Nissan Problems

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.

You first need to decide the level of off-roading you will be doing because that will determine if you need a four-wheel drive or you only need an all-wheel drive SUV. From what you have told us I suspect that an SUV, such as a Kia Sorento, Toyota Kluger, or a Nissan X-Trail would be the best all-round vehicle for you. All of those would fit your budget, they will all go off-road to a reasonable degree, and they're all reliable. The Mitsubishi Triton is a hard-riding ute, which I don't think is what you want, but the Suzuki Grand Vitara is a good vehicle and would also fit your needs.

It could be any number of things I’m afraid. It’s clearly not the battery. If it doesn’t turn over when you turn the ignition key to start it could be a faulty starter motor; if it does crank, but doesn’t fire look at the ignition system.

You won't get anywhere with Nissan, the car is too old, and the dealer is the one that did the work anyway. So it's the dealer you have to negotiate with. You don't say how much money is involved, but I would suggest you consider going to VCAT.

I would expect the local speed limit to be shown.

The over-speed warning appears to be set with a margin so it doesn't go off when you're driving on the limit when it would probably annoy you.