Nissan Navara Problems

Today's utes are all more comfortable than the boneshakers of old, but they still ride relatively hard because of the load they have to carry. The high-end models are generally more comfortable than the lower level models aimed more at the tradie, so perhaps look at those. If you're not concerned about brand, consider the Nissan Navara.

It's an aid to help starting in very cold conditions. You shouldn't normally need to use it.

We don't have any specific information that might be of use to you, but I would suggest you seek the advice of a differential service. I'm sure they would be able to tell you of any other failures they have seen, and probably give you an opinion on the failure of yours.

The explanation you've been given doesn't sound right to me.

It needs further investigation and I would suggest you take it to a suspension specialist and have them give you a report on it.

Even though the warranty has expired I would believe you have a reasonable claim against Nissan on two grounds. First, you initially reported it while the car was still under warranty, and second, if the suspension is faulty as Nissan seems to be suggesting you could claim that it is unfit for purpose under our consumer laws.

That is providing you operate within the Navara's load and towing limits.

The Navara and HiLux would be out, for me, because they are utes and you shouldn't be buying a truck just because it can tow well. The Grand Cherokee is a great drive but I also hear lots of complaints, so the Everest — engineered in Australia and based on the classy Ford Ranger ute — would be my pick as the smart choice.

Unless it’s a massive leak that drains the oil from the engine, which is most unlikely, it won’t affect the engine.

It would be nice to think that carmakers would own up to problems with their cars, but they always seem reluctant to do so, and our consumer laws are so pathetic that there's no incentive for them to do so. I would take the car to one of the diesel mechanics you refer to and have it repaired by them. I would expect they would be less expensive than the dealer.

It's not possible to say with any certainty. Regularly serviced it could go for another 260,000 km, but if neglected it could breakdown tomorrow.

Relatively few of these engines were sold, so it won't have the same established patterns as a HiLux 3.0-litre for example.

Get it to a diesel mechanic, but if you can’t check the fuel pump.

We contacted Nissan seeking answers to your questions.

We didn't get anything on upcoming upgrades, so can't help you there, but they did give us some information on bullbars that might help you. "There are two genuine accessories bullbars available for the current-model Nissan Navara: aluminium and steel. Both have been locally developed (which included crash-testing) and the Navara retains its 5-star ANCAP safety rating when either of these genuine Nissan bullbars is fitted. An authorised Nissan dealer can fit either of these genuine accessories bullbars. Heavier-rate front suspension springs are needed with the steel bullbar due to its weight. This is to ensure the vehicle performs as designed, in terms of both driving and safety, when this additional weight is added to the front of the vehicle."