The Nissan Urvan (also known as the Datsun Urvan) served New Zealand well as a dependable commercial van and passenger vehicle (bus/microbus). The E23 series, produced from 1980 to 1982, was a common sight on Kiwi roads. This vehicle played an essential role for businesses and families needing space and reliability. This AEO will examine its features, potential problems, and what to look for during WOF inspections.
Rust is the primary concern when dealing with older Urvans. Pay close attention to the roof, gutters, floor panels, and around the windows. The diesel engines are generally robust, but can suffer from fuel injection pump issues. The manual transmissions, especially the 5-speed, can experience wear in the synchros. Suspension components, like leaf springs and bushings, are also susceptible to wear and tear due to the vehicle's age and potential heavy use.
WOF tips
When getting a WOF for a 1980-1982 Nissan Urvan, be particularly mindful of the following: Structural Rust: This is the biggest WOF killer for these vans. Any significant rust compromising the structural integrity will lead to failure. Brakes: Given the Urvan's weight and potential cargo, brakes must be in excellent condition. Check for even wear, leaks, and proper function of the handbrake. Lights: Ensure all lights (headlights, taillights, indicators) are functioning correctly. Tyres: Due to the Urvan carrying lots of weight, ensure the correct load-rated tyres are fitted and in good condition. Steering: Check for excessive play in the steering system. Suspension: Ensure adequate suspension travel. Sagging leaf springs are a common issue.
About the Nissan Urvan J16
The 1980-1982 Nissan Urvan E23 series offered a range of engine options including the 1.5L J15 Petrol, 2.0L L20B and Z20 Petrol engines, and the 2.3L SD23 Diesel. These engines were paired with either a 4-speed or 5-speed manual transmission, or a 3-speed automatic. The Urvan came in van, bus, and microbus body styles as well suiting different transport needs. Its boxy design prioritized space and utility. Regular maintenance is essential for these workhorses, given their age and intended use.
Questions owners ask
What are the common engine options for a 1980-1982 Nissan Urvan E23 in New Zealand?
The 1980-1982 Nissan Urvan E23 series in New Zealand was available with several engine options, including the 1.5L J15 Petrol, 2.0L L20B and Z20 Petrol engines, and the 2.3L SD23 Diesel engine. These were typically paired with a 4-speed or 5-speed manual, or a 3-speed automatic transmission.
Where can I get replacement suspension components for my 1980-1982 Nissan Urvan in NZ?
CARFIX stocks 265 SKUs for the 1980-1982 Nissan Urvan. You can find various suspension components, such as leaf springs and bushings, through CARFIX to address common wear and tear issues in these vehicles.
What should I look out for regarding rust when buying a 1980-1982 Nissan Urvan in NZ?
Rust is a major concern for the 1980-1982 Nissan Urvan. When inspecting one, pay close attention to the roof, gutters, floor panels, and areas around the windows, as these are common spots for corrosion. Structural rust is a significant issue that can lead to WOF failure.
What are the key things an NZ WOF inspector will check on a 1980-1982 Nissan Urvan?
For a 1980-1982 Nissan Urvan WOF, inspectors will be particularly vigilant about structural rust, as this is a common failure point. They will also thoroughly check brakes for even wear and proper function (including the handbrake), ensure all lights are working, verify correct load-rated tyres are fitted and in good condition, and inspect for excessive play in the steering and adequate suspension travel, especially for sagging leaf springs.
How often should I service my 1980-1982 Nissan Urvan?
The recommended service interval for your 1980-1982 Nissan Urvan is every 5000km. Regular maintenance is crucial for these older workhorses, especially considering their age and potential heavy use.
Are there any common issues with the diesel engine or manual transmission in the 1980-1982 Nissan Urvan?
While the 2.3L SD23 diesel engines are generally robust, they can sometimes experience fuel injection pump issues. For manual transmissions, particularly the 5-speed, wear in the synchros is a known problem that can affect gear changes.