fun but practical

To begin with, I need to point out that I drive the SE-R spec 200sx. The SE-R model comes equipped with bigger wheels, wider tires, a stiffer suspension, a close-ratio 5-speed manual transmission, and above all, the 140 horsepower SR20DE engine. Without these extras, the 200sx is a stylish coupe without a trace of any high performance tendencies.
That said, the SE-R is great car to drive. It handles as better than most front-wheel drive cars I've driven. The stiff suspension and grippy tires allow this car to really carve up back roads. The brakes are absolutely incredible. I've had to make some panic stops in this car that I'm not sure I would have been able to pull off in many other cars. I would like to have more power, though. While the 140 bhp of the stock engine is adequate, a little more would be nice. However, one can find a number of performance upgrades without looking very hard.
It's clear that this car's performance is closely tied to its weight. One trip in the highway and cabin/tire noise will betray the lack of sound insulation between the driver and the road. Also, with a full trunk, a 200sx might have some trouble keeping up with traffic.
As far as repairs go, this car has been relatively cheap. I've only needed a few minor things fixed. However, the overall build quality is not on the same level as the Toyota I owned previously. Also, I highly recommend that owners of SE-R model 200sx's look into snow tires if the climate is appropriate. The stock Dunlops absolutely CANNOT be used in wintery conditions. (Speaking of tires, when the Dunlops wear-out, excellent alternatives can be found for less money.)