be careful with cars imported from Japan. Some models (eg Elgrand or Laurel) may have right-hand drive and uncertified changes in design, which will create problems with registration with the traffic police. Always check availability vehicle type approval (VTA).

Price range for Nissan 1999 varies from 150 to 800 thousand rubles depending on the model and condition:

• 💰 Micra/March: 150-250 thousand rubles.
• 💰 Almera/Sunny: 200-350 thousand rubles.
• 💰 Primera/Wingroad: 250-450 thousand rubles.
• 💰 X-Trail/Pathfinder: 300-600 thousand rubles.
• 💰 Skyline/Silvia: 400-800 thousand rubles. (depending on modification)

Maintenance and repair: what you need to know?

Service Nissan 1999 does not require super complex skills, but has its own characteristics. Here are the key points to pay attention to:

Scheduled maintenance includes the following mandatory procedures:

• 🔧 Oil and filter changes: every 7-10 thousand km (synthetic 5W-30/40 for most models).
• 🔧 Checking the timing belt: every 60-80 thousand km (on engines SR20DE And QG18DE - chain, but requires tensioner control).
• 🔧 Replacement of antifreeze: every 60 thousand km or 2 years.
• 🔧 Suspension diagnostics: every 20 thousand km (especially carefully - silent blocks and ball joints).

For automatic transmissions critical:

• 🔄 Changing the automatic transmission oil and filter: every 60 thousand km (even if the manufacturer specifies a “maintenance-free” gearbox).
• 🔄 Checking the oil level: on a hot box, with the engine running.
• 🔄 Avoid towing and sudden starts: this reduces the life of the automatic transmission by 30-40%.

Among spare parts most in demand:

• 🛒 Seals and gaskets (especially for motors GA16DE And SR20DE).
• 🛒 Wheel bearings and silent blocks (wear out by 150 thousand km).
• 🛒 Sensors (oxygen, crankshaft position, detonation).
• 🛒 Suspension elements (shock absorbers, springs, levers).

Prices for spare parts vary:

• 💰 Original: expensive (for example, a turbine for Skyline R34 - from 50 thousand rubles), but guarantee a long service life.
• 💰 Analogues (for example, Febi, Sasic): 30-50% cheaper, but quality may vary.
• 💰 Used parts: risky option, suitable only for rare parts (for example, body panels for Elgrand).

⚠️ Attention: When purchasing spare parts for Nissan 1999 always check VIN code car. Many parts (such as suspension components or electronics) may differ even within the same model due to different trim levels and markets.

For self-repair it is useful to have:

• 🔧 A set of sockets and keys (especially 10mm, 12mm, 14mm).
• 🔧 Jack and stops (for work with suspension).
• 🔧 Diagnostic scanner (for example, ELM327 to read errors).
• 🔧 Sealant for gaskets (for example, Loctite 574).

How to check compression in cylinders without a compression gauge?

In the absence of a compression gauge, you can roughly estimate the compression “by eye”:

1. Remove all spark plugs.

2. Rotate the engine with the starter (short starts for 2-3 seconds).

3. Compare the force of air escaping from the spark plug wells - in a working engine it should be the same in all cylinders.

4. If air escapes weakly in one of the wells, this is a sign of low compression (problems with rings, valves or cylinder head gasket).

Tuning and modernization

Many models Nissan 1999 have great potential for tuning. Let's consider popular areas of modernization:

Engine and transmission:

• 🔥 Almera N15: chip tuning (ECU firmware for the motor GA16DE gives +10-15 hp), installation of a sports exhaust manifold.
• 🔥 Primera P11: replacing the air filter with a zero filter, installing forward flow (especially relevant for SR20DE).
• 🔥 Skyline R34: turbine modernization (for example, installation Garrett GT28), intercooler replacement, firmware ECU under increased pressure.
• 🔥 X-Trail T30: installation of rear differential lock (for off-road), crankcase protection.

Suspension and brakes:

• 🚗 Replacing springs and shock absorbers with sports ones (for example, Tein or KYB).
• 🚗 Installation of anti-roll bars (relevant for Primera And Almera).
• 🚗 Modernization of the brake system: replacing standard discs with ventilated ones, installing sports pads (Ferodo, EBC).

Exterior and interior:

• 🎨 Installation of body kits (for example, Nismo for Skyline or Autech for Primera).
• 🎨 Window tinting (GOST standards: 30% light transmission for front windows).
• 🎨 Modernization of optics: installation of LED lamps or xenon (requires adjustment of headlights!).
• 🎨 Interior update: replacing seats with sports ones (for example, Recaro), installation of a multimedia system with Android Auto.

When tuning, it is important to remember the legal restrictions:

• ⚖️ Any changes in the design (for example, engine replacement) require inclusion in the PTS.
• ⚖️ Installation of xenon in headlights not intended for it is prohibited (fine 3 thousand rubles under Article 12.5 of the Administrative Code).
• ⚖️ Changing the clearance by more than ±30% from the factory requires passing an examination.

For sports models (Skyline, Silvia) the following modifications are popular:

• 🏁 Installation of a turbo kit (for example, GReddy or HKS for SR20DET).
• 🏁 Replacing the center differential with Cusco or Nismo.
• 🏁 Nitrous oxide system installation (but requires professional setup!).

⚠️ Attention: When tuning engines Nissan 1999, consider the transmission life. For example, standard gearbox FS5R30A on Primera can withstand up to 250-280 hp, and a further increase in power will require the installation of a reinforced gearbox (for example, from Skyline).

Operation in winter: tips for owners

Winter operation Nissan 1999 has its own nuances. Here are the key recommendations:

Preparing for winter:

• ❄️ Changing the oil to winter oil (for example, 0W-30 or 5W-30 synthetics).
• ❄️ Battery check: the capacity must be at least 60 Ah, and the cold cranking current must be from 500 A.
• ❄️ Replacing brake fluid (hygroscopic, absorbs moisture).
• ❄️ Installation of winter tires (minimum remaining tread depth - 4 mm).

Features of starting in cold weather:

• 🔑 On cars with a carburetor (for example, early versions Sunny) may require suction.
• 🔑 On injection models, it is not recommended to turn the starter for a long time - maximum 5-7 seconds per attempt.
• 🔑 If the engine does not start, check the spark plugs (they may be filled with gasoline).

Body care:

• 🚿 Regular washing (especially after treating roads with reagents).
• 🚿 Applying anti-corrosion coating to vulnerable areas (thresholds, arches).
• 🚿 Treatment of locks and seals with silicone grease.

Driving in winter:

• 🚗 On Nissan with rear wheel drive (Skyline, Silvia) avoid sudden starts - use winter mode (if available) or start in second gear.
• 🚗 On all-wheel drive models (X-Trail, Pathfinder) check the operation of the transfer case and locks.
• 🚗 At temperatures below -25°C, avoid prolonged operation of the engine at idle speed - this leads to the formation of soot.

For models with automatic transmission in winter:

• ⚙️ Before the trip, warm up the box: after starting the engine, hold your foot on the brake and turn on all modes one by one (P-R-N-D) with a delay of 5-10 seconds.
• ⚙️ Avoid slipping - this leads to overheating of the oil in the automatic transmission.
• ⚙️ If the car is stuck, do not accelerate sharply - use a shovel or sand.

Owner reviews and real operating experience

To form an objective opinion about Nissan 1999, it is useful to study reviews from real owners. Here are general impressions on popular models:

Nissan Almera N15:

• ✅ Pros: reliable engine GA16DE, simple design, cheap spare parts.
• ❌ Cons: poor sound insulation, body corrosion, uncomfortable rear seats.
• 🗣️ Review: *"The car is like a tank - it drives and drives. In 5 years, I only changed the seals and brake pads. But it rusts quickly if you don't watch it"* (Alexey, Moscow).

Nissan Primera P11:

• ✅ Pros: comfortable suspension, spacious interior, good handling.
• ❌ Cons: problems with electronics, oil leaking from under the valve cover, high cost of some spare parts.
• 🗣️ Review: *"An excellent family car, but the electrics fail. I changed the crankshaft sensor twice, once - the power window control unit"* (Dmitry, St. Petersburg).

Nissan X-Trail T30:

• ✅ Pros: reliable all-wheel drive, spacious trunk, good cross-country ability.
• ❌ Cons: high fuel consumption (12-14 l/100 km), rear door corrosion, noisy gearbox.
• 🗣️ Review: *"For a family and a summer residence - ideal. In winter it is not afraid of snow, in summer - dirt. But if you don’t take care of the body, it rusts quickly"* (Igor, Yekaterinburg).