Chassis Code Explained
| Segment | Meaning | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| F | Body class | — |
| G | Engine designation | — |
| Y | Platform series | Y-platform Nissan large sedan |
| 31 | Generation code | 31 — first Cima generation (1988–1991) |
The Y31 Cima used the VG30DET 3.0L twin-cam turbocharged V6; RWD and AWD (FGNY31) variants were offered. The Cima was positioned above the Cedric/Gloria and below the President.
Technical Specifications
Engine Options
| Chassis | Engine | Displacement | Power — JDM | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FGY31/FPAY31/FGNY31 | VG30DET | 3.0L | 255PS @ 6000rpm | Turbo V6; boost varies by market/year |
| FHY31 | VG30DE | 3.0L | 200PS @ 6000rpm | NA V6; spec varies by year/grade |
Livability
- Headroom
- 37.5"
- Good up front; sunroof cars lose ~1"
- Rear Seats
- Spacious
- Rear legroom strong; middle seat is poor
- Cargo
- 15.0 cu ft
- Big trunk but hinges intrude; no fold-down
Variants & Trims
| Generation | Trim | Engine | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Y31 (FGY31/FPAY31/FGNY31) 1988-1991 | Type I | VG30DET | Digital dash, air suspension (opt), active audio (opt) |
| Y31 (FGY31/FPAY31/FGNY31) 1988-1991 | Type II | VG30DET | Higher spec interior, air suspension (opt), LSD (opt) |
| Y31 (FGY31/FPAY31/FGNY31) 1988-1991 | Type III | VG30DET | Top grade, air suspension, traction control (opt) |
| Y31 (FHY31) 1988-1991 | Type I | VG30DE | Digital dash, power seats, ABS (opt) |
| Y31 (FHY31) 1988-1991 | Type II | VG30DE | Higher spec trim, ABS (opt), LSD (opt) |
| Y31 (FHY31) 1988-1991 | Type III | VG30DE | Top grade, premium audio, air suspension (opt) |
Should You Buy a Nissan Cima Y31?
Why You Might Not
- Air suspension failures Air struts, compressors, and height sensors age; conversion to coils is common but affects originality.
- Aging electronics/trim Climate control, displays, seat modules, and interior plastics can be hard to source in the US.
- Fuel economy and taxes Large displacement V8s drink fuel; Japan ownership taxes pushed many to neglect later in life.
- Rust and underbody wear Coastal/snow-region cars can hide corrosion; check subframes, sills, and suspension mounts.
- Narrower buyer pool Luxury sedans sell slower than sports cars; heavily modified builds can limit resale audience.
- Deferred maintenance risk Cheap entry prices led to skipped servicing; timing, cooling, and bushings may be overdue.
Who Should NOT Buy This
- Anyone needing easy parts at local stores
- Buyers without a JDM-capable scan tool
- People who can't tolerate electrical gremlins
- Those who won't budget $2k/yr for catch-up work
- Rust-belt buyers without indoor storage
- Drivers wanting modern crash safety/ADAS
- Anyone who needs strong fuel economy
- Owners who won't do proactive cooling service
- People who hate chasing suspension clunks
- Anyone avoiding premium fuel costs
- Buyers needing dealer support and recalls
- Those who must pass strict emissions testing
- People who can't handle long repair downtime
- Anyone expecting 'turn-key' reliability at 20+ yrs
- Drivers who want sporty handling over comfort
- Buyers who can't pay for air suspension repairs
- People who need folding rear seats for cargo
- Anyone with no trusted import/JDM mechanic nearby
- Owners who won't replace aging rubber hoses/seals
- People sensitive to cabin noise from worn seals
Common Issues & Solutions
| Issue | Cause | Solution | Est. Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air strut leaks/sagging | Aging rubber bags, cracked bellows, dry rot | Replace air struts; inspect lines; recalibrate | $1200-3500 |
| Compressor runs constantly | Air leak or weak compressor/dryer saturated | Leak test; replace compressor + dryer; fix leaks | $700-1800 |
| Height sensor/link failure | Broken plastic links, corroded sensor pivots | Replace links/sensors; clean mounts; calibrate | $200-700 |
| Front brake shimmy | Torn tension rod hydro-bushings, warped rotors | Replace tension rods/bushes; rotors/pads; align | $500-1200 |
| Rear inner tire wear | Worn rear toe/camber arm bushings, bad alignment | Replace arms/bushings; 4-wheel alignment | $600-1600 |
| Steering rack leak | Worn rack seals; torn boots trap grit | Rebuild/replace rack; flush fluid; new boots | $900-2000 |
| PS pump whine/aeration | Suction hose O-ring leak, low fluid, worn pump | Replace suction hose/O-ring; flush; pump if needed | $150-700 |
| Timing chain rattle | Worn guides/tensioner from poor oil maintenance | Replace chains/guides/tensioners; inspect sprockets | $1500-3500 |
| Oil leaks valve covers | Hardened gaskets, PCV restriction raising pressure | Valve cover gaskets; service PCV; clean breathers | $300-900 |
| Rear main seal seep | Age/hard seal; crankcase pressure; high mileage | Replace seal during trans-out; address PCV | $900-1800 |
| Overheating at idle | Radiator clog, weak fan clutch/module, air in system | New radiator; verify fans; proper bleed; thermostat | $400-1200 |
| Radiator end tank crack | Plastic aging and heat cycling | Replace radiator and cap; inspect hoses | $300-800 |
| Heater core seep/odor | Corrosion, old coolant, electrolysis | Replace heater core; flush system; new coolant | $900-1800 |
| Misfires under load | Aging coilpacks, oil in plug wells, worn plugs | Plugs + coils; fix valve cover leaks; clear trims | $300-900 |
| MAF/lean codes | Dirty MAF, intake boot cracks, vacuum leaks | Smoke test; replace boots; clean/replace MAF | $150-600 |
| Catalyst efficiency codes | Aging cats from misfires/oil burning | Fix root cause; replace cats/O2 as needed | $800-2500 |
| AT shift flare/harshness | Old ATF, valve body wear, solenoid issues | Correct ATF service; adapt reset; valve body repair | $300-2200 |
| Torque converter shudder | Degraded ATF, worn lockup clutch | ATF exchange; add cooler; converter if persists | $250-1800 |
| Delayed D/R engagement | Internal seal wear, low line pressure, old fluid | Pressure test; service; rebuild if severe | $300-4500 |
| Diff pinion seal leak | Aged seal, worn yoke surface, overfilled diff | Replace seal; sleeve yoke if grooved; refill | $250-700 |
| Driveshaft vibration | Worn center support bearing or U-joint play | Replace CSB or driveshaft assembly; balance | $400-1200 |
| ABS/VDC warning lights | Wheel speed sensor failure or cracked tone ring | Scan; replace sensor/repair wiring; clean hubs | $150-700 |
| Brake hard line corrosion | Road salt; trapped moisture at clips | Replace lines; flush fluid; inspect calipers | $400-1500 |
| Window regulator failure | Worn cables/plastic guides; dry tracks | Replace regulator; lube channels; check switches | $200-600 |
| Door lock actuator failure | Weak motor/gears; high cycle count | Replace actuator; verify keyless module output | $200-700 |
| Cluster pixel/backlight | Aging LCD ribbon or bulbs/LED driver failure | Cluster repair service; reflow ribbon; replace LEDs | $150-500 |
| HID flicker/no start | Failing ballast/igniter or tired bulbs | Replace bulbs in pairs; ballast/igniter as needed | $200-900 |
| Battery drain overnight | Trunk/door module sleep issue, aftermarket audio | Parasitic draw test; repair module/wiring; remove add-ons | $150-800 |
| HVAC blend door clicking | Stripped actuator gears or stuck door | Replace actuator; free door; recalibrate | $200-700 |
| AC weak at idle | Low charge, condenser blockage, weak compressor | Leak test; recharge; replace condenser/compressor | $200-1500 |
| Sunroof drain overflow | Clogged drains; cracked drain tubes | Clear drains; replace tubes; dry interior thoroughly | $100-500 |
| Trunk water intrusion | Tail light seals, trunk gasket, body seam cracks | Reseal lights/seams; replace gasket; treat rust | $150-800 |
| Ground/connector corrosion | Water intrusion, salt exposure, poor prior repairs | Clean grounds; repair pins; dielectric grease | $100-600 |
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Critical Priority
High Priority
Medium Priority
Low Priority
Generation History
FPAY31 Cima (Y31) (1988-1991)
- Bubble-era flagship; strong VIP cachet
- VG30DET turbo V6 on many trims
- Classic boxy styling; period-correct luxury
- Early electronics; age-related upkeep common
HGY51 Cima (Y51-based) (2012-2021)
- Hybrid-only (VQ35 + motor) in Japan
- Shared architecture with Fuga/Cima hybrid
- Excellent economy for size; battery aging risk
- Not 25-year import relevant for many buyers
Sales Numbers by Year
| Year | Domestic | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1988 | 36,400 | First-year Y31 sales — the 'Cima phenomenon' figure (per Wikipedia) |
| 1991 | — | Y31 → Y32 transition August 1991; first-generation total ~129,000 units cumulative (per Wikipedia) |
Market Data
Production Numbers & Rarity
| Generation | Years | Total Built | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Y31 | 1988-1991 | estimated ~60,000 | Estimate; exact factory totals not public |
| HGY51 | 2012-2021 | estimated ~10,000 | Estimate; low-volume hybrid-only run |
Sources & References
Sources (8)
- Nissan Cima — encyclopedic overview (history, generations, Cima phenomenon) — Wikipedia Verified
- Infiniti Q45 — export sibling reference — Wikipedia Verified
- Nissan President — JDM flagship sibling (VH45DE / shared F50 platform) — Wikipedia Verified
- Nissan VG engine family (VG30DE, VG30DET) — Wikipedia Verified
- Nissan VH engine family (VH41DE, VH45DE) — Wikipedia Verified
- Nissan VK engine family (VK45DD direct injection) — Wikipedia Verified
- Japanese asset price bubble — economic context for the Cima phenomenon — Wikipedia Verified
- Nissan Cima: The Ultimate Guide — JDMBUYSELL Verified
Sources last verified: