Nissan Safari is a legendary Japanese SUV that has gained popularity due to its reliability and cross-country ability. But few people think that car color can affect not only its appearance, but also its resale value, ease of use and even technical condition. In this article we will analyze all the available shades for Safari, their features, and also give practical advice on choosing.

Japan has always been famous for its conservative approach to car design, and Nissan Safari (also known as Nissan Patrol in some markets) is no exception. His palette includes both classic neutral tones and rarer options that can become a real highlight. But how not to make a mistake with your choice? After all some colors, for example dark green Emerald Green, can add up to 15% to the value on the secondary market in Japan, while others will complicate body care.

Official palette Nissan Safari: all available colors

Over the years of production (from 1980 to 1997 for civilian versions and until the 2020s for commercial versions) Safari offered in dozens of shades. However, most of them fell into three main categories:

  • 🟤 Green and khaki — the most “military” and practical (ideal for off-road use).
  • ⚫ Black and dark gray - a classic that emphasizes solidity.
  • 🟡 Beige and sand - popular in the Middle East due to less heat from the sun.
  • 🔴 Red and burgundy - rare, but memorable (more often found on restyled models).
  • 🔵 Blue and light blue — exclusive options, usually ordered for individual projects.

Below is a table with the most common colors and their codes (according to the catalog Nissan):

Color name Paint code Years of Availability Features
Super Black KH3 1980–1997 The most popular, but requires frequent polishing.
Emerald Green GH2 1985–1995 Rare, highly sought after by collectors.
Beige Metallic YH1 1990–1997 Practical in hot climates, but gets dirty faster than others.
Red Pearl AR3 1992–1997 Only for top trim levels, difficult to restore.
Gray Metallic KL1 1988–1997 Versatile, but boring for many buyers.

Interestingly, some colors, e.g. dark blue Blue Metallic (BL5), were initially offered only for the Japanese and UAE markets. Today, such copies are considered rare and can cost 20–30% more than standard versions.

📊 Which Nissan Safari color do you like best?
  • Black (Super Black)
  • Emerald Green
  • Beige Metallic
  • Red Pearl
  • Other

How color affects cost Safari on the secondary market

If you are planning to buy Nissan Safari from hand or, conversely, to sell your own, color can play a key role in determining the price. According to Japanese auctions (for example, USS Tokyo), the difference between the “cheapest” and “expensive” shade can reach 10–15% all other things being equal.

Here are the main trends:

  • 💰 The most expensive: Emerald Green (GH2), Red Pearl (AR3), Blue Metallic (BL5) — collectors are willing to overpay for rarity.
  • 📉 Cheapest: Gray Metallic (KL1) And White (QM1) - they were often chosen for commercial use.
  • 🔄 Middle segment: Super Black (KH3) And Beige Metallic (YH1) — stable demand, but without a premium for exclusivity.

Moreover, it is important to take into account not only the original color, but also its condition. For example, red Safari with faded paint on the hood can lose up to 40% of its value, while black with minor scratches - only 10–15%. This is due to the fact that restoration of red and blue metallics costs 2-3 times more.

⚠️ Attention: If you buy Safari for resale, avoid cars with non-original paint. Even a high-quality respaint reduces the interest of collectors by 20–30%, especially if the factory color has been changed.

Practicality: what color Safari easiest to maintain

An SUV is not only status, but also constant care. Some colors require weekly washing, others can go months without polishing. Let's consider what shades Nissan Safari the most practical:

  1. Super Black (KH3) - on the one hand, it hides dirt from a distance, but on the other hand, any scratches and dust are clearly visible. Requires frequent application of protective compounds (for example, ceramics).
  2. Gray Metallic (KL1) — the gold standard in terms of “practicality/appearance” ratio. Dirt is less noticeable than on black, and minor defects are not noticeable.
  3. Beige Metallic (YH1) - ideal for desert regions (the sand is almost invisible on it), but in urban environments it quickly becomes stained by rain and bird droppings.
  4. Emerald Green (GH2) - looks luxurious, but requires professional polishing every 3-4 months, otherwise it fades.

If you often drive off-road, the best choice would be dark green or khaki. These colors not only mask dirt, but also heat up less in the sun compared to black or dark blue. But white Safari, despite its practicality, is extremely rare - it was chosen mainly for company cars.

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Before purchasing, check the body for any “overpainting” using a thickness gauge. This is especially true for red and blue cars - they are often repainted after an accident, and the original paint of these shades contains unique pigments that are difficult to reproduce.

Color and climate conditions: what you need to know

Color selection Nissan Safari should depend on the region of operation. In hot climates (for example, the UAE or Australia), preference is given to light shades, while in Russia or Canada dark tones are popular. Let's figure out why:

  • ☀️ Hot climate: Beige, light gray and white heat up 20–30% slower than black. This reduces the load on the air conditioner and increases comfort.
  • ❄️ Cold climate: Dark colors (black, dark green) accumulate heat better, which is useful for the engine during winter starts.
  • 🌧️ Humid climate: Metallics (silver, gray) are less susceptible to corrosion, as they “breathe” better thanks to the special composition of the paint.

Interesting fact: in Japan Safari in color Emerald Green (GH2) most often purchased for mountainous regions (for example, Hokkaido), as it stands out less against the background of the forest and better masks scratches from branches. But in Tokyo they preferred Super Black (KH3) - as a status symbol.

⚠️ Attention: If you are exploiting Safari in coastal areas (for example, Vladivostok, Sochi), avoid red and blue shades. Salt and sand quickly destroy the pigments of these paints, causing them to fade within 3–4 years.

Study the history of the car (was it repainted)

Check color uniformity on all body parts

Assess the condition of the paintwork from different angles

Check to see if “liquid rubber” was used to mask defects-->

Rare and collectible colors: is it worth paying extra?

Some shades Nissan Safari today they are considered rarities. For example, Blue Metallic (BL5) was produced in a limited edition for the UAE market, and Red Pearl (AR3) - only for top trim levels with engine TD42. Is it worth chasing such cars?

Pros of rare flowers:

  • 💎 Exclusivity: Yours Safari will be unique (in the entire post-Soviet space there may be only 2-3 cars in this color).
  • 📈 Investment attractiveness: In 5–10 years the price may increase 2–3 times (as happened with Emerald Green over the past 5 years).
  • 🤝 Prestige in clubs: Owners of rare shades are more often invited to exhibitions and conventions.

Cons:

  • 💸 Expensive repairs: Spare parts (bumpers, fenders) will have to be painted by hand, which costs 3–5 times more than standard colors.
  • 🔍 Difficulties with selling: Not every buyer is willing to pay a premium for color, especially if the car is not in perfect condition.
  • 🎨 Problems with paint selection: Even the original codes (GH2, BL5) today may differ from factory ones due to changes in production technologies.

If you decide to go for a rare color, we recommend:

  1. Buy a car with a full history (preferably from Japanese auctions USS or TCV).
  2. Check the body for corrosion - rare colors are often “repainted” to hide defects.
  3. Find a master in advance who can restore the paint with high quality (for example, in Moscow there is a studio doing this ColorMaster).
How to distinguish original paint from repainted paint?

Original paint Nissan has a characteristic shine with a slight “chameleon effect” in bright light. Repainted parts often appear matte and have a more even tone. Also pay attention to:

- The condition of the rubber seals (when repainting, they are usually removed, which can cause damage).

- Presence of paint in hard-to-reach places (for example, under the hood or on door hinges).

- The color of the internal surfaces of the doors - it must match the external one, if the car has not been restored after an accident.

How to choose a color Safari to suit your style

The color of your car is not only about practicality, but also a reflection of your personality. Let's figure out what shade Nissan Safari Suitable for different types of owners:

Owner type Recommended Color Why?
Collector/restorer Emerald Green (GH2), Red Pearl (AR3) Exclusivity and potential for growth in value.
Hunter/fisherman Dark Green (GH1), khaki Camouflage in the forest and practicality.
City dweller Super Black (KH3), Gray Metallic (KL1) Stylish and status, but requires maintenance.
Traveler (hot countries) Beige Metallic (YH1), white It heats up less and dirt is less noticeable.
Tuning enthusiast Any rare (blue, burgundy) A good base for modifications and to stand out from others.

If in doubt, use 3D visualizer (for example, on the website Nissan Heritage) to see what it will look like Safari in one color or another. You can also visit thematic forums (for example, Patrol4x4.ru), where owners share photos of their cars in different shades.

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Color Nissan Safari is not just aesthetics, but an investment. Rare shades can bring profit upon resale, but will require high maintenance costs. Classic colors (black, gray) are universal, but will not add uniqueness.

Tuning and color change: what you need to know

Many owners Nissan Safari decide to repaint to update the appearance or hide defects. However, this process has many nuances. Here are the key points:

Pros of repainting:

  • 🎨 Ability to choose any shade (for example, matte black or chameleon).
  • 🛡️ Protection of the body from corrosion (with proper preparation).
  • 💰 Can increase the cost of the car if the color is chosen correctly (for example, Bronze Metallic for restyled models).

Cons:

  • 📉 Reduced collectible value (especially for rare original flowers).
  • 💸 High cost (high-quality painting Safari costs 150–300 thousand rubles).
  • ⏳ Long process (complete repainting takes 2-3 weeks).

If you still decide to change the color, follow this algorithm:

  1. Remove all attached parts (bumpers, moldings, headlights).
  2. Sandblast the body to remove old paint and rust.
  3. Apply primer and 3-4 coats of new paint, allowing drying between coats.
  4. Cover the body with a protective varnish (preferably ceramic).
  5. Reinstall the parts after painting them to match the body color.
⚠️ Attention: Never paint Safari "liquid rubber" or vinyl if you plan to sell the car. These coatings quickly lose their appearance and reduce the cost of the car by 20–40%.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about flowers Nissan Safari

What color Nissan Safari the rarest?

The rarest are considered Blue Metallic (BL5) And Red Pearl (AR3). They were produced in limited quantities and today are found in single copies. For example, in Russia there are only about 5 cars known in color BL5.

What color covers dirt best?

The best way to cope with this task is Dark Green (GH1) and khaki. In second place - Gray Metallic (KL1). Black color, contrary to myths, does not hide dust and scratches well.

Is it possible to order original paint using the code?

Yes, original paint Nissan can be ordered by code (for example, GH2 for Emerald Green) from official dealers or in specialized stores (for example, PaintScratch in the USA or AutoColor in Europe). The cost of a can (1 liter) is about 10–15 thousand rubles.

What color Safari most expensive to restore?

The most expensive ones to restore are Red Pearl (AR3) And Blue Metallic (BL5). This is due to the fact that their paint contains unique pigments that today can only be reproduced by hand. The cost of complete painting can reach 300–400 thousand rubles.

Does color affect fuel consumption?

Indirectly - yes. Dark colors (black, dark green) heat up more in the sun, which forces you to turn on the air conditioner more often. This can increase fuel consumption by 0.5–1 l/100 km in hot weather. Light colors (beige, white) do not have this drawback.