This is a pretty common problem with older cars: Often the owner’s manual goes missing from the glove-box and the tyre inflation sticker that would once have been attached to the car has either peeled off, become too crazed or faded to read, or painted over after an accident.

Meantime, the answer for your Nissan depends a bit on what type of tyres you’re using. If they’re light truck tyres and using the van as intended, then between 40 and 50psi might be a good starting point. But if you’re using normal car tyres, then between about 32 and 38psi might be better. The other deciding factor is how much load you’re carrying. If you’re loaded heavily or towing, then definitely go up a few psi.

There appears to have been little or no warning, which is odd. If it were short of oil I would have expected it to become noisy or hot before it gave up the ghost completely. On most gearboxes you can check the oil level, that's the best way to tell if you've got a problem.

YOU shouldn't experience too many problems, according to Nissan specialists. The diesel engine in the Urvan is a tough old nail that is readily serviced if something does go wrong. But they say there shouldn't be a problem. Some early diesels can have problems with seals in the fuel system, but there's no suggestion yours should be affected.