What do you think of the Nissan NV200?

[myke]

Their smaller cargo van. I want something reliable that will get decent mpg's. The smaller size vs. a full size cargo van concerns me a bit, but I want the efficiency of the smaller van...

 

[Almost There]

Their smaller cargo van. I want something reliable that will get decent mpg's. The smaller size vs. a full size cargo van concerns me a bit, but I want the efficiency of the smaller van...

Remember, you did ask... !

Personally, Not much!

4 cyl engine that's only rated for 24 mpg with a 122 cu ft of cargo space and front wheel drive and absolutely no towing capacity..zip, nada.

Compare to:

Astro/Safari with almost 1/3 more space (170 cu. ft), a 6 cylinder engine, rear wheel drive. I used to get in excess of 20 mpg with both of mine. Towing - depending on year etc, somewhere in the 5,500 lb range.

Unless you're buying new but then I'd still be looking at other makes of the smaller vans if you don't want a full size cargo van.

I openly admit to being prejudiced. I think the newer compact 'cargo van's' are nothing more than a somewhat bad blend of an SUV and an overgrown station wagon.

 

[mconlonx]

I love the new smaller vans and will probably have one at some point in my van dwelling adventures. The NV200, old and new Ford Transit Connect, Ram C/V Tradesman and ProMaster City -- all will be under consideration for purchase... in about 10-15 years, once they've depreciated to cash affordability for me.

Who knows -- might hate the lack of space, but current 12mpg is getting old...

 

[myke]

Remember, you did ask... !

Personally, Not much!

4 cyl engine that's only rated for 24 mpg with a 122 cu ft of cargo space and front wheel drive and absolutely no towing capacity..zip, nada.

Compare to:

Astro/Safari with almost 1/3 more space (170 cu. ft), a 6 cylinder engine, rear wheel drive. I used to get in excess of 20 mpg with both of mine. Towing - depending on year etc, somewhere in the 5,500 lb range.

Unless you're buying new but then I'd still be looking at other makes of the smaller vans if you don't want a full size cargo van.

I openly admit to being prejudiced. I think the newer compact 'cargo van's' are nothing more than a somewhat bad blend of an SUV and an overgrown station wagon.

I agree with some of those drawbacks of the nv200; yeah the engine is weak. But some people have reported high 20s even low 30s on the highway. But compared to Ford TC or the Dodge city master I like the nv200 the best. Its a couple grand cheaper, and it just feels like the biggest to me; I've checked them out in person... look at all the space in pic below.

The Astro looks cool. What is the last year they made that? Is it considered a passenger van originally?

 

[Almost There]

I agree with some of those drawbacks of the nv200; yeah the engine is weak. But some people have reported high 20s even low 30s on the highway. But compared to Ford TC or the Dodge city master I like the nv200 the best. Its a couple grand cheaper, and it just feels like the biggest to me; I've checked them out in person... look at all the space in pic below.

The Astro looks cool. What is the last year they made that? Is it considered a passenger van originally?

The last year of production for the Astro/Safari line was 2005. It came in standard cargo, passenger and an extended body version (both cargo and passenger). Why they killed the production line beats me but I'm not the guy in charge....lol.

If you think the Nissan is roomy, you really should check out an Astro or a Safari (they're identical btw).

The other thing about the Nissan is the sliding doors on both sides. While I appreciated having it on the Montana for taking 4 of us on shopping expeditions and being a pseudo 'soccer mom', having it in a van that I would want to convert into a mini RV would hinder the whole conversion unless I just ignored the drivers' side slider and built right over it. If you're buying new, it's something to consider - you're paying for something you might not want.

 

[minimotos95]

In comparison to my van the NV has about 6 inches more headroom in back, has a 20% larger turning circle because it is front wheel drive and is 10" longer on the outside despite being 10" shorter inside. My van is wider inside also so i have a few more square feet. personally I couldn't do any smaller of van without giving up some hobbies. It's over a 5 sq ft differense from my minivan to the nv200. Not to mention the cargo capacity for the NV200 cargo is under 1500lbs, even my van(passenger version) is rated for is 1575lbs with the cargo version being rated for just under 2000lb.
With my vans 2.4l low-mid 20s mpg is what I expect loaded up, it's not hard to beat the EPA MPG ratings, they assume everyone drives like a mad man. I would hope that the nv200 would be getting atleast 28mpg city and 30 highway, it's barely bigger and the same weight as a modern civic.

 

[myke]

^^ What is your van?

 

[minimotos95]

1987 mitsubishi wagon l300, 2wd, 2.4l I4, automatic, imported to the US 87-1990 only. made up until 2013-2014 for many countries, including NZ(as the l300 express) and MX(as the dodge 1000) with very minor changes.
The newer and much more common alternatives I like are the astro/safari and previa(1997 was the last year). I was just using my van as a comparison point and if I was in the market to buy a van today putting my brand biases aside, it would be the astro.

 

[RVTravel]

I bet Nissan will come out with a 2.5 liter engine next year to compete with Ford.

 

[LeeRevell]

To get a good idea of what you'd be working with, go to Google, then Images. Search on "Nissan NV200 campers". Lots of pics of folks who have converted their NV200's into van campers. A bit short and tight for me and some others, but some folks obviously like them.

 

[David]

I think Nissan was extremely stupid for not putting diesels in both of their newer cargo vans.  Had they done that and given the things "reasonable" fuel mileage, then they would of had a big share of the market. They half assed it IMO just to put cargo vans on the market and due to this I think the Ford Transit is likely better at least it gets better mileage.

 

[SoulRaven]

I get 15/18 mpg with my extended full sized van and I would never even consider sacrificing my space and comfort for the sake of better gas mileage.

 

[RVTravel]

I wonder when will Honda or Toyota come out with their microvan to compete with Nissan.

 

[BigT]

I haven't started living in it yet, but I'm very happy with my Ford TC and its high-top design.  On the freeway I get as much as 26.6 mpg.  
Given some people manage to live in their compact cars, I don't think I'll have a problem with the smaller size of the TC.  
It's great as a daily-driver, and super easy to park anywhere I like.  

I think the big reason why I don't have a problem with the smaller size is because I don't plan to keep everything I own in the van.  My plan is to have a super-small/affordable storage unit to use as a closet for the things I need on a daily/weekly basis.  That way I don't have to pack the van to the rafters with stuff and haul it around all the time.  Less belongings inside will also help me convince the police that I'm not living in it.  

This is a work-in-progress pic.  I usually have a flush/camp toilet and water supply, and a cooler under the bunk.  I've also got a wide table/counter that hangs between the back doors, when they're open, for cooking and preparing meals in good weather.  
I have coverings and/or curtains for every-single window in the van and an awning. 

I work full-time, so I really won't be spending enough time inside to drive me crazy.  To be honest, I find the small interior very cozy.  

 

[myke]

The last year of production for the Astro/Safari line was 2005.

Cool, I will check those out. But they will be 10 years old and therefore not as reliable. I am also in the northeast and any vehicle 10 years old around here will have some rot due to salt...

1987 mitsubishi wagon l300

Those look cool, is the engine in the rear?

To get a good idea of what you'd be working with, go to Google, then Images.  Search on "Nissan NV200 campers".  Lots of pics of folks who have converted their NV200's into van campers. A bit short and tight for me and some others, but some folks obviously like them.

Oh, I have... This shows the space pretty well...

I think Nissan was extremely stupid for not putting diesels in both of their newer cargo vans.  Had they done that and given the things "reasonable" fuel mileage, then they would of had a big share of the market. They half assed it IMO just to put cargo vans on the market and due to this I think the Ford Transit is likely better at least it gets better mileage.

Diesel with manual transmission would be sweet...

I get 15/18 mpg with my extended full sized van and I would never even consider sacrificing my space and comfort for the sake of better gas mileage.

18 isn't too bad I guess...

I wonder when will Honda or Toyota come out with their microvan to compete with Nissan.

I doubt Honda will... Toyota possibly...

Looks great!

 

[highdesertranger]

well if you want opinions. if someone gave me a front wheel drive anything I would immediately put it up for sale. I don't like independent drive axles. to many wear parts once you wear them out they are done. they are not worth rebuilding imo. by the time they need rebuilding they cost more then the vehicle is worth. I know some will not agree, that's ok everyone has their own ideas. highdesertranger

 

[LeeRevell]

The tech chief of Toyota has said Toyota sees no profit in a diesel truck (or van) in America. If they can't do it you can bet Nissan won't. So the Big Three have the diesel market sewed up.
I personally would love to see diesels become more popular ( and cheaper!).

 

[minimotos95]

Cool, I will check those out. But they will be 10 years old and therefore not as reliable. I am also in the northeast and any vehicle 10 years old around here will have some rot due to salt...

I actually would be more weary of a newer Nissan especially if it's made in their US factory, Just look at all the problems the titan had in it's first 5 years of production. Nissan's warranty is pretty good so it's not that big of an issue until the warranty is up and you are stuck with a $1000+ bill just to get the power windows to work or a huge bill to fix poorly designed suspension.
Bear in mind I do like Nissans and I'm not trying to insult their cars just speaking from experience.

Those look cool, is the engine in the rear?

Under the front seats actually, sacrificing a VW style "crawl through" for more space in back.

 

[myke]

I actually would be more weary of a newer Nissan especially if it's made in their US factory, Just look at all the problems the titan had in it's first 5 years of production. Nissan's warranty is pretty good so it's not that big of an issue until the warranty is up and you are stuck with a $1000+ bill just to get the power windows to work or a huge bill to fix poorly designed suspension.
Bear in mind I do like Nissans and I'm not trying to insult their cars just speaking from experience.

Cool, I'm not defending Nissan either. It seems all manufacturers have more and more recalls these days including toyota and honda. Although I do have a hard time believing a 10 year old chevy astro would be more reliable than a 2015 nv200...

 

[LeeRevell]

I'd believe it. The more high tech it gets, the more can go wrong.......

Says the retired IT guy!