Nissan Problems

IF IT gives you peace of mind then it's probably a good deal, but I wouldn't be taking it myself. The car is still in its infancy and there are likely to be few problems within the next two years.

THE 3-litre turbodiesel has a propensity to melt pistons. I've been told the later ones don't have the problem, but I've also been told they're no better, and Nissan won't say anything, which makes me suspicious. I would avoid it, particularly if you're doing much highway driving, because that seems to bring it on.

OPINIONS vary on how often you should run it on petrol, but once a week is a good average. You can use regular unleaded or E10.

I WOULD not recommend the turbodiesel Patrol because of the high number of reports of engine failure, which leaves the two Toyotas. Both will do what you want, but I would go for the Prado because it's a little more civilised than the LandCruiser.  I would also go for the diesel rather than the petrol V6 because I believe it will give you better fuel economy on your trip.

THE 2.5-litre Navara diesel should handle your towing needs comfortably. The Navara is a great dual-cab ute for the family. It's comfortable, roomy, has a good towing capability and is economical.

THE Pulsar is generally a solid, reliable small car, but I have had one or two reports of head-gasket trouble. Because there were only one or two reports, you couldn't say it was a widespread issue.

BECOME a mongrel rottweiler mum and don't let up. It might not work, but you never know, Nissan might relent in your case. You could take legal action, but that's going to be costly and, at the end of the day, will probably go nowhere. The sooner we have lemon laws here the better.

Under the Australian Consumer Law introduced in January 2011, a consumer can request a refund or a replacement for persistent problems if the car doesn’t do the job it’s supposed to do.

RETURN it to the dealer and park it there until it's fixed. It appears your car is unroadworthy. Demand the dealer fix it, and have them give you a replacement vehicle in the meantime.

I HAVEN'T heard of any problems with the sensor, but it sounds a serious issue.

MY INFORMATION says the Pulsar GL has single-point fuel-injection, not a carburetor, so I'm not sure what adjustments the mechanic made. I would be checking the electronic sensors, specifically the oxygen sensor, that control the air/fuel ratio.