2008 Nissan Navara reviews

Nissan Navara Outlaw 2008

I love my Navara. However, anyone buying any pick up should think carefully. It is not a car, and will not handle or ride like a car, but like a big heavy commercial vehicle. When parallel parking in reverse small cars completely disappear from view - if you’re nervous about that then a parking sensor is available. That said, the Navara is brilliant at what it does. I replaced the previous generation L200 (the new L200 is good, but the load bed was too short, although they have subsequently added a long bed version) with it and could not be happier. It will happily run with a tonne in the back (although the handling does become a lot heavier, with increased body roll). Unladen, it is very civilised and is extremely comfortable for long runs. The high driving position gives excellent visibility and the cruise control, climate control and ABS all combine to make motorway driving effortless. I’m planning to drive to Switzerland with it for next year’s holiday. On long runs (unladen) I get 37-38mpg, which for the size of vehicle I think is very good. In summary, if you’re going to compare it with a modern saloon car then you will be mildly disappointed with the ride and handling. However, how many modern saloon cars have a separate compartment for a wet dog / bikes / collecting firewood / building materials etc. and the ability to go off-road? For me, the shear versatility of the vehicle combined with the high driving position and comfortable motorway cruising more than make up for it’s deficiencies. If it’s a company car then the VAT is reclaimable (unlike a car) and the personal company car tax is reasonable for the value of the vehicle.