Nissan Caravan 2012-2017 used van review
The Nissan Caravan NV350 is a solid alternative to the popular Toyota Hiace. It has a practical, car-like cab.
The Nissan Caravan NV350 is a solid alternative to the popular Toyota Hiace. It has a practical, car-like cab.
The latest generation Nissan Caravan carries two names - it is also known as the NV350 and is badged with both names. That was done to align the model with Nissan's new naming system for commercial vehicles. It is available in a range of styles - short and long wheelbases, low and high roof heights, and two widths. Minibus versions with seating for up to 14 are also available. Our review van is a long-wheelbase, high-roof version.
Inside and out
Vans are made as square as possible for maximum interior volume and Nissan has managed to make this generation Caravan look reasonably stylish. The corners are slightly rounded and the rear windows smoothed in to give it a very modern look. The front features a large grille with metallic trim, which is chrome on higher models.
The step up into the Caravan is high and entry is helped by a grab handle inside the door. The cabin feels more car-like than some vans, with softly curved plastics and trim, easy-to-read gauges with a digital trip meter and a smaller than expected steering wheel.
The air vents for the manual air-conditioning are round with a metallic bezel. The basic radio unit has no CD player or USB function. There are loads of handy storage spaces, including two gloveboxes, large door pockets, a cooled drinks holder, and a storage unit and extra cupholders on the back of the centre seat when it is folded down.
The cab’s three separate seats are all quite narrow so you are best to carry just two people. The driver's seat is narrow enough that larger drivers might want to make sure they are comfortable before they buy. This should be of particular note when buying the van for fleet users.
Load volume in this version of the Caravan is massive at 8,300 litres, although the payload of 1,109kg is a few kgs less than the standard-size model. Three pallets will fit comfortably with room to spare. This van is equipped with a flat load floor that slightly reduces its overall volume, although it does improve its practicality. There are sliding doors on either side of the van, and a tall rear door for easy access.
On the road
Three engines are available in the Caravan: a 2-litre four-cylinder petrol, a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel and the 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol in our review vehicle. The engine produces 108kW and 213Nm. A five-speed automatic is fitted and a five-speed manual is also available.
The petrol engine and automatic are great around town and give reasonable acceleration. A low first gear and reverse help with take-off and manoeuvring the vehicle around tight work spaces such as loading docks. We suspect the petrol engine's lack of torque could be an issue with a hefty load on board, so if that is what you need then consider the diesel instead.
The Nissan drives well for a van. The steering lacks in feel, despite offering a reasonable response. The ride is good and not too bouncy, and the van feels stable even if there is body roll. A load will always make a van feel a little more comfortable on the road. The Caravan is also one of the quietest cargo vans we have driven. Its 12.1-metre turning circle is good for such a large vehicle.
Seeing over the nose of the Caravan is easy from the driver's seat and large mirrors allow you to see down both sides of the van. A parking mirror on the back of the vehicle is not that useful. We think a reversing camera is an essential addition to this vehicle. They are a reasonably common extra on the vehicles available on Trade Me Motors, either appearing in an aftermarket infotainment screen or in the small trip computer screen in the middle of the gauge cluster.
The tow rating for the Caravan is low for its size. According to overseas figures, it can pull 700kg unbraked (a medium-size garden trailer) or 1,400kg braked (a small trailer boat).
Safety
We could not find any safety ratings for the Caravan and safety features were limited on our review vehicle. Van versions get a driver's airbag and anti-lock brakes. Minibus versions get a passenger airbag. Electronic stability control is a rare option - look for an ESC OFF button below and to the right of the steering wheel. This feature is standard from 2017.
The centre front seat uses a lap-style belt which does not offer as much protection as a shoulder-style belt. If the Caravan you are looking at has rear seats, check the seatbelts - some have none.
Reliability
The Caravan NV350 is relatively new so few significant issues have surfaced. The engine uses a timing chain which will not require regular replacement.
The van’s build quality, fit and finish is better than in the previous generation and is considered to be as good as that of the market-leader Toyota Hiace.
The 2014 Caravan was the last to use this 2.5-litre petrol engine. There are few reports of issues with it in this van, but the engine in the previous model was known to have problems with head gasket failures. When you inspect a 2.5-litre petrol model, check the coolant is clean and the engine temperature stays stable when you run the vehicle.
Cost of ownership
Nissan recommends servicing the Caravan every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first. A standard service is good value for this type of vehicle at just $230 a time.
RightCar estimates that over 14,000km of driving a year, the Caravan will cost $3,110 in fuel. The 65-litre fuel tank will cost $130 to fill at $2 a litre and could take you up to 540km before the fuel light comes on.
A vehicle licence for the Caravan costs $148.95 a year, with the vehicle in the most expensive ACC levy group for a petrol.
Trade Me Insurance estimates insurance for a Caravan NV350 valued at $26,950 will cost $61.20* per month. That’s $4 more a month than a Toyota Hiace.
Buyers' guide
The Nissan Caravan NV350 is available on Trade Me priced from $15,000 to $52,000. Near-new high-specification minibus versions are worth the most. Van versions top out at around $40,000.
Nissan supplied the Caravan to Isuzu as the Como model, and this is also available in small numbers as a used import.
Variants
- DX - Features steel wheels, keyless entry, electric windows, basic radio stereo, manual air-conditioning, driver airbag and remote central locking.
- GX - Adds premium seat fabric, smart key with push-button start, CD player stereo, reversing camera, high-intensity headlights, driver and passenger airbag and body-coloured bumpers. Electronic stability control is optional.
- Rider - Adds chrome body kit, alloy wheels, wood-like dash trim, leather steering wheel and leather seats.
Timeline
- 2012 Launched in Japan
- 2015 2.5-litre petrol engine replaced by 2-litre
- 2017 Given cosmetic upgrade and gains electronic stability control as standard
Details
2014 Nissan Caravan NV350 DX
$17,000 to $40,000 for models which have travelled 70,000 to 120,000km
108kW and 213NM
Five-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive
15,000km or 12 months
Full size spare
11.1-litres per 100km (claimed)
Regular
5,080mm
1,695mm
2,285mm
700kg (unbraked), 1,400kg (braked)
12.1m
This review covers the Nissan Caravan for model years 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017.
Review vehicle supplied by Turners Cars.
*Our insurance estimates are based on a 35-year-old male with no accidents in the last two years, garaging the car in Mission Bay, Auckland. The car is not used for business and will cover 10,000km to 20,000km a year. We estimate with no option add-ons and $500 excess. Customise your estimate at Trade Me Insurance.
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Robert Barry 