1999 Nissan Bluebird: Everything you need to know before you buy

Nissan Bluebird 1999 is one of the most popular models of the Japanese manufacturer on the secondary market. This generational sedan U14, has become a legend due to its reliability, unpretentiousness and availability of spare parts. However, like any car of considerable age, it has its own characteristics that are important to consider before purchasing.

In 1999 Bluebird offered with several types of engines, including gasoline GA14DE, SR20DE and diesel CD20, as well as with a manual or automatic transmission. The car combined comfort, dynamics and efficiency, which made it attractive both for family use and for taxis. But time takes its toll: today, many specimens require careful inspection before purchase.

In this article we will look at technical specifications, typical problems And operating features Nissan Bluebird 1999, and also give recommendations on selection and maintenance. If you are considering this car as a budget option, read on!

Technical specifications Nissan Bluebird U14 (1999)

The 1999 model belongs to the last generation releases U14, which was produced from 1996 to 2001. The car was offered in several trim levels, including the basic GL, average GXE and top SSS (with a sporty twist). Below are the key technical parameters:

• 🔧 Engines:
  • 🔥 GA14DE — 1.4 l, 87 hp (gasoline)
  • 🔥 SR20DE — 2.0 l, 150 hp (gasoline)
  • 🛢️ CD20 — 2.0 l, 75 hp (diesel)
• ⚙️ Gearboxes: 5-speed manual transmission or 4-speed automatic transmission
• 🚗 Drive: front (FWD) or full (Attesa E-TS in version SSS)
• ⚡ Acceleration 0-100 km/h: from 9.5 to 13.5 sec (depending on engine)
• ⛽ Fuel consumption: 6.5–10 l/100 km (city/highway)

The version with the engine deserves special attention SR20DE — this engine is known for its reliability and tuning potential. However diesel versions CD20 often suffer from problems with fuel equipment, especially when operating on low-quality diesel fuel.

Characteristics	GA14DE (1.4)	SR20DE (2.0)	CD20 (2.0D)
Power, hp	87	150	75
Max. torque, Nm	123	181	136
Fuel type	AI-92	AI-95	Diesel
Consumption (mixed), l/100 km	7.5	9.0	6.5

It is important to note that vehicles with all-wheel drive (Attesa E-TS) are more rare and tend to be more expensive to maintain due to the complexity of the system. If you do not plan to drive off-road, it is better to pay attention to the front-wheel drive versions.

Weaknesses and typical problems

Despite the reputation of a reliable car, Nissan Bluebird U14 has a number of typical “diseases” that appear with age. Here's what you should pay attention to during your inspection:

• ⚠️ Body corrosion: the most vulnerable are the sills, wheel arches, underbody and pillars. Cars operated in regions with salty roads are especially affected.
• ⚠️ Suspension: wear of silent blocks, ball joints and stabilizer struts is a standard problem after 200,000 km. Shock absorbers also often leak.
• ⚠️ Electrical: oxidation of contacts in the fuse box, problems with the generator and starter. In versions with automatic transmission it may fail box selector.
• ⚠️ Engine GA14DE: prone to overheating if the thermostat or radiator is faulty. There may also be oil when the valve stem seals wear out.
• ⚠️ Automatic: In automatic transmissions, solenoids and clutches often wear out. A characteristic symptom is jerking when changing gears.

The most critical problem — corrosion. Many examples already have through holes in the sills or arches, which makes their restoration economically impractical. Before buying, be sure to check the car on a lift or overpass - even if everything looks fine underneath, rust may be hidden under a layer of putty.

⚠️ Attention! If during inspection you find traces of fresh paint on the sills or arches, this is a sure sign that the seller is trying to hide corrosion. It is better to refuse such a purchase or carefully check the metal with a thickness gauge.

One more point - engine condition. Motors SR20DE may have problems with the timing chain (stretching after 200,000 km), and diesel CD20 often suffer from wear and tear on fuel injection pumps and injectors. Before purchasing, be sure to check the compression and listen to the engine run cold.

What to do if Bluebird won't start?

If the car does not start, first check:

1. Battery charge (must be at least 12.4 V).

2. Serviceability of the starter (there should be a distinct click when turning the key).

3. Presence of a spark on the candles (for gasoline versions).

4. Pressure in the fuel rail (for injection models).

If the problem is not resolved, the immobilizer or ECU (electronic control unit) may be faulty.

How to choose a Nissan Bluebird 1999 on the secondary market

Upon purchase Nissan Bluebird U14 It is important to take into account not only the technical condition, but also the history of the car. Here are the key points to pay attention to:

1. Mileage: the best option is up to 150,000 km. Cars with mileage over 200,000 km will require significant investment in repairs.
2. Service history: Having receipts and records of regular maintenance is a big plus. It is especially important to change the oil and timing belt on time.
3. Body condition: as mentioned, corrosion is the main problem. Pay attention to welds and panel joints.
4. Documents: check if the car is pawned or stolen. Also check whether there was an accident with serious damage to the body.

Prices for Nissan Bluebird 1999 range from 150,000 to 400,000 rubles, depending on condition, configuration and region. The cheapest offers usually hide serious problems, so don't chase the low price.

Checking the body for corrosion (sills, arches, underbody)|Test drive with checking the suspension and gearbox|Engine diagnostics (compression, oil pressure)|Checking documents (PTS, STS, ownership history)|Assessing the interior for wear and traces of a flood-->

If you are not confident in your knowledge, it is better to take an experienced mechanic with you for an inspection or use the services of an independent examination. This will help you avoid buying a “pig in a poke”.

⚠️ Attention! Be careful with cars that have been sitting idle for a long time. They often have problems with the fuel system (clogged injectors), brakes (sodden calipers) and rubber seals (drying and cracking).

Maintenance and repair: what the owner needs to know

Operation Nissan Bluebird U14 does not require extremely complex maintenance, but there are nuances that will help extend the life of the car:

• 🔧 Oil and filters: change the oil every 7,000–10,000 km, even if the car is rarely used. For SR20DE synthetics recommended 5W-30 or 5W-40.
• 🔥 Cooling system: antifreeze needs to be updated every 2 years or 40,000 km. Also monitor the condition of the radiator and pump - their wear can lead to overheating.
• ⚡ Electrical: Clean the battery and fuse box contacts once a year. Oxidation is a common cause of unstable electronics.
• 🛠️ Suspension: silent blocks and ball joints wear out by 100,000–150,000 km. Replacing them will cost 10,000–20,000 rubles (depending on the region).

Pay special attention gearbox. In manual transmissions, the clutch wears out over time (lifetime is about 150,000 km), and in automatic transmissions, the oil (every 60,000 km) and filter may need to be changed. If the automatic transmission begins to “kick” or lag with shifts, this is a reason for diagnosis.

For diesel versions (CD20) It is critical to use high-quality fuel and change the fuel filter on time. These engines are sensitive to water in the fuel, which can damage the injection pump.

Tuning and modernization of Nissan Bluebird U14

Thanks to its simple design and availability of spare parts, Nissan Bluebird 1999 is an excellent base for tuning. Here are some popular areas of modernization:

• 🏁 Engine:
  • Installation turbo kit on SR20DE (allows you to increase power to 200+ hp).
  • Replacing camshafts with sports ones (for example, Tomei or JUN).
  • ECU chip tuning to optimize the fuel map.
• 🚗 Suspension:
  • Installation low profile rubber and alloy wheels (for example, R16 or R17).
  • Replacing struts and springs with sports ones (for example, Tein or KYB).
• 🎨 Exterior:
  • Installation of body kits (for example, from Nismo or universal whales).
  • Window tinting and replacement of optics with LED.

The most popular option for tuning is the version with an engine SR20DE, since this engine has great potential and is well known in the tuning community. However Before installing the turbine, make sure that the engine is in good condition - otherwise you risk “killing” it within a few thousand kilometers.

For those who are not chasing speed, but want to improve comfort, you can consider:

• Installation leather interior (from more expensive configurations or universal kits).
• Modernization audio systems (replacing the radio with a modern one with support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto).
• Installation climate control (basic versions often lack air conditioning).

⚠️ Attention! When tuning the suspension (replacing it with stiffer struts or springs), keep in mind that this may negatively affect comfort when driving on bad roads. The best option is to use adjustable shock absorbers, which allow you to adjust the stiffness to the conditions.

Comparison with competitors: which is better to choose?

In 1999 Nissan Bluebird U14 competed with such models as Toyota Corolla E110, Honda Civic EK And Mazda 626 GF. Let's compare them based on key parameters:

Parameter	Nissan Bluebird U14	Toyota Corolla E110	Honda Civic EK	Mazda 626 GF
Engine reliability	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐
Comfort	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spare parts price	Average	Low	High	Average
Potential for tuning	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (SR20DE)	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (B16/B18)	⭐⭐⭐

Toyota Corolla E110 wins in reliability, but loses in dynamics and comfort. Honda Civic EK more sporty, but its engines (D16) are less durable than SR20DE. Mazda 626 GF offers a good balance, but parts are harder to find.

If you need reliable family car - choose Corolla. If you want dynamics and potential for tuning — Bluebird or Civic. For those who appreciate comfort and space, will do Mazda 626.

Where to buy spare parts and how much does it cost?

One of the main advantages Nissan Bluebird U14 is the availability of spare parts. They can be found in the following places:

• 🛒 Official dealers: original spare parts are expensive, but guaranteed to be of high quality. For example, a new radiator will cost 15,000–20,000 rubles.
• 🔧 Markets and showdowns: Used parts can be found 2-3 times cheaper. For example, a used generator costs 3,000–5,000 rubles.
• 🌍 Online stores:
  • Exist.ru — wide range of non-original spare parts.
  • Autodoc.ru — convenient search by VIN code.
  • AliExpress — cheap consumables (filters, candles), but the quality may be lower.
• 🏗️ Specialized workshops: many service stations work specifically with Japanese cars and can offer spare parts at wholesale prices.

Cost of basic consumables and repairs:

Spare part/work	Cost (original)	Cost (non-original)
Oil filter	800–1 200 ₽	300–500 ₽
Brake pads (front)	3 000–4 500 ₽	1 200–2 000 ₽
Timing belt (set)	5 000–7 000 ₽	2 500–4 000 ₽
Clutch replacement	15 000–20 000 ₽	8 000–12 000 ₽
Engine overhaul	80 000–120 000 ₽	50 000–80 000 ₽

When purchasing spare parts, pay attention to catalog numbers. For example, for an engine SR20DE the original oil filter has a part number 15208-65F00, and its analogues - Mann W712/94 or Bosch 0 451 103 336.

⚠️ Attention! When purchasing used spare parts at a disassembly site, always check their functionality. For example, the generator or starter can be checked on a stand, and the suspension can be checked for the absence of play.

FAQ: Nissan Bluebird 1999 Frequently Asked Questions

Which engine is better to choose: GA14DE or SR20DE?

GA14DE - more economical and easier to maintain, but weak for such a car. SR20DE more dynamic, more reliable and has potential for tuning. If you need a car “for every day” - take the 1.4. If you want power and safety margin - 2.0.

How long does an automatic transmission last?

The service life of the automatic transmission depends on driving style and regular maintenance. With timely oil changes (every 60,000 km), the gearbox can last 200,000–250,000 km. If the oil has not been changed, the risk of breakdown increases after 150,000 km.

Is it possible to install HBO on a Nissan Bluebird 1999?

Yes, but with reservations. On the engine GA14DE HBO is installed without problems. For SR20DE more complex tuning will be required, since the motor is sensitive to detonation. Diesel versions (CD20) are not intended for gas.

What kind of oil should I put in the engine?

For GA14DE Semi-synthetic is suitable 10W-40 (For example, Lukoil Luxe). For SR20DE It's better to use synthetics 5W-30 or 5W-40 (For example, Mobil 1 or Castrol Edge). In diesel CD20 fill with approved oil CF-4.

Should you buy a 1999 Nissan Bluebird today?

If you need an inexpensive, repairable car with good dynamics - yes. However, be prepared to invest in body and suspension. This is an excellent option for the city, but for long trips it is better to choose something weaker.