Nissan Figaro long-term Part 8: Sold!

Name: Nissan Figaro long-term Part 8: Sold!
Item: Nissan Figaro
Author: Dean Evans, Editor

Dean Evans, Editor

12 Dec 2024

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Specifications

See All See All

Body type	convertible
Fuel Consumption (l/100km)	7.4
Maximum power kW	58
Maximum torque Nm	106
0-100 km/h	12.8

It was a tough and greasy six months, but ended up being the happiest ending, and a new beginning for this 1991 Pale Aqua Nissan Figaro, FGR091.

Car ownership can be fleeting, sometimes for good reasons, sometimes less so. But when we set out to own a 1991 Nissan Figaro, six months ago, we knew there was some work to be done.

We found this one in Auckland, from a Nissan Figaro NZ Facebook page member, though it had its share of issues – none of which seemed terminal – it had a rust-free chassis (a Figaro sticking point in the UK), and mechanicals we we’re (hopefully) confident of refreshing and reviving.

Adrianne, the proud and happy new owner of FGR091.

We bought it for a price maybe a fraction over what we wanted, and brought it home as a gift, as their surprise dream car - at least once the bugs had been ironed out.

Smoking heavily under acceleration, a worn turbo was replaced, but that wasn’t the only culprit, with overfilled engine and gearbox oils also responsible.

We replaced lots of little things, still sold new through either Nissan Japan (via Amayama), or The Figaro Shop and the (now bought out) Garage FK10, both UK specialists. TradeMe and eBay were also good sources of smaller, generic parts.

Day 1 under Adrianne's new ownership - what a perfect way to start!

A new bonnet badge, seals, rubbers, cam belt, front crank seal and things as simple as tightening clamps on the power steering hoses arrested almost all the leaks, as persistent as some are. We even attempted to fix the classic radio/CD/tape deck, but a specialist deemed the tuner (and CD player) unfixable… at least without throwing thousands at it. So, the ‘fix’ was an $18 Bluetooth tape adaptor, which allows a smartphone to play through Figaro.

With part-time repairs, six months had flown by, and in that time, it was roadworthy enough to be gifted - though plans changed, so the Figaro became up for sale.

In Nov, FGR091 got together with some mates on the east coast, from the NZ Figaro owners club.

Thanks to the Figaro NZ enthusiasts, word quickly got out about FGR091 being for sale, and after posting it on the Facebook page, and paying almost $200(!) to past a basic ad on TradeMe, a very keen and enthusiastic buyer had a deposit down, and the car collected within 24 hours.

Adrianne, the new owner, turned out to be the absolute perfect buyer, with her daughters and pup, and with it collected same day, the car was driven four hours to its new owner.

Our 1991 Nissan Figaro, united with its new friends and family.

What was even more rewarding was Adrianne sending pics through the very next day, showing how much the Figaro was embraced by its new family, with gorgeous skies above the open roof.

A few weeks later, there was even a Figaro gathering where five of the 100+ still registered in NZ met up for a social get-together.

This Figaro was bought for love, and after six months of attention, that’s exactly what it got. A very happy final chapter for me, but the beginning of a new book for someone else. Farewell Figgy, your new life has begun.

Nissan Figaro long-term Part 1: A modern classic
Nissan Figaro long-term Part 2: Turbo recharged
Nissan Figaro long-term Part 3: Faults, fixes, fiddles & fame
Nissan Figaro long-term Part 4: Sounds much better
Nissan Figaro long-term Part 5: Fixing a fuel gauge
Nissan Figaro long-term Part 6: Belted & sealed
Nissan Figaro long-term Part 7: 0-100km/h with a boost

BREAK IT DOWN
1991 Nissan Figaro
ENGINE: 1.0-litre turbo petrol four
GEARBOX: 3-speed auto
POWER: 56kW/106Nm
0-100KM/H: 12.8 sec (tested)
ECONOMY: 7.4l/100km
WEIGHT: 810kg

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