Nissan Prairie (1982 - 1988)

Last updated 11 May 2013

Buying Guide

Good

• Box-like utility car that pre-dated today's mini MPVs.
• 13' 5" long by 5' 5" wide and quite light at 980kg.
• This one had pillarless construction that left a huge gap in the sides with the front doors open and the rear doors slid back.
• Kicked off with a 75bhp 1488cc engine supplemented by an 88bhp 1809cc four from May 1984, which is what most of them had.
• Much loved. Many converted to provide mobility for the disabled.

Bad

• Pillarless construction and relatively light weight leaves them more vulnerable to structural rot than most '80s Japanese cars, which means very vulnerable.
• Don't ask about the driving characteristics and braking.

Watch

• The main thing is structural rot as many of these vehicles had welding to pass MoTs which in fact weakened the structure rather than strengthened it.