Nissan Clipper

Overview & History

The Nissan Clipper is a kei truck that Nissan does not actually build. The first generation (2003-2012) is a rebadged Mitsubishi Minicab, assembled at Mitsubishi's Mizushima plant. The second generation (2013-present) is a rebadged Suzuki Carry, built at Suzuki's factory in Shizuoka. Nissan contributes the badge, the dealer network, and a modest markup. The engineering belongs entirely to other manufacturers.

This is not unusual in the kei truck world. Mazda does the same thing with the Mazda Scrum (a Carry clone), and Mitsubishi's current Minicab is itself a rebadged Carry. What makes the Clipper interesting is that it switched parent platforms halfway through its life — moving from Mitsubishi to Suzuki underpinnings in 2013. For buyers and parts shoppers, knowing which generation you are looking at determines which parts catalog to use.

The "Clipper" name has deep roots. Prince Motor Company — the postwar automaker that grew out of a WWII aircraft factory — introduced the original Clipper as a light commercial truck in 1958. When Prince merged with Nissan in 1966, the Clipper continued under the Nissan badge until it was retired in 1981. Nissan revived the nameplate in 2003 for their OEM kei truck line, a deliberate callback to the heritage brand applied to a completely different vehicle class.

Generations

First Generation (2003-2012): The Minicab Era

The Clipper debuted on October 6, 2003 as a Nissan-badged Mitsubishi Minicab. Model codes are U71T (2WD truck) and U72T (4WD truck), corresponding to Minicab U61T/U62T. A mid-cycle facelift arrived in 2007.

These trucks use Mitsubishi's 3G83 engine — a 657cc SOHC inline-three producing 48 horsepower and 45.5 lb-ft of torque in standard tune. The 3G83 is a proven commercial workhorse that powered Mitsubishi kei vehicles from 1990 through 2014. It uses a timing belt (not a chain), which is the single most critical maintenance item on these trucks.

The 4WD system is Mitsubishi's "Easy Select" part-time setup — switchable between 2H and 4H via a dashboard button at speeds up to 50 mph. Manual transmission models get a hi/lo range transfer case for serious off-road and farm work.

First gen specs:

• Engine: 660cc 3G83 inline-3, SOHC
• Power: 48 hp at 6,000 rpm
• Torque: 45.5 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm
• Transmission: 5-speed manual or 3-speed automatic
• Drivetrain: RWD or part-time 4WD with hi/lo range (5MT only)
• Bed dimensions: Approximately 76" L x 56" W
• Curb weight: ~1,590 lbs (2WD) / ~1,720 lbs (4WD)
• Fuel economy: 35-39 mpg (manual), 30-36 mpg (automatic)
• Turning radius: 13.1 ft (4.0 m)

Second Generation (2013-Present): The Carry Era

When Mitsubishi stopped building their own gasoline-powered kei trucks in 2013, Nissan switched to sourcing from Suzuki. The current Clipper (marketed as the "NT100 Clipper" for the truck) uses model code DR16T, corresponding to the Suzuki Carry DA16T.

These trucks run Suzuki's R06A engine — a 658cc DOHC inline-three with dual variable valve timing, producing 50 horsepower. The R06A is a meaningful upgrade over the 3G83: timing chain instead of a belt, aluminum block instead of cast iron, and 10% less internal friction. Fuel economy improved by roughly 15-20%.

Second gen specs:

• Engine: 660cc R06A inline-3, DOHC, dual VVT
• Power: 50 hp at 5,700 rpm
• Torque: 46 lb-ft at 3,500 rpm
• Transmission: 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic
• Drivetrain: RWD or part-time 4WD
• Bed dimensions: Approximately 80" L x 56" W
• Curb weight: ~1,610 lbs (2WD)
• Fuel economy: 38-47 mpg (manual), 34-40 mpg (automatic)
• Fuel tank: 9 gallons (34 liters)
• Turning radius: 11.8 ft (3.6 m) — best in class

The second generation also added modern safety features that the first gen lacked: automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, and stability control on higher trims. The January 2026 facelift brought LED headlights and a digital instrument cluster.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Nissan dealer network: In Japan, the Clipper sells through Nissan's service network, which means more service records and documented maintenance histories on imported trucks. A Clipper with a full Nissan service book is a known quantity.
• Two parent platforms: Depending on the generation, you tap into either Mitsubishi or Suzuki parts ecosystems — both extensive. Amayama stocks Clipper-specific catalog listings cross-referenced to the parent platform.
• Gen 2 improvements: If you can find a 2013+ model approaching import eligibility, the R06A engine with chain-driven timing and VVT is a genuine upgrade over older kei truck engines. No timing belt replacement ever.
• Auction availability: Clippers appear at Japanese auctions regularly, often competing against Carries and Minicabs for the same buyer pool.
• Solid fuel economy: 35-47 mpg depending on generation and transmission. Strong numbers for a work truck — see how this stacks up in our kei truck vs UTV comparison.

Cons

• Import eligibility is limited: The Clipper nameplate only reappeared in 2003. As of early 2026, only trucks from 2001 and earlier qualify under the 25-year import rule — which means no Clippers are currently eligible. The first 2003 models will become importable in 2028.
• Price premium over parent trucks: In Japan, the NT100 Clipper starts at roughly $8,500 new vs. $7,500 for the equivalent Carry. You are paying a ~$1,000 Nissan tax for the same truck.
• Name confusion at the DMV: Like the Mazda Scrum, the Clipper is not widely recognized by US insurance carriers or DMV systems. Budget extra time for registration paperwork.
• Fewer trim and color options: The Clipper gets 3 body colors (white, silver, gray) vs. the Carry's 7. No Super Carry extended-cab or lifestyle trims available.
• Same kei truck limitations: No airbags, limited crash protection, 660cc engine that works hard under load. Read our daily driving assessment for the honest picture.

Parts Compatibility

This is the critical knowledge for Clipper owners:

First gen (U71T/U72T) parts = Mitsubishi Minicab U61T/U62T parts. Every engine component, body panel, suspension piece, and electrical part is interchangeable. The 3G83 engine was used across dozens of Mitsubishi kei vehicles from 1990-2014, so parts are widely available. Yokohama Motors specializes in Minicab/Clipper parts.

Second gen (DR16T) parts = Suzuki Carry DA16T parts. Everything is interchangeable. The R06A engine powers the Carry, Every, Alto, Hustler, Wagon R, and Spacia, making it one of the most common kei engines ever built. Parts suppliers like Oiwa Garage and Megazip stock everything you need.

When ordering parts, search using the Clipper model code (U71T or DR16T) or the parent platform code (U61T or DA16T). Both will return the correct part. The same physical component may carry two different OEM part numbers — one Nissan, one Mitsubishi or Suzuki — but the part itself is identical.

Common Issues & Maintenance

First Generation (3G83 Engine)

• Timing belt: The 3G83 uses a belt, not a chain. Replace at 100,000 km or roughly every 7-8 years, whichever comes first. Failure means engine damage. This is the most critical maintenance item on these trucks.
• Overheating: Common on older units. Check coolant levels, thermostat operation, and radiator condition. Replace the water pump during the timing belt job — it is driven by the same belt and the labor overlaps.
• Brake drums: The rear drum brakes need periodic adjustment and shoe inspection. Not a defect — just a characteristic of the system.
• Rust: The universal kei truck enemy. Inspect frame rails, bed floor, cab corners, and brake lines before purchasing any import. See our pre-purchase inspection checklist.

Second Generation (R06A Engine)

• Timing chain rattle: The R06A's chain can develop noise at low RPM if oil changes are neglected. Use quality 0W-20 oil and change every 5,000 km.
• Limited power at speed: Normal for a 660cc engine. These trucks are optimized for low-speed utility, not highway cruising.
• Empty ride quality: Leaf spring rear suspension tuned for 350 kg of payload. Unloaded trucks are bouncy. Not a defect — it is how they are designed.

For parts sourcing help, see our kei truck parts guide.

Price Guide

Clipper pricing depends heavily on which generation you are looking at and whether you are buying from Japan or the US secondary market.

Important: No Nissan Clippers are currently eligible for US import. The 2003 models — the oldest Clippers — will become importable under the 25-year rule in 2028. If you see a Clipper for sale in the US today, it was either imported under a different exemption or imported for off-road use only.

Japanese market pricing (for reference):

• 2003-2007 models at auction: $1,500 - $4,000 FOB
• 2008-2012 models at auction: $3,000 - $7,000 FOB
• Estimated landed cost (once eligible): $6,000 - $14,000

If shopping now for an equivalent truck, consider:

• Mitsubishi Minicab U61T/U62T — the same truck as the first-gen Clipper, available for import now
• Suzuki Carry DA52T/DA63T — the same platform as the second-gen Clipper, available for import now

Check Hagerty's valuation tools and Bring a Trailer for current kei truck market pricing.

The Clipper Van: NV100 Clipper

The Clipper also comes in enclosed van form as the NV100 Clipper (first gen: U71V/U72V, second gen: DR17V). The van shares the same platform and drivetrain as the truck, with an enclosed cargo area offering:

• 1,910 mm cargo length (enclosed and weather-protected)
• 1,385 mm cargo width
• 1,240 mm cargo height
• Available turbo engine on higher trims (64 hp)
• Folding front passenger seat for long items
• Available CVT transmission (second gen only)

The passenger wagon variant — the Clipper Rio (first gen) or NV100 Clipper Rio (second gen) — adds rear seats and windows for up to 4 passengers. The Rio was available with a turbocharged engine producing the kei-class maximum 64 horsepower.

In 2024, Nissan launched the Clipper EV — an all-electric version based on the Mitsubishi Minicab EV with a 20 kWh battery and approximately 112 miles of range. Electric compact trucks like this and the Kia PV5 signal where the commercial kei-class market is heading.

Insurance & Registration

Since no Clippers are currently import-eligible for US road use, insurance and registration are not yet relevant for most buyers. When the 2003 models become eligible in 2028, expect the same process as other kei trucks:

• Hagerty for agreed-value collector policies
• Standard carriers (Progressive, State Farm) for basic liability
• Budget $200-$600 annually for coverage

Check our kei truck insurance guide for detailed carrier comparisons and our state-by-state legality guide for registration requirements.

The kei truck community on Reddit tracks registration developments and shares experiences with getting rebadged models recognized in state DMV systems.

Where to Buy

For now, you cannot legally import a Nissan Clipper for road use in the US. The 25-year rule is the barrier — the nameplate was revived in 2003, so the earliest eligible trucks arrive in 2028.

Your options today:

• Buy the parent truck: A Mitsubishi Minicab from 2001 or earlier is mechanically identical to the first-gen Clipper and is import-eligible now. A Suzuki Carry from 2001 or earlier is identical to the second-gen Clipper's platform.
• Off-road/farm use only: Some dealers import newer kei trucks for off-highway use on private property, bypassing the 25-year rule since no road registration is required.
• Wait for 2028: If you specifically want the Nissan badge or prefer the first-gen Clipper's Mitsubishi mechanicals over what is currently available, the 2003 models will be eligible starting in 2028.

For importers and dealers, check Duncan Imports, Japanese Classics, and our dealer directory.

The Bottom Line

The Nissan Clipper is a kei truck with an identity built on other people's engineering. The first generation is a Mitsubishi Minicab with a Nissan badge. The second generation is a Suzuki Carry with a Nissan badge. Neither version offers anything mechanical that you cannot get from the parent truck at a lower price.

What the Clipper does offer is an alternative auction and dealer pipeline. When Carries and Minicabs are picked over at Japanese auctions, Clippers may still be available. For US buyers, the practical play right now is to buy the parent truck directly — but keep the Clipper on your radar as 2028 approaches and the first models enter the 25-year import window.