What if I told you, that you can buy a plush, comfortable and fairly modern Japanese car for less than RM 17,000? One that's far more comfortable than the equivalent Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla Altis. The Nissan Sylphy is one such car, when depreciation works in your favour. But which is the Sylphy for you? Let's find out.

Which one to get?

The Nissan Sylphy sold for 2 generations in Malaysia, the earlier G11 (2008 - 2014) and the later B17 (2014 - 2017). We've taken the liberty of simplifying things for you in the table below.

Both models have very similar characteristics, in that they both are supremely comfortable cars to waft in. In fact, none of its rivals of that period (Honda Civic FD - FB, Toyota Corolla Altis E140 - E170) were anywhere near as cosseting as the Sylphy. Sporty, the Sylphy is not, despite what Impul wanted you to believe. 

Equipment wise, the range-toppers of both generations had plenty of kit, as detailed in the table below. One curious omission in both models is ISOFIX anchors for child seats.

Both the G11 and B17 Sylphy boast outstanding cabin space, front, back and in the boot also. This adds to the comfort and refinement factor. One noteworthy sidenote, the early G11 models had a predominantly beige interior (yes, the steering too!). If you want a black interior, look at the later model years of the G11. 

Personally, I'd plump for the B17 just because it has sharper looks and a more modern cabin. In saying that, you can always save some money by going for the G11 model. In any case, you won't go wrong with either generation. As always, we recommend buying from a private owner, as the car's history would be more transparent and there is less likelihood of hanky-panky.

Also read: We love the Nissan Almera, but there's one thing even the aftermarket can't fix

Maintenance and common problems

To give you a real-world account of the Sylphy's maintenance, we spoke to Mr Noel from Nissan specialists JTech Autoserv. Since the G11 and B17 models had different powertrains and major components, Noel generously gave us helpful insights to what issues to look out for. 

Suspension

Starting with the G11, a suspension refresh is recommended, given the age of the cars. This is simply due to the mileage that G11 cars have clocked. That means components like dampers, mounts, bushings all need to be changed. Budget around RM 3,000 - 3,500 to ensure years of trouble-free comfort.

Being the newer model, the B17 models do not need such a major suspension overhaul, most of the time. Noel says he has done a full suspension refresh on B17s before as well, albeit with less frequency. 

Engine

In the powertrain department, the G11's engine mounts would've been worn by now and need replacing (RM 700). Similarly, the MR20DE 2.0-litre engines of this generation would start to show signs of oil leak. Thus, the associated seals and covers are also in need of new ones, costing in the region of RM 500.

No such issues with the B17's MRA8DE 1.8-litre powerplant. According to Noel, they're pretty robust and have no major problems up till now. 

Transmission

As for the CVT gearbox, Noel says that failures in both generations are not unheard of. This is generally due to poor maintenance more than anything. In this case, a transmission replacement is recommended, as a rebuild would cost more time and money. JTech can source a rebuilt or half cut one for you, and the cost (see table below) would depend on the condition of the replacement.

If said CVT is still running fine, Noel recommends adding an transmission oil cooler (RM 800 - RM 850) for the G11 cars (B17s were factory-fitted with it) to further prolong the lifespan of the transmission. The key to keeping this CVT box' healthy is religious fluid changes, which should happen every 40,000 kms. This also applies to both G11 and B17 models.

Both the G11 and B17 models also suffer from a failing gear selector bush. Although common, this is a relatively inexpensive and minor fix. Below are prices quoted by Jtech Autoserve for the aforementioned components, inclusive of labour.

Conclusion

To me, the Nissan Sylphy is criminally underrated and unappreciated. That's because the qualities both models bring to the table are exactly what the carbuying public seeks: comfort, refinement, waftability in a solid, dependable package. Qualities that I now find in the current Nissan Almera (in case you didn't know, I rate it very, very highly).

Also read: Underrated gem. Why the all-new N18 Nissan Almera sells less than Honda City?

From RM 17k - RM 60k, there's not much wrong you can do choosing to put a Nissan Sylphy in your garage. It's not the sportiest, most entertaining car you'll ever come across. But very few cars, at this price range, can do what the Sylphy does so well, which is to isolate you from the outside world, and making sure your journey is one that is supremely relaxing.