Here’s another in a long line of compact pickups we’ve featured lately, ready for its third owner: this 1986 Nissan 720 shows about 167k on the odometer, but it’s supposedly equipped with a V6 and a five-speed gearbox – a desirable combination. Find it here on craigslist for $5495. We aren’t told if it runs, but hopefully it can be driven home from Black Forest, Colorado, without too much trouble. Thanks to Mike F for finding it for us! And now let’s dig into a few inconsistencies that a potential buyer should address before trotting off to Colorado….
First off, there’s no engine bay photo, and the VIN decodes to a 2.4-liter four-cylinder. In fact, the 720 was never equipped with a V6 from the factory. But we’re told there’s a 3.0-liter V6 in here somewhere, paired up with a five-speed manual. Engine swaps aren’t unknown, but shoving a V6 into this engine bay is a challenge, according to Ratsun forum participants. Still, Nissan’s successor to this truck, the D21, was sold with the company’s VG30 six, so that might be what lurks below the bonnet. The output difference was noticeable – about 103 hp for the four, and a respectable 138 for the six. Neither engine was meant for hauling horses, and barely hay, but gas mileage was good, and thanks to the 4WD, you wouldn’t get stuck in the winter mud.
The XE trim level provided buyers with “luxury” details in the cabin: cloth instead of vinyl seating; expanded options for AM/FM, air conditioning; better exterior detailing. Two-door and four-door, regular and “King Cab”, long bed and short bed versions were available. The carpet and door seals are worn here, but the seat surfaces and the passenger’s door panel are decent.
This example has been around the block a few times, with dents and blemished paint marring the exterior, but for as many miles as she’s seen … well, it could be worse. Rust spots on the rear bumper are the only corrosion in evidence, according to the seller. A new owner could probably squeeze another 50,000 miles out of this truck, depending on its current state of repair. What do you think, is this 720 worth the asking price?
Great trucks, you know, Toyota got all the thunder, but Nissan just as good. Splitting hairs which is better, but like Toyota, anyone that bought a Nissan usually stayed with them for life. And I don’t want to hear this malarkey, “oh, 167K, just getting broke in”,,,that’s simply not true. Granted, reports of well maintained ones can go 250-300K, but for most folks, 200K is all you get. Be a sunny day in the UP before you see ol’ Howard A. in an Asian vehicles. Not the old man thing, well, maybe a little, but I’m just a Yankee Doodle Dandy, and probably will die one, but I’m smart enough to know these are the best trucks. I find it hard to believe it’s not sold yet. Just shows, people today wouldn’t know a good truck if it ran them over. The stick possibly?
I’m with you Howard, Ford fan all the way but boy this could be a good old workhorse for a while. My F250 has no canopy and can’t since it’s always loaded up by me standing in the bed – hay, gravel, bark, plants whatever – so it might be great to have this lil truck with the canopy.
I also agree.They are tough little trucks.
DODGE fan here.
I’m going to have to agree with all the above comments about how durable these trucks are. I knew a contractor years ago that had one. And he worked that thing into the ground. He had over 300K on it before he retired it. So, these do have the ability to work and earn their keep. I’ll confess, I like both “foreign” and domestic pickups. If I need something to pull a 32 ft triaxle gooseneck…… You have to look in the direction of Ford, Chevy or Ram. But a smaller truck? ( actually I’m eyeing Colorados and Rangers and Mavericks right now), but I would absolutely consider a Nissan or Toyota for sure. Nice write up Michelle!!! Thank you!!!