1997 Nissan Vanette Cargo P3 from Hungary - Comments

After the first 15000 kms the differential had a very strange noise (The partly self-locking diff wasn't filled up with the correct amount, and make of oil). The dealer fixed it, but it only needed a week and it started from the beginning (they should have changed it, but they are still messing around, with strange ideas).

We also had problems with the gearbox as well. It was very hard work to get it in the gear you wanted. The dealers (because I have tried 3 different) appeared to be awful.

We also found these dealer services awfully expensive. I'm a car mechanic. I'm working with Alfas, Lancias, Fiats. I know that even these sporty Italian cars are a lot cheaper to service (roughly a third).

But the engine is the best part of the Vanette (2.3 naturally asp. Diesel). Stronger than expected, reliable, low on fuel, like a dream come true.

I think the only reason I will never buy a Nissan again is the dealers. It's a pity.

A useful, large vehicle, with a good engine. The optional rear seats are less comfy for longer distance, than the front ones. It can carry 1000 kgs without a problem. The most fantastic thing is, that even full loaded it only needed 7.5 litres/100 kms (average speed around 100km/h).

If you have one, do NOT take it to original dealers!! They are worth nothing. I am going to do it by myself.

This is an angry complaint about the non-availability of spares!!! I own a P reg Nissan Vanette Combi (converted for disabled use by Versa).

At one month old the remote gear change linkage cable snapped (at the gear stick end). I went to my local Nissan dealer to buy the spare part and was informed that there was not one in stock. The storeman then checked the Nissan stores database and found out that there was not one to be had in the whole of the UK. He then informed me that the item would need to be put on "Back Order" and that I could not expect the part until the 17th May 2001 (a delay of 1 month!!!). I found this to be appalling (certainly in the age of World Class Manufacturing). I grudgingly accepted the situation and paid for the part in advance. The vehicle meanwhile was off of the road and unusable (not acceptable as it is my only means of transport). When I turned up on the 17th May 2001 to collect my part I was informed by the dealership that the part had not arrived and there was not a replacement cable to be found in the whole of Europe!!! The storeman then said that he would have to order the part from the Nissan factory and he could not even give me a date as to when this part would arrive!! This is absolutely appalling and still my vehicle is off the road.

I wish my complaint to be heard at the highest level and do not want to be fobbed off with excuses. Why can't the part be ordered direct from the Nissan factory and flown over to the UK by the likes of UPS. They could have the part here within 24 hours if Nissan had a decent customer services department. This has certainly soured my impression of Nissan and I will probably not replace my vehicle with another Nissan when the time arrives to acquire a new vehicle. Also I will be telling all of my acquaintances of the situation. The problem with the gear linkage cable is a common known fault with this model so why have Nissan not arranged to have stocks updated & maintained to cover breakages.

Latest news from Nissan - they no longer manufacture this part!!! If it goes faulty then what can you do? You have a vehicle with no gearbox linkage. Please take note of this when buying. Lastly, has anyone out there got a spare gear linkage cable?

I also own a "P" Reg Vanette Cargo. I find it extremely good for towing and when in traffic jams due to the very low first and second gears. You can put it in first gear; take your foot off the throttle and relax. This vehicle will then dawdle at the same speed as the stationary traffic. That's amazing. No more good points, but that same very low gearing makes this van very noisy and very thirsty at anything over 45mph. The next big issue is the extortionate cost of parts. Gear linkage cables and air intake hose prices take the biscuit here. Would I buy another? Definitely NO.

I own since 1999 a secondhand vanette from 1996 and had no problems with the van until this year. Then the problems really started. I had to overhaul the engine which set me back around €3000,- and in less than 3 weeks time I had a shortcicuit which caused a fire under the hood. When I went to the dealer to ask him about repairs he said it would be waste of time and the cost would be to high.

I the decided to fix it myself, but could not get a maintenance manual from the dealer. Is there anyone who has this manual and please inform me. refra@refra.nl.