Nissan Vanette Cargo Reviews

I lost the master key, and was told after market keys don't always work. So I bought one from the Nissan dealer for £195.

Driver's seat base has split on the off side.

The paint on the door is all scratched where the seat belt flies back when unlocked.

I've got through 2 sets of heater plugs, but that's the only thing that's ever gone wrong with engine.

The engine RPM seems too high for the speed the van is travelling at. It almost feels as if it should have a 6 speed gearbox.

When doing anything more than about 50 mph, it's almost impossible to hold a conversation with the passenger for engine noise.

All the plastic trims have broken by the loading doors; should have been made of aluminium.

As far as load carrying capacity, apart from 1 metre cubes, I think I could get more stuff in my old Mondeo estate car, and I didn't need a permit with the car to go to the local tip, to get rid of house hold waste (which really does annoy me)!!!

I like the ride height, it feels as if you're high up in a truck, but you are not.

Drivers seat covering worn through on right-hand outer edge. Fitted HD seat covers.

Water temperature rises and falls for no reason.

Radio reception from OE radio/cassette is very dependent on conditions - summed-up, poor to adequate.

Front axle steering ball joints replaced. Cheap and easy to replace.

Rear non-alloy brake pipes rust, & are expensive to replace.

Rotted clutch hose replaced. Expensive but easy DIY.

Servicing items are low-cost and easily accessed for replacement. Breakers and eBay for big stuff.

The rear doors are very good for loading/unloading pallets, as they open to around 180 degrees. Having two side sliding doors has been a real bonus.

Entering the cabin is poor, no matter how short or tall the driver or passenger is, as the bodywork over the engine compartment intrudes, but it's OK when driving. Not good as a stop/start delivery vehicle really, but a nice high position for driving.

Accessing the engine for oil checks and/or oil top-up is a real pain, as a multitude of catches and a screw have to be released.

No rev counter, but the engine has masses of torque. 1st gear/10mph, 2nd/20, 3rd/30, then into fourth. Fifth won't take you any up-gradient. Noise is no problem on the open road, and it does a steady 70mph on motorways.

Small leakage from valve cover gasket, driver's seat started to wear badly...

Bought one for 400€ - year `98, and apart from a worn driver seat, it's almost SPOTLESS - a huge credit to the previous owner!!! Fully serviced, brand new tyres, clean inside etc. It's true that it's one noisy van, but try to use carpet under the rubber floor on the back and do the same in the front - where your feet are, and on the side of the seats under plastic covers. The difference is huge, compared to the original version ;)))

The other fact is a lack of power - but try to adjust the horizontally positioned bolt with the nut on the diesel pump, and you will be amazed with the result!!! Sure, the MPG will fall a bit, but you won't care since your `newly born` van will have decent power!!! Same trick for so called stupid revs (high revs after you start the van). Cheap, simple and can be easy fed with vegetable oil (you'd best filter used oil) Not a bad van overall! Considering the cost of purchase, that van pays itself off after two weeks!!!