Faults:

I bought an Import 2.0 Nissan Serena FX Vanette Petrol about a year ago now. I never had any problems with it until the Back Box Exhaust fell off a month ago. I have looked for one in all the scrap yards and salvages in my region with no luck. The main dealers want £320 for this. Is there any cheaper way I can sort this problem out? I would appreciate the help.

My 2nd question is regarding the air conditioning, it never seems to cool down and get cold like my last car used to. The maximum temperature it will go down to is 18 degrees, I've had the coolant and air conditioning fluid changed, but it still dosen't feel like the air conditioning is working properly.

General Comments:

The car is a beautiful drive compared to most other MP-V's. I find the drivers position is extremely comfortable compared to others such as the Renault Espace. The 4 Wheel drive holds the road well and being an import it has all the extras such as front and rear air conditioning and twin sunroofs. The drivers seat could have been designed to be bulkier and more of a Captain type seat. The car is heavier on the juice than most vehicles, but overall a comfortable drive non the less.

Faults:

Recon alternator 60000 mls.

4 new tyres.

New front brake pads.

New battery.

General Comments:

Really reliable, it has never let me down.

Flexible. I use all 8 seats for family outings, like a van for DIY and trips to the tip with the back seats folded up.

30-35 mpg.

I love this motor. The only problem is when it does go wrong (rarely I might add) I have to hunt for the spares because it's a grey import.

Latest problem is the exhaust (which has lasted the four years that I have had the car) but I can't get a replacement anywhere, until today. LONGLIFE 08706003133 will fabricate and fit in stainless steel with a lifetime guarantee for £329.00.

Faults:

Top radiator hose split (fixed with no engine damage. 85000 km

Alternator belt broke and displaced the other 2 belts wt the same time. 120000km

Sway bar link rubbers worn causing annoying squeak from front end 160000 km

Torque converter hub striped at 165000 km.

General Comments:

The handling is fine for a family waggon and it tows well if there is not a lot of load imposed on the tow bar.

I have serviced the engine regularly and as a result fount problems and fixed them before they caused problems. In spite of the list of repairs I rate it as very reliable economical to own. We seriously pack the van and often tow a trailer away on holiday. Its not the fastest up the hills, but is very acceptable on the flat. Drivers seat not so comfortable now, but the interior is standing up well to family abuse.

Faults:

My engine blew at 96000.

Exhaust lamber sensor burnt out.

Front anti-roll bar bushes failed.

Exhaust gaskets needed replacing.

General Comments:

This car is cheaply put together and very unreliable.

Safety seems to take a back seat for this vehicle, as it scores very low on crash testing statistics.

Fuel consumption is very heavy.

The overall ride of the vehicle scores low marks as it suffers to much body roll and becomes a problem to handle in high winds.

Parts for this vehicle are very expensive.

Faults:

Wheel bearings seem to be rumbling somewhat!

General Comments:

Although the Serena DOES seem a little 'lightfooted' in dry OR wet conditions, my 1.6 is VERY fast even when fully laden

We use it as a business and recreational vehicle: the speed with which the seats can be folded puts it in a class WELL above ALL other MPVs (I have experience of Galaxy, Xsara Picasso, Merc and VW MPVs!)

Faults:

Nothing as yet.

General Comments:

Excellent value as a large family wagon.

Excellent economy for the size, 35mpg touring.

Great equipment with twin climate-control air-con and electric everything else.

Surprisingly powerful for a small diesel. Can comfortably cruise and overtake at 100 km/h.

With the engine set well back in the chassis, it is a great deal more sure-footed than the height and narrow track would suggest. Not a sports car but just fine for general use.

Down-sides: Eight seat belts are a bit optimistic; it is a comfortable 6 seater. The dickey seat is only good for short trips. The front seats aren't that supportive on a longer trip The engine is noisy with an annoying boom around 90km/h.