Free printable checklist
What to Look For When Buying a Used Nissan Pulsar
What to check on a used Pulsar, sedan or hatch, what a problem looks like, and when to walk away.
Covers
- B17 sedan 2013–2017
- C12 hatch 2013–2017
Or get a checklist built for the exact Pulsar you're looking at:
Last updated
Common Problems on a Used Nissan Pulsar
The most commonly reported problems on a used Nissan Pulsar are judder, slipping or failure from the CVT automatic, timing chain wear on some engines, stalling or power loss at low speed, and worn front ball joints. Many were fleet or rental cars, so ask how it was used.
Which of these apply depends on the year and engine. Shufti works that out for a particular car from its listing.
CVT Automatic Problems
Many Pulsars use a CVT automatic, which uses a belt between two pulleys instead of fixed gears. A worn CVT can judder, surge or whine, and the fluid needs changing on schedule, which owners often skip.
On the test drive, accelerate gently from a stop and then firmly up a hill. Feel for a shudder as you pull away, revs rising without the car speeding up to match, surging at steady speeds, and listen for a whine that grows with speed. Any warning light or the car going into a limp mode is a bad sign.
Ask when the CVT fluid was last changed and whether the gearbox has ever been repaired or replaced, with receipts. A CVT replacement is one of the most expensive repairs on the car, so if it shows any of these signs, walk away or have a specialist check it.
Timing Chain Wear
The timing chain keeps the engine's moving parts in step. On some Pulsar engines, the chain or the part that keeps it tight can wear, and a chain that jumps can wreck the engine.
Ask for the engine to be cold, and listen as it starts: a rattle from the engine for the first few seconds is a warning sign. Check for an engine warning light too.
Ask whether the timing chain or its tensioner has been replaced, with receipts. If it rattles, have a mechanic check it before you buy; it's an expensive job.
Stalling or Power Loss at Low Speed
Owners report the engine stumbling, losing power or stalling at low speed, such as when slowing for a corner or pulling up at lights.
On the test drive, spend time in slow traffic, roll up to a stop and pull away again several times. The engine should idle steadily and never cut out. Check for an engine warning light.
Causes range from a dirty throttle to a gearbox fault. Ask what's been done, with receipts, and have a mechanic check it if it stalls.
Worn Front Ball Joints
Ball joints are the pivots that connect the front wheels to the suspension. When they wear, the steering feels loose and the front end knocks over bumps; a joint that fails can let a wheel collapse.
On the test drive, listen for knocks or clunks from the front over bumps and when turning at low speed, and feel for vague steering. With the car parked, rock each front wheel top to bottom: there should be no play.
Ball joints aren't expensive to replace, but they're a safety item. Get a quote and take it off the price.
Which Nissan Pulsar Years to Avoid?
No Nissan Pulsar year is one to avoid outright. Which problems a particular car has depends on its generation, its engine and how it was used, so judge the one in front of you rather than the year alone, starting with its recalls and reported faults (Shufti looks these up from the listing).
- B17 sedan (2013–2017). Most have done enough kilometres for wear items to come due: check the service history for regular servicing, and whether tyres, brakes and the battery need replacing.
- C12 hatch (2013–2017). Most have done enough kilometres for wear items to come due: check the service history for regular servicing, and whether tyres, brakes and the battery need replacing.
Which recalls and reported faults apply depends on the exact year and engine. Shufti works them out for the Pulsar you're looking at, from its listing.
Nissan Pulsar Inspection Checklist
Tick it if it's fine. Cross it if it isn't, and note what you found so you can price it into your offer.
- Safety critical
- Affects how safely it drives or protects you in a crash. Best to have a mechanic check it before you buy.
- Negotiate
- Costs money to fix, from wear to major repairs. Get a quote and take it off the price.
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Before You Go
01
Exterior
02
Under the Bonnet
03
Underbody and Wheels
04
Interior and Electrics
05
Test Drive
06
Documentation
Stay Safe
Never go under a car held up only by a jack, and never open the radiator or coolant cap on a hot engine. Keep hands, hair and loose clothing clear of fans and belts when the engine is running, and do checks under the bonnet with it switched off where you can. On the test drive, hold a current licence, confirm the car is registered and insured, obey road rules, and only brake hard when the road behind is clear. Meet in a safe, public-facing place, take someone with you, and don't carry large amounts of cash to a viewing.
Take this checklist to the viewing.
Download the free PDFOr let Shufti tailor it to the car from the listing link, with PPSR and recall checks included.
Disclaimer. Shufti is not affiliated with or endorsed by Nissan; Nissan and Pulsar are trademarks of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. Figures are counts from Shufti's analysis of official records and published reports, not a statement that any particular vehicle is affected. This checklist is general information only and is not professional, mechanical, legal or financial advice. It covers common checks, not every possible fault, and a car can pass every item here and still have problems. It is not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic, which is worth considering before you buy, especially if anything tagged Safety critical turns up. Repair costs vary widely; get your own quotes. Roadworthy, registration and transfer rules differ by state, so check with your state road authority. Private sales generally don't come with the consumer guarantees that apply when you buy from a dealer. You use this checklist at your own risk and, to the extent permitted by law, Shufti accepts no liability for any loss, damage or injury arising from its use.
What This Guide Can't Tell You About the Pulsar You're Looking At
4+
recalls on Pulsars built since 2013
6
common faults reported on Pulsars built since 2013
2,636
owner complaints on Pulsar sedans (also sold as the Sentra) built 2013–2017
Money owing, stolen or a write-off?
A tidy car can hide all three.
What's each fault worth?
Shufti's negotiation coach turns it into leverage.
A Shufti inspection covers all of that, plus:
- Guided checks for the exact car you're inspecting
- PPSR and government recall checks included
- Crosschecks 3M+ recalls and owner complaints
- Spots issues from your photos and audio
- Test drive routes with turn-by-turn navigation
- Negotiation coach with repair cost estimates
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Start from the listing
Drop in a link from any major car sales website. Shufti retrieves the important information about your vehicle to guide you through a customised buying process.
Start from the listing
Drop in a link from any major car sales website. Shufti retrieves the important information about your vehicle to guide you through a customised buying process.
* Shufti analysis, October 2026, of official recall notices, complaints lodged by vehicle owners with vehicle safety regulators, and independent reviews and owner forums. Faults are counted when two or more independent sources report them.
Buying a Used Nissan Pulsar: Questions Answered
Is a used Nissan Pulsar reliable?
It depends more on the particular car than the badge: how it was driven, loaded and serviced. Work through the commonly reported problems above, read the service history for servicing done on time, and run a PPSR check.
Which Nissan Pulsar years should I avoid?
No Nissan Pulsar year is one to avoid outright. Which problems a particular car has depends on its generation, its engine and how it was used, so judge the one in front of you rather than the year alone, starting with its recalls and reported faults (Shufti looks these up from the listing).
This checklist covers the B17 sedan (2013–2017) and C12 hatch (2013–2017) Nissan Pulsar. Problems reported across them include CVT automatic judder or failure, timing chain wear, stalling or power loss at low speed and worn front ball joints.
How many kilometres is too many for a used Nissan Pulsar?
Kilometres matter less than how the car was driven and serviced. A high-kilometre car with a full service history can be a better buy than a low-kilometre one that's missed services or spent years on short trips. Check the history for regular oil changes, and find out whether any timing belt replacement is due, as it's a costly job.
Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a used Nissan Pulsar?
It's worth it if you can. A mechanic can spot hidden crash repairs and gearbox problems that are easy to miss on a short test drive. Most buyers don't book one, though, so whatever you decide, check the car thoroughly yourself with this checklist first. See Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it?
How do I check a used Nissan Pulsar for money owing or a write-off?
Run a PPSR check with the car's VIN. It shows whether there's finance owing and whether the car has been reported stolen or written off, and costs $2. Run it on the day you pay. See What a PPSR check covers and what it doesn't
Mechanic, Checklist or Shufti?
Here's how Shufti stacks up against your other options.
A mechanic's inspection is the most thorough, but most buyers go without one. Shufti makes sure you're well informed either way.
| Feature | Shufti $24.99 per check | Mechanic Inspection $250–350+ per booking | This Guide Free the basics, on paper |
|---|---|---|---|
Guided, model-specific checks | Yes | Yes | No |
PPSR and government recall checks | Yes | No | No |
Crosschecks over 3 million recalls and owner complaints | Yes | No | No |
Smart detection of issues from your photos and audio | Yes | No | No |
Test drive route planning and navigation | Yes | No | No |
Instant report generation | Yes | No | No |
Negotiation copilot and repair cost estimates | Yes | No | No |
Plain-English explanations, not jargon | Yes | Yes | Yes |
No booking or waiting required | Yes | No | Yes |
See it for yourself. Open the free sample report in the app, no sign-up needed.
Comparing Other Cars?
Looking at a different car? Use the general used car inspection checklist or browse every inspection checklist.