Buying a Terrano II

Hi f4Phantom,
I think one of the guys on the PoCA forum has one, might be worth a look there,
www.pcoa.org.au
Thanks, Ben.

We have a 1995 model as our NZ vehicle and are please as with it. A bit lower than what we are used to with the Troopy but a good all round vehcile for everyday running with occassional off road use.

Heaps of room inside - it took 4 big adults around NZ last summer with all our gear Plus our camping gear.

We have done 50,000km since we bought it and the only problems have been a power window stopping (common problem and expensive to fix) and a vibration from under the bonnet which turned out to be a connector vibrating. No other problems at all.

Ours is the auto non-intercooler version and is a bit thirsty on the diesel (around 11 to 12l/100km) and the auto has a rough 1st to 2nd change when cold but OK when hot. All the ones we tried were the same.

We tow a 1 ton boat with no problems and the one/off road perfermance is OK for a diesel with an old technolgy engine. The seats are comfortable with plenty of leg room in the rear.

Would I get another one, yeap, sure would but here in OZ we have the Troopy camper and Rangie so don't need a 3rd vehicle.

These are made in Spain but we have no issues with where it is made.

Stevesub

I have exactly the same vehicle as you are looking at getting.
To be quite honest I couldn't be happier, it has done 330,000km, heaps of which has been Victorian High Country & the Outback, including the Simpson Desert.
We tow a Track Desert Eagle camper trailer almost everywhere & the vehicle's ability has surprised quite a few people.
The only down side is there aren't too many after market accessories available for them, but there is always a way around it. I have bull bar, rear _Affordable_Storage_Drawers.aspx, snorkel, rock sliders, rear work light etc.
I also had heavy duty suspension fitted by Ironman.
There are few tricks as to where to fit UHF radio & brake controller, but I can help you there and also with tyre recommendation.
If you need any info or help email me at patrol6atnetspacedotnetdotau & I will email you my phone number.

I'm the guy from pcoa.
I have had mine for 5 years now and find it great. I got a consistent 10L/100km for fuel. It went up slightly to 11L when I fitted my new tyres and bullbar.
They do get warm in hot weather as the radiator lacks excess capacity, but I have only got it into the red once and that was on soft sand and a 36 degree day.

There are a few with snorkels getting around. I think they were 1st done in Townsville, and I have some pics from one in Darwin. A snorkel from a '98 courier will fit with a few mods to the air cleaner can. A bit fiddly to get neat under there though.

Good luck.

We've had our Terrano II for about 4 years - has never let us down - and not thirsty at all - we did 20,000k in a trip last year and towed our fully loaded camper trailer - I believe we used about 9.5 - 10 - which is not too bad when we spoke to others who were using 14 - 15 - 16 - and the only time we have had a problem was on the hill going up to Dorrigo - stinking hot day - air con on - suddenly saw opening to caravan park - tried to turn left and lost all revs - we just stopped turned air con off and started up again no problem - our own stupid fault really.
very easy to drive, plenty of room and will take you anywhere - we have been on all terrain - i.e. Bungle Bungles - Gibb River Road - Tunnell Creek etc etc - no worries. Enjoy.
jules

We have a 97 Terrano II. We are very happy wth it and the way it proforms.

We have added a bull bar, snorkel, rear storage unit, UHF, cargo barrier, dual battery etc.

As stated by Shaker after market accessories are hard to get.

Our biggest issue with the car is its clearance and difficulty to raise it up.

We did a 8 week trip through outback Qld and the NT towing a camper trailer and it did not miss a beat.

I believe they are a very under rated car for touring.

Wendy

Just to continue the story, I went with a pocket full of cash to buy the car and pay on the spot. I had a look and it was a petrol 2.4L. So I questioned the guy and asked what was going on (it was a dealer and I called before I made the 1 Hour trip to confirm the vehicle, 2.7TD etc..) and he said he made an error. I was hacked off, I reconsidered the vehicle as a petrol but I want a diesel so left. So I am back in the market for another vehicle!

Yes F4 you did the right thing. I have an older Terrano (1992) with the same basic motor as the newer intercooled 2.7 Terrano II I have spent a lot to get my older version to go as well as the T II including fitting an intercooler. I thought it was a bit guttless until I drove a 2.4 petrol.

There are a lot of the older model Import Terrano I getting around but they are getting long in the tooth and are more likely to have (age related) problems. Engines are basic and strong, however auto gearbox and steering are the most common problems.

Keep looking for a newer version they are quite capable off road and good value because they are not as popular as a Jackaroo, Hilux or Prado.

Hi Shaker,
Sorry to upset you but I have to agree with Julie. I've been running consistent 9.5 - 10 lt/100km around Sydney traffic. Don't know if it's our lower humidity down here. As with Julie, I run fuel additive every fill up, so maybe time to run some injector cleaner or fuel additive through your tanks. Ta Ben