BUYING USED: NISSAN NP200 (2009 TO PRESENT)

In a small market segment, the NP200 asserts itself with its big-heartedness…

Built locally by Nissan SA at its Rosslyn factory, the NP200 is a rebadged version of the Dacia Logan bakkie that’s sold mainly in Eastern Europe. In our market, the base-model NP200 is powered by a torquey 64 kW eight-valve 1,6-litre, followed by a 77 kW, 16-valve 1,6-litre and, finally, the most expensive model, a 1,5 dCi turbodiesel that develops 63 kW and 200 N.m of torque. The payload is class-competitive at 800 kg and there’s useful space behind the seats for storing luggage or tools.

Transmission

Owners feel the gearshift is notchy and one shift linkage came adrift due to a missing locating pin. A clutch pedal that had no resistance turned out to be a dislocated clip holding the clutch cable to the pedal pivot.

Engines

A CAR reader reported a broken engine mounting that resulted in a bent side-shaft. Replacement parts took two weeks to arrive. Turbochargers, injectors and pumps can give trouble, as can EGR plumbing, but this seems to be common to most diesels in the market, so it is difficult to predict what mileage can be reached before maintenance is required.

Electrical

Computer issues worried a few, while some locks and windscreen wipers needed repair. Note the wipers are set for left-hand drive, affecting visibility slightly.

Suspension, steering and brakes

Some readers complained about the life of the brake pads, but otherwise no issues were reported.

Body and interior

Owners were impressed with the interior space, something sorely lacking in the trusty 1400 (Champ) bakkies. As you would expect from a small bakkie at this price point, trim issues were noted. The silver-painted plastics, for example, scratch easily. As mentioned earlier, the NP200’s load-carrying ability is very good, handling a full 800 kg without fuss. This makes it a good bet for small-project builders, as well as sports and leisure purchasers.

General

There is a shortage of contenders in this market sector and, broadening the field to more than our trio of three-quarter-tonne rivals (Chevrolet Utility, Ford Bantam, and Fiat Strada), highlights other options such as the Daihatsu Gran Max, Nissan NP300 and the larger Hyundai/Kia 2,7 diesels. Remember that diesel-engined vehicles are more economical than the petrol versions, but they may require frequent and more expensive maintenance work.

CAR road test data

Model: 1,6 16 V SE

Issue: July 2009

Fuel index: 8,52 L/100 km

0-100 km/h: 13,37 sec

Max speed: 169 km/h

Price (new): R151 800

Price (now): R85 000

Parts-price examples

Model: NP200 1,6 16-valve SE (2009)

Oil filter: R105,34

Air filter: R166,11

Headlamp: R2 456,44

Taillamp: R658,81

Water pump: R978,81

ECU: R7 345,20

(Prices include VAT, as published in our May 2016 issue)

All round a Used Nissan NP200 is good value for money. Looking for a Nissan NP200 for sale, then speak to a trustworthy Nissan dealer in your area.

Article source: http://www.carmag.co.za/buying-used-nissan-np200-2009-to-present/

Nissan NP200 - Motoring Review

THE NISSAN NP200 bakkie is the spiritual successor to the legendary 1400 Nissan bakkie that was seen on every South African street during the 1980’s and 1990’s. In fact, the NP200 range picks-up where its predecessor left off and delivers on its promise to provide an affordable, hardworking half-ton bakkie for the South African market.

Launched back in 2008, the NP200 impressed Nissan fans with its load capacity, spritely engine and zippy attitude. Since 2011, fans are able to upgrade by choosing from safety features and comfort features package.With the launch of the NP200 bakkie upgrade program, Nissan became the first motor manufacturer in South Africa to offer an entry-level compact bakkie with two airbags.

Now, available in a limited edition, the locally-built and developed Nissan NP200 Loaded features a host of value-adding enhancements and special additions and will be available in a production run of 300 units only. The new NP200 LOADED features distinctive and sporty upgrades.

The NP200 Loaded offers versatility and practicality with a maximum 800kg payload, a 1 2250 litres standard rubberized load box and specially designed tailgate that can handle 300kg. While still maintaining features from its predecessor such as glove box, door bins and two cup holders under the central console and storage space behind the seat.

On the interior, the NP200 features power steering, air-conditioning, and remote central locking from its predecessor, with new smart extras, such as full leather upholstery, front-loading CD/MP3/WMA/radio/USB/aux and Bluetooth-enabled audio system,  and special black carpets.

The exterior features stainless steel nudge-and sport bars, 15-inch rims, black roof rails, black tonneau cover and specially designed Nissan Concept alloy wheels completes the LOADED look. Loaded is available exclusively in white and features special branding that incorporates silver and red accents in the decals, carpets and seats.

Safety features of this new workhorse include ABS and EBD,which prevents wheels from locking, airbags, crumple zones from the previous NP200 which are engineered around impact resistance while the engine compartment is designed to stack up in frontal impact collisions and seatbelts.

It’s fitted with 1.6-litre petrol engine with a maximum output of 64kW. And the five-speed gearbox has short first three ratios makes load lugging easier.

All accessories have been specifically developed and approved for the NP200 LOADED and do not affect the vehicle’s standard and class-leasing six-year/ 150 000 km warranty, although the Nissan NP200 price is affected slightly. Test Drive an NP200 at a Nissan dealership near you. Book here.

Article source: https://welovenissan.tumblr.com/post/163753320733/nissan-np200-motoring-review