Nissan Caravan - a legendary minibus, which over 50 years of production has become a symbol of practicality and versatility. This car, known in Japan as Nissan NV350 Urvan (export name), has conquered the markets of Asia, Latin America and Africa due to its reliability and adaptability for any task: from family trips to commercial transportation. In this article we will collect all current photos of Nissan Caravan - from retro models of the 1970s to modern versions of 2026, we will analyze the key design changes and give tips on how to choose a car from photographs when buying a used one.

You will learn how generations differ in appearance, what interior details should be checked during inspection, and why photo of the interior of the 5th generation Nissan Caravan (E25) is often confused with the Mercedes-Benz Vito due to a similar layout. Also, where to find high-quality images for comparison and how to identify traces of an accident or repainting from photographs. Let's start with a generational overview!

1. Generations of Nissan Caravan: photos and key differences (1973–2026)

Over the history of the model it has changed 6 generations, each with unique design features. Below is a comparison table with photos and main visual markers by which you can determine the year of manufacture even in a blurry image.

Generation Years of production Distinctive Features Photo (clickable)
C220 (1st) 1973–1980 Round headlights, chrome grille, short wheelbase (4.1 m). 📷 [Link to archive photo]
E23 (2nd) 1980–1986 Rectangular headlights, plastic grille, the appearance of diesel engines. 📷 [Photo from a rare auction]
E24 (3rd) 1986–1997 More rounded shapes, high hood, option with 3 rows of seats. 📷 [Photo from the 1990 catalog]
E25 (4th) 1997–2012 Longest living generation! Drop headlights, massive bumper, option Super Long (5.2 m). 📷 [Photo from Japanese market]
NV350 (5th) 2012–present Modern design, LED optics, high roof options (High Roof). 📷 [Nissan official photo]

🔍 How to determine a generation from a photo? Pay attention to the shape of the headlights and radiator grille: E24 they are smoother, and NV350 - angular, with chrome accents. Also check body length: models Super Long visually distinguished by an elongated rear overhang.

📊 Which generation of Nissan Caravan do you like best?
  • 1st (1973–1980)
  • 2nd (1980–1986)
  • 3rd (1986–1997)
  • 4th (1997–2012)
  • 5th (2012–present)

2. Exterior photo: what to look for when choosing a used car

When viewing photos Nissan Caravan in the secondary market it is important to pay attention to details that are often hidden. Here is a checklist for analyzing the exterior:

  • 🔦 Paintwork: check the reflections on the roof and hood - if they are distorted, the body is crooked (a consequence of an accident).
  • 🚪 Gaps between doors: in the photo on the side they should be the same along the entire length (if not, the car was beaten).
  • 💡 Optics: Cloudy headlights or cracked brake lights indicate age or an accident.
  • 🛞 Wheel arches: Rust or traces of putty are a sign of corrosion or repair.

⚠️ Attention! If there are no pictures from below (for example, sills or bottom), this is a reason to be wary. This is often used to hide rust or damage after floods. Ask the seller to send additional images or videos.

☑️ Checking the exterior using photos

Done: 0 / 4

📌 Advice: Use the service Google Image Searchto find similar photos Caravan and compare the condition of the body. If the seller copied images from another ad, this is a reason for suspicion.

3. Photo of the interior: how to distinguish the original from the alteration

Interior Nissan Caravan often modified for taxi or cargo needs, so from photographs of the interior you can determine how well the car corresponds to the factory equipment. The original versions have:

  • 🪑 Seats: fabric upholstery with a signature pattern (with E25 - cell, y NV350 - geometric lines).
  • 📻 Instrument panel: analog clock in the center (before 2012), digital display (after 2012).
  • ⚙️ Gear lever: for diesel versions it is shorter than for gasoline ones.
  • 🚪 Doors: original handles and pockets with logo Nissan.

⚠️ Attention! If the photo of the interior shows that the seats have been replaced with leather or a non-standard radio has been installed, check whether the factory electrical wiring has been preserved. Often during such alterations, control units are damaged, which leads to errors on the panel.

How to check mileage using interior photo?

Pay attention to the wear of the steering wheel and gearshift lever: with a mileage of >200 thousand km, the leather wears off and the plastic becomes dull. Also check the pedals - if the rubber pads are worn down to metal, this is a sign of high mileage.

📸 Where to look for high-quality photos of the salon? Official images can be found on the sites:

4. Nissan Caravan NV350 Urvan: photo of the modern version (2012–2026)

Fifth generation known as NV350 Urvan, has become the most technologically advanced in the line. Its key features:

  • 💡 LED optics (optional) and daytime running lights.
  • 🚗 Body options: standard (4.6 m), extended (5.2 m), high (High Roof).
  • 🔋 Engines: diesel YD25DDTi (2.5 l, 130 hp) or gasoline QR25DE (2.5 l, 169 hp).
  • 🛋️ Salon: up to 15 seats or cargo compartment (option Van).

📌 Feature: In 2020, the model received a restyling - the shape of the bumper and the design of the rims changed. The photo below shows the difference before and after:

🔧 Technical point: U NV350 with diesel engine YD25 a common problem with diesel particulate filter (DPF). If the photo shows black smoke from the exhaust pipe, this is a sign of a malfunction.

💡

When purchasing an NV350 Urvan, check the service book: if the mileage is >150 thousand km, and there is no record of replacing the timing belt, this is a reason for bargaining or refusal.

5. Where to download high-quality photos of Nissan Caravan for comparison

If you are looking original photos For comparison when purchasing or just for collection, here are verified sources:

Resource Photo type Link
Nissan official website Studio photos, 3D views nissan-global.com
Japanese auctions (Goo-net, USS) Real photos of used cars goo-net-exchange.com
Flickr (Nissan groups) Photos from owners, retro models flickr.com/groups/nissan
YouTube (reviews) Video with detailed inspection Search for "Nissan Caravan walkaround"

⚠️ Attention! On some sites (for example, Alibaba) sell "stock" photos Caravan for commercial use. They are often retouched and do not reflect the actual condition of the car. Do not rely on them when purchasing!

6. How to identify a fake or “assembled” car from a photo

Often found on the secondary market Nissan Caravancollected from several cars or with fake documents. Here 5 signsthat will help identify deception from photographs:

  1. VIN mismatch: ask for a photo of the plate on the windshield and check the number with the vehicle title. If the numbers do not match, the car is wanted or damaged.
  2. Different year on details: for example, headlights from E25 (1997–2012), and the bumper is from NV350 (2012–present).
  3. Welding marks: the photo of the sills or side members shows rough seams - a sign of recovery after an accident.
  4. Non-original paint: the body color in the photo differs from the color on the door pillars (the factory tint usually remains there).
  5. No engine photo: this is often how they hide the replacement of the motor or its number.

📌 Advice: Use the service Vinformerto check the VIN from the photo. If the number does not pass verification, it is 100% fake.

💡

The most reliable way to avoid being scammed is to request a video inspection of the car showing the VIN, engine and interior. Even high-quality photos can be faked!

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Nissan Caravan

🔍 Where can I find a photo of a Nissan Caravan in original condition?

Look for original photos without modifications on Japanese auction sites (for example, Goo-net or Carview). Log archives are also useful Option Magazine, where reviews of stock versions were published.

🚗 How to distinguish a Nissan Caravan from a Nissan Urvan from a photo?

Urvan - this is the export name Caravan for Asian and Latin American markets. Visually they are identical, but Urvan often found:

  • Additional chrome moldings on the body.
  • Inscription Urvan on the back door instead Caravan.
  • Simpler interior trim (for example, plastic instead of fabric on the doors).
📏 What are the dimensions of the Nissan Caravan NV350 (5th generation)?

Dimensions depend on version:

  • Standard: 4695 × 1695 × 1990 mm (l×w×h).
  • Extended (Long): 5200 × 1695 × 1990 mm.
  • High roof (High Roof): height up to 2280 mm.

For comparison: Mercedes-Benz Vito has a length of 4895–5140 mm, that is Caravan in version Long longer.

💰 How much does a Nissan Caravan cost on the secondary market?

Prices vary greatly by generation and condition:

  • E25 (1997–2012): from 300,000 to 800,000 rubles (depending on mileage).
  • NV350 (2012–present): from 1,200,000 to 2,500,000 rubles.

🔍 Important: Cars from Japanese auctions (e.g. Japan Partner) are often 15–20% cheaper, but require checking for customs restrictions.

🔧 Which Nissan Caravan engines are the most reliable?

According to reviews from owners and mechanics, the best options are:

  1. Diesel TD27 (2.7 l, 85–100 hp) - "millionaire", but noisy.
  2. Diesel YD25DDTi (2.5 l, 130 hp) - modern, but sensitive to fuel.
  3. Gasoline QR25DE (2.5 l, 169 hp) — reliable, but voracious (12–14 l/100 km).

⚠️ Attention! Engines ZD30 (3.0L diesel) are prone to overheating due to problems with the cylinder head gasket. Check your repair history before purchasing!