1996 Nissan Serena FX from Australia and New Zealand - Comments

Nil mechanical breakdowns so far.

Great all round transportation, if a bit high on the fuel consumption.

Suspension and A/T work in all sorts of terrain, I've cruised down the motorway at 140Km/H, tackled windy rough rural roads and corners comfortably at 100, and roared down gravel potholed forestry tracks at 80.

Load space is massive with the centre seat rotated around to face to the rear and the rear seats hooked up at the sides.

My main dislike is the lack of power moving off. It'll keep the speed up once rolling, but it accelerates pretty sluggish.

With all the rear seats folded flat a double bed mattress can be fitted in, turning it into a real shag-waggon, or comfortable overnight camper for long trips.

Overall a great all-rounder small van/large people mover.

It's me again, after another 10,000+Km and a tune up a few more comments on my Serena. Fuel consumption has come down a bit to a more reasonable level, 10.1L per 100Km on fairly hilly terrain, and the acceleration is better. I'm much happier with it now :)

I've had over half a ton in the back and it carry's it without problems, but it did need the AT in power mode.

Our '96 Nissan Serena import had 50k on the clock when we acquired it. It has proven to be an incredibly reliable and capable family vehicle, with 105k now showing.

Only maintenance required thus far has been regular servicing (tuning, filters, fluids), and tyres, although a 'squeaky' brake (maybe a stone) post our last trip to AK, will see it go to the shop for brake service just to be safe.

Keep thinking about trading it on something 'flasher' and bigger, but the Serena is probably beyond compare for the money paid.

It seats 8 in air-conditioned comfort (kids watch DVD's on my laptop plugged into an inverter, which plugs either front or rear). Folding and rotating the seats produces a load space probably double to that of our Falcon stn wgn.

2.0l Nissan Primera engine mated to 5spd box goes like a cut cat (AT transmission would probably be fine for cruising, but from our test drive, I suspect that it wouldn't do justice to the Primera engine on the open road/hills between WGTN and AK). You could lose your license accelerating up the Mangaweka Divide if you were inclined to be so antisocial/inconsiderate of other road users.

The ride is comfortable and smooth, and perhaps surprisingly, our little blue bubble is no wallowing whale. On Dunlop Steeltrak 70s (hardly a low profile race wheel by any stretch of the imagination!), properly inflated, steering through corners is precise and there is little evidence of any sidewall roll. She just sits flat and tracks straight through corners, much to the surprise of other road users, I am sure.

I have heard from UK friends that their Serena went forever and ever, notwithstanding that wifey wanted it to die so she could get something flasher and newer (ended up with a Mitsi Chariot, but I don't know that they moved up). My only concern with keeping ours forever is that living by the sea may cause corrosion issues.

Only one drawback - at 100kph in 5th, the Primera sits on about 3000rpm - bottom end of the power band - so 90kph is better for conserving gas, although the RPM range from 80-110kph produces a tiresome 'booming' exhaust note. A sixth gear would be awesome - perhaps there is a Nissan six speed out there that would retro-fit into a '98...!!

Nissan serena 1.6 1995.i think that is one of the most clever MVP. big inside.small outside.7 regular seats in addition other mpv at same cost. no damages.easy driving. but the 1.6lt engine cannot move the VEHICLE fast.

I had a nissan serena import, 4x4 L-reg, one of the best vehicles I have ever owned, td automaic, 26 mpg. The biggest mistake was selling it, I'm now trying to get another one. nothing went wrong with apart from the rear exhaust that I managed to get welded (new flexi pipe aswell all for £100.) It's a same that these serena's were not sold as a uk model. the minicab drivers would have loved it. It drove like a rocket...