Nissan Elgrand: A detailed review of the legendary minivan

Japanese minivan Nissan Elgrand For more than two decades, it has held the status of a standard of family comfort and business status on the roads of Russia and the CIS countries. This model, presented in the body E51 and later in E52, combines a spacious interior, rich equipment and high cross-country ability, which makes it an ideal choice for both large families and corporate transport.

Owners often call this car a “Japanese luxury”, noting the smooth ride and unique rear seat control system. However, like any high-mileage used car, it requires careful consideration before purchase. We will analyze the technical features, strengths and weaknesses so that you can make an informed decision.

History of model and generation of Nissan Elgrand

First generation Nissan Elgrand (E50) appeared in the late 90s, but the model gained mass popularity precisely with the second generation (E51), which was produced from 2002 to 2010. It is this body that can most often be found on the secondary market, as it offered the perfect balance between reliability and modern technologies at that time.

The third generation (E52), which debuted in 2010, received a more aggressive design, improved sound insulation and new engine options. The key difference was the introduction of security systems and more advanced multimedia solutions. When choosing between generations, it is worth considering that E52 more expensive to maintain, but offers a higher level of comfort.

There is also a version Highway Star, which features a sporty body kit, chrome elements and more aggressive suspension tuning. This modification is aimed at those who want to stand out in the crowd and gain additional visual advantages.

• The European version has a right-hand drive and is aimed at the Japanese market, which affects left-hand traffic in the Russian Federation.
• Version Highway Star often equipped with 20-inch wheels and a panoramic roof.
• Modification Highway Star features lowered suspension and sports seats.

Engines and technical specifications

The heart of most copies Nissan Elgrand are gasoline engines of the VQ family. The most common is the 3.5-liter unit VQ35DE 245 hp, which provides excellent dynamics for such a heavy car. This engine is known for its endurance, provided that the oil is changed on time.

You can also find a version with an engine VQ35HR (280 hp) in later versions E52. This engine features improved intake and exhaust characteristics, resulting in more linear thrust. However, it is more demanding on the quality of fuel and oil, and also has a more complex timing system.

It is important to note that diesel versions are practically never found in Russia, since the Japanese market is focused on gasoline. Therefore, when purchasing on the secondary market, you will most likely encounter 3.5-liter naturally-aspirated engines that require high-quality maintenance.

The transmission is a classic automatic RE5R05A with five steps. This is a reliable unit, but it is sensitive to overheating and old oil. When driving actively with a full load, it is necessary to monitor the temperature of the transmission to avoid premature wear of the clutches.

• Engine VQ35DE requires oil changes every 5-7 thousand km to preserve service life.
• An automatic transmission requires an oil change every 60 thousand km.
• All-wheel drive system 4WD may be disabled in some modifications to save fuel.

Interior and passenger comfort

Salon Nissan Elgrand - this is the main reason for its popularity. The space inside is simply amazing, allowing you to accommodate up to seven or eight people with maximum comfort. The rear seats are often equipped with massage, heating and ventilation functions, which makes the ride pleasant even in hot summers or harsh winters.

A unique feature is the system Easy Entry, which allows the middle row of seats to automatically slide forward and recline, making access to the third row easier. This is especially convenient for families with children who do not have to climb over the seat backs.

The finishing materials in top trim levels are made of genuine leather and high-quality plastic, which does not creak even after many years of use. The instrument panel is informative and intuitive, although the design of some buttons may seem outdated by modern standards.

⚠️ Attention: Pay attention to the condition of the sliding door mechanisms, as their repair can be expensive due to the complexity of the design and the need to adjust the rollers.

• Second-row seats often feature captain's chairs with adjustable headrests.
• Panoramic roof version Highway Star adds air and light to the cabin.
• The climate control system works effectively even when the cabin is fully loaded.

Typical faults and problems

Despite the high reliability, Nissan Elgrand has a number of characteristic problems that appear after a mileage of over 150 thousand kilometers. One of the most common problems is wear on the rear shock absorbers and stabilizer bushings, which leads to knocking noises on bumps. There may also be a loss of sealing of the engine seals.

In the cooling system, thermostats and water pumps often fail. Considering the engine capacity is 3.5 liters, overheating can be critical and lead to deformation of the cylinder head. Therefore, monitoring the coolant temperature must be constant.

Electricals can also be a nuisance. A common problem is failure of throttle position sensors or problems with the engine control unit. In winter, fuel level sensors may freeze, which leads to incorrect readings on the dashboard.

⚠️ Attention: When purchasing a car, be sure to check the operation of all electronic systems, including sliding doors, climate control and multimedia system, as they can be very expensive to repair.

Corrosion is another enemy of this minivan, especially in regions with harsh winter chemicals. It is worth carefully inspecting the sills, arches and bottom for rust. If you plan to operate in winter, anti-corrosion treatment is required.

• Check the condition of the timing belt, as its breakage can lead to serious consequences.
• Pay attention to the condition of the rear suspension silent blocks, which often wear out ahead of time.
• Check the operation of the all-wheel drive system, especially if the vehicle has a modification 4WD.

Operation and Maintenance

Operation Nissan Elgrand requires a responsible approach to maintenance. Changing the engine oil should be done at least once every 7-8 thousand kilometers, since the engines of the series VQ sensitive to the quality of the lubricant. Using low-quality oil can lead to ring sticking and reduced compression.

The transmission oil in the machine also requires regular replacement. It is recommended to use only original oil Nissan Matic or high-quality analogues that meet the specifications JWS 3309. Ignoring this requirement can lead to rapid failure of the box.

The cooling system requires special attention. Antifreeze should be changed every two years, and the radiator should be periodically washed to remove dirt. Engine overheating in traffic jams is a common problem, so it is worth checking the operation of the fan and the condition of the pipes.

The fuel consumption of this car is high: in the urban cycle it is 14-17 liters per 100 km, and with active driving it can reach 20 liters. This is the price to pay for a powerful engine and a heavy body. Plan your budget with these expenses in mind.

• Use only high quality fuel with an octane rating of at least 95.
• Check the condition of the spark plugs and coils regularly.
• Change your air and fuel filters regularly to maintain power.

Hidden information about fuel consumption

In real city traffic with traffic jams, consumption can reach 22 liters per 100 km, especially in winter when the engine warms up and the heater is turned on.

Conclusion and final assessment

Nissan Elgrand remains one of the best options on the used minivan market, offering a unique combination of comfort, reliability and status. It is ideal for large families who value convenience and safety, as well as for those looking for a car for executive purposes.

Despite the high cost of maintenance and potential electrical problems, the positive emotions from driving and operating this car outweigh any disadvantages. A correctly selected copy with a transparent service history will serve you faithfully for many years.

When purchasing, be sure to pay attention to the condition of the body, engine and transmission, and also check the operation of all electronic systems. Pay special attention to the condition of sliding doors and climate control systems, as their repairs are the most expensive. With this approach, you will get a car that will delight you and your family.

⚠️ Attention: Do not buy a car without preliminary diagnostics from a specialist who knows the specifics of Japanese minivans, as hidden defects can cost you a lot of money.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

What is the fuel consumption of the Nissan Elgrand in the city?

In the urban cycle, fuel consumption ranges from 14 to 17 liters per 100 km, depending on driving style and vehicle load. During intensive driving in traffic jams, consumption can increase to 20 liters.

Is the VQ35DE engine reliable in the Nissan Elgrand?

Yes, the VQ35DE engine is considered one of the most reliable Nissan units, provided that the oil is changed in a timely manner and high-quality fuel is used. The engine life can exceed 300 thousand kilometers.

Do sliding doors often break?

Sliding doors can fail due to wear on the rollers, cables, or electric drives. This is one of the most common problems, so be sure to check their operation when purchasing.

Which configuration is better to choose?

The best choice is considered to be the package Highway Star, which offers the best set of options, including a panoramic roof, a sports body kit and an improved suspension. However, it is worth considering the higher cost of maintenance.