Nissan 3.0 problems in Navara's

Submitted: Friday, Dec 01, 2006 at 08:21
ThreadID: 39942 Views:3371 Replies:9 FollowUps:2
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G'day everyone

I'm soon to be in the market for a 20-30k second hander and like the Navara's 02-05 but I couldn't afford to fix it if the engine failed catastrophically!?! It would probably be out of warranty too.

Are the 3.0 failures as common with the navara's as they are with the patrols? I know its probably only 5% or something small of patrols that experience this problem but even that is a bit too much of a risk for me at this stage.

The other option is a suzuki grand vitara + trailer, the missus likes that one more but I want a ute :) Any experiences and comments welcome

Cheers
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Reply By: Truckster (Vic) - Friday, Dec 01, 2006 at 08:22

Friday, Dec 01, 2006 at 08:22
Nope dont seem to be any of the same problems, then again the ute dont way 2+ton
AnswerID: 207891

Reply By: Member - Stephen M (NSW) - Friday, Dec 01, 2006 at 08:45

Friday, Dec 01, 2006 at 08:45
Hi mj1, I have had two vitaras the second one being the grand vitara. Brilliant vehicle, never had a problem with it mechanically, the main issue was luggage space and ground clearance and like to drink (13L to 15L per 100 )(9 per 100 when not towing) when towing but other than that it was a great vehicle. You have the same dilema my wife and I once had, she wanted the vitara and I wanted a dual cab, eventually I got one and sold the vitara the the above reasons only. It was a bleep load more comfortable than the lux quiter, she really missis it but I wanted the ground clearance and room to carry extra luggage and believe me if your wife is any thing like mine you will need the luggage space even with a camper. Cant comment on the navara's but as truckster said you are lugging 2 to 2 1/2 tonne thats with out camper, lot of weight for a 3L engine in my opinion. Regards Steve M
AnswerID: 207896

Follow Up By: Member - MrBitchi (QLD) - Friday, Dec 01, 2006 at 09:02

Friday, Dec 01, 2006 at 09:02
Hmmmm.... Lots of 3LT Pajeros running around towing campers and caravans. Have been doing so successfully since late '80s..... For that matter, lots of 2.6LT 4 cylinder Pajeros have been doing the same since early '80s with no dramas.

Nissan's problems have nothing to do with the size of the engine IMO, just poor design.

The reputation of the 3LT is enough to cross them off my shopping list. If you want a ute then pick from the Triton or the Hilux, although IMO the Hilux is way over priced, like all things Toyota ;-)
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FollowupID: 467811

Follow Up By: Member - Stephen M (NSW) - Friday, Dec 01, 2006 at 16:14

Friday, Dec 01, 2006 at 16:14
Sorry MrBitchi, should have been too bigger vehicle for a four cylinder, why did nissan change from a 2.8 turbo 6 cylinder to a 3L 4 cylinder who knows. Yes there's nothing wrong with the mitsi 3L or the four cylinder prado's for that matter, but neither weigh as much as a patrol. But Im with you with the navara as far as not touching one just in case, and yeah 50k+ for a turbo hilux Id rather buy a new 100 series V8, depends on your needs I suppose. Regards Steve M
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FollowupID: 467919

Reply By: Willem - Friday, Dec 01, 2006 at 08:57

Friday, Dec 01, 2006 at 08:57
I think that the Navara engine is different to the Patrol 3lt. Have not heard of failures.

Nice vehicle the Navara, but gives a harsher ride than a wagon. Also it is best if you were small in stature. I cannot fit into my mates top of the range Navara. I am 190cm and roundish( just a tad smaller than Truckster...lol) and have nowhere to go with my legs in the drivers seat.

Cheers
AnswerID: 207901

Reply By: snow - Friday, Dec 01, 2006 at 10:46

Friday, Dec 01, 2006 at 10:46
I believe the main difference is in the turbo, the Patrol has a variable vain type whereas the Navara has the older style whatever it is (non-technical term) teehee. I think a search on this forum will reveal a couple of Navs may have bit the dust but I recall one these being dusted (lack of maintenance).

I have an '03 Nav, bought at high 30K mark, 12 months later now has just over 70K without problem. I service it regular and whilst I do not abuse the vehicle I certainly do not baby it either. Consistent return of 10 km per litre both around town and highway. Used slightly more recently when towing offroad model "Johnno" camper trailer with 2 adults, 2 tin lids and likely 500kg in tray.

I have found the Nav to suit my needs both on and off road and I use to have a HIlux.
AnswerID: 207922

Reply By: cam_champion - Friday, Dec 01, 2006 at 13:27

Friday, Dec 01, 2006 at 13:27
When they had all the troubles with the early 3.0L in the patrols, was the 3.0L available in the navara then, or did the navara get the same engine as the series III patrols?
AnswerID: 207974

Reply By: snow - Friday, Dec 01, 2006 at 15:35

Friday, Dec 01, 2006 at 15:35
Not 100% certain CC but I believe the Navs came out with the 3.0s TD at the same time as the Patrol...happy to be corrected though.
AnswerID: 207997

Reply By: tuck 01 - Friday, Dec 01, 2006 at 16:35

Friday, Dec 01, 2006 at 16:35
The 3 litre TD Navara came out in late 2001. I had to wait a few weeks for mine which I got just before Christmas.
I ran it hard for 3 years before I sold it to my young bloke when I brought the 100 series.
It's now got well over 100k on it and has not missed a beat.
It always performs very well in the rough stuff. Its done several high country trips and he came on our Simpson trip in May this year.
Only failing is comfort level, but I don't reckon it is any worse than any of the little utes eg Hilux, Rodeo etc.
If a Navvie has been well maintained, I reckon it is well worth considering.
Regards
AnswerID: 208007

Reply By: madfisher - Friday, Dec 01, 2006 at 19:35

Friday, Dec 01, 2006 at 19:35
Check price of injectors, I have heard they are $2000.00 ea, a ring to any diesel mechanic will put you on the right track
Cheers Pete
AnswerID: 208040

Reply By: Member - Bucky (VIC) - Sunday, Dec 03, 2006 at 04:56

Sunday, Dec 03, 2006 at 04:56
Hi mj1
My Navara is a gem ! Sept 2003 build, purchased new !

Never missed a beat .
Done 96,000 km now and had it since new,, the only problem was that it had a severe case of " turbo-lag " , but one trip to a DYNO, took care of that.

Rides a bit rough, when empty, and I intend on doing something about that, in the new year...
Has got some grunt, and I still get 10km / lt economy, thats empty....
On our latest trip to the desert, we ageraged 6.5 km /Lt, but we were towing a loaded up camper

There appears to be no issues, with the ZD30 engine,
In the Patrol, it is a " hand-granade ",,, most likely cause is the permanent high weight problem

Cheers Mate
Bucky
AnswerID: 208269

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