Nissan Exalta GS/LS/STA what's the difference?

[Cinematographer]

Good day tsikoteers,

Ano po ba yung difference nung mga lnissan exalta na GS / LS / STA Grandeur etc...? I just want to ID my sister-in-law's exalta it has no markings already. It's CR says it a 2001 model but it was acquired 2002. It has an automatic transmission, power windows and an alarm. It doesnt have wood trimmings, it doesn't have a sun roof nor a LCD/VCD Player and Im not sure if it has airbags. All info are welcome.

Thanks in advance!

[OTEP]

2001 and 02 is still the first generation Exalta. The ones based on the Nissan Sentra Series III whose body code is B14.

There were only SLA and STA Exaltas that time. SLA's didn't have leather. However, there was a VERY limited run of Sentras called 151's. They came out the same time as the Exaltas but were basically old Sentra Super Saloons dressed up a bit with the Japanese market front and rear end and Exalta wheels. The 151's still had a gray interior (Exaltas were gray). More basic Sentras (e.g. the basic FE model) shared the same basic body with the Exalta but didn't have much in terms of luxury features.

GS/LS/Grandeur only came out with the second generation Exalta based on the N16 platform.

A picture would really help.

[Egan101]

The Exalta STA came out 1999-2000 and was based on the Series 3 platform or commonly called by its chassis/model number (B14). It came out together with the SLA (manual), EX (1.4L), and the FE (1.3L) models. These models were the second generation of the Series 3 platform but they 1.6L engine used was the same, GA16. The STA was the top of the line model with sunroof, VCD HU with LCD, leather seats, rear sensors, and a lot of amenities and widgets.

The N16 platform came during 2001 and still being used on the current Sentra. The first generation N16s (2001 to 2003) were usually called the Grandeur series. The top of the line version was the Grandeur (GS). It had a VCD HU with LCD, leather seats, and same amenities as the STA, but had no sunroof. Another GS model was also introduced, the Superio. It had the sunroof but no VCD HU with LCD and no leather seats but with same amenities as the STA. The lower end models were the LS (manual 1.6L) and the GX (1.3L). In 2003, a different GS model was introduced and, it had no sunroof and no VCD HU with LCD.

The second generation of N16s were introduced in 2004. It had a new horizontal grill and a different tail end. Models released were the GS, GSX, and GX.

[shute_boxe]

meron po ba 2001 exalta EX saloon? somebody offered us this model for an attractive price. thanks

[niky]

Still basically the same 1.6, but the Exalta STA (not sure about the SLA) had VTC (variable timing cam).... didn't do much good, given the sluggish automatic. The FE doesn't have this, being a carburated GA13.

Most likely that's just an EX... many people call them Exalta EX or Exalta FEs just to clarify the fact that they're from the facelifted family that includes the Exalta.

Some of the Exalta models were sold until 2001... the STA was sold side by side with the Grandeur.

[BlueBimmer]

hey anyone remember the brad pitt ad sa series 3 sentra? parang may nakita ako sa tv dati..la lang feeling upscale tuloy ang sentra

[guwardiya]

So is it any good in terms of consumption (the AT model) and in terms of maintenance (madalas ba?)? 'di pa kasi ako naka try ng nissan pero interested ako sa Exalta STA

[niky]

The STA is a very, very comfortable car (in fact, the seats might be too soft for long distance runs... not enough support...) with great airconditioning, nice leather and lots of toys, but most STAs are now 8 years old.

Check the Idle air control valve, the Mass Airflow Sensor and the alternator and battery... see how well they run... Check that both auxiliary and main fan work.

Make sure there's very little shift-shock when you drive (better if there's none at all)... don't worry if it's slow, that's normal. In fact, it's even slower with the aircon on.

The power-steering pump will usually kick-back at idle or in turns... that's normal... on this over-accessorized engine, load is always an issue, as there are a lot of accessories putting load on the alternator, and the aircon compressor takes a lot of power from the engine (I used to call the "A/C Off" button the "turbo"... ). That's why you need to check the alternator and battery carefully. Listen for sounds from the Aircon and feel for any weirdness... you don't want to deal with compressor problems, as Nissan compressors are usually expensive to replace.

The STA's suspension is very soft, so listen for sounds from the back that could indicate busted bushings. The brakes are pathetic, but they should still stop you. Romp on them once on the test drive (warn the owner if you're going to do this!) to see if the ABS still works.

Check that all the windows and the sunroof work... motors tend to get weak over time. The power antenna may not go all the way down, anymore, but that's a thousand peso trip to Banaue, so it's not a big deal.

The beige interior is a b*tch to care for, check that the leather is in decent shape. Minor interior panel looseness is okay, it's something you can fix at home with a screwdriver and mounting tape, but check that the shifter is still in one piece... STA's have a shifter made of really delicate rubber, and it tends to disintegrate if the driver holds it with dirty hands (from experience). The CD-Changer may or may not work anymore (expected on an old car), but make sure the automatic climate control does, as that's harder to replace.

The STA is like a micro-Cefiro... it's a very comfortable car, with good legs and easy handling. But finding one in pristine mechanical and electrical condition takes a lot of hunting. It's a nice car, if you really want the luxury, but you'll have to put up with the hassle of keeping it in good condition.

[pump_mann]

Originally Posted by BlueBimmer

hey anyone remember the brad pitt ad sa series 3 sentra? parang may nakita ako sa tv dati..la lang feeling upscale tuloy ang sentra

sir, i think you are referring to the altis. Shake your bon bon...