1999 Nissan Vanette Cargo 2.3 diesel

Summary:

Not a modern van, but cheap to buy and maintain

Faults:

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.

General Comments:

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.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th February, 2012

1998 Nissan Vanette Cargo 2.3 diesel

Summary:

Good, simple van

Faults:

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

General Comments:

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!!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th September, 2011

2nd Feb 2012, 07:44

Could you give me more details on the fuel pump adjustment please. Not sure what you mean and how much do you adjust it?

Thanks.

24th Mar 2012, 17:25

I have just purchased a Vanette, and was confused by the diesel pump comment, so I went searching and found this:

http://retrorides.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=general&action=display&thread=83903&page=2

"Last thing is to take the 'banjo' bolt out of the delivery pipe in the top of the diesel pump and remove the incredibly fine gauze mesh inside the bolt (just pulls out)... this makes a huge difference to the power and responsiveness of the vehicle"

I have not tried it myself (I'm not very mechanical), but if you do, please let us know how it went.

2002 Nissan Vanette Cargo 2.3 diesel

Summary:

Never again

Faults:

Power steering leak, expensive repair.

Bonnet catch broke.

General Comments:

Seriously under powered, gutless, very thirsty, very noisy on the road, making the journey unpleasant. Avoid motorways at all costs, you will regret it if you don't. Watch the petrol gauge drop as you try to accelerate.

Good load space, handy two sliding doors, pretty reliable and not too complicated. They depreciate like crazy, and before you know it, they are worth nothing.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th August, 2011

2002 Nissan Vanette Cargo LD23 diesel

Summary:

Good van, does the job well

Faults:

My drive shaft was replaced at 64000 miles.

Seat wear.

General Comments:

Great van; a big treat after driving an LDV Pilot.

Drives well around town, as it's slim and a good view.

Solid bodywork; yes, plan to keep it for as long as possible!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd October, 2010