Skip to the content
Buying guide

Nissan 200SX S15 (1999 to 2002): buying guide, problems and NZ numbers

The Nissan 200SX S15 was built from 1999 to 2002 as a coupe, with a manual or automatic gearbox, rear wheel drive and petrol power. Chassis code: S15. Redline has a curated guide to its 7 most reported weak points, from owner club and specialist sources.

Check a car Viewing Mode Import Decoder Open in Redline search

Key facts

Years
1999 to 2002
Chassis codes
S15
Body types
Coupe
Gearboxes
Manual, Automatic
Drive
RWD (rear wheel drive)
Fuel
Petrol

On NZ roads

Counting every one on the NZ register. The first look can take up to 15 seconds.

Known weak points

Curated by Redline from owner club and specialist sources Commonly reported by owners and specialists for the Nissan Silvia S15 (1999 to 2002). Not every car has these; check this one.

  1. Turbo gasket leaks

    Leaking gaskets at the manifold and turbo joints are reported as a common SR20DET problem.

    Where to look
    The exhaust manifold and turbo joints above the turbo
    How to test
    Listen for ticking or a whistle at idle and smell for exhaust in the engine bay. Look for soot round the joints.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost gaskets and studs

    Sources: jdmbuysell.com (opens in a new tab)

  2. Under servicing of the turbo engine

    Turbo engines need more servicing, so look for signs that it was skipped.

    Where to look
    Under the oil filler cap and on the dipstick
    How to test
    Look for sludge under the filler cap and dark, dirty oil on the dipstick.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    High cost turbo and engine wear

    Sources: carsguide.com.au (opens in a new tab)

  3. Spec S dressed as Spec R

    Spec S cars wearing Spec R badges are reported. The Spec R has the turbo SR20DET and 6 speed; the Spec S is the non turbo or lower power version.

    Where to look
    The engine code on the block, the build plate and the gearbox
    How to test
    Check the engine code and count the gears. Match the plate and gearbox to the power rating claimed.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    High cost the price gap between grades

    Sources: carsearcher.apped.nz (opens in a new tab), jdmbuysell.com (opens in a new tab)

  4. Drift damage

    Welded diffs, cut guards, angle kits and bent steering knuckles are common, and the front chassis rails get damaged in low speed impacts. Holes in the body can show where a roll cage or extinguisher was fitted.

    Where to look
    The rear diff, the front guards, the steering knuckles, the front chassis rails and the floor and boot
    How to test
    Look for cut or rolled guards and welds on the knuckles. Drive slowly on full lock and listen for tyre scrub and chatter from a welded diff.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    High cost diff, steering and chassis repair

    Sources: carsearcher.apped.nz (opens in a new tab), carsguide.com.au (opens in a new tab)

  5. Rust and hidden crash repair

    Rust and hidden crash repairs are reported in the wheel arches, engine bay, underside, front shroud and boot.

    Where to look
    Behind the wheel arches, in the engine bay and front shroud, under the car and in the boot
    How to test
    Feel behind the arches and check panel alignment and paint. Look for bent or exposed metal in the boot. Walk away from holes or bent metal.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    High cost rust and crash repair

    Sources: jdmbuysell.com (opens in a new tab)

  6. Clutch wear

    Clutches take a pounding in these cars.

    Where to look
    The clutch pedal and gear lever
    How to test
    Check for about 25 mm of free play at the top of the pedal, full disengagement at the bottom, and that gears select easily.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost clutch replacement

    Sources: carsguide.com.au (opens in a new tab)

  7. Noisy 6 speed gearbox

    The Spec R 6 speed has been noisy from new, but this does not seem to lead to mechanical trouble.

    Where to look
    The gearbox under the centre console
    How to test
    Listen on the drive, and change through every gear checking for crunching or jumping out of gear, which point to wear.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Low cost a trait more than a fault

    Sources: carsguide.com.au (opens in a new tab)

General guidance from owner and specialist sources. Check the specific car with an independent inspection. Researched 3 November 2026.

What the cost bands mean
  • Low: a small job. Typically a few hundred dollars or less at an NZ workshop, often a DIY fix.
  • Medium: a proper workshop job. Typically several hundred to a couple of thousand dollars.
  • High: a major job. Typically several thousand dollars or more, enough to change what the car is worth.

Service items

Questions to ask the seller

  • Is it a Spec R or Spec S, and does the engine code match?
  • Has it been drifted or tracked?
  • Is the diff standard, and is it the helical LSD?
  • Is the turbo and boost standard, and has the ECU been changed?
  • Has it had any crash repairs?

New Zealand notes

  • S15s in NZ are Japanese imports. Compare the export certificate odometer with the dash.
  • Modified cars need LVVTA certification for many changes; ask to see the plate.

An S15 suits a buyer after the last and most sought after Silvia who will pay for a straight, standard car.

US recalls

Looking up US recall data.

Nissan 200SX · Every Nissan model · Every make · Open in Redline search