Brand: Nissan

Model: Serena

Body type: MPV

In production: 2005-present
 

To say the Serena had an inauspicious start back in 1991 would be an understatement. “The Nissan Serena is about as seductive as a skip and as desirable as an old shoe,” said motoring presenter Quentin Wilson. Like the Toyota Estima/Previa it was mid-engined, which gave it remarkable balance but oily carpets. Despite a 2.3 litre diesel engine it managed only 75 bhp, which is like having a coall plant powering a radio. And you got vibration syndrome on the journey to work. which took ages because the thing was remarkably slow. In the UK it compared poorly to the Fiat Ulysse, the Toyota Previa or the Renault Espace. The difference was that of these, only the Serenas and Previas are still on the road today; the early Fiat and Renault MPVs started to fall to pieces as soon as the factory polish wore off. 

 

​Really it's a shame this antedeluvian Serena ever happened because, when you scour the internet for reviews or parts or advice in the UK you're inexorably led back to this hobbling dnosaur. Suffice to say that the Serena made it to a second generation; a very different beast - a modern mammal, if you like - with its engine safely under the bonnnet and now driving the front wheels. Its reputation then blossomed, as did new variants: Vanette, LDV and Largo are all types of Serena, as is the chassis of the Renault Trafic/Nissan Primastar.

 

The third generation, the C25, was launched in 2005. This was mechanically bombproof and unrecognisable from its ancestor in terms of comfort and driving experience. Sadly by this point Nissan had seled its compact with Renault and so withdrew all models from Europe that might compete with the French marque's similar (if far inferior) models.

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The fourth gen began in 2010 and introduced the new 2.0-litre MR20DD direct injection inline-four, a remarkably versatile engine that can be souped up to 900 bhp, which led to Serenas making unlikely appearances in drift races and burnout trials, occasionally exploding due to fuel leaks (this isn’t what your lovely Serena is for, people!). The facelift C26 then gave the Serena the look all modern cars seem to have now: two-tier headlights and a bigger, angrier-looking grille (No no no! It's supposed to be serene!)

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We sell the third and fourth generation Serenas, where they reached their apogee of looks and comfort. We might also sell the same thing but called a Suzuki Landy, which, from 2005 on, has been an exact replica that mirrored the Serena in all but the grille and badge and the fact that people want to sneer at it for being a Suzuki.

 

Serenas are not as angular and quirky as the Delica D5 or the Honda Stepwgn, but they're plusher inside than either of these. They're nor as square and vast as the Toyota Alphard. They are best thought of as junior Elgrands; still impressively trainlike but without the toilets, guard van and buffet car.

 

The thing about Serenas is that everyone we know who has ever owned one – a gen 3 or 4, at least – says the same thing: they are pretty much faultless to own and drive. They always start in any weather, they always get you home safely and the electronics never flutter. You can get a gang of kids to a party, go camping, transport a motorbike or move house in one – and all on about 29 mpg, which is pretty impressive for something of this size.

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The Gen 4 has electric opening doors, tray tables, keyless opening and lots of other nice touches. There is a VERY fuel-efficient hybrid version, and on some models a back two rows that fold completely into the floor, making it a work or removals van when required. Overall the Serena is that rarest thing… a car that, if its looks are a bit too 'inoffensive' for some, excels in every other area all at once.

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When buying your Serena: There are not many pitfalls to buying a 3 or 4-gen Serena as long as you carry out the usual checks. The only issue that crops up is the radiator of the C25 - somewhere between 70 and 80K miles it tends to need replacing due to overheat (shouldn't cost more than £250). Most people sizing up the Serena are also considering the Nissan Elgrand but don’t like the fuel consumption or the idea of keeping all those electronics going. The Serena has all the benefits of the Elgrand bar the feeling of piloting a Space Shuttle (which IS great, no question)!

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ALWAYS ASK TO SEE THE AUCTION SHEET
Private sellers may not have it, but an importer/dealer should ALWAYS have retained this in order to prove the vehicle's grade, along with any other important documents. We sell only 3.5 (good), 4 (very good) and 4.5 (excellent) grade imports. Be aware that anything rated RA has been repaired, and that anything rated R or unrated is equivalent to UK grades A,B,C or D (scrapped, insurance writeoff or what used to be known as class N).

 

A vehicle's history is effectively erased upon export, but most of it is there on the auction sheet. Make sure you see it, and ask for a copy if required. A dealer/importer reluctant to let you see the auction sheet on request should be a red flag!

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Insuring your Serena: The following insurers have all covered the C25 amd C26 Serena, but your quote will depend on your personal circumstances: Admiral (recommended, especially on multicar), Aviva, Zurich, Quote me Happy (very variable results), Swift, Direct Line, Mark Richards and A-Plan, Adrian Flux will cover you too of course, but it is very unlikely they'll give you the best rates

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Battery: Serenites (no, fans are not really called that) recommend the Yuasa YBX5005 (65Ah) or the Bosch S4 Type 005 (60Ah), so go with one of these. A cheaper 12V unit of this ampere-hour rating will work as long as it's dimensions are 232L, 175W, 225H, right-hand positive.

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Parts: The engine is the same as in the Nissan Quashqai and X-Trail and so parts for it are freely available everywhere. Electrics are pretty much the same too.There will however be some head-scratchers (for example most air intake hoses have diameters of 63 or 76mm whereas the Serena C25 and C26 seems to need 68mm). You may have to improvise occasionally. Autodoc.co.uk and Motor-Doctor have a good choice of parts, otherwise try Croooober. For lights, windows, wingmirrors, grilles and many other things, Ebay is your best bet (check out a seller called autojapspares). The Facebook Serena group (see below) will give you a good steer.

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Tax: Your Nissan Serena is taxed at the standard PLG rate of £325 a year.

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Community: The Serena has great support via the Facebook group Nissan Serena UK. Confusingly there are two groups with the same name; you want the one with 14K+ members. Whereas joining an owner's group is usually recommended but optional with a JDM vehicle, with a Serena it's kind of essential - you WILL encounter mechanics who haven't seen one before!