Alex On Autos is like the "one-stop shopping place" for all of your car research. Even though I'm not in the market for a cargo hauler, I watched this review with full interest because it is done well, detailed, with fair comparisons, as always.
Great review! I own two Promasters, and I live and breathe vans. Under ideal conditions, the Promaster gasser will turn 22mpg highway, and 20 is commonplace. That's nearly double what the Nissan gets. That alone would be a dealbreaker for me, I drive 100k a year. At $2/gallon, the Nissan would cost me $7509 more just in gas! And the FWD Promaster is unstoppable in the snow. No snowtires needed. Tip: Alex is correct; avoid the diesel in any of these vans. It's false economy. You'll never save enough in fuel to pay for even a single repair. The Ram has to go to the dealer, and very few dealerships service the Promaster, and even the ones that do are incompetent. The Ford is better, but it takes a true diesel specialist, whereas any boob can service the gas engine. Plus, you can't idle a modern diesel, you'll clog up the DPF. Another tip: run screaming from any Benz product. Criminally bad overpriced german garbage. Look it up if you dont believe me at how unreliable the Benz is.
You are so right. I too own cargo vans for my business and the Promaster is by far the greatest in fuel and cargo capacity. My biggest complaint is little things keep falling apart. Defroster on rear windows stopped working, drivers door hinges fell off, head lamps keep burning up, and parts are really expensive. A brake job cost me close to $1,000. On the plus side, it swallows cargo, V6 is smooth, fuel is at around 22 and I really like the height position of the driver’s seat.
@@gspainting11 So, with all repairs I'm seeing online from you and others, Wouldn't the Nissan, even with less gas mileage even out or come out a bit better than Promaster; I'm seeing many more service issues that eat up expensive time and money on parts on Promaster vs. Nissan. I'm in the market for 1 or the other so I'm into any feedback. Thanks, Randy Allen
Randy Allen I’m so sorry that I did not reply earlier. I just saw your message. You were absolutely right. I had to get rid of the Promastet because it kept falling apart. I replaced it with a Nissan NV 2500 high roof with the V8. It is almost 2 years that I own this van and I have absolutely zero issues. Yes fuel mileage is not as great, but as you mentioned the savings on gas I wound up paying the upkeep. If you have not purchased a van yet, I highly recommend the Nissan NV 2500. I would go with a V-8 since mileage on the V6 is not that much of a difference.
I owned a 2014 and now a 2016 NVP 3500 passenger van that I use for deliveries and personal use. I created a 4x8 plywood, carpeted commercial floor with storage cabinets. I store my leather seats in my warehouse. If I need to use the seats. I go in with my forklift. Remove the floor and install the seats. The passenger van offers rear air and living in Florida makes it the perfect van for me. I also use it to pull a travel trailer and this van is a Tow Monster. I saw your previous 2013 NVP video of the Black van. Good job Alex. Thanks for the review.
Yes. You are right. That was part of the reason that I purchased it. This is my first foreign vehicle that I ever owned. Mostly Ford, Chevy and Old Cadillac Fleetwood Broughams.
This the passenger 3500 SL V8 is the ideal tow vehicle for a family towing an RV. 2,490LB payload and 8,700LB towing. You've got the van for the family traveling more comfortably with more room vs a truck but still have the towing capacity that you need for most 30' family RVs. All the other vans don't have this sort of payload.
i've been driving a 2006 ford e150 for 6 years. the power door locks don't work and the AC broke yesterday. i replaced the transmission 10,000 miles ago and told myself i'll drive another 10 years...but now with no AC i'm selling it and getting a Nissan NV. i don't care about gas mileage at all..i drove 30,000 miles in the last 6 years. The Nissan NE will be a huge upgrade in horse power and torque compared to my 4.6 liter
This body configuration gives the best advantages of the old pickup based panel trucks and of high roof vans. If it had the reliability of a Toyota it would be a all around win for business use. The NV is loaded with nice features for business use.
This Nissan NV costs the same as a Mercedes Metris. This is a lot more usable vehicle for the money and finished much more nicely. Mercedes is so stuck on themselves they think they can murder people with their prices and people will gladly say "thank you".
Thank you for reviewing all kinds of vehicles under the sun: from exotics to everyday vehicles to commercial oriented ones. Even though I have no intention of ever buying this NV, still enjoying your weekly automotive reviews. BTW I am from Vancouver BC Canada! Thumbed up!
GM probably isn't flooding your inbox with offers to test their cargo vans, but I'd love to see an Express / Savana review on AoA. I'm looking into making a self-built camper conversion and the AoA reviews of the Transit, ProMaster, and NV have been invaluable. An Express / Savana review would be the old-school cherry on top.
It wouldn't be bad. The Promaster seems to be very popular for that because it is a bit wider, has a lower load floor and gets good fuel economy. You'll have to trim about 6" off the length of that queen size memory foam mattress, but it will then fit sideways across the back of the ProMaster. As long as you are not much over 6 feet tall it will be fine. I have some friends who are currently van-camping the US in a ProMaster they fitted out as a retirement project. I have also seen a high roof NV fitted with a loft bed in the back. That seems to work pretty well as long as you are agile enough to scramble up into it.
I like most of what I've viewed re: these van - for camper conversion; but, no limited slip differential rear end? No 4x4? Even if towing a travel trailer, and the van is another room, you still need to deal with muddy roads.
I have heard that Nissan's new V8 powertrain (in the new Titan) gets quite a bit better gas mileage. I wonder how long before it shows up in the NV? I also wonder if Nissan will ever pull the trigger on a diesel for NV. It sorely needs a good medium sized diesel option.
Also, keep in mind taking on serious wind--not fun in a truck this tall. I once actually had to get off the road, and turn my rig into the wind, to keep from being blown over and it was in a truck MUCH smaller than this one. Also, if you are thinking standard truck vs this van, remember that the one advantage to an open truck, the one thing you can't get in a van, or anything else really is isolation from the load. Say you have a load of old wood and other stuff and you want to haul it away. "Oh, I can use the van for that too", yeah, until as you are driving a bunch of spiders come crawling down your shoulder (it happened to me); with a regular truck, your old, stinky, dirty, full of insects--or rats, or whatever is "back there" and you are clean and secure in the cab of the truck. Vans are cool, don't get me wrong, but they have a downside too.
I wondered about that factor...I run thru Ok, Txs, NM, KS, Neb, and the winds in OK have moved me across the highway...back in 1965 Ford thru today in 4 dr F150.
Those are usually added as part of a custom up-fit at the time of sale to suite the buyer's needs. There is a dizzying array of different options for dividers and cargo management fittings. Those up-fits and any graphics packages are generally included in the contract for the sale of the vehicle.
Not so. Anything palletized is going to be strapped down, and I use an etrack fence in my Promaster. Even at my cap of 4300# the van doesn't even notice it. But I suppose if you were hauling javelins you might want a partition wall or some kind of cage.
You are amazing! I don't know whether you are just happy with your super promaster plus or have suspended newtonian mechanics, and you sort of lost me on the spear thing but you're amazing nonetheless. Go bother somebody else.
GreatKingRat Yes, very much. I’m about to buy a third one. Both my original 2 are about to pass 500,000 miles each. One has needed an engine, the other has needed nothing major. 1 minor tranny problem. Both needed alternators at around 350k. Fans (dual, electric) seem to wear out every 150k or so and they are $150. These vans generally wear out the strut bushing every 150-200k, and they are only $120 but its a few hours labor to change them. If you ignore the strut, it will take out the wheel bearing which is another $200 repair. All the stuff I thought would wear hasnt. Never touched a water pump, steering pump, rack, a/c pump, brake master, fuel pump, wiper motor. Interior stuff has held up very well. Neither van burns a drop of oil, it’s kind of amazing. I could ramble more, but overall the Promaster is the best van on the market.
Alex, I just bought a 2014 NV high-top van. Noticed on my first camping outing a lot of wheel spin in loose dirt or gravel. I learned that power only goes to one wheel. That will severely limit the usefulness of the vehicle for off-roading (my intended use). You mentioned 4x4 after-market providers... The 4x4 set-up will be beyond my budget. Do you know if aftermarket limited-slip differentials available for the NVs? Can't find them on the net anywhere...
There are some Nissan camper vans and Roadtrek even made one on the NV platform (didn't sell well). Overall, you better off with other platforms. I loved the Nissan but the gas mileage is horrible.
Does anyone know the interior height of the High Roof version.....I'm 6ft and I'm wondering if the interior height is high enough even after the addition of insulation and flooring to be able to walk inside without having to slouch?
This is a VERY comprehensive and professionally-presented juxtaposition of the available cargo vans on the market that year. Do you have an update? Liking and subscribing!
Actually during my shopping of vans this year I have found the Sprinter to be comparably priced if not cheaper when compared option with option. The reason so few Nissan vans are spotted on the road is because they are simply ugly. Nissan is a good generation or two behind the other offerings from Ram, Mercedes or Ford. GMC is two generations behind as well.
This big center Is she removable ? no matter how well made she is , the point is If you can't get through to rear compartement , a panel truck is useless for a camper conversion among other .
The difference grows to 50% when you start looking at options and can be even larger when you start looking at on the lot prices. GM's fleet discounts are extremely aggressive and will get the Chevy Express down to about $20,000 for the 4.8L V8 extended body van for small volume purchasers. Mercedes on the other hand offers a paltry few hundred dollars in the same volume. That would mean nearly a 100% premium. Short wheelbase Chevys can be had one-off for $22K all day long which is substantial vs a $32,000 Sprinter. Nissan isn't quite as aggressive but the delta is still substantial.
Dign-nbama Dealer network is just the start of your nightmares as a sprinter owner. Theres no guarantee the dealer will have a clue what he's doing, and most don't. Good mechanics are good on all engines, but the diesel is a completely different animal, and Benz goes out of their way to guard/suppress repair knowledge. My buddy this week just went in for a $2000 dpf cleaning on his sprinter. No cause given, no reason given. It just randomly separates you from $2000 whenever it feels like it. It does give you a warning. "You have 10 starts till this vehicle is immobilized". Seriously. It does this. He left it running all week. Its criminal how bad the sprinter is.
I just dont get why they wouldn't make the armrests from soft plastic, how expensive can it be?? I dont want to travel miles in this and my arm resting on hard plastic
Alex On Autos is like the "one-stop shopping place" for all of your car research. Even though I'm not in the market for a cargo hauler, I watched this review with full interest because it is done well, detailed, with fair comparisons, as always.
I think a lot of AoA fans feel just like you do (I certainly do!)
I may just have to start watching this channel more often.As time permits. This did seem like a very informative review.
Me too, i just like doing research by watching and listening.
Great review! I own two Promasters, and I live and breathe vans. Under ideal conditions, the Promaster gasser will turn 22mpg highway, and 20 is commonplace. That's nearly double what the Nissan gets. That alone would be a dealbreaker for me, I drive 100k a year. At $2/gallon, the Nissan would cost me $7509 more just in gas! And the FWD Promaster is unstoppable in the snow. No snowtires needed.
Tip: Alex is correct; avoid the diesel in any of these vans. It's false economy. You'll never save enough in fuel to pay for even a single repair. The Ram has to go to the dealer, and very few dealerships service the Promaster, and even the ones that do are incompetent. The Ford is better, but it takes a true diesel specialist, whereas any boob can service the gas engine. Plus, you can't idle a modern diesel, you'll clog up the DPF. Another tip: run screaming from any Benz product. Criminally bad overpriced german garbage. Look it up if you dont believe me at how unreliable the Benz is.
Kip Amore great comment buddy,thanx.
You are so right.
I too own cargo vans for my business and the Promaster is by far the greatest in fuel and cargo capacity.
My biggest complaint is little things keep falling apart. Defroster on rear windows stopped working, drivers door hinges fell off, head lamps keep burning up, and parts are really expensive. A brake job cost me close to $1,000.
On the plus side, it swallows cargo, V6 is smooth, fuel is at around 22 and I really like the height position of the driver’s seat.
This comment better that the video. I am subscribing to your channel instead of his. Thank you.
@@gspainting11 So, with all repairs I'm seeing online from you and others, Wouldn't the Nissan, even with less gas mileage even out or come out a bit better than Promaster; I'm seeing many more service issues that eat up expensive time and money on parts on Promaster vs. Nissan. I'm in the market for 1 or the other so I'm into any feedback. Thanks, Randy Allen
Randy Allen I’m so sorry that I did not reply earlier. I just saw your message. You were absolutely right. I had to get rid of the Promastet because it kept falling apart. I replaced it with a Nissan NV 2500 high roof with the V8. It is almost 2 years that I own this van and I have absolutely zero issues. Yes fuel mileage is not as great, but as you mentioned the savings on gas I wound up paying the upkeep. If you have not purchased a van yet, I highly recommend the Nissan NV 2500. I would go with a V-8 since mileage on the V6 is not that much of a difference.
I owned a 2014 and now a 2016 NVP 3500 passenger van that I use for deliveries and personal use. I created a 4x8 plywood, carpeted commercial floor with storage cabinets. I store my leather seats in my warehouse. If I need to use the seats. I go in with my forklift. Remove the floor and install the seats. The passenger van offers rear air and living in Florida makes it the perfect van for me. I also use it to pull a travel trailer and this van is a Tow Monster. I saw your previous 2013 NVP video of the Black van. Good job Alex. Thanks for the review.
what kind of business do you have ?
I sell/deliver Auto Detailing Products.
That's dope, I'm looking to get me a nv, how much is your monthly payment
I Sale shoes
Yes. You are right. That was part of the reason that I purchased it. This is my first foreign vehicle that I ever owned. Mostly Ford, Chevy and Old Cadillac Fleetwood Broughams.
This the passenger 3500 SL V8 is the ideal tow vehicle for a family towing an RV. 2,490LB payload and 8,700LB towing. You've got the van for the family traveling more comfortably with more room vs a truck but still have the towing capacity that you need for most 30' family RVs. All the other vans don't have this sort of payload.
omgnothingisavl yes that is our plan. we pull with a dually now so it's hard to find something big and strong enough
Excellent review. I'm glad to see that Nissan stuck with the column shifter.
i've been driving a 2006 ford e150 for 6 years. the power door locks don't work and the AC broke yesterday. i replaced the transmission 10,000 miles ago and told myself i'll drive another 10 years...but now with no AC i'm selling it and getting a Nissan NV. i don't care about gas mileage at all..i drove 30,000 miles in the last 6 years. The Nissan NE will be a huge upgrade in horse power and torque compared to my 4.6 liter
The nv also has the best warranty, six years 100,000 miles :)
This body configuration gives the best advantages of the old pickup based panel trucks and of high roof vans. If it had the reliability of a Toyota it would be a all around win for business use. The NV is loaded with nice features for business use.
A 5 speed transmission in 2016? Seriously? At 16:48 minutes, is the best info comparison for all cargo vans that I have seen on UA-cam. Thnx!
This Nissan NV costs the same as a Mercedes Metris. This is a lot more usable vehicle for the money and finished much more nicely. Mercedes is so stuck on themselves they think they can murder people with their prices and people will gladly say "thank you".
Thank you for reviewing all kinds of vehicles under the sun: from exotics to everyday vehicles to commercial oriented ones. Even though I have no intention of ever buying this NV, still enjoying your weekly automotive reviews. BTW I am from Vancouver BC Canada! Thumbed up!
Alex, how about the 2017 NV with the new 5.6 V8 and 7 speed automatic
GM probably isn't flooding your inbox with offers to test their cargo vans, but I'd love to see an Express / Savana review on AoA. I'm looking into making a self-built camper conversion and the AoA reviews of the Transit, ProMaster, and NV have been invaluable. An Express / Savana review would be the old-school cherry on top.
Well done review so far. Thank You, much appreciated.
Looks like a good candidate for a small RV.
It wouldn't be bad. The Promaster seems to be very popular for that because it is a bit wider, has a lower load floor and gets good fuel economy. You'll have to trim about 6" off the length of that queen size memory foam mattress, but it will then fit sideways across the back of the ProMaster. As long as you are not much over 6 feet tall it will be fine. I have some friends who are currently van-camping the US in a ProMaster they fitted out as a retirement project. I have also seen a high roof NV fitted with a loft bed in the back. That seems to work pretty well as long as you are agile enough to scramble up into it.
I like most of what I've viewed re: these van - for camper conversion; but, no limited slip differential rear end? No 4x4? Even if towing a travel trailer, and the van is another room, you still need to deal with muddy roads.
they do have a live axle. not bad in dirt
Most Excellent Review. So much good info and nicely delivered. Thank you. Great Job!#informative
That is an Excellent review, just what I was looking for. I rate your service a 10! Thank you! - Randy Allen
I'd be interested to know the fuel economy in the v6. Anybody have any experience with that model?
I have heard that Nissan's new V8 powertrain (in the new Titan) gets quite a bit better gas mileage. I wonder how long before it shows up in the NV? I also wonder if Nissan will ever pull the trigger on a diesel for NV. It sorely needs a good medium sized diesel option.
Also, keep in mind taking on serious wind--not fun in a truck this tall. I once actually had to get off the road, and turn my rig into the wind, to keep from being blown over and it was in a truck MUCH smaller than this one. Also, if you are thinking standard truck vs this van, remember that the one advantage to an open truck, the one thing you can't get in a van, or anything else really is isolation from the load. Say you have a load of old wood and other stuff and you want to haul it away. "Oh, I can use the van for that too", yeah, until as you are driving a bunch of spiders come crawling down your shoulder (it happened to me); with a regular truck, your old, stinky, dirty, full of insects--or rats, or whatever is "back there" and you are clean and secure in the cab of the truck. Vans are cool, don't get me wrong, but they have a downside too.
I wondered about that factor...I run thru Ok, Txs, NM, KS, Neb, and the winds in OK have moved me across the highway...back in 1965 Ford thru today in 4 dr F150.
Amazing review. Bravo 👏
I would be a little uncomfortable with tons of cargo behind me and no headboard. A relatively minor crash could squish you.
Those are usually added as part of a custom up-fit at the time of sale to suite the buyer's needs. There is a dizzying array of different options for dividers and cargo management fittings. Those up-fits and any graphics packages are generally included in the contract for the sale of the vehicle.
OK
Not so. Anything palletized is going to be strapped down, and I use an etrack fence in my Promaster. Even at my cap of 4300# the van doesn't even notice it. But I suppose if you were hauling javelins you might want a partition wall or some kind of cage.
You are amazing! I don't know whether you are just happy with your super promaster plus or have suspended newtonian mechanics, and you sort of lost me on the spear thing but you're amazing nonetheless. Go bother somebody else.
GreatKingRat Yes, very much. I’m about to buy a third one. Both my original 2 are about to pass 500,000 miles each. One has needed an engine, the other has needed nothing major. 1 minor tranny problem. Both needed alternators at around 350k. Fans (dual, electric) seem to wear out every 150k or so and they are $150. These vans generally wear out the strut bushing every 150-200k, and they are only $120 but its a few hours labor to change them. If you ignore the strut, it will take out the wheel bearing which is another $200 repair.
All the stuff I thought would wear hasnt. Never touched a water pump, steering pump, rack, a/c pump, brake master, fuel pump, wiper motor. Interior stuff has held up very well. Neither van burns a drop of oil, it’s kind of amazing.
I could ramble more, but overall the Promaster is the best van on the market.
Alex is the best.
Alex, I just bought a 2014 NV high-top van. Noticed on my first camping outing a lot of wheel spin in loose dirt or gravel. I learned that power only goes to one wheel. That will severely limit the usefulness of the vehicle for off-roading (my intended use). You mentioned 4x4 after-market providers... The 4x4 set-up will be beyond my budget. Do you know if aftermarket limited-slip differentials available for the NVs? Can't find them on the net anywhere...
I'm looking at a Nissan and a limited slip diff is a definite must have.
Advance4x4vans.com, they do 4x4 conversions for nissans.. goog company.
did you turn off traction control
I call it the reverse mullet. Fun in the front; business in the back
That long hood up front means you won't be the first to arrive at the scene of a accident LOL.
How long is the vehicle cargo length for the 2020 High top models? 144"?
What a great review. Would nissan nv be good for use as a camper van ?
There are some Nissan camper vans and Roadtrek even made one on the NV platform (didn't sell well). Overall, you better off with other platforms. I loved the Nissan but the gas mileage is horrible.
the nv2500 hd in my local dealership doesn't have the fancy steerling wheel.
Does anyone know the interior height of the High Roof version.....I'm 6ft and I'm wondering if the interior height is high enough even after the addition of insulation and flooring to be able to walk inside without having to slouch?
great review
This is a VERY comprehensive and professionally-presented juxtaposition of the available cargo vans on the market that year. Do you have an update? Liking and subscribing!
PLEASE DO A REVIEW OF THE 2017 VOLVO S90!
Perhaps you could mention where each van is manufactured.
What does "Thirsty V8" mean? Does that mean it sucks up gas a lot of gas, or means something else?
Actually during my shopping of vans this year I have found the Sprinter to be comparably priced if not cheaper when compared option with option. The reason so few Nissan vans are spotted on the road is because they are simply ugly. Nissan is a good generation or two behind the other offerings from Ram, Mercedes or Ford. GMC is two generations behind as well.
South Hill Farm you put wheels and tires on it changes whole look
This big center Is she removable ? no matter how well made she is , the point is If you can't get through to rear compartement , a panel truck is useless for a camper conversion among other .
martin martin
WHAT?!
Great video...
Alex, Are you going to be able to get your hands on a 2.8 Duramax Chevy van when they come out? I'm really curious how that will perform.
You have to be shitting me 9500 pounds for towing!? That's close to an 9600 towing 2007 GMC Yukon. Oh well, at least Nissan did everything they can
30% more is not "fantastically" expensive. I thought we were talking $80k base for Sprinter.
The difference grows to 50% when you start looking at options and can be even larger when you start looking at on the lot prices. GM's fleet discounts are extremely aggressive and will get the Chevy Express down to about $20,000 for the 4.8L V8 extended body van for small volume purchasers. Mercedes on the other hand offers a paltry few hundred dollars in the same volume. That would mean nearly a 100% premium. Short wheelbase Chevys can be had one-off for $22K all day long which is substantial vs a $32,000 Sprinter. Nissan isn't quite as aggressive but the delta is still substantial.
Dign-nbama Dealer network is just the start of your nightmares as a sprinter owner. Theres no guarantee the dealer will have a clue what he's doing, and most don't. Good mechanics are good on all engines, but the diesel is a completely different animal, and Benz goes out of their way to guard/suppress repair knowledge. My buddy this week just went in for a $2000 dpf cleaning on his sprinter. No cause given, no reason given. It just randomly separates you from $2000 whenever it feels like it. It does give you a warning. "You have 10 starts till this vehicle is immobilized". Seriously. It does this. He left it running all week. Its criminal how bad the sprinter is.
How is in snow?
Donde puedo encontrar esta nissan
Sadly this is discontinued for 2021
I just dont get why they wouldn't make the armrests from soft plastic, how expensive can it be?? I dont want to travel miles in this and my arm resting on hard plastic
Probably in part for durability. I'm guessing most commercial buyer don't worry to much about soft armrest.
Is this a truck van or it's a unibody?
Body on frame truck van! Really solid van, check out the abuse it took from these guys: ua-cam.com/video/xJhIN4gc2wc/v-deo.html
Mpg???
they really need to shorten front end
it's basically a pick-up truck . Learn about basic automotive configuration
It allows the transmission interface with the engine block to be under the hood rather than protrude into the cab, thus making for a more spacious cab
noway. it grows on you. very easy to work on
Why Nissan does not improve their cargo van fuel economy? I am buying a new van now, I am struggling with NV and Transit.
HOW MUCH WOULD YOU ESTIMATE A COMPANY CONVERTING A VAN TO A 4 WHEEL DRIVE?
BIG JOE 245. 11k
google Quigley
Quigly..11k
Does the NV have a LSD?
You can buy lsd from your local drug dealer ;-)
All I can say is...whoof!
I'm sure you'll understand if I skip this video...cargo haulers just aren't my thing 😀
Mercedes Benz Sprinter is a Dodge.
Seems like a good van but its so insanely ugly
So why wasn't eh MPG noted on here, Hummer gas mileage? LOL jk 🤔😊
Its terrible...
Trust me I know...
That’s the ugliest vehicle I’ve ever seen in my life
it doesn't have to be pretty, it just needs to get the job done
that is one ugly looking vehicle and id imagine the v8 may do ten miles to the gallon if your lucky
What an ugly looking NV cargo van.