Nissan Safari is a legendary SUV that won the hearts of motorists not only with its technical characteristics, but also with its memorable design. The body color of this car plays a key role in its perception: from strict black metallic to bright orange mother of pearl, each shade emphasizes the character of the car. However, choosing a color is as much a matter of aesthetics as it is practical: some shades require special care, others affect resale value, and others may be rare on the secondary market.
In this article we will look at all the official and unofficial colors Nissan Safari, their codes, care features, and also give recommendations on choosing a shade depending on operating conditions. You'll learn what colors were available in different generations, how to choose the right paint for restoration, and why some shades become collectible. Let's start with a review of the manufacturer's standard palette.
Official Nissan Safari palette: color codes and names
The manufacturer offered Nissan Safari in a wide range of shades, which varied depending on the year of production and the market. For example, Japanese versions often had exclusive colors not available in Europe or the US. All shades have unique codes that are used to match the original paint or vinyl film.
Below are the most common colors with their official designations:
- 🔲 KH3 — Super Black (deep black, most popular choice among owners)
- 🔴 AH3 — Red Pearl (red mother-of-pearl, often found on restyled models)
- 🟠 AY0 — Sunset Orange Metallic (bright orange, rare on the secondary market)
- 🟢 BH2 — Forest Green Metallic (dark green with a metallic sheen)
- 🔵 LV3 — Blue Pearl (blue mother-of-pearl, popular among classic lovers)
- ⚪ QM1 — Glacier White (white without shades, practical for hot climates)
- 🟤 GY0 — Khaki Metallic (khaki, often chosen for off-road use)
It is important to note that some colors, e.g. Sunset Orange Metallic (AY0), were produced in limited quantities and are today considered collectible. Their presence can increase the resale value of the car by 10–15%. If you are planning a purchase Safari with a rare color, be sure to check the paint history - often such cars were repainted in standard shades.
- Black (KH3)
- Red mother of pearl (AH3)
- Orange metallic (AY0)
- Metallic green (BH2)
- Blue mother of pearl (LV3)
How color affects the cost and operation of a car
Choosing a shade for Nissan Safari - This is not only an aesthetic decision, but also a practical aspect. For example, dark colors (black, dark blue, green) heat up more strongly in the sun, which can lead to:
- ⚠️ Faster wear of paintwork due to thermal changes
- 🔥 Increased load on the air conditioning system (it will be hotter in the cabin)
- 👓 Frequent need for polishing - even small scratches are visible on dark colors
On the other hand, light shades (white, beige, silver) are less noticeable in traffic, which can affect safety. In addition, they require more frequent washing - dirt and dust are noticeable on them. The optimal balance is considered mid-tone metallics (gray, khaki, blue), which mask small defects and do not heat up so much.
On the secondary market, the most liquid remain Super Black (KH3) And Glacier White (QM1) — they are easier to sell, but the price for such cars is usually closer to the market average. Rare colors (eg. Sunset Orange Metallic) can both increase the value for the collector and complicate the sale due to the specific taste of buyers.
Dark colors require more care, but look more presentable. Light ones are more practical in hot climates, but less noticeable on the road.
Color compatibility table with year of manufacture
Not all shades were available throughout production Nissan Safari. For example, orange metallic (AY0) appeared only in the 2000s, and the classic green (BH2) was popular in the 1990s. Below is a table with the distribution of colors by generation:
| Generation | Years of manufacture | Available colors (codes) | Rare/exclusive shades |
|---|---|---|---|
| Y60 (first) | 1987–1997 | KH3, QM1, BH2, LV3, GY0 | — |
| Y61 (second) | 1997–2004 | KH3, AH3, QM1, BH2, LV3, AY0 | Sunset Orange Metallic (AY0) |
| Restyling Y61 | 2004–2007 | KH3, AH3, QM1, GY0, new shade Dark Grey Metallic (KAD) | Dark Grey Metallic (KAD) |
| Special versions (for example, Safari Royal) | 1995–2000 | KH3, QM1, exclusive Gold Metallic (PY0) | Gold Metallic (PY0) |
If you are restoring Safari rare color (for example, Gold Metallic), be prepared for the fact that original paint can cost 2–3 times more than standard paint. In such cases, many owners resort to repainting in a similar shade followed by lamination with vinyl film for protection.
Before purchasing paint, check the color code on your car's decal (usually located on the driver's door pillar or under the hood). This will help avoid mistakes when choosing a shade.
How to properly care for paintwork depending on color
Paint care Nissan Safari directly depends on its shade. For example, pearlescent colors (AH3, LV3) require special non-contact detergents to avoid damaging the pigment layers. For metallics (KAD, GY0) It is important to use a wax or ceramic coating - this prevents the metal particles in the paint from oxidizing.
General care recommendations:
- 🧼 For dark colors: wash once every 1-2 weeks using shampoo with a UV filter (prevents fading).
- ☀️ For light colors: mandatory polishing 2 times a year to remove micro-scratches.
- 🔧 For mother of pearl: Avoid automatic car washes with brushes - they destroy pigment layers.
- 🛡️ For all colors: applying a protective film to the hood and bumper (especially important for off-road use).
Particular attention should be paid orange (AY0) And gold (PY0) shades - they are most susceptible to fading. To save them it is recommended:
⚠️ Attention: Never wash Safari with orange or gold paint in direct sunlight. Hot water and UV radiation accelerate the breakdown of pigment. Use only cold water and special conditioners for mother of pearl.
Where to buy original paint for Nissan Safari
Selecting paint for restoration is one of the most difficult tasks for owners Nissan Safari, especially when it comes to rare shades. Original paint Nissan sold under the brand Nissan Paint and is marked according to the color code (for example, KH3 + basecoat). However, finding it on the open market can be difficult.
Main sources:
- 🏢 Official Nissan dealers - guaranteed original paint, but high price (from 5,000 rubles per 1 liter).
- 🌍 Foreign online stores (For example, PaintScratch, AutomotiveTouchup) - wide range, but long delivery.
- 🔧 Local car wreckers — sometimes they sell leftover paint from restoration (risk of counterfeiting!).
- 🎨 Specialized workshops — they can select an analogue using a spectrophotometer (accuracy up to 95%).
If the original paint is not available, pay attention to high-quality analogues from PPG, DuPont or Sikkens. The main thing is to make sure that the composition contains metallic or pearlescent pigments (if required for your shade). Always test the color on a small area before painting completely!
What to do if you couldn’t find the original paint?
In this case, you can order tinting according to the code from professionals. Modern systems (eg Mixit or Spies Hecker) allow you to reproduce the shade with an accuracy of up to 98%. However, pearlescent colors (AH3, LV3) may require 2-3 coats to achieve the original effect.
Vinyl films as an alternative to repainting
If you want to change the color Nissan Safari without complete repainting, the optimal solution would be vinyl film. It protects the original paint from chips, scratches and fading, and also allows you to restore the original appearance when selling the car. Among the advantages:
- 🔄 Easily removed without damaging the paintwork.
- 🎨 Wide selection of shades, including matte and chameleon.
- 🛡️ Additional protection against minor mechanical damage.
- 💰 The cost is lower than full painting (from 20,000 rubles for partial pasting).
However, vinyl also has its disadvantages:
- ❌ Difficulty in gluing embossed parts (for example, radiator grilles Safari).
- ⏳ Service life - 5-7 years (after which replacement is required).
- 🔥 Risk of peeling if applied incorrectly or used in extreme temperatures.
For Nissan Safari The following types of films are most often chosen:
- 🖤 Matte black - gives an aggressive look.
- 🟫 Golden chameleon - imitates rare Gold Metallic (PY0).
- 🟢 Dark green metallic - close analogue Forest Green (BH2).
⚠️ Attention: When covering with vinyl, be sure to remove all chrome elements (for example, moldings) - the film will not lie flat on uneven surfaces. Also avoid washing the car in the first 3 days after pasting - the glue must completely polymerize.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Nissan Safari colors
Is it possible to order paint based on the vehicle's VIN code?
No, VIN code does not contain information about body color. The paint code is indicated on a special plate (usually on the driver's door pillar or under the hood). If the plate is lost, the color can be determined by the remaining paint in hidden areas (for example, under the spare tire) using a spectrophotometer in a car service center.
What color is the rarest Nissan Safari?
The rarest are considered Sunset Orange Metallic (AY0) And Gold Metallic (PY0). The first was produced in a limited edition in the 2000s, and the second was exclusive to the special version Safari Royal. On the secondary market, such cars can cost 20–30% more than standard ones.
Does color affect fuel consumption?
Indirectly - yes. Dark colors They heat up more strongly in the sun, which forces you to turn on the air conditioning more often, increasing fuel consumption by 1–3%. However, the difference is insignificant and depends more on climatic conditions than on the shade itself.
Can Safari be repainted a different color without voiding the warranty?
Repainting does not void the warranty on mechanical components, but may affect the body warranty (if it is still valid). The main thing is to use certified materials and save documents about the work performed. In some countries (for example, Japan), a change in color requires re-registration with the traffic police.
Which color is better to choose for off-road use?
Optimal for off-road use khaki (GY0) or dark gray metallic (KAD) — they get dirty less and mask scratches from branches. Bright colors (red, orange) in nature attract attention, which can be good for safety, but require more frequent maintenance.