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The history of the Nissan Elgrand
The Nissan Elgrand is the name of both a minivan and a light commercial vehicle made by the Japanese manufacturer Nissan Shatai, for the car make Nissan. Primarily sold within Japan, there is a large international import market too, especially in Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand and Russia.
There have been three generations of Elgrand minivan – the E50 (1997-2002), the E51 (2002-2010) and the E52 (2010 onwards). The light commercial vehicle version was sold from 1998 until 2017, but it has now been discontinued.
All versions of the Nissan Elgrand are popular as campervan conversions, but it’s the most recent E52 generation that is proving most popular. Not only is it spacious, but it is popular from an eco-friendly perspective, with emissions being 75% lower than that required by Japan’s 2005 Emissions Standards.
That doesn’t mean it’s the perfect campervan for those who care about the planet (or their wallet) though, as there are some drawbacks, most notably the fuel consumption.
However, it remains an extremely popular choice due to its performance on the road, and its look too – it’s one of the more stylish minivans available for conversions. It remains a good choice both for DIY conversions and for professional jobs, thanks to its high-spec build and roomy interior that is relatively easy to customize.
And because of that simple, modern design, it can also be designed to fit a wide range of budgets – meaning you can find Elgrand camper van conversions that are relatively cheap, or those that just ooze luxury for the ultimate camping experience.
Pros:
- Fantastic performance on the road
- Sleek, modern look inside and out
- Powerful engine options
- Conversions can be done on a budget
Cons:
- 5L engine version struggles with a heavy load
- MPG is poor on both versions
Quirks:
- 2nd hand imports often have low mileage, making them excellent value
- Some Elgrands will talk to you when you turn on the ignition*
*This is a fun little quirk – some Elgrands have a Japanese Electronic Toll Card (ETC) reader installed. This lets you insert your credit card when using toll roads, so that you’re charged automatically.
You can have it removed if you want to, or if you don’t mind a female Japanese voice speaking to you every time you turn on the engine, just let it be.
Nissan Elgrand Campervan Review: What’s Inside?
Elgrands are normally 8-person minivans and so if you buy an unconverted one, expect two banks of seats in the rear. Once converted, you can add sliding and rotating front seats, meaning if you’re going for a two-berth there’ll be loads of room in the back.
As standard, you get a load of extra features with the Elgrand, although not all are standard. Some of the options available include reversing cameras, snow mode, electric curtains, multi-zone air con, and even self-opening and closing doors.
But it’s not so much what’s inside the Nissan Elgrand that makes it popular. Instead, it’s the overall experience.
Firstly, the drive – especially with the 3.5L engine. It’s super-smooth, with plenty of power but also really quiet – so you’ll feel like you’re driving an electric van. The 2.5L version may not have quite the oomph but it does the job.
Secondly, from a maintenance perspective, the Elgrand is a really easy car to take care of. Repairs are easily carried out at many larger dealers/garages, but they don’t tend to have many problems anyway.
Partly that’s due to their condition when imported. The Japanese car market is excellent for cars with low mileages as people over there don’t tend to drive long distances too often. So, when you do import your Elgrand, it will be in really good condition.
Nissan Elgrand Camper Conversion Tips
While the Nissan Elgrand is generally considered a luxury MPV, when converting it as a camper you don’t have to go down the super-expensive route. It’s a versatile vehicle that offers a lot of options, so if you are working to a budget then you can definitely make it fit that.
One thing you will want to do is convert the front seats into swivel chairs. This will free up a lot of space since you don’t need to add extra chairs. Put the seats on sliders and you can give yourself extra leg room when needed, and use the space in the rear flexibly.
Next up, you’ll want to extend the roof. It’s not essential for a two-berth conversion but you still won’t be able to comfortably stand up with the standard roof. A pop-top will make it much better when you’re camping, and it can be used as a second bedroom at night too.
Adding a 240V electrical outlet is possible if you know your way around wiring, but you might want to leave this one to the professionals if not. It will allow you to use all your electricals while you’re parked at a campsite though.
There’s ample space in the rear though, so make sure to use it – if you don’t have any specific plans for a kitchenette or a toilet space then just create extra storage – you’ll always need it.
There are many professional options offering Elgrand campervan conversions ready-made. If you’re not confident in your own DIY skills then these are the best option, because you’ll get a quality vehicle that’s nicely finished, with interior furnishings built to last.
And if you want to know more about converting an Elgrand yourself, there are some excellent resources online. It’s a really popular vehicle for conversions, so you won’t be short of people to talk to. Definitely check out the Elgrand Owners’ Club forum if you have any specific questions you want the answer to.
Nissan Elgrand Prices (Average)
Nissan Elgrands may be a more premium minivan, but they aren’t actually that expensive to buy – part of the reason they’re so popular with the campervan conversion community.
A second-hand Elgrand that’s still built as an MPV will likely cost you somewhere between £9,000 and £15,000 depending on how recent the model is, and how many miles it has done. But even importing one second-hand, the mileage is likely to be low.
Conversion prices will of course be higher because the work has already been done for you, but they aren’t astronomical. You can find older second-hand conversions from around £9k as well, but these do need a thorough inspection.
For a new conversion, expect to pay somewhere between £18,000 and £25,000, or maybe a little more if you choose some extra luxuries such as a touch-screen dashboard.
Anything else we should know?
Can you sleep in a Nissan Elgrand?
You could sleep in an unconverted Nissan Elgrand – the rear row of seats does fold flat to create a large space. But it wouldn’t be super comfortable. If you remove the seats then it’s a good van for campervan conversions, meaning you could sleep inside one in almost luxury, especially with a professional conversion that includes a bed.
Is a Nissan Elgrand a campervan?
A Nissan Elgrand is not, by default, a campervan. Instead it is an 8-person minivan. However it’s a great van for converting into a campervan due to its size and roomy interior. You can buy them pre-converted, meaning you can use it as a campervan immediately, or to save money you could buy the MPV and convert it yourself.
How many people can sleep in a Nissan Elgrand?
Most Nissan Elgrand campervan conversions are designed as four-berth – with a main bed in the rear and a second bed in a pop-top or solid roof extension. The van isn’t huge, so would sleep two people more comfortably. But a family of four will be fine inside. Two adults would probably find the pop-top bedroom a little cramped.
What is similar to a Nissan Elgrand?
There are a number of vans that are similar to the Nissan Elgrand when it comes to campervan conversions, many of which are also Japanese imports that offer a premium experience. The Mazda Bongo and the Toyota Alphard are two of the most common vans to be compared to an Elgrand.
Do Nissan Elgrand vans come in Diesel?
Only very old Nissan Elgrand cans come with a diesel engine – there was a diesel turbo version of the E50 version made available from 1997 to 2002. Since then, only petrol engines have been used in Elgrand minivans, with both a 2.5L and a 3.5L version in both the E51 and E52 generations.
Nissan Elgrand Insurance Tips and Examples
When considering the conversion of a Nissan Elgrand into a campervan, it's crucial to think about insurance options. To help you navigate this aspect, you might want to compare campervan insurance to find a policy that matches your specific needs, ensuring you're covered for both everyday use and those adventurous road trips across the UK. Choosing the right insurance can safeguard your investment and provide peace of mind, allowing you to enjoy your travels to the fullest.
Finding insurance for a Nissan Elgrand in the UK, particularly for imports, presents unique challenges and opportunities, according to discussions on ElgrandOC Forum and insights from Jap Cover, a specialist in Japanese imports insurance. The Nissan Elgrand Club Facebook page is also a helpful resource and has some useful examples.
On ElgrandOC Forum, users have also shared their experiences with insuring Nissan Elgrands, noting some specific points:
• Some insurance companies may not recognise imported vehicles like the Nissan Elgrand directly on their online platforms, requiring owners to manually input details or contact insurers directly.
• Companies such as Adrian Flux, Direct Line, and Green Light Insurance are mentioned as potential insurers for Nissan Elgrands. Admiral was also highlighted for providing competitive quotes for some members, though experiences vary.
• The importance of shopping around and comparing quotes from both specialist import insurers and mainstream companies is emphasised to find the best deal. You can get some helping doing this through our website.
Jap Cover positions itself as an Elgrand specialist, offering insurance for various models and editions of the Nissan Elgrand, including the popular E51 model with both engine sizes (2495cc or 3498cc). Their approach suggests a more personalised service, focusing on the specific needs of Nissan Elgrand owners, including those with modifications or special editions. Customer testimonials highlight the ease of finding competitive quotes and the benefits of working with insurers familiar with Japanese imports.
For detailed case studies and facts about insuring a Nissan Elgrand in the UK, it's advisable to consult forums like ElgrandOC for real-world experiences.
Nissan Elgrand Campervan Review: Final Thoughts
It’s pretty easy to see why the Nissan Elgrand has such a popular following in the campervan community.
It’s one of the best minivans for drive experience in this price bracket – you don’t feel like you’re driving around a campervan, but instead a small electric car – that’s how well it performs on the road. The handling is better than some competitors too, so everything about it just feels smooth and effortless.
And that price is worth mentioning again – being able to buy a professionally converted van for £18,000 is really not bad at all, with second-hand conversions being available for half that price if you shop around. Just be careful of poorly-maintained vans on random selling websites.
Maintenance is affordable and easy too on the Elgrand as well, and with it being roomy and high-spec, there really is a lot to make it worth consideration for your next campervan.
Don’t forget that fuel consumption though. While it’s a cheap van to buy and maintain, it’s not cheap to run. If you tend to take longer camping trips into Europe, you need to budget accordingly for your fuel.
If you’re not sure, then the best thing to do is speak to other Elgrand owners about their own experiences. The Elgrand Owners’ Club forum is a good place to start. And then once you’ve made your decision, you’ll be ready to head out on your first camping trip – once it’s insured, of course!
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