Ownership and Maintenance

As a club, we focus heavily on helping our members maintain their cars. Below are helpful links to enable you to do much of the work yourself and find suppliers to assist you. For further information see Video Tutorials & Forum

The following articles are listed in an A-Z order to help navigate you to the correct page.

Rust - how to replace the door sills on a Nissan Figaro video

Words and Pictures by Tobyn Brooks The Figaro Shop Two ways to repair a sill on a Figaro: rust repair can be done on the sills of a Figaro with a relatively cheap ‘quick fix’ by welding over the top, but at The Figaro Shop… Read More

Published on 23rd August 2023

Rust - painting the Nissan Figaro exterior

Words and Pictures Tobyn Brooks – The Figaro Shop Painting a Figaro is a much more enjoyable process in terms of aesthetics. One that can make a slightly tired-looking car into a vibrant, gleaming one again………or even a unique extension of your personality!… Read More

Published on 5th November 2022

Rust - Re-routing Nissan Figaro roof drainage hoses to prevent lower sill rusting

There are two areas of the Figaro that suffer badly from excessive rust. One is the rear wings which due to the location and way the chassis is spot welded in this area, water can be contained and over time and rust from the inside out causing paint bubbles. The… Read More

Published on 25th February 2023

Rust - Rear O/S/R Quarter Panel on a Nissan Figaro video

Words and Pictures: Garage FK10 Reproduced Nissan Figaro O/S/R (driver side) quarter panel. The panels are a replica of the original now now-discontinued quarter panel. They are British and each one is hand-finished to produce a panel that fits just like the original. It comes complete with the inner door… Read More

Published on 27th October 2023

Rust - Rear Window Frame for a Nissan Figaro video

The Rear Window Frame is known to suffer from rust-causing the vinyl to lift and bubble rust badly and many become unrepairable. The Figaro Shop have re-manufactured the part in Fiberglass providing exceptional protection. The item is a direct replacement and comes fully trimmed requiring no modification to fit. This… Read More

Published on 19th December 2016

Rust - Rear Wing Arch repair panel for a Nissan Figaro

The Figaro suffers badly from rust around the rear arches. This is due to the spot welding of the sub-frame to the shell of the car. Water from the road is forced up into this area and has no way of escaping. Over time the water turns the metal to… Read More

Published on 4th February 2019

Rust - The Hidden Danger Beneath: protecting a Nissan Figaro from rust video

Rust is the biggest killer of Figaros, and once it’s taken hold, the cost of repairs can be thousands of pounds. The Nissan Figaro was built in 1991, but like many cars, it has suffered from rust corrosion in certain areas of the bodywork. This could be due to a… Read More

Published on 27th May 2025

Rust - Underneath how to protect a Nissan Figaro from salt video

If you drive your Figaro in wet conditions we highly recommend you get it treated with Waxoyl or an equivalent product. The original design of the car with its deep cavities is an ideal breeding ground for rust, especially in areas along the under door seals. In wet conditions, salt… Read More

Published on 30th July 2015

Seat - Front Seat Base Springs (set)

Words and Pictures by The Figaro Shop The Nissan Figaro was originally equipped with thin, low-grade leather coverings to the front seats which over time fade, crack and tear letting down the interior of your Figaro. Some of this damage is caused by the failing seat base support springs that… Read More

Published on 4th June 2024

Seat Comfort - how to improve the seat comfort on a Nissan Figaro video

As your Figaro was manufactured in 1991 the chances are your seats may not be offering the support you need? We had the same issue and having now investigated the problem it’s easy to see why. It’s simply the lack of foam used between your bottom and the supporting steel… Read More

Published on 14th October 2022

Seat Upholstery - restoration seat kits for a Nissan Figaro video

Without question, the leather seats in your Figaro are one of the most luxurious elements of your car. However, at the age of 30, they may be looking a bit tired and in need of some much-needed TLC. Regular ‘feeding’ the leather with conditioner can improve the look in the… Read More

Published on 18th August 2023

Seats - Figaro Upholstery & Interior Services

Club Member and Figaro Owner Steve Newbold runs Figaro Upholstery & Interior Services from his workshop based in the pretty village of Old Warden in Bedford UK. The car was manufactured back in 1991 the one thing about Figaro seats is that they were extremely well made and put… Read More

Published on 31st August 2023

Seats - How to maintain your seats and avoid unsightly cracking

Words and Pictures by Kevin Fagan The seats in the Figaro were finished in sumptuous cream leather; however, unless they were regularly maintained, many have suffered from cracking. WHY DOES THE LEATHER ON MY FIGARO SEATS CRACK There are several causes of your leather items cracking in unsightly ways. Understanding… Read More

Published on 22nd May 2025

Seats - Repair Service By Member John Catling

Words and pictures by John Catling Are you fed up with your nasty discoloured Figaro seats? Do you want them to look shiny and impressive again? I can clean, strip and repair all light damage/cracks etc to your seats. Then re-colour in Figaro Ivory Grey and seal in gloss or… Read More

Published on 14th August 2024

Seats - Replacement leather seat kits

The club works with Seat Surgeons who can fit replacement leather seats either sent by post so you fit yourself, or they can fit for you. Tekko – This is a man-made microfibre material. It has a very natural feel close to genuine leather. Very durable and hard-wearing. Read More

Published on 14th August 2025

Seats Remove and Refit - how to remove and refit Nissan Figaro seats video

Front Seat Removal These are pretty simple, just remove the 4 x 12mm bolts and the seat will be free to take out. Just make sure when you re-insert the bolts that you do not cross-thread them by forcing the bolt to rotate when it doesn’t feel right. This… Read More

Published on 25th October 2021

Security - Could the £29 Apple Air Tag be a low-cost security solution for tracking & locating your stolen Figaro?

An Apple Air Tag has been around for about a year and was designed to track all manner of things: people, belongings, pets and even vehicles. So, priced at just £29 with no ongoing subscription cost, could this device also be used to track and locate the whereabouts of your… Read More

Published on 17th February 2022

Selling - How to sell your Nissan Figaro in 10 easy steps

Selling your beloved Figaro is not just a transaction; it’s a heartfelt journey that connects you with fellow enthusiasts who hopefully share your passion for this charming car. As members of the Figaro Owners Club, we understand the unique allure of the Figaro and the importance of finding the right… Read More

Published on 29th August 2025

Servicing & Maintenance Costs

Here you can see how long servicing tasks take, allowing you to budget and shop around with more understanding of costs! Read More

Published on 21st December 2021

Sound Deadening - By Patrick Light

Words and Pictures – Patrick Light There are so many ways to improve a Figaro. Here member Patrick Light decided to spend £100 on improving the sound deadening with spectacular results. I have been thinking about doing this for quite some time and have looked into many different manufacturers and… Read More

Published on 11th April 2021

Sound Deadening - How to reduce road sound whilst driving

As all Figaro owners know, the sound inside the car compared to any other car is quite loud. We all love the sound the 1-litre turbocharged engine makes, and the lovely exhaust rumble. Sometimes though, it’s nice to listen to some music, particularly if you have spent £400 on a… Read More

Published on 17th December 2016

Speedo - How to insert the Instrument Converter Card from KMS to MPH

The Nissan Figaro was designed for the Japanese Domestic Market and as such, all the speedometers manufactured for the vehicle displayed KMS only. As the vehicle has a cult following and more and more are exported from Japan around the world, the need for an MPH speedometer becomes a necessity. Read More

Published on 25th June 2023

Starting - How To Test The Cold Start Valve

The valve is located at the back of the engine on the ECCS as below. What does the Cold Start Valve do? The cold start valve allows more air into the engine when it’s cold to aid first starting which increases the idle speed. The valve closes after… Read More

Published on 7th April 2022

Starting in Park - when a Nissan Figaro won't start in park video

This is one of the most common problems if your car will not start when left in ‘park’. It is down to a very small plastic collar the size of a pound coin called an ‘Inhibitor Bush’. This wears out over time and then affects the transmission cable. Read More

Published on 12th August 2021

Storage – 10 Tips on putting your car to bed for the winter

Before we start discussing how to store your Figaro, it’s important to clarify what we mean by storing your car. Generally, experts recommend driving a car at least every two to three weeks. This ensures that all the mechanical and electrical components are kept functioning properly. However, if you are… Read More

Published on 21st October 2025

Strut Brace - fitting to a Nissan Figaro to improve handling video

Watch this video of Kevin fitting the strut brace to Belle. The Nissan Figaro was never designed to be a performance vehicle with its soft suspension that effortlessly glides over most bumps and undulations on the road. Initially developed for the smooth roads of Japan, the need for a strut… Read More

Published on 11th April 2024

Suspension - How to upgrade your Figaro for a more comfortable ride

Words and Pictures: Tobyn Brooks The Figaro Shop The Figaro isn’t known for its road-handling prowess and can sometimes feel a little bit like a dog wiggling its tail when you go over a bump! Over the years we have been adjusting and tweaking the suspension on these great little… Read More

Published on 28th February 2024

Suspension - Poly bushed arm kit improve handling on a Nissan Figaro

Remove that ‘jelly feeling’ from the rear suspension by exchanging the original ‘rubber bushes’ fitted on the suspension trailing arms for ‘polyurethane bushes’. available from just £149.99 a set. The Figaro Shop fitted a set to our club car ‘Belle’ and we can confirm that that there is a dramatic… Read More

Published on 12th June 2017

Suspension Top Mounts - replacing on a Nissan Figaro to improve handling video

Brand new product! To improve the suspension and handling of your Figaro we have developed an upgrade to the original Figaro top mounts – and for less than half the price. Details and how to fit guide are in the video and click the link to buy from… Read More

Published on 27th July 2021

The (Love) Story Behind The Figaro Shop

Figaro Owners Club Trusted Partner, The Figaro Shop, provides us with some insights into how they came about, how they have grown, and their love of the Nissan Figaro … There are businesses built on opportunity, and then there are businesses built on love. The Figaro Shop, known to… Read More

Published on 24th April 2026

Top Boot - how to open the top boot if you have a flat battery on a Nissan Figaro video

If your battery is flat or your top boot opener switch will not release the top boot, you can still access it by pulling entering the lower boot and locating two release wires which are in each corner of the lower boot. Simply pull each wire and the top boot… Read More

Published on 19th April 2022

Towing a Nissan Figaro

If your Figaro breaks down and requires recovery, be mindful of the way it is collected. As the car has an automatic gearbox connected to the front wheel, extensive damage can occur if the car is towed.  We recommend using a flatbed breakdown recovery lorry which means the car can… Read More

Published on 7th March 2022

Trim - Chrome Strip Rubber Seal replacement on a Nissan Figaro video

A solution by The Figaro Shop for the common cracked seals/gaskets on either side of the chrome strips that run the length of the Figaro. The self-adhesive seal profile will finish the stainless steel trims back to their former glory. The current dated seals will have hardened over the years… Read More

Published on 11th February 2020

Trim - Exterior Upper Door Trim Seal for a Nissan Figaro video

The external upper door seal has been remanufactured by Garage FK10. The original seal tends to get brittle and misshapen over the years. Replacing this seal will vastly improve the look of your Figaro. Priced at £13.99, click on the link below to buy Click here Watch… Read More

Published on 16th February 2024

Trim - Hockey Stick info and fitting for a Nissan Figaro video

Called a ‘hockey stick’ (and you can see why by the shape) these plastic chrome trims are located on either side of the car in front of the front wheel and behind the rear wheel. Garage FK10 use the same process as the originals (which are now unavailable). Read More

Published on 19th April 2023

Trim - how to repair the Nissan Figaro trim using Tiger Seal video

The chrome strip running all the way around the car can suffer from problems. The main issue is the perishing of the plastic seat between the car and the chrome trim. As the rubber becomes old it tends to lift and separate from both and at worst case hang out… Read More

Published on 17th December 2016

Trim - Plastic Clip To Attach The Upper Stainless Steel Trim

This clip has been remanufactured by Garage FK10 and is required to fix the stainless steel upper body trim to the car. If the trim is required to be removed these often break so these new clips will be required. Priced individually at £3.98, click on the link below… Read More

Published on 16th February 2024

Tyres - Specification and Information for a Nissan Figaro

Here we look at both the tyres and hub options. The Figaro was supplied as standard with what is known as Polo Hub Caps. These white hub caps clip over the wheel hub with spring clips to complete the look of the Figaro. Tyre Specification According to the Figaro… Read More

Published on 3rd May 2022

ULEZ expansion announced from August 2023

Today 25th November 2022 the following was announced… ULEZ to be expanded London-wide In an expansion of the scheme supported by every London Mayor since the year 2000, from 29 August 2023, drivers of the most polluting cars (Figaro) will have to pay £12.50 a day to enter the Greater… Read More

Published on 25th November 2022

ULEZ expansions devastates London Figaro ownership

Today, Tuesday 29th of August 2023, the cost of driving a Figaro in London has skyrocketed from zero to £12.50 per day or £4,562 a year – making it too costly for many owners. This has resulted in a noticeable drop in club membership, from 112 a year ago to… Read More

Published on 29th August 2023