1987 Nissan Prairie SGL from UK and Ireland - Comments

The only significant fault to develop has been the loss of syncromesh on third gear which eventually led to third becoming unusable. Still, it's managed to soldier on for 4000 or more miles with a broken transmission so far!

Another annoyance is the fuel filler neck which due to it's exposed position under the rear wheel arch, has rusted through allowing water to enter the fuel tank in very wet conditions.

I approached the purchase of a Prairie with some trepidation, as I had assumed it to be a slow, cumbersome beast which would no doubt be not too much fun to drive. I'm glad to say I was wrong. Very wrong.

I decided to try one as I required something I could use like a van, with a decent capacity and preferably front wheel drive...the latter was desirable due to it having better traction in slippy or icy conditions.

My first drive was a real revelation. This thing was actually quite fast! Yes, the acceleration of an 1800 Prairie is very surprising. Not only this, buy it will carry on to a top speed of around 105mph and will happily cruise at 90mph, all the while returning excellent fuel economy. The single overhead camshaft, carburettored, 1809cc engine produces 90 horsepower and a very creditable 112 foot-pounds of torque. The secret of the performance lies with the low kerb weight of just 1050kg... remarkable for a vehicle this size.

The handling at first feels a little strange as the seating position is quite high, so any body roll is greatly emphasized. While there certainly is some roll, as would be expected with a tall vehicle, it is reasonably well controlled and the handling is fairly predictable. I run my Prairie with aftermarket alloy wheels with 195/65x14 tyres which I have to admit offer a huge improvement over the original 13 inch wheels. The only complaint could be aimed at the slight torque steer under acceleration and deceleration, possibly due to the drive shafts being very different lengths.

The Prairie features very large vented disc brakes up front and drums at the rear provide excellent stopping power and I have yet to press them to the point of fade, despite some very spirited driving! The pedal feel is firm yet the braking is nicely progressive.

The Prairie is remarkable comfortable for long journeys and it is even quite quiet, although it could benefit from better insulation of the cabin from the engine compartment. The dash, while not aesthetically pleasing is fairly well set out with easy to read... though it has to be said the instrumentation is somewhat minimalist. All the switch gear seems robust and are simple in operation, but the location of the radio is truly awful. It's operation requires the driver to bend forward and reach far down on the centre console... not a good design.

Whilst I am undoubtedly impressed with the Prairie even I must admit it's looks can only be described as awkward. It's tall, boxy and has slightly odd proportions. it's one of those vehicles that no amount of customising could really improve. However, all of that is more than made up for by it's practicality. The tailgate opens to reveal a very low load floor, ideal for loading up those heavy items and the lack of any centre pillar between the front doors and the rear sliding door make the access even better. This feature is unique to the first generation Prairie, I believe. All in all, while it may not be a thing of beauty, it is undoubtedly one of the most useful and dare I say, fun vehicles I have owned and I will certainly seek out another when this one reaches old age.

I too am a happy Prairie owner. Mine is the 1984 model 1500cc 5 speed manual. I purchased this vehicle in very poor condition and it had traveled 305,000 Km (approximately). My purchase price was $300, I spent another $195 repairing the head (corrosion in the water jacket - causing overheating) and now drive it every day.

Once a month I drive it 1000 km over a weekend, the rest of the time is city running. Highway travel is at 110 kph. Average fuel mileage is around 7 liters/100 km.

It has now done 335,000 km trouble free and I would happily buy another. I am gradually repairing the body work to bring this unique vehicle up to good condition and expect many years of reliable service - I plan to get it to 500,000 km.

Brent

Adelaide, South Australia.

I owned a 1987 1.8SGL until last year. I bought it with 70000 miles on the clock in 1996 and was expecting to use it for a brief period of load-lugging, but was so impressed I kept it for nearly 7 years!

The engine was brilliantly unburstable, and despite hard driving I never needed to top up the oil between services. Acceleration was impressive and despite the body roll it stuck to the road like the proverbial "poo on a blanket".

This was the best car I ever owned. The 1.8 engine is basically the same unit as used in the Nissan Sylvia, but without a turbocharger. This makes it a far tougher engine than that used in the inferior Mk2 version which was basically a Nissan Bluebird unit. Also the ride quality was great even when fully loaded (and with the rear seats folded, this car would take a heck of a load!!). I put this down to the fact that the rear suspension was a torsion bar assembly. This is also why the load space is nice and flat with no suspension turrets (unlike the Mk2 version!). There were loads of storage spaces hidden throughout the car. I even managed to load it with a single bed and divan base and still close the tailgate for a 100 mile journey to Leicester once...

I took the precaution of replacing the camshaft belt as soon as I bought the car. The car only ever failed to start once (worn out starter motor at 120000 miles). It needed a new alternator at 130000 miles along with a new clutch. At the same time I needed a new crankshaft oil seal, and as the car was in pieces I also took the precaution of replacing the drive shaft oil seals and the inner and outer driveshaft gaiters (boots) as these were showing signs of wear. One tip: the sump uses a liquid gasket. Nissan charge £26 a tube, it sounds expensive, but it's worth it as nothing else seems to last. The radiator was quick and cheap to replace (134000 miles) and the front discs were worn out at 147000 when I replaced the cam belt again (needs replacing every 70000 miles).

My only dislikes were the very small fuel tank which made it seem like a much thirstier beast than it was (and only gave it a typical 250 miles between refills) and the fact that the brake pads were a bit too small and needed frequent (but easy) replacement. It also tended to be very heavy on front tyre wear, but I could get new ones for only £25 each. The very upright windscreen tended to attract stone chips, but I got these repaired free on my insurance, and if the crack got bigger after repair the windscreen got replaced as a free warranty repair by the windscreen company. It was also a shame that there were no owners workshop manuals available.

I now own an Almera 1.4, but constantly wish I'd spent the money getting the Prairie overhauled and upgraded instead. I would have looked at getting power steering installed, better sound insulation and looked into the possibility of a more modern and economical 16v engine. The engine bay was huge, so conversion would have been a distinct possibility. All the body needed was a respray and new tailgate (corroding due to an unrepaired reversing bump).

In short if you see one of these in good nick, buy it (or tell me about it!!). Don't be fooled by the prettier Mk2 Prairie as it wasn't anywhere near as practical and useful as the original. Avoid the 1.5 engine-it's underpowered, not as durable and not much more economical.

I bought an early 1984 Prairie with the 1500 engine. Unfortunately I hadn't realized that 5th and reverse were almost un-selectable! Apparently this is a common fault on early models and severely restricted parking. The engine also boiled over at the slightest hint of fine weather.

I think I just bought a duff one - it was fun to drive when not overheating and trying to reverse!

Iv got a 1986 1.8SGL Prairie and its great. I paid £300 for it with 68,000miles on it and 2 owners from new. I ripped the back seats out, covered it with bike stickers and its hauled me, 4 or five bikes and all the gear many times to Wales & Scotland whilst my mates slum it in their fancy Audi's and BMW's

I got a stereo cassette for 99p from Ebay for it and hook my Ipod upto it for roadtrips.

The paint & body is getting a bit rough, but I'm planning on sorting it this summer for a few more years life, which will hopefully include a roadtrip to the French Alps on a mountain biking road trip this summer.

Hi I've just bought my 2nd nissan prairie estate, and I would like to mod the car.

I am looking for any advice upon where I may purchase a body kit for my prairie.

I have searched and searched to no avail.

Any help would be most welcomed.

It's an f reg prairie estate sgl 1.8.

Hello, I too have a love for the Prairie, It getting me though my bad times, Here in Australia, they where only released as a 1.5l. The same as the n12 pulsar. I am currently doing my 85 up and am in the process of putting in a et turbo motor, E15t to give it a little more get up and go. I am also working on a body kit; I found a picture of a prairie with one and am working on copying it. It will look increasable. If any one would like a copy of the picture, email me on valentich@westnet.com.au.

Recently purchased `87 Prairie and it would be much nicer car with power steering. Anybody know if complete unit from another Nissan will fit right in there.