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Nissan Pulsar buying guide (Ireland, 2026)
What a used Nissan Pulsar costs in Ireland, how it does at the NCT, what goes wrong and what it costs to fix. Based on 90 for sale right now.
Our take on the Nissan Pulsar
At the NCT, the 2014–2016 cars fail more often than other cars the same year, so a fresh NCT is worth paying a little more for. The 1.2 petrol is the most common engine (50% of those with a known engine), and it usually lasts around 180k km.
Check a Nissan Pulsar's priceNCT pass rate by year
Used Nissan Pulsar prices by year
Typical asking price by registration year, and typical mileage. Private sellers usually take 5–10% less than asking; expect dealers to be a little dearer.
| Year | Typical price | Typical mileage | For sale |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | €9,950 | 126k km | 17 |
| 2017 | €9,000 | 142k km | 16 |
| 2016 | €7,800 | 175k km | 32 |
| 2015 | €6,950 | 179k km | 21 |
Nissan Pulsar NCT pass rate
How often Nissan Pulsars pass their NCT first time, compared with other cars the same year (Road Safety Authority (RSA), NCT make & model data 2025, initial tests).
| Year | Pass first time | Other cars, same year | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 80% | 74% | |
| 2018 | 66% | 67% | |
| 2017 | 65% | 64% | |
| 2016 | 49% | 55% | |
| 2015 | 47% | 53% | |
| 2014 | 39% | 51% |
Most common reasons a 2016 Nissan Pulsar fails: steering & suspension (28% of tests, more than most cars), wheel alignment (26.5% of tests, more than most cars), lights & electrics (15.7% of tests), wheels & tyres (14.2% of tests).
Common Nissan Pulsar problems
Known weak spots to check before you buy, with typical Irish garage costs if the problem is there.
CVT automatic whine / judder · €1,200–€3,000
Listen for whining as speed rises and any surge or judder pulling away.
Timing belt history · €350–€700
Ask when the timing belt and water pump were last done (usually every 160,000 km or 5–6 years). No proof = budget for it.
Engines and how long they last
| Engine | Usually lasts | Motor tax / year | For sale |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2 Petrol | ~180k km | ~€270 | 19 |
| 1.5 Diesel | ~250k km | ~€200 | 19 |
1.2 Petrol: usual problem: oil burning and timing chain.
1.5 Diesel: usual problem: crankshaft bearings spin, especially if oil changes were stretched.
"Usually lasts" is the mileage these engines commonly reach before major work; service history matters more than the number.
Parts for the Nissan Pulsar
Parts from AUTODOC Ireland: pick your car on the parts page to get the right fit.
Brake discsBrake padsClutch kitsTiming chain kitsShock absorbersWheel bearingsTrack rod endsFiltersWiper bladesHeadlight bulbsGlow plugsEGR valves
Quick bits on Amazon
Faster delivery for small things.
Wiper bladesBulbsBatteryOBD2 fault code readerJump starter
Before you buy a used Nissan Pulsar
Run a history check on the reg (write-off, finance owing, mileage), ask when the last service was done and for receipts, and start it from cold yourself. The used car checklist takes you through a viewing step by step.
Other Nissan guides
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