Nissan Navara or Something Else

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  Euphemistic on 04/01/2019 - 07:14

  +1

  I own a 2007 d40 and an 2010 r51 pathfinder. Have been happy with the performance, size and features of both. The ute has played up a bit, but once I found the problem has now been running well. It could have been an expensive process to find the problem had I used a mechanic though, but this is typical with modern diesels.

  If you are getting an earlier d40 be aware that the clutch is a bit soft and that the single tow timing chain wasn’t a good idea. The later models (from 2010 I think) solves these issues.

  I’ve had it on the beach and some fairly serious trails in stock form, except AT tyres and it has performed well. I haven’t really towed with it as the pathfinder is our family car for holidays, but same drivetrain in it towed our 1500kg caravan to cairns and back at 100km/h with no issues.

  At the time I bought my ute it was the best option for my relatively low budget. It was up against the older model small ranger and Colorado, the hilux was too pricey (Toyota tax) and they had beaten the triton too hard with the ugly stick.

  Your budget should now get you the option of all the current size dual cabs, so have a look at what is available in your budget and check out the diffeeent models. I have driven the current shape triton, Colorado and rangers at work and the d40 is pretty close to all of them for on road performance and economy.

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  singlemalt72 on 04/01/2019 - 07:35

  +1

  Go the MN model Triton, I have had done a lot of miles in both and the Triton is the better ute.

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  brendanm on 04/01/2019 - 08:13

  I've owned a couple of r51 pathfinders (same as D40 apart from rear suspension basically), and worked on plenty of navaras and pathfinders. I buy them with blown head gaskets, as it's quite a common issue. I have done dpf delete, tune and turbo back exhaust on my current one, it goes fairly well and gets decent economy, but the auto transmission is a let down. The 140kw models are a nicer car to drive, with a better torque spread.

  As mentioned above, the clutches are very weak, and are dual mass flywheel, so expensive to replace. First gear is also very tall.

  A 4m41 triton is ok, but the 4d56 ones are rubbish. Interiors and ride are inferior to Navara (and everything else really).

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  TheBilly on 04/01/2019 - 08:44

  I own a 13' D40 with 170,000km on it now. The car hasnt skipped a beat purchased it new. I have done everything with it. Long 4wd trips such as Fraser Island, gone on weekend camping trips, shopping, work commute, driving to the tip for rubbish drops. Touch wood, in this time the only the only maintenance I have done with it is fluid changes and filter changes. No major breakdowns. So I have had a very positive experience.

  I now own a Toyota Hilux for which I paid significantly more than the Navara. I have had it for 3 months now and purchased it new. I made the change just for the sake of it no other reason. However I dont feel like the Hilux is worth that 15k-20k more. Everyone around me is saying I will feel the difference at 200,000km as their quality is fantastic, maybe I will and it's too early to tell, but initially they drive and feel the same they both make the same creaks and cracks etc.

  I'm not saying that the Hilux is bad. It is fantastic and drives like a dream. I'm just saying in my experience alot of people get caught up in branding. But if you go for a major Japanese dual cab ute I dont think you can go wrong to be honest as the differences are not noticeable to your average user like you or I.

• 

  Kangal on 04/01/2019 - 10:23

  -1

  As far as I know;
  Ssanyong/Foton/Tata/JMC/Mahindra/Haval/GreatWall/LDV
  << Mit Triton < Nissan Navara < Holden Colorado < Mazda BT50< Toyota Hilux < Isuzu Dmax < Ford Ranger < VW Amarok

  This is a simplified model, and it really depends on your wants and needs.

  For instance, the Triton is the best "compact" dualcab for instance, but usually in this market, that's a bad thing.
  The Isuzu Dmax is the most "truckiest" of the bunch, and long-seen as the hardest/dependable model by owners. A polar opposite to the Triton.
  Both the Colorado and BT50 are middle-of-the-pack type of alternatives. Not the cheapest, not the greatest.
  The Navara is the best "value" dualcab, since they usually plummet in used price the quickest while still offering a great product.
  The Toyota offers the least value, since its reputation allows for a significant markup. But where they get right is having the best service, support, and supplies.
  The Ford Ranger finds the best balance of service, price, performance, and other characters. The newest generations have been the "gold standard" of dualcabs.
  …..The VW Amarok, the new kid on the block, is now the Best Dualcab, since it offers an even nicer interior/ride, a bigger pallet-tray, and the best performance. But its gonna cost a little extra.

  • 

    spackbace on 04/01/2019 - 11:34

    The Toyota offers the least value, since its reputation allows for a significant markup. But where they get right is having the best service, support, and supplies.
    The Ford Ranger finds the best balance of service, price, performance, and other characters. The newest generations have been the "gold standard" of dualcabs.

    Biased I know, but typically Hilux and Ranger have been selling for similar prices, in some cases the Hilux is the cheaper alternative.

    All part of Toyota's quest to ensure Hilux is the highest selling vehicle I guess

  • 

    brendanm on 04/01/2019 - 11:42

    Lol, bt50 and ranger are same vehicle. Colorado should be below Navara, probably below SsangYong.

    • 

      Kangal on 04/01/2019 - 19:02

      They USED to be the same vehicle, now they merely use the same platform but the end details are vastly different.
      And it has been the case where the Ranger has always included better features and finish than the BT-50 imho (and resale values reflect this). That's not a knock-on the BT50 because they make great cheap disposable fleet cars, with Ranger the focus was on Outback driving.

      By the way, the (last several successful generations) Ranger was designed here in Australia for Ford, and then deployed internationally and tweaked for certain markets, with Mazda borrowing from it. I think this/next year, Ford's going to move to an American Ranger design/platform while Mazda borrows the platform of the Isuzu Dmax (which is a great platform also).

      I had the old Navara higher up the list than the Colorado, as it should be, since GM/Holden have been pathetic. However, the recent generations of Colorado are actually very good, whilst the Navara hasn't really changed much in a long time.

      For the OP, I recommend looking for a 2014 Nissan Navara ST, 100K Odometre, Auto*, Diesel, 4x4, Sports Rack, Tonneau, Trayliner, Towbar, Bullbar for around the $15,000 mark that's a steal (but they're instead going for around $25,000).
      *Auto is better for "anyone can drive this" scenario and they are much easier when it comes time to resale.

      • 

        brendanm on 05/01/2019 - 09:53

        They are the same vehicle. Different sat nav or seats doesn't make it much different. The important bits are identical.

        The Navara had a major change to the np300 in 2014 or 15.

        Colorado are rubbish.

        Yeah, a 2014 Navara for $15k lol, good luck with that.

      • 

        Euphemistic on 05/01/2019 - 13:29

        *Auto is better for "anyone can drive this" scenario and they are much easier when it comes time to resale.

        True, they are easier to drive but there is a fair market for manual 4WD’s. Mostly for those who are used to manual and haven’t really tried an auto off road, but it is still there.

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  ShortyX on 05/01/2019 - 14:07

  Thanks all.