The Nissan Stanza Wagon is a Weird, Forgotten Economy Car!

[@HelloRoad]

Am I making a mistake selling this unique box on wheels? Do you want to buy it? For sale here: bringatrailer.com/listing/1986-nissan-stanza-2/

[@sandyfrench673]

I had this as one of my first cars I ever bought as an adult. The only difference is that mine was a standard. It’s funny that I bought this car because I was just out of grad school. I wasn’t married and didn’t have kids. For some reason I just loved it. One of my friends use to call it my car bus truck van. It’s probably the one car that I really absolutely loved. Great video.

[@J.Wick.]

What a practical little car.. That thing deserves to be pampered.

[@landyachtfan79]

I wanted one back in '86, & I STILL want one now!!!! I even had a "Stanza Wagon Account" at the bank for when I turned 16!!!!!

[@HelloRoad]

Haha that's awesome

[@dylanmooney327]

Maybe you should bid on it

[@tracybrashears8903]

I have never commented on a KZbin video but I had to thank you for making such an epic video of what was my first car. I drove it for 9 years, and it was the exact version in your video. Talk a drive down memory lane! What an amazing car it was.

[@HelloRoad]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching!!

[@shingoose6197]

The Japanese market example had so many special features: door mounted front seat belts, even lower rear hatch entry, front bench seating (meaning 8 seats were possible), and a manual column shifted 4 speed!

[@HelloRoad]

Nice!!!

[@sumeragi69]

In France we had the first generation, close to Japanese model, with the small ugly bumpers, and door hatch opening under the rear bumper, reaching the level of the floor of the trunk. Also the third side windows were visually smaller, the black parts hidden behind a body color matching panels around it. At first, the safety belts were similar to this one, then, the belt moved on the front doors, making the Prairie even cooler. Unfortunately, we only had the small 1,8 engine, not really powerful, with : -2 tones paint, -alloy wheels, -manual gearbox, -chromed roof rack, -sunroof, 4 headrests -4 three points seatbelts over 5 -radio cassette but no AC, center armrests, nor cruise control. And we only had the 5 passenger model. I always loved the Prairie, the last one I saw in my town was in perfect condition, so clean, beautiful, in 2006. I still have the pictures

[@shingoose6197]

@@sumeragi69 I've been looking at European examples for sale. There's a really beautiful stock green one for sale in France for $7000, with a manual transmission and front fender mirrors.

[@sumeragi69]

@@shingoose6197 thank you, I found it, with power windows in the front. The front fender mirrors are really curious for a French model. But it makes it even more interesting

[@davidjensen5074]

It looks so great after it’s new paint job. I hope it goes to a new owner, who will love and care for it as much as you have.

[@HelloRoad]

Thanks! Me too, hope it goes to someone that really appreciates it.

[@dsc-nr5zy]

Our family had one. Brown. We always thought it was fun to ride in the back with the jump seats (we had the LE model). One day, some old lady ran a red light, turning left, and we ran right into her. None of us were really hurt. Maybe my dad's heart was broken, but we were fine. Good memories.

[@trabertgraneau3323]

I wouldn’t be surprised if Hoovie actually buys this wagon. This is up his alley

[@HelloRoad]

He really should!

[@mexicanspec]

Tyler has moved on from cars like these.

[@nicholasfield6127]

@@mexicanspec unfortunately.

[@mexicanspec]

@@nicholasfield6127 I am not sure I can fault him. He has to satisfy 1.3 million subscribers now so he has to go with cars that would appeal to most of them. It is a business decision.

[@nicholasfield6127]

@@mexicanspec true, I just miss the old channel I subscribed to when he bought attainable cars.

[@aguerra1381]

Great practicality, awesome visibility! Function BEFORE form.

[@Jim0i0]

Just lovely. Love all the glass. I hate how modern cars no longer have windows that you can see out of. That fad has to die soon.

[@nicholasfield6127]

I think it also has to do with rollover safety standards, the pillars have to be much thicker than they used to be.

[@CynthiaRomeo]

I had one in 2002. I loved it. I had given it to be used for picking up food and resources for our local food pantry that my friends and I ran. I showed up one day and they told me that a family really needed a car. I was very crushed but happy that it was being used by a family in need. A year later I showed up to work at the pantry and it was my birthday. And there was the car in the parking lot with a bow. They didn't give it away like they said. They had someone work on it because the frame was bad and the motor needed a lot done to it. They painted it the same color and refreshed the interior. And gave it back to me on my birthday. A few years later I had to move across the country and asked my brother-in-law to take care of it. 2 weeks later, he totals it in a roll over. My heart broke. I could not find another one either. 😢

[@brucekalter4206]

This was replaced in 1990 by the Nissan Axxess... which featured the same utility as this, but with really great (IMHO) styling. It was only offered in the US for 1 year, 1990. There were other improvements too, & I know that it sold a little longer in Canada. But... it was not marketed well, and did not compete well with the larger minivans of the day.

[@carlosarellano4]

Picking up my Grandam coupe today! Whoop whoop! Please don’t quit your channel brotha you have inspired me and many others to do the same! Let’s the save the 80s-90s cars people!

[@fishfinder5584]

I had a 1987, manual. I put 220,000 miles on it. It was the BEST car I ever owned. The only unscheduled maintenance, had to replace the alternator once. It was very unusual looking, but very practical.

[@thebluexb]

No B pillars means so much room for activities! Those jump seats must be incredibly rare

[@HelloRoad]

Haha! I know someone that actually has spare jump seats (he owns a Stanza Wagon and got the spares at a junkyard). I should've probably included them in the auction!

[@chrispierce2625]

I had one with Jump Seats - the clock also had the ability to set the time with a radio signal. 97 HP baby.

[@TimeAxisMedia]

I was completely obsessed with his car. My buddy’ father drove one and he said it had amazing handling and was precision engineered. I was never able to afford one, but really wanted one. I’m 57 now.

[@bnut1979]

My parents had one of these back in the early 1990s. I remember being crammed into the back jump seats on trips to the beach. Unfortunately we didn't have the vehicle very long as it ended up having some bad transmission problems that never seemed to get fixed. Definately acar I had good memories of though. Thanks for sharing!

[@ragnarok_man9757]

Hello! I love your videos about the Nissan Stanza. I'm from Argentina and I just bought one two months ago. I'm restoring it little by little. Thank you for giving space to this vehicle on your channel!! C:

[@LarryAshley-lz4fs]

Oh MAN, my uncle had one of these cars when i was 13 years old. He let me drive it around the block a few times teaching me the driving basics. I wish i had seen this one for sale. I would bid on it for sure. Loving the obscure cars for sure.

[@bobwreck3775]

I had one of these for a couple years. It was awesome. 4 wheel drive with a push button and just cool. Weird looking but cool on the inside.

[@Pegfredhead]

I had one of these and it was hands down my favorite of all the vehicles I've owned in 50 yrs of driving! Mine even had a lockable drawer under the front passenger seat!

[@79sunkist]

This is my favorite car we had in my childhood!

[@sleepyhollow783]

Such an underrated channel. Hope the Stanza lives on, well appreciated. Thank you Mr. E for saving another one!

[@HelloRoad]

Thanks for watching!! :) :)

[@iamnotu79]

My parents bought this brand new in ‘87 (Nissan Multi 🇨🇦) and even then I recall the fascination everyone had with the dual sliding doors. It’s a beauty!

[@cranstonsnorg]

This was my first new car!!! Great memories. Great video!

[@Flavum]

My family had one. Loved it. Practical, reliable, economical. No bells and whistles, but that's not relevant for a design like this. Just a great car.

[@workstudy]

Thanks for the awesome video! I owned a stanza wagon in the 90’s and have such fond memories of the great adventures it took us on in college. I am so bummed I found this video a couple months too late for you auction!

[@nyrobbie77]

I really enjoy seeing all these quirky 80s/90s cars on your channel. I’ve always appreciated the underdog cars as well. Saw a GEO Storm wagon for sale here recently - with a manual! Can’t be many of those still on the road. My uncle had a yellow coupe named “yellow bird.” Was a fun lil car.

[@HelloRoad]

Oh nice!! I've been looking for a nice Storm GSi. Still haven't found one!

[@beetleboys]

Was looking at this and I saw there's currently a $1,400 1985 Mitsubishi Starion on BaT it's in Nevada, would be a good car for your collection

[@HelloRoad]

Oooooooooh

[@mexicanspec]

Don't be an enabler.

[@areasevenpro]

My mom used to own a beige/brown M/T Stanza Wagon. I'll always remember the daily commute to school and her office with that car.

[@isaacfalvey]

This car is so awesome. I am so sorry to see it go. As someone who grew up driving 70 and 80s Japanese wagons, I appreciate you giving it a good home for the last couple years. It’s probably too sorted for Hoovie to buy though. How will The Wizard make any money on it? 😆

[@HelloRoad]

hahaha!!

[@Raph2D]

I've still got my late dad's Nissan Prairie here in Australia! I'm planning one day to restore this one but it still starts and runs well after all these years.

[@dennisjue1533]

Thanks for the nostalgia! My dad at his peak concurrently owned 3 Stanza Wagons in the mid 2000s. One pretty standard 2wd manual that had a tow hitch (don't know if all of them had one or not), another 2wd automatic that had the Jump seats, and a fairly beat up 4wd. These things were so weird and so versatile. Loved the Naps-Z engine (even if our mechanic did not) with its 8 spark plugs. I think I would pretty happily own one today...I even looked for one back in the day and alternatively it's somewhat modernized successor the Axxess. Great video man, thanks!

[@lorettadempsey5918]

I bought one from a man who bought it from his neighbor after she gave it to her grandson and he tried to make it do burnouts and donuts leading to it throwing amain rod through the engine block with only 26000 miles on it . The gentleman that I purchased it from left in in a vacant lot beside his house for 10 years .I saw it one-day while driving to anew job and ask him what he was asking for the car. He said a $1000.00 but I bought it for $100.00 and $100.00 tow bill then LKQ Engines found me an Engine in California with 63000 miles on it I think for the price of $160.00 due to the fact that it took 18 months to find one . They delivered it to me at home at no extra charges. I traded it for a Jeep Cherokee and I have been looking for one for several years now.

[@unstablebobgable]

The production values of your videos are off the hook. Man I remember these cars as I'm 56 years old. If I was on the same coast as you I'd consider picking this up. Keep up the great vids bro! :)

[@HelloRoad]

Thanks so much, I really appreciate it!!

[@mexicanspec]

The road trip is the best part of buying a car.

[@doctordogtoffee3832]

Had a Stanza hatchback here in the UK in the 80s, weirdly enough it was the same colour as your t shirt, never had any problems with it, cracking little car.

[@kimberlycecil606]

My first car to learn to drive on!!! I mis mine, she was a beauty

[@CustomExcelVideo]

I bought a new 1984 Nissan Stanza hatchback sedan. From what I understood at the time no Stanzas were imported with air conditioning. It was always a dealer installed option or maybe that is just what the dealer said. My Stanza lasted 130,000 until the 5 speed transmission died. A great car for its time

[@monomanual]

I have followed your channel since you bought the Stanza and I am very happy to see how your project has grown. Congratulations Ethan

[@HelloRoad]

Thanks so much for following along! :) :) :)

[@sarahkelley7601]

I own a gold one .. bought it from an auction in southern California.. its in almost mint condition and runs great .. love my werid box car 🚗

[@BRS5]

My favorite family car back then!

[@PacificBlue51]

Just love this car. Sure wish that I could buy it. Really great video, Thank You.

[@HelloRoad]

Thanks so much for watching! :)

[@RealSB83]

Love the video, please put out more videos of obscure cars

[@HelloRoad]

Thanks! For sure, I will :)

[@jordanseay216]

I love this car! I love weird forgotten cars like this!

[@bluefoxtv1566]

Mom had manual one in brown. Good on gas and you could see every thing when driving.

[@hoover2501]

Love that wagon. Had I not just bought a 1995 Toyota Camry with 72,000 miles on it clean as a whistle, I might consider it. I also loved the Corolla wagon that was similar to this and the Mitsubishi wagon. Thanks for the fun video

[@HelloRoad]

Thanks for watching!!!

[@DoItYourselfDad]

You didn't happen to drive that from time to time on the 101 going through Thousand Oaks did you? I kept seeing a minty stanza wagon, that color, on my way into work, I think I even snapped a pic of it at some point (from my 84 celica supra :-) Nice ride!

[@HelloRoad]

Hey there! I did drive it on the 101 out there once or twice. But maybe there is another one in that area!

[@kikuyuzo2789]

I remember when I was in high school in 2006-2007 I saw this car for sale in a Walmart parking lot and I wanted it sooo bad. What I did drive in high school was a 91 Ford Tempo then a 89 LTD Crown Victoria

[@FlowStateNewOrleans]

I actually stumbled upon the auction for this before I saw your video.

[@HelloRoad]

Oh nice! I think that means you should buy it :) :)

[@ramiram84]

First car for me too. My dad got it super cheap. I was approx 15-16 years old. AWD stick shift!

[@reallyrandomrides1296]

This is the kind of car that needs to be made today. People "want" but don't "need" 4WD and AWD SUVs and Crossovers. A modern version of the Stanza wagon that meets modern safety standards would meet the needs of many people, though I guess it's not "cool" enough (but it is for me)!

[@HelloRoad]

Yesssssssssss

[@MaxKuehn]

This thing is the reason why I will always prefer old boxy cars over anything else. It's probably the first car i was sitting in. And i will keep on driving boxy wagons only for as long as possible.

[@btrdangerdan2010]

Farewell Nissan stanza wagon, you will be missed!

[@pacerdanny]

So many great quirks, but the out-of-reach stereo with remote volume knob and scan button made me laugh out loud!

[@tonysdiecastcustoms]

Awesome video of your stanza, hopefully the new owner will keep it running and show it off to the people too, will be missed on your channel

[@HelloRoad]

Thx so much :) :)

[@hullinger]

I was today years old that I realized the passenger side slider can't be opened when you're gassing up this beauty! WHAT!

[@wojciechklasa2660]

It's so funny, because both of you guys make the most anticipated (by me:)) videos on youtube. Oh, the European unobtainium and what-not... You should make a joint video somewhere in Kansas.

[@hullinger]

​@@wojciechklasa2660 Lebanon, Kansas is dead smack in the middle of the US. A perfect place for a meet-up!

[@wojciechklasa2660]

@@hullinger I just remembered that it is not a safe place for you two to meet, because there is a nother hooptie fleet hoarder nearby in Wichita which is known for buying everything in sight. Who knows what might happen...

[@greathey1234]

I tried clear coat on faded plastics in my ancient Aston Martin and it worked.

[@patginsd]

I love this car. Would buy it in a minute. Wish they would offer it in a hybrid!

[@tamiwu0346]

I want one! too bad I'm just a broke high schooler...

[@samuelkennedyporter6200]

Love the faux van Halen jump instrumental at the beginning of the video. Do you compose the music ?

[@HelloRoad]

😀😀 That was a royalty-free track I found here on KZbin. I do occasionally make music for my vids, but not this one! :)

[@rightlanehog3151]

Ethan, Did I miss the stanza of poetry you composed to commemorate the departure of this quasi-legend?

[@HelloRoad]

Haha I should’ve done that

[@rightlanehog3151]

@@HelloRoad You can at least authorize a subscriber poetry contest for the occasion. As a card-carrying wagon fanatic, I would be hard pressed to call this minivan one.

[@racingfortheson]

PLEASE LET DOUG DO A REVIEW ON IT AND PUT IT ON CARS AND BIDS!!!!

[@HelloRoad]

I thought about selling it there but ended up going with Bring A Trailer this time around.

[@georgenicoloff]

Looking at KIA Concept EV9 - with all doors open it looks like a now version of Nissan Stanza Wagon. Needles to say that I will miss the Stanza

[@potatochobit]

i did not forget about the stanza but i did forget about the wagon. probably because my stanza sunroof kept leaking even after bringing it back to the dealer three times.

[@HelloRoad]

😭

[@marshmower]

Makes me wonder what this here 4WD stick version would go for once I clean it up and get the clutch working again

[@zackstopzackstop8091]

I would absolutely kill for an Stanza Wagon

[@HelloRoad]

Not sure the Stanza Wagon is worth a murder charge 🤔

[@zackstopzackstop8091]

@@HelloRoad Metaphorically of course 👍

[@bigmac2385]

Hope the next owners look after it as well as you did ethan.

[@HelloRoad]

Me too!!!

[@donmynack]

Price at $4200 looks like you'll get out of this one without too much damage.

[@HelloRoad]

I'm still not in the black yet but at least I won't lose that much $$$! 😆

[@megatronstoner]

Another great video but sad to see it go

[@HelloRoad]

Thanks :)

[@kelemenkaban2505]

The charm of this car is that it is no longer a common sight even among rad era cars... And of course the beauty of functional design... :D

[@HelloRoad]

Exactly :)

[@fitnesswithsteve]

Can you open the rear doors if the window cranks aren’t folded in?

[@HelloRoad]

The rear window cranks have a spring that always returns them to folded position.

[@georgegraham6568]

Wish I could find a 4×4 one

[@oliverdelgado6952]

Super rare

[@Mx5pro]

I was hoping you would go on a road trip across America in the stanza

[@tangelogee]

I loved riding in my Grandfather's Stanza Wagon. Standard with 4WD. Great little vehicle for Upstate NY winters. Unfortunately the salt took its toll on the thing, and the front axle snapped :-(

[@HelloRoad]

😭

[@JasonKrasavage]

I really hope you get good dollar for this. It seems like you put a ton of money into it for what it's trending at on BaT now! I'll definitely be following along.

[@Stan-rj8ki]

Hey bro. Cool car. Whats the song that starts at :13 sec?

[@davedorn1023]

Wasn't the Vw bus the first minivan?

[@johnasbury7511]

It's funny my D21 truck has the same window rollers. Parts bin of Nissan mines a 95

[@DMETS519]

"Most stanza wagons probably met their demise years ago." Truer than you think. My dad's stanza met its demise soon after it was driven off the dealer's lot. These cars were awful.

[@HelloRoad]

😭

[@seanpop2886]

Had a crack at buying one in new 1988... Got to the dealership and the Stanza had a gash on the hood. Like I wouldn't notice. I bought an '88 Camry wagon instead... Not a great car, but eh....

[@nicholasfield6127]

I don't think I'd call it a minivan. It's kinda like what a minivan was inspired by.

[@RetroCarsForever]

I wonder if these sold like cold cakes because of safety concerns...In my experience, minivan buyers are the MOST likely to be concerned about safety. And the minute they opened those doors and realize there was no frame of any kind on the sides...Yeah, I could see them rushing off to a Chrysler dealer instead! GLWS in any case!

[@HelloRoad]

That could be! Not sure. From what I read, it does seem like it came to the US market a little bit too late, already looked a touch dated by '86. I think they sold decently in Japan?

[@dennisjue1533]

@@HelloRoad I lived in Japan for a while in the early 2000s, and after I moved back to the US some of my friends came and visited me. I borrowed my dad's Stanza wagon to pick them up from the airport as the Japanese seem to love huge hardside rollaboard luggage (and it turns out my friends did indeed have one that looked like a modern day steamer trunk). When they saw it they were like ~"Oh wow...a Prairie!". So, I guess they WERE pretty well known there, as my friends are about my age so they would have been little kids back in the 80's and yet they instantly recognized it...

[@67tomcat]

Small CUV's are also awkward! Good luck with the sale.

[@HelloRoad]

Thank you! :)

[@Blissfulkitty-Seattle]

I wish you could find the wheel covers to complete the look.

[@HelloRoad]

Yeah that would be awesome. I looked. I found a few but all in bad condition. I figure most of them are long gone!

[@davidcohen4237]

You need to promote yourself online more. You make such awesome content

[@HelloRoad]

Thanks!!!

[@dave11686]

I really hope she goes to a good home.

[@HelloRoad]

Yes, same here!!!

[@cmreamhomes3274]

I grew up in this car/wagon lol

[@xp50player]

It has almost nothing to do with the other Stanza cars. That interior is right out of the Sentra. We had a manual 4WD and took it on many long road trips.

[@jimstewart5008]

You couldn't kill them but rust could! I had 3 of them you could easily put on a half million miles

[@emeyer6963]

$5650.Congrats.That's good money for it

[@HelloRoad]

Thank you :) :)

[@nancybaldwin944]

Rats....we would have bought that!! We had one in the early 90s..We loved that little car, often talk of it! Thanks for the memories!!

[@armando1verde]

It is very beautiful, it is a pity that you no longer love her, we hope that the next owner will allow her and give her a lot of affection ... greetings

[@darinvanpaepeghem9307]

Ethan, interested in a 1990 Toyota Corolla SR5 coupe?

[@HelloRoad]

Those are super cool! At this point I'd only really be interested if it was a GT-S. :) :)

[@henryovalles1163]

Nissan axxes is even more rare only made 1990

[@04dram04]

You should repaint the door handles

[@Max_1883]

Everyone is always trying to rewrite history in their own part of the world: in Europe, it is believed that it was Renault, with its Espace, that invented the minivan, in the USA, Chrysler with its Voyager, whereas it is, as you say, in Japan that the concept was invented! LOL

[@HelloRoad]

Haha very true!

[@geoffreyreuther5260]

Every car in the 80's: ASHTRAYS FOR EVERYONE! Subaru Ascent, 2020: AT LEAST TWO CUPHOLDERS FOR EVERYONE! Also, whoever owns this next better love the heck out of it, or you'll have to fix Liam Nissan enough to take it to go Liam Neeson on them.

[@HelloRoad]

Hahaha

[@nunyabiihz8922]

Debating on getting this as a daily. Anyone have any thoughts?

[@HelloRoad]

For me it was best as a weekend car. Parts are getting harder to find, and mine was a bit temperamental for several months. But if you're committed you can probably make it work!

[@aguerra1381]

The Colt Vista came close.

[@Torsee]

My dad almost bought one, he ended up with a Caravan.

[@michaelcoffey7362]

Cool 😀