If you’ve owned your Figaro for a while – or are new to this charming little classic – you might have found yourself wondering, “Why are the parts more expensive than other cars?”
It’s a fair question, and as specialists who live and breathe Figaros every day, we want to help shed some light on this.
A One-Year-Only Car with a Limited Global Market
The Nissan Figaro was produced in a single model year – 1991 – with a limited production run of just over 20,000 units. Today, it’s estimated that fewer than 10,000 remain globally – some quote as little as 6000. Even fewer are actively driven and maintained and data would suggest that most can be found in the UK and the number with MOT stands at only 2028. Compare that to:
- The Classic Mini (5.3 million made)
- The VW Beetle (over 21 million produced)
- Even many so-called “rare” luxury cars are produced in runs of tens of thousands per year, across multiple model years
In automotive terms, the Nissan Figaro is ultra-low volume. And when a car is that rare, sourcing or producing quality parts becomes an entirely different ballgame and not for the faint of heart!
Why Mass-Market Parts Are Cheaper
When a car manufacturer (OEM) builds a vehicle for the mainstream market, they produce hundreds of thousands – if not millions – of each part. This allows them to:
- Amortise tooling costs across large quantities
- Amortise means to spread the cost of something over time or across multiple units. In the context of manufacturing car parts, a company may pay £10,000 to create a mould (tooling) for a component:
- If they produce 10,000 parts, the tooling cost per part is £1.
- If they only produce 100 parts, the cost per part jumps to £100.
- Amortise means to spread the cost of something over time or across multiple units. In the context of manufacturing car parts, a company may pay £10,000 to create a mould (tooling) for a component:
- Negotiate better prices on raw materials
- Automate production, reducing labour costs
- Store parts in bulk and sell them through widespread dealer networks
In contrast, the parts we supply at The Figaro Shop are produced in small batches, often as one-offs, crafted in house or runs as low as 20! We do this because the original manufacturer, Nissan, no longer makes most parts for the Figaro – and hasn’t for many years, but we need a way to maintain the vehicles. We cannot stock hundreds or thousands of said parts in the hopes that over the next year or three we sell them. Unfortunately, contrary to what some believe, we do not have the means or cash flow to facilitate such an outlay.
So what does this mean in practice?
The Realities of Recreating Figaro Parts
To keep the Figaro on the road, we’ve had to recreate discontinued components from scratch.
Creating these parts includes:
- Tooling: We often need to commission new moulds or dies, which can cost thousands of pounds upfront, even if we’re only making 50 or 100 parts.
- Specialised knowledge: Figaro components require technical expertise not only in automotive engineering, but also in period-correct aesthetics.
- Premium materials: Where appropriate, we actually improve upon the original designs, using more durable materials or modern engineering techniques to ensure safety and longevity.
For example:
- Our stainless steel exhaust systems are designed, not just to replace the original, but to outperform it in durability and performance.
- Our ultimate cooling package solves known issues with the original Figaro radiator and fan setup – critical for engine health in modern traffic conditions.
These aren’t “cheap fixes” – they’re carefully developed solutions for a rare, beloved vehicle that deserves more than second-rate parts.
Supporting a Specialist Ecosystem
As a small company dedicated entirely to the Nissan Figaro, we’re not working at the scale of multinational parts suppliers. Instead, we:
- Carry the risk of investing in niche production
- Stock hard-to-find inventory at our own cost
- Advise and support customers with the knowledge that only comes from decades of hands-on Figaro expertise
In short, we’re not just selling parts – we’re preserving the legacy of the Figaro, one carefully restored car at a time.
The Real Value Behind the Price Tag
Yes, Figaro parts are more expensive than mass-market alternatives. But here’s what you’re really paying for:
- Specialist design and engineering
- Longevity and reliability
- Safe, road-ready performance
- Peace of mind, knowing your Figaro is being properly looked after
We understand the concerns about cost – especially in today’s economic climate. But we also know that our options to get these parts produced are limited, and cutting corners on car parts can cost more in the long run.
We’re here to keep Figaros on the road for years to come, and although that is not always easy or cheap, we are committed to doing this the right way, with the best materials, in the most cost effective way we can.
If you have any questions about any parts found on our website please do not hesitate to get in touch with Maz at [email protected]
