2009 Nissan NP200

Nissan NP200

Nissan’s NP200 occupies a sweet spot for South Africans who want a bakkie that doesn’t guzzle fuel or eat up your capital. Forget the Hilux and Ranger tax — this is the bakkie for hustlers, plumbers, and anyone needing daily utility in tight city spaces. It’s not pretending to be anything fancy, just a tough little workhorse. You get a choice of a 1.6 petrol or a 1.5 DCi diesel, both with stick-shifts or a semi-auto. Don’t bother looking for a new one; not a single fresh NP200 sits on dealer floors. Every one of the 58 available is pre-owned, ranging from 2010 models up to 2024, and prices sit between R84,900 and R264,900. On paper at least, most buyers are wise to avoid the bottom of the barrel, with the median at R184,948 — that’s a no-nonsense, value-driven buy in this league. The 1.6 A/C Safety Pack is everywhere — 24 out of the 58 are this variant, priced from R139,000 up to R259,950. It’s the one you’ll find parked outside the hardware store on a Saturday morning, usually being sold by someone who’s moving up the food chain. Next up, the base 1.6 8V A/C Safety Pack, which maxes out at R264,900 if you believe some sellers’ optimism. Mileage averages 117,757 km, which is exactly what you’d expect: hard graft, not soccer-run fluff. Diesel 1.5 DCi models are unicorns (just four listed), but for long-haulers, they’re worth hunting down. The real draw here is size — try squeezing a Hilux into Braamfontein parking and you’ll see why the NP200 doesn’t sit on lots for long. Low running costs keep it honest, and that’s the point.