Buyer's guide

Nissan Figaro

The Nissan Figaro is a 1991-only Pike Factory retro convertible: a single-model-year limited run of 20,073 cars sold exclusively in Japan. Built around the Micra/March K10 platform with the MA10ET 1.0-litre SOHC turbo borrowed from the March Super Turbo, the Figaro paired a 1960s-inspired body and chrome-trimmed cabin with the modern conveniences of its era (3-speed automatic, factory air conditioning, leather upholstery, and a CD player). The car was so over-subscribed at launch that Nissan abandoned conventional sales entirely and allocated build slots by lottery — initial production was set at 8,000 cars and expanded by two further batches of 6,000 to meet demand. Cars were finished in only four colours, each named for a Japanese season: Lapis Grey (winter), Emerald Green (spring), Pale Aqua (summer), and Topaz Mist (autumn). Sold new only on the JDM, the Figaro became a gray-market import darling in the United Kingdom in the 1990s and, since 2016, a freely-importable 25-year classic in the United States.

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The Pike Factory story — Nissan's retro side-project

The Figaro is the fourth and final car in the Pike Factory series, a Nissan sub-brand of low-volume, design-led models built by Aichi Kikai (Aichi Machine Industry) — the contract manufacturer better known for Nissan's commercial vans. The series began with the Be-1 (1987), continued through the Pao (1989) and S-Cargo (1989), and concluded with the Figaro at the 1989 Tokyo Motor Show under the marketing line 'Back to the Future.' All four cars shared the Micra/March K10 underpinnings and a deliberate retro design language, but the Figaro was the only convertible — a fixed-profile soft-top with a rigid roof rail structure, not a true open car — and the only one fitted with the turbocharged MA10ET in place of the more common naturally-aspirated MA10S. Production was scheduled in three batches in 1991 to manage the surge in demand: 8,000 cars in the first run, then 6,000 each in two further batches, for a confirmed total of 20,073 units.

Four colours, four seasons — and why colour drives value

Every Figaro left the factory in one of four shades tied to a Japanese season: Lapis Grey for winter, Emerald Green for spring, Pale Aqua for summer, and Topaz Mist for autumn. There was no other choice — no metallic options, no two-tones, no special editions. Production was split unevenly across the four colours, which is why some shades appear more frequently in the secondary market than others and why colour-correct paint matching matters disproportionately to value: a resprayed Figaro in the wrong shade or with poor seam-to-seam colour match loses ground against documented original-paint cars. Originality of soft-top fabric, factory steel wheels, and interior chrome trim is checked alongside paint when grading at Japanese auctions.

Quick read

Key takeaways

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Constants

Common across all Figaro generations

Chassis history

Generation timeline

FK10

FK10 (single generation; 1991 model year)

Buyer's call

Should you buy a Nissan Figaro?

The Figaro is a car you buy with your eyes, and that shapes both sides of the ledger. The good stuff is the look, the chrome, the open roof, and the fact that the K10 mechanicals underneath are simple and well understood. The trade is rust, leaks, and a 75 PS turbo that was never built to chase a freeway.

Why you'll love it

  • Iconic Pike Factory styling Instantly recognizable retro design; strong event and social media appeal boosts liquidity.
  • Approachable ownership experience Simple K10-based mechanicals; many service items shared with March/Micra ecosystem.
  • Strong specialist support network UK/Japan specialists supply trim, tops, and mechanical parts; guides and clubs are active.
  • City-friendly size and manners Compact footprint, light steering, easy parking; ideal for urban classic use.
  • Automatic, easy-to-drive classic 3-speed auto suits casual cruising; broadens buyer pool beyond manual-only enthusiasts.
  • Collectible narrative and scarcity Limited production story and Pike lineage (Be-1/Pao/S-Cargo) support long-term demand.
  • Good value retention when sorted Well-restored, rust-free cars tend to hold value; buyers pay for documented work.

Why you might not

  • Rust is pervasive and expensive Sills, floors, arches, windshield frame; proper metalwork quickly exceeds cheap buy-in.
  • Convertible leaks and water damage Aging seals and top fabric cause wet carpets, mold, and hidden corrosion; inspect thoroughly.
  • Performance is modest 1.0 turbo and 3AT are for cruising; not a sports car, highway passing can feel strained.
  • Aging plastics and trim scarcity Interior bits, chrome, and unique trim can be costly; NOS is limited and repro varies.
  • Cooling and turbo age issues Radiators, hoses, and turbo oiling neglect can cause overheating or smoke; maintenance critical.
  • 3-speed auto limits refinement Higher revs at speed and fewer ratios; some buyers dislike the dated driving feel.
  • Paint and chrome restoration costs Correct color matching and brightwork re-plating are pricey; cheap resprays hurt value.
Who should not buy this
  • Anyone needing reliable daily transport
  • Drivers over 6'1" wanting top-up comfort
  • People without indoor storage/garage
  • Buyers who can't handle rust repair costs
  • Anyone in road-salt regions without undercoating
  • Owners expecting modern crash safety
  • People who hate chasing water leaks
  • Those needing real rear seats for adults
  • Anyone lacking a JDM/UK parts supply plan
  • Buyers without a specialist mechanic nearby
  • People who won't do preventative maintenance
  • Anyone expecting strong highway power
  • Drivers wanting quiet cabin at 60-70 mph
  • Anyone with strict emissions testing requirements
  • People who can't tolerate 30+ year-old wiring
  • Buyers who won't budget for top/seal work
  • Anyone expecting cheap insurance/parts everywhere
  • Those who park outside under trees year-round
  • People who dislike frequent small fixes
  • Anyone expecting tight, modern handling/brakes

Reliability

Common issues & solutions

The Figaro is mechanically a Micra with a turbo, so the engine isn't the part that breaks. Rust and water leaks are what take Figaros off the road. The soft top seals shrink, water gets in, and the sills and floors quietly rot under the carpet while the car still drives fine.

Issue Cause Solution Est. cost
Sill/rocker rust-through Trapped moisture; blocked drains; poor repairs Cut/replace metal; treat cavities; reopen drains $2000-7000
Floorpan corrosion Top/windscreen leaks soaking carpets for years Weld patches; reseal; fix leak sources first $1500-6000
Rear arch rust Mud traps at lip; thin factory protection Arch repair panels; rustproof inner/outer lips $1200-4500
Windscreen surround rust Aged seal lets water sit under trim Remove glass; repair metal; new seal; repaint $1500-5000
Spare well rot Water ingress from seals/drains; standing water Repair well; clear drains; reseal tail lamps $800-3000
Convertible top leaks Shrunk seals; misaligned frame; clogged drains Adjust frame; replace seals; clear drains; test $400-2500
Top frame binding/bent links Forced operation; corrosion at pivots Rebuild pivots; replace bent arms; align frame $600-2500
Rear window cloudy/cracked Aged vinyl; folded when cold; UV damage Replace window panel or full top skin $300-1800
Timing chain rattle Stretched chain; worn guides/tensioner Replace chain kit; inspect sprockets; set timing $900-2200
Turbo oil seal smoke Worn turbo bearings; poor oiling; heat soak Rebuild/replace turbo; clean oil feed/return $900-2500
Boost leaks/surging Cracked vacuum/boost hoses; loose clamps Replace all hoses; pressure test intake tract $150-600
Overheating in traffic Clogged radiator; weak fan; old thermostat New radiator/thermostat; verify fan circuit $400-1200
Head gasket failure Past overheating; detonation on old fuel system Head skim/test; gasket; fix cooling and tune $1200-3500
Oil leaks (multiple) Aged seals: cam cover, front seal, turbo lines Reseal; replace turbo line washers; clean PCV $300-1500
Fuel pump failure Age; running low fuel; varnish from storage Replace pump and sock; flush tank/lines $300-900
Injector seal leaks Hardened O-rings; ethanol exposure Replace injector seals; inspect rail and hoses $200-600
MAF sensor faults Aged hot-wire; vibration; wiring corrosion Clean connector; replace MAF; repair harness $250-900
O2 sensor lazy/rich Old sensor; exhaust leaks upstream Replace O2; fix leaks; verify fuel pressure $200-600
Distributor misfire Worn cap/rotor; moisture; old leads Tune-up: cap/rotor/leads/plugs; check coil $150-500
Auto trans shift flare Worn clutches; old ATF; valve body wear Service ATF/filter; rebuild if persistent $250-3000
Delayed D/R engagement Low ATF; internal seal wear; clogged filter Correct fluid; service; rebuild if no change $200-3000
CV boot splits Age and heat; low ride height stress Replace boots or complete axle assemblies $250-900
Seized brake calipers Moisture; infrequent use; old brake fluid Rebuild/replace calipers; flush fluid; new hoses $400-1400
Rusty brake hard lines Road salt; neglected underbody protection Replace lines; inspect proportioning valve $500-1800
Steering rack play/leak Worn inner joints; torn boots; seal wear Rebuild/replace rack; align; replace tie rods $600-1800
Suspension bushing wear Age; oil contamination; cracked rubber Replace control arm bushings; check ball joints $500-2000
Alternator weak output Worn brushes/regulator; belt slip Rebuild/replace alternator; new belt; clean grounds $250-700
Ground-related gremlins Corroded grounds; prior alarm/immobilizer hacks Restore grounds; remove bad splices; re-loom $150-1200
AC not cold R12 conversions, leaks, tired compressor Leak test; replace drier; convert properly; recharge $400-1800
Heater core leak Corrosion; old coolant; electrolysis Replace heater core; flush system; new coolant $700-1800
Water in cabin Top seals, cowl drains, windscreen seal failure Fix seals/drains; dry interior; treat rust early $200-2500
Interior trim cracking UV and age; brittle plastics; poor storage Source used parts; careful restoration; UV protect $200-2000

Market

Differences between JDM & USDM

The Figaro was never sold outside Japan. There is no USDM, EDM, or AUDM variant — every car is a single-year JDM build with right-hand drive, JDM-spec interior, JDM odometer in kilometres, and the JDM-specification MA10ET tuned for 75–76 PS. The United Kingdom developed an early gray-market import scene in the 1990s when private importers found a regulatory work-around, which is why the UK has the largest enthusiast base outside Japan and the strongest specialist parts supply. The United States opened to general Figaro imports in 2016 under the federal 25-year rule (1991 + 25 = 2016), making it one of the earliest JDM-only retro cars to clear the import barrier. Canada had been importing them since 2006 under its 15-year rule. There is no LHD conversion programme of any note; the steering rack, dashboard, pedal box, and wiper sweep are all RHD-specific.

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Specs

Technical specifications

Every Figaro is the same car underneath. MA10ET 1.0 turbo making about 75 PS, 3-speed automatic, front-wheel drive, K10 chassis. There's no manual option and no NA version. The MA10ET is the same engine as the Nissan March Super Turbo, which is useful when you go looking for parts.

Engine options

Chassis Engine Displacement Power Boost Notes
FK10 MA10ET 1.0L 76 PS @ 6000rpm (55.9 kW) 0.6 bar (8.7 psi) SOHC 8V, EFI, turbo, intercooled
FK10 MA10ET 1.0L 75 hp @ 6000rpm 0.6 bar (8.7 psi) Alt rating; market-dependent rounding

Transmission options

Type Ratios Availability Notes
3-speed Automatic (3AT) 2.861/1.562/1.000 All Figaro trims Jatco 3AT; lock-up not fitted

Lineup

Variants & trims

The only factory variation is paint. Lapis Grey for winter, Emerald Green for spring, Pale Aqua for summer, and Topaz Mist for autumn. Mechanically and trim-wise every Figaro is identical, so color and originality of paint matter more on a Figaro than they do on almost any other JDM car.

Generation Trim Engine Key features
Figaro (FK10) Figaro (Base) MA10ET 987cc I4 Turbo 3AT, power top, leather seats, A/C, power windows
Figaro (FK10) Figaro (Emerald) MA10ET 987cc I4 Turbo Limited color, 3AT, power top, leather, A/C
Figaro (FK10) Figaro (Pale Aqua) MA10ET 987cc I4 Turbo Limited color, 3AT, power top, leather, A/C
Figaro (FK10) Figaro (Topaz Mist) MA10ET 987cc I4 Turbo Limited color, 3AT, power top, leather, A/C
Figaro (FK10) Figaro (Lapis Grey) MA10ET 987cc I4 Turbo Limited color, 3AT, power top, leather, A/C

Production

Sales numbers by year

YearDomesticNotes
199120,073Single-model-year run; allocated by lottery in three batches (8,000 + 6,000 + 6,000). All cars JDM; no export production.

Pricing

Average prices & original MSRP

The Figaro launched in 1991 at around 1.87 million yen, roughly $14,000 USD at the time. Today a tired but driving Figaro is in the low teens, and a rust-free original-paint car with documented sill and top work can clear $30,000. The gap between a cheap Figaro and a sorted Figaro is mostly the cost of fixing rust, so the cheap ones rarely stay cheap.

Original MSRP: JPY1,870,000 at launch in 1991. Reported JDM list price around ¥1.87M at 1991 launch. JDMBuySell editorial cites an inflation- and exchange-rate-adjusted figure near US$31,500 in 2026 dollars, with a contemporary US-equivalent of roughly $14,000. Yen MSRP varies across secondary sources; the figure here is the most commonly cited JDM list price and is not corroborated by an official Nissan price sheet in the source set.

Today's market range: $12,000 to $35,000 (median ~$21,000). Source: JDMBuySell / USS Auction.

Demand remains design-driven with a strong premium for rust-free, correctly restored cars. Prices are steady-to-firm post-pandemic; top examples still climb, while tired imports soften due to restoration costs and rust risk.

Inspect

Pre-purchase inspection checklist

Walk the Figaro looking for rust and water first, mechanicals second. Pull the carpets back, look in the spare well, feel along the sills, and put a hose on the top with the doors closed. The Critical items are mostly about the shell. If the metal's gone, the rest doesn't matter.

Critical priority

  • Front chassis rails Check for rust, kinks, poor crash repairs
  • Front crossmember Probe for rot near mounts; look for patches
  • Sills/rockers Inspect seams for bubbling; jack points crush
  • Floorpans Lift carpets; check under sound deadening
  • Rear subframe mounts Check mount areas for rust cracking/soft metal
  • Exhaust smoke Blue on boost/decel = turbo seals or rings
  • Coolant condition Look for rust/milk; check overflow for oil
  • Overheat history Ask for proof; check warped head symptoms
  • Compression test Verify even cylinders; low = rings/valves
  • Fuel smell/leaks Check tank neck, lines, injector seals
  • Brakes Check seized calipers, soft pedal, rusty lines
  • VIN/ID plates Verify chassis plate; match paperwork/import

High priority

  • Rear arches Check lip rust inside arch; feel for filler
  • Rear quarter panels Look for bubbling at lower quarter behind door
  • Spare wheel well Check for standing water, rot, seam sealer lift
  • Battery tray area Look for acid corrosion and hidden rust holes
  • A-pillars Inspect base for rust; check windscreen seal
  • Windscreen surround Look for bubbling under rubber; leaks on wash
  • Door bottoms Check drains open; rust at hem and corners
  • Soft top fabric Check tears, shrinking, cloudy rear window
  • Soft top frame Operate fully; check binding, bent links, play
  • Soft top seals Check header/side seals for cracks and gaps
  • Water leak test Hose test A-pillars, header, rear deck drains
  • Cowl drains Ensure drains clear; water should exit quickly
  • Rear deck drains Check convertible well drains not blocked
  • Engine cold start Listen for timing chain rattle; idle stability
  • Turbo operation Check boost builds smoothly; no siren whine
  • Oil leaks Check cam cover, turbo feed/return, front seal
  • Cooling system Check radiator end tanks, hoses, heater valve
  • Fuel pump noise Loud whine = tired pump; check pressure
  • Auto trans shifts Check flare, harsh 2-3, delayed engagement
  • ATF condition Should be red, not burnt; check level hot
  • CV joints/boots Check split boots; click on full lock
  • Steering rack Check play, torn boots, fluid leaks if PS
  • Brake master cyl Check seep at booster; pedal sinking test
  • Charging system Check 13.8-14.4V; dim lights = alternator
  • ECU codes Pull codes; check for knock/O2/MAF faults
  • Ignition system Check cap/rotor, leads; misfire under boost
  • Heater function Check hot output; sweet smell = heater core
  • Interior dampness Check under mats for wet; mold smell
  • Seat mounts Check rusted bolts/floor; seat rocking
  • Service records Look for timing chain, cooling, ATF history

Medium priority

  • Firewall seams Check seam sealer splits; water ingress signs
  • Hatch/trunk seams Inspect lower seam rust; water trails inside
  • Vacuum hoses Check brittle lines; boost leaks cause surging
  • Idle control Hunt/stall with AC = IACV dirty or leaks
  • Wheel bearings Listen for growl; check play at 12/6 o'clock
  • Front struts Check leaks, sag, top mounts clunking
  • Rear shocks Check leaks; bounce test; uneven tire wear
  • ABS (if fitted) Confirm light cycles; test on gravel for pulse
  • Tires Check age cracks; correct size; uneven wear
  • Battery/grounds Check ground straps; voltage drop under load
  • MAF sensor Check for hesitation; tap test; inspect wiring
  • O2 sensor Check fuel trims; rich smell; poor mpg
  • AC function Check cold at idle; compressor noise; leaks
  • Gauges Temp gauge must be stable; fuel gauge accuracy
  • Parts sourcing Confirm local support for MA10ET/auto/trim

Low priority

  • Wheels Check bends; corrosion at bead causing leaks
  • Blower motor Check all speeds; squeal = worn bearings
  • Wipers/washer Check intermittent; washer pump and jets
  • Lights Check pop-up? (N/A) ensure all lamps work

Cross-shop

Comparable alternatives

If the Figaro doesn't fit, the other Pike Factory cars are the natural next stop. The Pao is a fixed roof and simpler to own. The Be-1 is even simpler. If you want something that drives better and isn't tied to the Pike look, a Mazda MX-5 NA gives you the convertible experience with parts you can get anywhere.

Nissan Pao PK10

Same Pike ethos; simpler NA engine; more practical hatch

Nissan Be-1 BK10

Earliest Pike car; simpler ownership; similar charm

Suzuki Cappuccino

Small JDM convertible; more driver-focused; strong support

Honda Beat PP1

Iconic kei roadster; high-rev fun; strong collector base

Mazda MX-5 NA

Classic convertible with better dynamics; easier parts in US

Compare

How it compares

The Figaro doesn't really have direct rivals. The closest cars are its Pike Factory siblings, which share the K10 underpinnings but aren't convertibles, and the kei roadsters like the Honda Beat and Suzuki Cappuccino, which are smaller, faster, and a completely different vibe. The Figaro wins on style and presence and loses on driving feel.

Feature Nissan Figaro Nissan Pao PK10 Nissan Be-1 BK10
Body/roof 2dr convertible, soft top 2dr coupe, fixed roof 2dr hatch, fixed roof
Engine 1.0L turbo I4 (MA10ET) 1.0L NA I4 (MA10S) 1.0L NA I4 (MA10S)
Power output ≈75 hp (JDM rating) ≈52 hp (JDM rating) ≈52 hp (JDM rating)
Transmission 3-speed automatic only 3AT or 5MT (varies) 3AT or 5MT (varies)
Drivetrain FWD FWD FWD
Character Retro luxury cruiser vibe Retro utilitarian chic Minimalist retro hatch
Rarity/collectibility High; Pike halo model High; Pike cult following High; earliest Pike car
Rust sensitivity High (convertible leaks) High (K10-era shells) High (K10-era shells)
Daily usability Good in city; noisy at speed Good; more cargo utility Good; simplest to run
Interior vibe Leather-look, chrome accents Canvas/utility aesthetic Simple, airy retro cabin
Open-top alternative True convertible T-top/convertible (varies) Targa/convertible (varies)
Performance feel Light, modest, relaxed Revvy, sporty kei roadster Turbo, playful kei roadster
Market buyer overlap Style-first collectors Driving-first collectors Driving-first collectors
Maintenance complexity Moderate; turbo + top Moderate; kei parts + age Moderate; turbo + age
Parts availability Good via UK/Japan specialists Good via kei specialists Good via kei specialists
Cabin space 2+ small; comfy for 2 Strict 2-seater Strict 2-seater
Value driver Condition/originality story Mileage, mods, originality Mileage, rust, originality

Gallery

Editorial

The buyer's read

If you're buying a Figaro, buy the shell. A clean rust-free Figaro with original paint and a dry interior is worth paying for, and a rough Figaro at half the price will cost you more by the time it's done. The first thing to check is the sills, the floors under the carpet, the rear arches, and the metal around the windscreen. The second thing to check is whether the top has been leaking, because a Figaro that's sat with wet carpets for a few seasons has rust you can't see from the outside.

The MA10ET turbo is the same engine as the Nissan March Super Turbo, which means parts aren't a problem. Watch for blue smoke on boost, which is the turbo seals, and listen for timing chain rattle on cold start. The 3-speed automatic is the only gearbox the Figaro came with, and there's no manual conversion that's worth doing. If the auto shifts cleanly and engages without delay, leave it alone.

Color matters on a Figaro more than it does on most cars. The four factory colors are Lapis Grey, Emerald Green, Pale Aqua, and Topaz Mist, and a Figaro that's been resprayed in a non-original color or with a poor color match loses real money. Check the paint inside the door jambs and under the bonnet to see if it matches the outside.

The UK has the biggest specialist scene because Figaros were imported there in the 1990s, well before the US 25-year rule opened in 2016. That's where the parts and the expertise sit. If you're in the US, plan on shipping trim and top parts from the UK or from Japan. Mechanical parts are easier because the K10 platform is everywhere.

The Figaro you want is a documented car with a rust-free shell, a recently replaced top, an original interior, and the timing chain done. Pay for that car. Skip the cheap ones.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is a Nissan Figaro and why is it collectible?
A 1991 Nissan Pike Factory retro convertible. Collectible for design, limited-run story, and originality-driven values.
What should I check first when buying a Figaro?
Prioritize rust, water leaks, and evidence of proper metal repair. A cheap rusty car is usually the most expensive.
Where do Figaros rust the most?
Sills, floor pans, rear arches, lower doors, and around the windscreen frame; leaks accelerate hidden corrosion.
Are parts still available for the Figaro?
Yes. Mechanical items are K10-related; Figaro-specific trim/top parts are best via UK/Japan specialists and clubs.
How reliable is the MA10ET turbo engine?
Generally solid if maintained. Watch cooling system, oil leaks, and turbo smoke; neglected cars overheat and wear fast.
Is the Figaro fast or fun to drive?
It’s more charming than fast. The 3-speed auto and 1.0 turbo suit cruising; buy it for style, not performance.
What makes one Figaro worth more than another?
Rust-free shell, dry interior, correct color/trim, quality paint, and documented servicing. Originality beats mods in value.
When is the Nissan Figaro legal to import to the US?
It’s already eligible: the Figaro is 1991, so it has been 25-year import legal since 2016 (state rules still apply).

Citations

Sources & references

  1. Nissan Figaro — model overview, production, lottery allocation — WikipediaVerified
  2. Aichi Kikai (Aichi Machine Industry) — Pike Factory contract manufacturer — WikipediaVerified
  3. Nissan Be-1 — first Pike Factory model (1987) — WikipediaVerified
  4. Nissan Pao — second Pike Factory model (1989) — WikipediaVerified
  5. The Adorable Nissan Figaro — model profile — HagertyVerified
  6. Figaro Owners Club — UK enthusiast community and parts directory — Figaro Owners ClubVerified
  7. Nissan Figaro — used buyer's review — Honest John ClassicsVerified
  8. What are the problems with owning a Figaro? — The Nissan Figaro ShopVerified
  9. Historic auction results: Nissan Figaro — Bring a TrailerVerified
  10. Nissan Figaro — rust-free retro chic with celebrity style — The IndependentVerified
  11. 日産・フィガロ — Japanese encyclopedic overview — Wikipedia (Japanese)Verified
  12. gtr-registry.com — FK10 Figaro registry page — GTR RegistryLink dead

Sources last verified: