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Nissan NV for bike hauler?

Discussion in 'General' started by cyclox, Aug 2, 2019.

  1. cyclox

    cyclox moving chicane specialist

    With the death of my 2002 E350 extended cargo van, I need a new van for getting myself and 2 bikes to the track. Trailer is not an option and I prefer a van to a pickup for several reasons.

    Thinking of a Nissan NV 2500 high top with the V6 and am wondering if anyone has any experience with these. They're ugly but the interior space is nice and I can get a used one that's within my budget (under $15K). Test drove a new one last week and liked it. The interior supports have threaded points so that installing shelving/etrack is easy and there are 6 tie-down points on the floor.

    The Ford Transits, RAM Promaster, Mercedes/Dodge/Freightliner Sprinters all are either too spendy or have issues I don't want to deal with.

    I'm perfectly happy going with another E series or Express/Savana van as well but the extra height of the Nissan is nice.

    Thoughts?
     
  2. samizx7

    samizx7 Well-Known Member

    i got a high top v8. i think it is one of the best options out there. price is good , engine is gas and ride great. they are priced better then any of the other options and replacement parts are much cheaper then sprinter . the only problem they are short, if you want to make a living space and haul bikes it is not possible. they are ugly, but they run great.
     
    ducnut likes this.
  3. bored&stroked

    bored&stroked Disclaimer: Can't spell

    Nissan has been sliding down the quality scale for decades now, and only sit above mitsubishi as far as the japs go, so theres that. Otherwise everything ^he said is correct.
     
  4. Tristan

    Tristan Well-Known Member

    Transits have more issues than the Nissans?
     
  5. cyclox

    cyclox moving chicane specialist

    Not sure about that, but the used high-roof Transits I'm seeing listed for sale are out of my budget.
     
  6. cyclox

    cyclox moving chicane specialist

    Not looking to sleep/live in the van when bikes are in there, so that's not so much an issue for me. Although with the extra roof height in the NV, I could probably bolt a hammock above the bikes for naps... ;)
     
  7. Tristan

    Tristan Well-Known Member

  8. Tristan

    Tristan Well-Known Member

  9. ducnut

    ducnut Well-Known Member

    It would be my guess it’s the CVT in their automobile lineup doing that. Their truck lineup is quite reliable.

    I wouldn’t hesitate to buy an NV. It’s a hell of a van, when you start looking at every aspect of them. People say they’re ugly, but, they were designed for a purpose. The engine is where it needs to be for serviceability. The cargo hold is shaped the way it is for ease of upfitting and interior volume. The chassis, brakes, suspension, etc are stout. The only one I’d consider is the SV with the 5.6L. That way you’ll get cruise control, power windows and locks, backup camera, chrome grille and bumpers, etc. The fuel mileage isn’t that drastically different, if you keep your foot out of it. But, you’ll have the power reserve for windy days, mountains, on-ramp acceleration, etc.
     
  10. cyclox

    cyclox moving chicane specialist

    :crackup:

    A big hammer and it'll be good as new.
     
  11. Mongo

    Mongo Administrator

    Too fugly.
     
    Jon Wilkens likes this.
  12. Tristan

    Tristan Well-Known Member

    I could easily get past the looks, but want a longer length for a race hauler. Perusing used prices and not really seeing anything I would call a great deal.
     
  13. Motofun352

    Motofun352 Well-Known Member

    Rented a Ford 15 passenger transit high top van last week. 10 people, luggage for about 1500 miles...all at 75 to 80 mph. I was surprised how well the 6 cyl did and it wasn't bad on gas either though I didn't track the mileage. Pull all the seats out of it and it was quite big. I have no idea what they cost but it would be a good track van.
     
  14. Tristan

    Tristan Well-Known Member

    I've seen new long/tall Transits discounted to $35K new. Not bad compared to a Sprinter (or any new pickup...)
     
    ducnut likes this.
  15. roy826ex

    roy826ex Been around here a while

    It’s a pretty sorry ass vehicle for my company’s high mileage usage. LiDAR use which are driven 1000s of miles all over the country mapping roads and other related road stuff. We’ve had a couple of them and they fell apart compared to first gen trucks we had the Chevy suburbans. The burbs are still going and the nissans are all but dead in a short time. We’ve moved on to 3/4 ton trucks now. Fords to be exact, verdict still out on those. To early to tell how they’ll hold up down the road.
     
  16. cyclox

    cyclox moving chicane specialist

    Found a 2015 Ford Transit 350 with the 3.5L V6 Ecoboost engine.

    It's got 180,000 miles on it but looks clean. Any idea on longevity on these things?

    Will probably go with a tried and tested E series van in the end, but this thing popped up and might be worth checking out.
     

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