The 1989 Nissan Pulsar NX came from a period when compact Japanese cars blended efficiency, sharp styling, and a more engaging road feel than many economy cars of the era. Its distinctive shape and trim-level split make tire selection more specific than it first appears, because this model uses two different radial fitments depending on sub-model. The SE uses 195/60R14, while the XE uses 185/70R13. That means the choice is not just about brand, but also about confirming the correct wheel diameter, sidewall style, and tire series for the exact car. For owners preserving an original look or refreshing a driver, matching the proper size to the right trim is the first step.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1989 Nissan Pulsar NX
The 1989 Nissan Pulsar NX uses two primary tire sizes, and the correct one depends on the exact sub-model. The key first step is confirming whether the car is an SE with a 14-inch wheel or an XE with a 13-inch wheel, since both fitments are radial but they do not share the same rim diameter. Once that is settled, the decision shifts to choosing the right brand, tire series, and sidewall presentation within the proper size.
A 195/60R14 tire uses a 195-millimeter section width, a 60-series aspect ratio, radial construction, and a 14-inch rim. On the 1989 Nissan Pulsar NX, this is the SE fitment and reflects a lower-profile radial size than the XE's 13-inch setup. Available choices in this size are centered on a blackwall Michelin MXV3-A, giving the buyer a focused, modern-era style option within the correct dimensions. This size is the one to evaluate when the car retains its SE wheel package and the goal is to preserve the intended rim diameter and overall tire character.
A 185/70R13 tire uses a 185-millimeter section width, a 70-series aspect ratio, radial construction, and a 13-inch rim. On the 1989 Nissan Pulsar NX, this size belongs to the XE and brings the broadest selection, including blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall options across several vintage and specialty radial series. BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein all appear in this fitment. This is the size to review when the car still uses its 13-inch wheels and the buyer wants either a straightforward blackwall replacement or a more appearance-driven period-style look.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1989 Nissan Pulsar NX because the SE and XE do not use the same tire size or the same wheel diameter. Identifying the exact trim before choosing tires helps avoid mixing a 13-inch fitment with a 14-inch setup.
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1989 Nissan Pulsar NX SE
The 1989 Nissan Pulsar NX SE uses a 195/60R14 radial tire on a 14-inch wheel. Tire selection here is more straightforward, with the main focus being correct size confirmation and choosing a suitable blackwall radial for the car's existing wheel setup.
The 1989 Nissan Pulsar NX XE uses a 185/70R13 radial tire on a 13-inch wheel. This fitment offers more variety, so the choice often comes down to whether the car needs a simple blackwall replacement or a more restoration-oriented sidewall style such as redline or wide whitewall.
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Best 1989 Nissan Pulsar NX Tires for Sale
Available 1989 Nissan Pulsar NX tires vary by sub-model, with a single Michelin blackwall option in 195/60R14 for the SE and a broader 185/70R13 selection for the XE from BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein. The 13-inch choices also vary by tire series, sidewall style, and rim-width specifications.
These FAQs focus on the two tire sizes used on the 1989 Nissan Pulsar NX, the difference between SE and XE fitment, available radial choices, appearance considerations, and the wheel and condition checks worth making before road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1989 Nissan Pulsar NX?
The 1989 Nissan Pulsar NX uses two different radial tire sizes depending on sub-model. The SE uses 195/60R14, while the XE uses 185/70R13. Those sizes are tied to different wheel diameters, so they are not the same fitment expressed in different ways.
The practical first step is confirming which trim the car is and checking the actual wheel diameter on the vehicle. Many older cars have had wheels changed over time, so the safest approach is to match the tire size to the car's present wheel setup rather than assuming every 1989 Pulsar NX uses the same tire.
What size rim does a 1989 Nissan Pulsar NX use?
A 1989 Nissan Pulsar NX can use either a 14-inch rim or a 13-inch rim, depending on sub-model. The SE uses the 195/60R14 fitment on a 14-inch wheel, and the XE uses the 185/70R13 fitment on a 13-inch wheel.
Rim diameter should be verified before ordering tires because a 13-inch tire cannot be mounted on a 14-inch wheel, and the reverse is also true. Checking the wheel itself is especially important on a car of this age, since aftermarket wheels or sub-model swaps can change what the car currently needs.
Do all 1989 Nissan Pulsar NX sub-models use the same tire size?
No, the 1989 Nissan Pulsar NX sub-models do not use the same tire size. The SE uses 195/60R14 radial tires, while the XE uses 185/70R13 radial tires. The difference is tied to both tire dimensions and wheel diameter.
That means the right tire choice starts with identifying the exact sub-model and confirming the wheels on the car. Once that is done, selection becomes much easier because the buyer can focus on the correct fitment and then compare tire series, sidewall style, and other product details within the proper size.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1989 Nissan Pulsar NX?
Start with the correct size for the exact sub-model: 195/60R14 for the SE or 185/70R13 for the XE. From there, compare the available radial options by wheel compatibility, sidewall style, tire series, and any useful product details such as rim-width range, weight, or stated load figures.
Appearance and intended use matter as much as the size itself. A blackwall radial may suit a clean driver-style presentation, while a redline or wide whitewall can change the visual character of an XE significantly. Matching the tire to the car's trim, wheels, and overall look usually leads to a better result than choosing by brand name alone.
What sidewall styles are available for 1989 Nissan Pulsar NX tires?
Sidewall style depends on which tire size the car uses. The 195/60R14 SE fitment is represented by a blackwall option, while the 185/70R13 XE fitment includes blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall choices. That gives the 13-inch setup much more flexibility in visual presentation.
For many buyers, sidewall style is less about performance than about how the car looks from the curb. A blackwall keeps the appearance understated, while redline or wide whitewall options create a more customized or period-style impression. The right choice depends on whether the car is being refreshed as a driver, a nostalgic cruiser, or a more appearance-focused project.
What brands offer tires for the 1989 Nissan Pulsar NX?
Tire choices for the 1989 Nissan Pulsar NX include Michelin, BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, and Vredestein, depending on the size. The 195/60R14 SE fitment is represented by Michelin, while the 185/70R13 XE fitment has the wider brand spread across several specialty and vintage-style radial offerings.
Brand is only one part of the decision. It still helps to compare the actual tire series, sidewall treatment, and wheel-width compatibility for the specific size your car uses. Two tires from different brands may both be correct in size, but they can suit very different goals in terms of appearance and overall vehicle presentation.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1989 Nissan Pulsar NX?
A period-style choice starts with using the correct size for the exact trim: 195/60R14 for the SE or 185/70R13 for the XE. On the XE, the broader selection makes it easier to choose a tire that supports a more era-conscious look, whether that means a simple blackwall or a more distinctive sidewall treatment.
Appearance goals should guide the final decision once the fitment is confirmed. A blackwall usually keeps the presentation closest to a restrained late-1980s look, while redline or wide whitewall options create a more customized statement. When exact originality matters, comparing the car against period photos, sales literature, or marque-specific references is worthwhile before settling on a sidewall style.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1989 Nissan Pulsar NX?
On the 1989 Nissan Pulsar NX, the primary fitments are radial tires, so the construction itself already aligns with the vehicle's era. The more noticeable appearance difference usually comes from the tire's profile, sidewall styling, and series character rather than a bias-ply-versus-radial decision.
That makes details such as blackwall, redline, or wide whitewall more important to the finished look, especially on the XE's 185/70R13 fitment. Choosing a radial that matches the car's intended presentation can help the restoration feel visually cohesive without making unsupported claims about exact factory originality for a particular brand or sidewall treatment.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1989 Nissan Pulsar NX?
Yes, modifications can change what fits a 1989 Nissan Pulsar NX even when the original size is known. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, different offsets, lowering, suspension work, or body alterations can all affect clearance and may change how a 195/60R14 or 185/70R13 tire sits on the car.
That is why it helps to inspect the car as it exists now rather than relying only on model-year fitment. Wheel diameter should be confirmed first, then check sidewall clearance at full steering lock and through normal suspension travel. A modified car may still use the stock size, but the actual setup needs to be verified before mounting new tires.
What should I inspect before driving a 1989 Nissan Pulsar NX on new tires?
Before road use, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the tire size matches the wheel diameter, and make sure the tires seat properly and hold pressure. It is also smart to check alignment-related wear items, valve stems, and basic suspension condition so the new tires are not compromised immediately.
A longer visual check is worthwhile on an older car. Look for rubbing at the fenders or struts, verify even clearance from side to side, and confirm the lug hardware is correct for the wheels being used. After the first drives, recheck pressure and inspect the tread surface for any signs of scuffing or irregular contact.
How should tires on a collector-era 1989 Nissan Pulsar NX be maintained?
Tires on a collector-era 1989 Nissan Pulsar NX should be kept properly inflated, inspected regularly, and protected from long periods of sun, moisture, and ozone exposure. Even on a car that is driven sparingly, sidewalls and tread should be checked for cracking, cuts, bulges, or signs of air loss.
Low annual mileage can hide tire aging, so condition matters as much as tread depth. It helps to move the car occasionally, keep the storage area clean and dry, and inspect the tires before each outing rather than assuming they are ready because the car has been parked. That routine is especially important before highway use or a longer trip.
