The Nissan NV is a cargo van that has a variety of purposes. The NV is commonly used for commercial work, seating 12 passengers, and even camping. While it's nice to have a van that can do it all, how long will the Nissan NV last you? Below we have found an average lifespan of a Nissan NV.
While it may be a broad range, you can expect the Nissan NV to last, on average, 150-300k miles. This estimate varies depending on how the vehicle is treated. A car that is driven hard and constantly used for heavy loads will have a shorter lifespan.
If you take good care of your NV, it can last for a very long time. Keep in mind that this is an average lifespan, and it goes up or down based on how well the vehicle is taken care of. For general maintenance, it's recommended to get a complete tune-up every 30k miles, though it may vary depending on your location and conditions. So keep reading as we look at the Nissan NV reliability and common problems reported by consumers.
How Long Will A Nissan NV Last?
Nissan has released a variety of NV vans since its release in 1999. Three models have been produced, the NV1500, NV2500 HD, and the NV3500 HD. The original model lasted for over 300k miles on average while developing an overall positive reputation with consumers. While it may not be as high-quality as some newer vans, the durability and reliability are still there.
The second-generation Nissan NV lasted a little less, with an average lifespan of 200k miles. The most common problems reported by users were leaks in the roof and air conditioning system. It may also need to be refueled more frequently than expected, leading to higher maintenance levels. However, it does come with better visibility all around, which is excellent for an older model vehicle.
The third generation NV lasted even less than the second, just under 120k miles on average. The biggest complaints about this van are its rough ride and high gas consumption compared to the previous generations. One major complaint worth noting is the lack of a 5th gear, which may cause problems on winding roads.
Nissan just recently came out with the 2020 Nissan NV, so there hasn't been enough time to get feedback on its everyday problems. Nonetheless, read on as we talk about the common issues of Nissan NV from years past.
Nissan NV Common problems
Several problems seem to be consistent over the years. One of these is the NV's power system, which develops oil leaks and prematurely wears out. This issue may require you to have your engine replaced if you take great care of your van. Another common problem is the lack of a radio static noise when the power is turned on. This problem may occur with the radio or interior lights and could be due to a loose connection.
Lastly, there are problems with the air conditioning system. There are multiple complaints of leaking on both ends, which can affect the overall cooling power of your vehicle. A standard solution for this problem is to change the belt and other hoses.
Other reported problems with the NV include:
- Oil leaks
- Wear on engine prematurely
- Loose connection in radio or interior lights
- Leaks on both ends of the air conditioning system
Over time, these problems may increase due to faulty parts or lack of maintenance. These are common issues that many consumers have reported and may be signs of more significant problems in the future. Problems with the AC system are common issues that can be quickly addressed by changing belts and hoses, as mentioned above.
While it's difficult to know for sure how long your NV will last without knowing any history on your van, make sure you do the proper oil change every 3-5k miles.
How to make a Nissan NV last longer
Based on the estimated lifespan of a Nissan NV, you should be able to last 20 years before needing to buy another vehicle. Though this is not the case for everyone, it's essential to take the steps necessary to keep your van running smoothly throughout its lifetime.
As mentioned above, we recommend changing your oil every 30k miles and following all manufacturer recommendations for your specific model. Another critical step is to properly maintain your tires, improving fuel efficiency and overall driving quality. Finally, we recommend following the recommended tire pressure and checking them regularly to make sure they are correctly inflated.
If you want a smoother experience with your Nissan NV, changing the transmission fluid every 60k miles is also essential. If you are unsure of how to do this, there are plenty of online tutorials available on the process. Make sure to do your research.
What's considered a high-mileage Nissan NV? Should you buy one?
As mentioned above, most NV vans will last between 200k and 300k miles. With this being said, there are still some that have gone well beyond the average.
While the Nissan NV might last to that many miles, anything over 150k is considered high mileage. For the work commercial NV's, anything over 100k miles is high-mileage.
That being said, most high mileage vans tend to be in rough shape or require many repairs.
In conclusion, we recommend sticking to an average model with below 100k miles if you're looking for a work vehicle. Even more so, it would be best if you did your research on the van before buying one.
It is also good to test drive other cargo vans like the Ford Transit for a good comparison.
Where is the Nissan NV made?
The Nissan NV was initially made in Japan. However, starting in 2013, the NV200 was made in Mississippi for US customers. Additionally, the Nissan NV is also made in Aguascalientes, Mexico (Nissan Mexico).
There were an estimated 8,000 NV vans sold at the end of 2019 in the US. Due to this, Nissan also plans to increase the manufacturing of NV vans to meet future demand.
Lastly, Nissan has been working with other companies to increase the number and types of NV vans. For example, there have been discussions about shipping the Nissan NV to Russia and developing an electric version for European customers.
What engine does the Nissan NV have?
Nissan has two engine choices for the 2021 Nissan NV cargo and passenger vans. The less expensive models are powered by a 4-liter V6 that makes 261 horsepower, which is more than sufficient to power light-duty work vehicles needing an upgrade.
Above this model is the 5.6 liter v8 that boasts 375 hp when accelerating or hauling heavy loads on extended trips across rugged terrain, with its 7-speed automatic transmission standard on all models.
How reliable is the Nissan NV?
The Nissan NV is a good work van because of its low cost of maintenance and upkeep. It has decent power for driving large loads, though we advise against doing so if not needed or advised due to the increased wear on your engine and transmission. We also recommend taking your NV in for regular engine tune-ups and oil changes.
The reliability of the Nissan could be better, but it's nothing to lose any sleep over as long as you stick to the regular maintenance schedule. Usually, if you're having problems with your van, it means there is a more severe issue at hand that requires immediate attention.
Do you need a CDL license to drive a Nissan NV?
You do not need a CDL (commercial driver's license) to operate the standard version of the Nissan NV cargo van. However, keep in mind that you should always check your local laws to ensure that you follow the correct procedures.
In Closing
The Nissan NV is a good, low-cost cargo van that can be used for more than just work. It is a good choice for drivers who need to haul tools easily and small loads across short distances. If you're looking for a cheap van that will last at least 200k miles, then we recommend going with a newer model with less than 50k miles on it. It is always good to get a history report on the van to see if it's been in an accident and had regular maintenance.
If you liked this article on the Nissan NV cargo van, you should also read:
Does A King Size Bed Fit In A Cargo Van Or A Minivan?
Does The Ford Transit Have Cruise Control?
How Much Can A Chevy Express Van Tow?
Do you like the Nissan NV? Leave us a comment below!