Good workhorse
Poor design for carrying out a service as you have to undo the center consuole to be able to get to the engine bay.
We find it very comfortable for a van.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 25th June, 2005
Well built and fun to drive
Nothing.
Hard to believe that everything works after 100,000 miles. Even the electric mirrors! Great MPV for very little outlay.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 3rd April, 2004
Fuel thirsty - people mover
The van keeps conking out, especially at low revs, i.e. when stopping at lights.
Very bad fuel economy. 6.5k / litre city driving.
Having allowed for the fact that it is full-time 4WD, I still feel that this is extremely thirsty.
8k / litre on a long haul drive.
Have had the van put onto a computer analyser, which indicated that the Crank Angle Sensor was faulty. Had to replace this - was quoted NZ$1250 plus installation for this part (by Nissan), ended up putting a second hand distributor in, as the crank angle sensor is enclosed in this unit. Second hand unit cost NZ$250 installed.
The van has not conked out since (has only been two weeks).
Was told that this would improve the fuel economy - which it hasn't.
The passenger window fails to open with the drivers controls. Apparently the connector unit has failed. Cost of repair will be approximately NZ$250.
The Dickie seat is very uncomfortable.
Wouldn't want to travel more than 10km sitting on it.
Really is a 7 seater.
Sliding door very hard to close on a slight hill.
Feels very spacious, comfortable driving, although not very powerful.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 19th March, 2003
The reason this vehicle is so thirsty is due to a poor power/weight ratio ie large weight and small motor. Combine this with a van drag coefficient (box shape) and it is underpowered. These type of vehicles were built with a small motor and narrow dimensions to avoid car owners in Japan paying a higher tax.
Just to correct a previous contributor.... the 'van' shape of the Serena is in fact extremely aerodynamic. You need to read up a bit on vehicle dynamics to understand why. The curved rear styling is in fact more likely to create turbulence and drag than any other design feature (a Kamm tail would be a better solution).
The engine choices were poor for the usage, and the combustion chamber design was very old-hat as well, resulting in their dreadful economy and general performance.
As a vehicle, though much ridiculed by motoring pundits at the time, it has much to commend it, including reasonable comfort, ease of use, utility and general dynamics. Allied to Japanese engineering excellence, reliability was never a feature of concern. Many owners have completed starship mileages with very little going wrong and only normal maintenance being required.
A reliable workhorse
Nothing very serious.
The radiator had to be replaced.
Persistent minor squeaks from the wheels have lasted for years without finding the source.
Original Nissan garage was a complete waste of space and have used our local tiny garage workshop who have maintained the Serena excellently.
Very reliable.
However the back seats are not comfortable, especially for anyone sitting on the join between the two halves of the bench seats. Folding away of seats is easy and very useful (rather than removal as for other makes).
Having only four doors is a handicap when having children. Children under 12 also struggle to shut the rear sliding door.
Overall it is very good no-frills car.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 21st August, 2000
Remarkably, nothing has gone wrong with this car at all, apart from routine stuff like needing a new exhaust box.
It drives like a van! Not particularly comfortable. Very loud engine noise - can be hard to hear the radio at times in the middle seats. It is very high - 6 feet - a pain if you want to use the roof rack!! On the other hand it is cheap to buy (for an MPV) and has a lot of luggage space if the rear seats are folded away.
Fairly practical.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 21st March, 1999
24th Mar 2005, 02:18
Clearly there are many people with many requirements. Sure the Serena is a bit of an unsightly monster. But then who needs the latest supercharged stallion? The Serena performs its task well, does not invoke speed violations easily and is not on the list of "Most nick-able" cars. For me I have grown to like it because it is very functional.