Buying a used Nissan Elgrand (2002-2012)

You would have to ask a potential Elgrand buyer what the retro attraction is all about and if an Elgrand is in your consideration set, you’ll need to move fast as the Federal Government plans to shut down ‘grey’ People Mover imports by 2021.

Despite some acclaimed passenger van models which have achieved considerable sales success at home in Japan, Nissan Australia has never embraced the market segment with the same gusto as Toyota or even the Koreans - Kia and Hyundai. Historians will recall the Nissan Urvan or maybe a Cabstar bus, but that’s it for official imports.

Nevertheless, from 1997, Nissan buyers in Japan were invited to load seven or eight family and friends into the stylish and very roomy model known as the Elgrand. Those early versions were tall and looked a little ungainly with their two-tone paint, but even back then, did offer the attraction of satellite navigation.

The versions most commonly seen and sold in Australia were launched in 2002 and were designated as the E51 model. In typically Japanese fashion, the range of trim and equipment variations was mind boggling, so if you’re contemplating an Elgrand, you must carefully study available vehicles and compare pricing to see if the purchase price is justified by the range of features included.

A significant restyle saw the E51 offer a more sophisticated and modern look than its predecessor, the E50. The new grille was in two distinct segments with indicators above the curved headlights and fog-lights (where fitted) mounted low down in a reshaped bumper/air-dam.

The E51 was marginally longer than the E50 and slightly lower. Unfortunately, details of internal dimensions are hard to find, making comparisons difficult, but looking at both models, and sitting in the back, there seems to be little difference.

Most significant though was the change occurring under the E51's stubby engine cover. Diesel power was out, replaced by the smoothness and response of Nissan's VQ35 V6 petrol engine. In a less than optimum level of tune, and on 91 RON petrol, the 3.5L powerplant delivered 177kW and was hooked to a four-speed automatic transmission.

All-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive versions are available to Australian buyers, with little price difference between them. Where the dollars do start to mount up is when moving from a basic X model to the Rider, XL or lavishly-equipped Highway Star.

There seems to be no fixed specification for these vehicles; some including combination cloth/leather trim, others full leather. Plasti-wood dashboard trim is very much in evidence when you choose a high-end Elgrand. So too is the display screen, which is bewildering at best and seemingly impenetrable…unless you find someone versed in interpreting the PdF instruction manual.

Some sellers may include - and others offer as an option (at up to $1500) - an adaptor which converts the GPS system to accept local maps and deliver its instructions in English. Or you could spend $200 at the local parts shop for one to attach to the windscreen (but by-passing a perfectly good in-built nav setup does seem injudicious).

The reign of the Elgrand E51 model ended in 2010 when the modernised and slightly restyled E52 took over. With ostensibly the same 3.5L V6, but now with 206kW, and driving through a six-step CVT automatic transmission, the E52 should deliver better performance than the its less powerful predecessor. Nissan also added a 2.5-litre Elgrand with 127kW, but this version may work hard if you're carrying full loads of passengers.

Inside, you’ll find the seats in E52 Nissan Elgrands are trimmed in leather and adjust electronically. Some even have footrests. Unlike the pews in many passenger vans, they look and feel very comfortable.

Air-bags, child seat mounting points and ABS brakes are fitted to all E51 versions. The E52 added stability control, an overhead camera and hazard detection features (the latter turning the extraction of an Elgrand from a tight parking slot into a quite raucous affair).
We didn't inspect an Elgrand set up for towing, but dealers say towing kits are available and the capacity is 1400kg.

Prospective Elgrand buyers should note the vehicles already in Australia, or awaiting shipment from Japan, could be among the last sold here. Recently announced Federal Government changes to low-volume import rules will, by 2019, ban new arrivals of seven seat passenger vans unless they are being converted to camper vans or for wheelchair accessibility.

From behind the wheel of an Elgrand you get a fair idea of how the driver of an interstate coach might feel. Perhaps it's the magnifying effect of the strange mirrors, or the quite spooky overhead camera coverage of areas which can't normally be seen, but there is no disputing this is a large vehicle.

Entry and exit for those in the rear should be easy for most folk, even if their ability to walk bent double is limited. The central aisle is decently wide and it is possible to alight using the forward or rear cabin doors. In fact, only those seated up-front are denied a graceful exit as they must turn and slither to the ground.

The driving position is bus-like but OK, with plenty of seat adjustment and excellent forward vision. Dominating the dash is a big colour screen - not touch sensitive - and some models have a bank of buttons on the steering wheel. Plasti-wood veneer is used in top-spec Elgrands but doesn't stop the transmission shifter looking like it was lifted from a move-yourself rental truck.

In E51 models, the seats furthest to the rear stow against the sides of the luggage area. In E52s they sprout from the floor and while we didn't see these seats deployed, photographs of Elgrands laden with smiling travellers suggest even they offer decent comfort and leg room.

Above every row are air-conditioning outlets which need to be checked with the engine running to ensure they are pumping out decent volumes of cold air. Being down the back of an Elgrand on a steaming day with ineffective A/C would not be pleasant.

With over two tonnes plus passengers to move, these vehicles do need the torque of the V6 engine and a transmission probably more responsive than the Nissan four-speeder. With infinitely variable ratios and even more torque from its 3.5L, the E52 should be an easier vehicle to drive and perhaps be a little more frugal on fuel.

The four-speed transmission has its limitations but does incorporate a manual over-ride slot for faster response. While the later CVT won't benefit from being shifted manually, if you're towing, the ability to lock in a lower gear on steep descents is comforting.

>> Any significant body damage is likely to write off a lower-value Elgrand. Enquiries with parts specialists revealed sufficient vehicles ready for wrecking; most with good side and rear panels. Unfortunately these had suffered frontal damage meaning a long wait if yours is in the same condition and needs parts from Japan.
>> The engine bay is very crowded and most of the engine is impossible to easily check for worn components or oil leaks. A professional pre-purchase inspection is strongly recommended. Check the coolant for signs of oil contamination.
>> Before test-driving, sit behind the wheel and have a sales person identify every control and what it does. If things don't work, or confuse you, perhaps look for a different vehicle.
>> Check alloy components in the engine bay and under the car for signs of surface corrosion. Some vehicles awaiting shipment from Japan are kept in yards close to the ocean and can be subject to storm inundation.
>> Jerking and rough downshifts are common issues with four-speed Nissan transmissions, some suffering more obviously than others. Owners of affected cars in North America attempted to sue, but the transmissions were ruled to be still of 'merchantable quality'. Still, don't buy a vehicle which thumps with every up-shift.
>> Despite their size, Elgrands are low-slung vehicles so check the lower body extremities for kerb damage, dents and cracks before settling on a final price.

Used Vehicle Grading
Design & Function: 14/20
Safety: 13/20
Practicality: 15/20
Value for Money: 15/20
Wow Factor: 10/20
Score: 67/100

Also Consider:
Chrysler Grand Voyager, Kia Grand Carnival, Toyota Tarago

Thanks for assistance in preparing this feature to Albert Suen of Albert Autos Slacks Creek QLD