Nissan Navara road test reports and car reviews

Nissan Navara Aventura 2007

Here is a shortened down version of my letter of rejection sent to Nissan UK: 17000 miles, cut out and stalled at 3000 revs and would not restart until 6-10 attempts so new injection rail fitted; 25000 miles, diff started to whine; 30000 miles, developed knocking from engine; 44000 miles, excessive black smoke on acceleration. Nissan fitted new fuel pump but there was still smoking. Nissan fitted new throttle motor but still smoking, Diff whining even worse. At 46000 miles a new timing chain fitted by Nissan. Strong smell of oil in cab ever since. 50000 miles, Nissan fit new clutch and flywheel to cure smoking problem? They put a solid unit in instead of original dual mass unit, now sounds like tractor and is still smoking. Now covered 54000 miles, smoking worse than ever. Noisier than ever, still whining, letter of rejection rejected by Nissan. These vehicles are c**p. Don’t buy.

Nissan Navara 2007

I love this pickup, a bit thirsty but how many other vehicles of this size and weight can sit in the outside lane and keep up with almost any car. The SAT NAV is fantastic, I have traveled around Europe and even found a tiny street in Geneva. Still on it first set of tyres after 27,000 miles, used hardly any oil. Pulled a twin axle trailer with a RR Silver Wreath on the back for 300 mile no problem. Great vehicle recommend it to anyone.

Nissan Navara 2007

I have never towed anything but I frequently drive off-road; it is after all an off-road vehicle right? Then why does my clutch have to be replaced after just 35K Kms? Why does the chassis and body squeak like a 20 year old car and why does the engine cut out descending steep hills with one quarter fuel gauge showing? Also, why do tyres have to be replaced after just 30K Kms on a special sized Nissan wheel whose size is unobtainable at most tyre shops but available at Nissan dealers? Not happy my Mazda 4WD was FAR superior!

Nissan Navara 2006

I bought my Navara brand new. I’ve had small problems with it, which have lead to big problems with their dealship in Ayr (the only Nissan dealership in Ayrshire).Customer service for sales is good but AFTERSALES PANTS.

Nissan Navara Twin Cab 2002

This truck came up when my mate emigrated to the U.S.A. We are so pleased with it that wish we had bought one years ago. The wife won’t use her new VW as she loves THE BEAST so much. We have even resumed towing a caravan and can’t believe we get 25mpg towing and 35 solo. I know it needs servicing every 6 months but No.3 son is a mechanic so hopefully he will look after it for me. No.2 son was so impressed that he has now bought one. Bad luck to those who don’t like theirs.

Responses to this review

Glad to know your navara is doing well as I’m about to purchase one this week - Liamoohay from Philippines

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.

Nissan Navara Aventura 2007

Bought my 2 year old Navara at Measham Auctions for £10,300 plus VAT plus buyers fee; a total of £12,330. Love it to bits, very different to driving a car or van, it needs to be shown respect, doesn’t like corners at speed. My biggest gripe is the fuel consumption, in 2005 they brought the euro4 engine out to comply with the EU emissions laws and the fuel consumption went down, down, down. I went for the auto and had l known how bad it was, l would never have bought the truck. l,m lucky if l can get 18mpg and l drive it carefully to keep it at that. l’m looking to have a power box fitted which increases the bhp by 30+, the torque by 45+ and more importantly l’m told the fuel consumption will be 5mpg better and for about £400 fitted so it won’t take long to recoup the outlay. I’m a plumber by the way.

Nissan Navara VANETTE not navara 1998

A superb and very reliable van - being narrower than most large vans it is ideal for working on narrow roadsides. As a mobile mechanic it has served me without a fault for 5 years even though I have neglected it!! (cobblers shoes with holes etc). Only problem is that it is too highly geared so is a bit heavy on fuel for its size.

Nissan Navara Outlaw Premium 2006

This has got to be the worst car I have ever owned. Don’t be fooled by the electric/heated seats, the aircon, the leather, automatic box, sunroof, metallic paint. This is a tractor masquerading as some kind of lifestyle. Great for builders who want to step up from their trannies... or maybe not judging by the previous reporter.