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Used Nissan Pulsar: Buyer's Guide


The Nissan Pulsar is a practical family hatchback designed for drivers who value space and efficiency above all else, inviting you to stretch out in its cavernous cabin where legroom rivals a limousine. With a boot capacity of 385 litres and efficient diesel engines returning up to 78.5 mpg, it proves that a family car can be both spacious and economical. Its strong safety rating and efficient engines make it a rational investment for daily transport.


Used Nissan Pulsar Popular Trims

  • * Visia: The entry-level trim offers excellent value, featuring 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, and Bluetooth connectivity. It covers all the basics for a comfortable drive without unnecessary frills.#* Acenta: This popular mid-range option adds practical features like dual-zone climate control, automatic lights and wipers, and keyless start. It strikes a good balance between cost and convenience.#* Tekna: The top-spec trim includes leather seats, the Around View Monitor, and Nissan Safety Shield technologies. It offers a more premium feel with added safety for peace of mind.


Used Nissan Pulsar Popular Battery & Drivetrain Options

  • * 1.2 DIG-T: A smooth and quiet petrol engine that suits the car's relaxed character perfectly. It's eager enough for town driving and refined on the motorway.#* 1.5 dCi: A 1.5-litre diesel engine with 110 hp. It is ideal for high-mileage drivers, capable of returning exceptional fuel economy on long journeys.#* 1.6 DIG-T: The performance choice. With 190 hp, it offers strong acceleration and makes light work of motorway inclines.#

Running Costs:

  • Real-world MPG: The 1.5 dCi can achieve over 60 mpg on motorway runs, while the 1.2 DIG-T averages around 45 mpg.#*

  • Tax: VED is based on CO2 emissions, with the diesel model falling into the lowest tax band (pre-2017).


Used Nissan Pulsar Practicality

The Pulsar is full of clever touches that make life easier.#* Boot Space: Offers a generous 385 litres, expanding to 1,395 litres with the rear seats folded.#* Rear Legroom: Class-leading 692mm of knee room ensures passengers travel in comfort.#* Access: Wide-opening doors make fitting child seats a simple task.


Used Nissan Pulsar Key Features

Key Features:

  • Nissan Connect: An intuitive touchscreen system that keeps you connected and on the right track.#*

  • Around View Monitor: Gives you a bird's-eye view of the car, making parking in tight spots effortless.#*

  • Safety Shield: A suite of active safety features that watch out for you on the road.#

Desirable Options:

  • Tech Pack: Adds the Around View Monitor and Safety Shield technologies to lower trims.#*

  • Style Pack: Features larger alloy wheels and privacy glass for a sharper look.


Used Nissan Pulsar Reliability Rating

The Nissan Pulsar is generally a dependable family car, but a few checks are worth making.#

What to Check on a Test Drive:

  • Engine: Check for any excessive oil consumption or timing chain noise on the 1.2 DIG-T engine.#*

  • Infotainment: Swipe through the menus to ensure the screen is responsive and the navigation works.#*

  • Suspension: Listen for any knocks or rattles from the suspension over bumps.


Used Nissan Pulsar Safety Rating

The Pulsar offers peace of mind with its robust safety credentials.#* Euro NCAP: Achieved a 5-star rating in 2014, demonstrating strong occupant protection.#* Key Tech: Features include Forward Emergency Braking and Moving Object Detection.


Awards for the Used Nissan Pulsar

  • * What Car?: Car of the Year (Small Family Car category contender).#* Carbuyer: Best Car for Rear Legroom.#* Honest John: Real MPG Award.


Who is the Used Nissan Pulsar Best For?

  • * Families: The incredible rear legroom and decent boot make it perfect for growing families.#* Comfort Seekers: Those who prioritise a relaxing ride over sporty handling.#* Commuters: The frugal diesel engine and comfortable ride ease the daily grind.#

Key Alternatives to Consider:

  • Ford Focus: Offers a sharper driving experience and a wide range of engines.#*

  • Volkswagen Golf: Provides a premium interior and strong resale values.


Frequently Asked Questions about the Used Nissan Pulsar


Is the Nissan Pulsar spacious enough for a family of four?

The Nissan Pulsar is exceptionally spacious, offering class-leading rear legroom that rivals larger luxury saloons.#* Rear Legroom: With 692mm of rear knee room, adults can sit comfortably behind tall drivers.#* Boot Space: The 385-litre boot is generous for the class, easily accommodating a family's weekly shop or holiday luggage.#* Headroom: The cabin design ensures ample headroom for both front and rear passengers.

Does the Nissan Pulsar offer good value for daily commuting?

The Nissan Pulsar is an economical choice for daily use, thanks to its efficient engines and low running costs.#* Fuel Economy: The 1.5 dCi diesel engine can achieve up to 78.5 mpg, making it incredibly frugal for long commutes.#* Insurance: With insurance groups starting from as low as 9, premiums are generally very affordable.#* Road Tax: Many models, particularly the diesels, fall into low or zero road tax bands (pre-2017 rules).

How easy is it to park the Nissan Pulsar in tight spaces?

The Nissan Pulsar is designed to be easy to manoeuvre, with features that simplify parking in urban environments.#* Visibility: The large glass area and good driving position provide excellent all-round visibility.#* Steering: The light steering makes low-speed manoeuvres effortless.#* Technology: Higher trims feature the Around View Monitor, giving a 360-degree bird's-eye view for precision parking.

Is the Nissan Pulsar suitable for new or inexperienced drivers?

The Nissan Pulsar is a user-friendly and safe vehicle, making it an excellent choice for new drivers.#* Ease of Use: The controls are intuitive, and the car's predictable handling inspires confidence.#* Safety: It achieved a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating, providing reassurance for less experienced drivers.#* Driver Aids: Features like Blind Spot Warning and Lane Departure Warning help keep you safe on the road.

Does the Nissan Pulsar come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?

The Nissan Pulsar's infotainment system predates the widespread standardisation of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.#* Nissan Connect: The system uses Nissan's own connectivity platform for smartphone integration via Bluetooth and USB.#* Features: It includes satellite navigation, DAB radio, and access to certain apps through the Nissan Connect service.#* Alternatives: You can still stream music and make calls via Bluetooth, but full screen mirroring is not available.

Can you fit three child seats in the back of a Nissan Pulsar?

The Nissan Pulsar offers a wide rear bench that can accommodate child seats, though fitting three full-size ones may be tight.#* ISOFIX Points: There are two ISOFIX mounting points on the outer rear seats for secure installation.#* Space: The generous width and legroom make it easier to access and buckle up children compared to many rivals.#* Central Seat: The middle seat is usable, but best suited for a booster seat or an older child.

How do I update the touchscreen system in my Nissan Pulsar?

Updating the Nissan Connect system ensures you have the latest maps and points of interest.#* SD Card: Map updates are typically performed by replacing the SD card in the slot on the dashboard.#* Purchase: You can purchase the latest SD card from a Nissan dealer or authorised online retailer.#* Installation: Simply swap the old card for the new one and follow the on-screen prompts to activate.

What is the real-world fuel economy of the Nissan Pulsar diesel?

The 1.5 dCi diesel engine in the Nissan Pulsar is renowned for its impressive real-world efficiency.#* Mixed Driving: Owners often report achieving between 55 and 65 mpg in varied driving conditions.#* Motorway: On long motorway runs, it is possible to exceed 70 mpg, making it highly economical.#* Official Figures: Official combined figures are as high as 78.5 mpg, highlighting its potential.

Does the Nissan Pulsar have a spare wheel as standard?

The inclusion of a spare wheel on the Nissan Pulsar depends on the original specification and options chosen.#* Standard Kit: Most models came with a tyre repair kit (foam and compressor) as standard to save weight and space.#* Option: A space-saver spare wheel was available as an optional extra when new.#* Check: It is advisable to check under the boot floor of a used example to see if a spare wheel is present.

Used Nissan cars and locations