Nissan Presea 1999: everything you need to know before buying

Nissan Presea 1999 - a compact hatchback, which became a logical continuation of the popular Primera in the P11 body, but with a shortened wheelbase and a more dynamic design. This model, released specifically for the Japanese market, still attracts interest among fans of JDM cars due to its reliability, efficiency and rear-wheel drive, which is unusual for its class. However, before purchasing used Presea it is important to understand its technical features, typical problems and nuances of operation - especially if we are talking about an imported copy with a mileage of 200+ thousand km.

In 1999 Presea offered with petrol engines 1.8 And 2.0 liter, as well as with a diesel unit 2.2D (rare for Japan). Most cars on the secondary market are equipped with an automatic transmission, but there are also manual versions - the latter are valued higher for reliability and dynamics. The main feature of the model is rear-wheel drive, which, combined with its compact dimensions, makes it maneuverable and predictable on the road. However It is the rear-wheel drive layout that requires special attention to the condition of the suspension and transmission after 15–20 years of operation.

Technical specifications Nissan Presea 1999

Under the hood Presea 1999 there could be three types of engines, each of which had its own characteristics:

• 🔹 SR18DE - 1.8-liter petrol engine with power 125 hp (with 6000 rpm). The most common option, known for its unpretentiousness and resource up to 300+ thousand km with regular maintenance. However, it is sensitive to oil quality and overheating.
• 🔹 SR20DE - 2.0-liter petrol unit 150 hp. More dynamic, but also more “gluttonous” - fuel consumption in the city can reach 12–14 l/100 km. It is less common, often in configurations with automatic transmission.
• 🔹 CD20T — 2.2-liter turbodiesel with power 110 hp. Economical (consumption ~6–7 l/100 km), but extremely rare on the secondary market. Requires high-quality fuel and regular replacement of the fuel filter.

All engines were combined with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. The drive is exclusively rear-wheel drive - front-wheel drive versions Presea didn't exist. Independent suspension on all wheels (front - type MacPherson, rear - multi-link), which provided good controllability, but complicated repairs.

Parameter	SR18DE (1.8)	SR20DE (2.0)	CD20T (2.2D)
Power, hp	125	150	110
Fuel consumption (city), l/100 km	9–11	12–14	6–7
Engine life, thousand km	300–350	280–320	400+
Typical problems	Seal leaks, rings stuck	Problems with ignition coils	Clogged injectors, turbine

Dimensions Presea make it convenient for the city: length 4.3 m, width 1.7 m, ground clearance 150 mm. The trunk is modest - only 300 l, but the rear seats fold down, increasing the space to 1000 l. There's enough room for four adults, but tall passengers in the back row will feel cramped.

Weaknesses and typical problems

Despite the reliability Nissan Presea The 1999 has several “diseases” that you should know about before purchasing. Most of them are related to the age of the car and mileage:

• 🚗 Body corrosion - the main problem of all Japanese cars of the 90s. The sills, wheel arches and underbody are especially vulnerable. Check the condition of the side members and welding points - rust there is often hidden under anti-corrosion.
• ⚙️ Automatic transmission (RE4F03A) is the weak point of the model. When running for 200 thousand km often requires repair: wear of clutches, problems with the valve body. Mechanics more reliable, but can “howl” when cold due to bearing wear.
• 🔥 Engine overheating - a common problem in SR18DE/SR20DE. This could be due to a clogged radiator, faulty thermostat, or leaks in the cooling system. The consequences are deformation of the cylinder head or the occurrence of rings.
• 💡 Electrics — over time, sensors (oxygen, crankshaft position) begin to “fail,” fuses blow, and power windows fail. Wiring in doors is especially vulnerable - wires break due to constant kinks.

⚠️ Attention! If during a test drive Presea With an automatic transmission, you feel jerks or delays when changing gears - this is the first sign of gearbox wear. Repairs will cost 80–150 thousand rubles., so it’s better to look for a car with a manual transmission or with a documented oil change in the automatic transmission.

Another typical problem is seal leaks. On motors SR The crankshaft and camshaft seals often “sweat”, and on a diesel engine CD20T - fuel pump seals. If oil stains remain under the car after parking, get ready to replace gaskets and seals (the cost of work is from 15 thousand rubles.).

What should I do if my Presea won't start?

If the starter turns, but the engine does not start, check:

1. Spark on the spark plugs (often the ignition coils are to blame).

2. Fuel pressure (the filter may be clogged or the fuel pump may be faulty).

3. Crankshaft position sensor - its failure blocks the start.

If the starter does not turn over, check the battery, fuses and starter relay.

How to choose a Nissan Presea 1999 on the secondary market

Upon purchase used Presea Pay attention not only to the mileage, but also to the service history. Here are the key points to help avoid problems:

1. Documentation check. The ideal option is a car with Japanese history (auction sheets, service book). If the car was imported from Japan, check whether it has been in an accident (this may be hidden in the documents).
2. Body condition. Inspect the car on a lift or overpass. Please note:
   • 🔍 Welding seams on the side members (a sign of repairs after an accident).
   • 🔍 The condition of the thresholds and arches often rots from the inside.
   • 🔍 Paint on the hood and roof (if it is matte or with bubbles, it is a sign of repainting).
3. Test drive. Be sure to take a ride by car:
   • 🚦 Check the smoothness of gear shifting (especially on automatic transmission).
   • 🚦 Listen to extraneous noises in the suspension (knocks, squeaks).
   • 🚦 Make sure that the steering wheel does not “bump” when braking (a sign of wear on the wheel bearings).

If the seller refuses to provide the car for diagnostics or avoids answering about its history, this is a reason to be wary. Average price Presea 1999 on the Russian market:

• 💰 250–350 thousand rubles. - used cars 150–200 thousand km, in good condition.
• 💰 400–500 thousand rubles. — copies with minimal mileage (100 thousand km) or after major repairs.
• 💰 150–200 thousand rubles. — “donors” or cars with body/engine problems.

Maintenance and repair: what the owner needs to know

Nissan Presea 1999 does not require very complex maintenance, but there are nuances that will help extend the life of the car:

• 🛢️ Engine oil - change every 7–8 thousand km (even if the mileage is small). For SR18DE/SR20DE synthetics are suitable 5W-30 or 5W-40. On diesel CD20T use oil approved for turbodiesels.
• ⚙️ Timing belt - on SR motors its resource 100 thousand km, but it’s better to change every 80 thousand km. A broken belt causes the valves to bend!
• 🔧 Suspension - every 50 thousand km check the condition of the struts, bushings and balls. The rear multi-link requires attention to the silent blocks.
• 🔋 battery - the original battery serves 3–4 years. When replacing, take a battery with a capacity of at least 60 Ah.

If you plan to repair your car yourself, keep in mind:

• 🔧 Spare parts for Presea compatible with Nissan Primera P11 (many parts are interchangeable).
• 🔧 The most difficult thing is to find spare parts for diesel CD20T — they often have to be ordered from Japan.
• 🔧 To diagnose electronics, you will need a scanner that supports protocols OBD-I (on earlier versions) or OBD-II.

⚠️ Attention! If you bought Presea with mileage for 200 thousand km and you don’t know the automatic transmission oil change history, immediately drain the old fluid and fill in new fluid (for example, Nissan Matic-D). This can extend the life of the box by 30–50 thousand km, even if there are already signs of wear.

Tuning and modifications

Nissan Presea 1999 - a popular base for tuning due to rear-wheel drive and reliable engines SR. Here are some areas for modification:

• 🏁 Engine:
  • Installation of a turbo kit on SR20DE (you can remove power up to 200+ hp).
  • Replacement of camshafts, modification of cylinder head (for naturally aspirated engines).
  • Chip tuning (ECU firmware) - adds 10–15 hp, but requires high-quality fuel.
• 🚗 Suspension and brakes:
  • Installation of sports shock absorbers (eg Tein or KYB).
  • Replacing brake discs and pads with perforated ones (with Nissan Skyline).
  • Strengthening anti-roll bars.
• 🎨 Exterior and interior:
  • Installation of body kits (for example, from Nismo or universal for JDM machines).
  • Replacing optics with LED or xenon (requires adjustment).
  • Modernization of the interior (sports seats, steering wheel, short-throw manual transmission).

Before major modifications, please note that Presea — not a sports car, but a compact hatchback. Engine tuning over 180 hp will require strengthening the transmission (especially automatic transmission) and braking system. Also, do not forget about the legal aspects: any changes in the design must be approved by the traffic police.

Analogues and competitors

If Nissan Presea You liked the 1999, but you can’t find a good copy, consider alternatives:

Model	Benefits	Disadvantages	Price, thousand rubles
Nissan Primera P11	More space, front/all wheel drive	Less maneuverable, more expensive parts	300–450
Toyota Corolla E110	More reliable, cheaper to maintain	Boring design, weak motors	250–350
Mazda Familia BG	Lightweight, economical, rear-wheel drive	Rare spare parts, poor sound insulation	200–300
Honda Civic EK	Sporty handling, reliable engines	Expensive spare parts, corrosion problems	350–500

If reliability and ease of repair are important to you, it is better to choose Toyota Corolla or Primera. If you need rear-wheel drive and an unusual design - Presea or Mazda Familia will be interesting options. Honda Civic EK suitable for those who love sporty driving, but are willing to pay for maintenance.

Owner reviews: pros and cons

Owners Nissan Presea 1999, the following advantages of the model are highlighted:

• ✅ Controllability — rear-wheel drive and compact dimensions make the car “obedient” on the road.
• ✅ Motor reliability — SR18DE/SR20DE with proper maintenance they “go” along 300+ thousand km.
• ✅ Easy to repair - many parts are interchangeable with Primera P11.
• ✅ Economical — fuel consumption at the level 8–10 l/100 km in a mixed cycle (for 1.8).

Among the disadvantages most often mentioned are:

• ❌ Corrosion — even Japanese cars suffer from rust after 15–20 years of use.
• ❌ Interior noise — poor sound insulation, especially at speeds above 100 km/h.
• ❌ Uncomfortable rear seats — little legroom, low seating.
• ❌ Expensive spare parts for automatic transmissions — repairing the box can cost half the cost of the car.

Many owners note that Presea — this is a car “for everyone.” It is not suitable for those looking for a comfortable family car, but will appeal to enthusiasts who value drive and custom design. As one of the owners said: *"It's not a Mercedes, but for the money it's one of the most interesting JDM hatchbacks of the 90s"*.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Nissan Presea 1999

❓ Which engine is better to choose: 1.8 or 2.0?

SR18DE (1.8) more reliable and economical - ideal for the city. SR20DE (2.0) more powerful, but consumes more fuel and is more sensitive to oil quality. If you need dynamics, take the 2.0 with mechanics. For a quiet ride, 1.8 is enough.

❓ Is it possible to install all-wheel drive on Presea?

Technically possible, but extremely expensive. Replacement of the rear suspension, driveshaft, transfer case and gearbox will be required (parts can be obtained from Primera P11 4WD). Cost of alteration - from 200 thousand rubles., so it’s easier to buy ready-made Primera with all-wheel drive.

❓ How much does it cost to overhaul an SR20DE engine?

The price depends on the amount of work:

• Replacing rings, seals, gaskets - 50–70 thousand rubles..
• Complete overhaul with replacement of liners, valves - 100–150 thousand rubles..
• Installation of a contract motor - 80–120 thousand rubles. (depending on mileage).

❓ What kind of oil to pour into the Presea 1999 automatic transmission?

Official recommendation - Nissan Matic-D (article KLE52-00004). Alternatives:

• Idemitsu ATF Type-J
• Mobil ATF 3309

Change every 60 thousand km, even if the mileage is small, the oil ages over time.

❓Where can I find spare parts for Presea?

Main sources:

• 🛒 Japanese auctions (For example, BuyJDM, JDM Export) - original parts at reasonable prices.
• 🛒 Russian showdown — search for “Nissan Primera P11” (many parts are compatible).
• 🛒 Online stores (Exist.ru, Autodoc) - analogues and non-original spare parts.

For rare parts (for example, for diesel CD20T) will have to be ordered directly from Japan.