2018 Nissan NV200

Outstanding platform for a compact camper van

Wednesday, January 30, 2019

I'd been looking for a compact camper van that got great mileage and discovered one based on the NV200. The good? The seats are divine, simply the most comfortable seat I've experienced in a vehicle. We just did a three day trip and unlike almost every other vehicle I've owned, my back was happy the entire three days. The van has adequate power. Could it be zippier? Sure, but we actually got 25.6 MPG on the trip, so I'm thrilled with it the way it is. I have a minor complaint about the way that the foam isolating the windshield is visible, but...that is seriously a minor complaint and at the van's price point, the build quality is spectacular. I've read that the stock tires aren't good in rain and snow, but we drove through a LOT of rain and they were great. It is a van, not a sports car. As I look at the tread pattern, they also should be okay in snow -- the van is front wheel drive, and I suspect those criticizing the tires based the reviews on light rear ends. I'm NOT a fan of CV transmissions, but as they go I am satisfied with the transmission. Again, because of the incredible fuel economy in this van, I'm happy to deal with things that are less "driver centric" than I prefer. All in all, if you are looking for a solid, economical delivery van or platform for a small camper, I would recommend the NV200 without reservation.

best cargo van for a small business

Wednesday, May 01, 2019

I mainly bought this van for its excellent fuel economy. That's very important to me. But I also like the stylish looks and the headroom in the cargo area. Floor to ceiling, it's the same interior height as the Ford E350 full size work van that I used to drive. But the Nissan uses 48% less fuel. On top of that, Nissan gives a five year warranty. (I wish Nissan would offer a fully electric version, using the drive train from the Nissan Leaf. Maybe in a few years they will. But I digress.) Keep in mind, this is a work van. It's not as comfortable as a passenger car. The engine is quiet but there's a fair amount of road noise and the suspension is a bit stiff. Fill it with cardboard boxes and I'll bet it would be quiet and ride perfectly.

A very useful van.

Monday, October 10, 2022

I've owned this van since it was new. I like just about everything on it. When new I kept losing a hubcap every now and then, so I bought custom wheels for it. The heater takes a little bit longer to heat up than I like, but other than these two issues, I have loved it. I have been getting high 20's to low 30's mpg! The four cargo doors and low load height are nice. I bought my NV200SV to transport my ailing mother and her wheelchairs etc. I could also put a twin mattress in and take her to the clinic or hospital. The low entry height was ideal. It's the most useful vehicle I've owned. It's not made for towing trailers, however, which is why I'm considering trading.