Would you buy a new 2.5 D22 Navara

[Hagar]

I guess you have seen the deal being advertised on these . Would be used as my everyday wheels and to tow the boat ( 5.3 M glass) . Was looking at a Prado or Pajero but I reckon having that much dollars invested would make me reluctant to use the rig in the bush or on the beach occasionally . Any feedback on the newer 2.5 litre diesel would be appreciated . Gimme it all - good , bad or ugly .

Cheers

Chris

[dec0guy]

I just bought one and no regrets so far!

Only driven it for 600km, all on bitumen, nothing off road, and no towing. Need to keep in mind the engine is only 2.5L, 98kW/304Nm which is a bit less than some of the competitors but the torque curve is dead flat from 2000rpm on and had no trouble going up some steep roads around Maleny in 4th gear without loosing speed. Generally the Navara is happiest driving between about 1800 and 3000rpm.

The rated towing capacity is 2800kg but pulling power at low revs might be an issue for towing a heavy boat?

Stated fuel economy is 9.2l/100km, after the the first half tank I managed 250km for 30L (12L/100km) around town. This weekend did 420km and only used half the tank, will fill up tomorrow and see what actual fuel economy was.

[snatch]

The actual vehicle is excellent. Certainly better for off road travel than my D40. I had the 3.0ltr version and it was a great work ute with excellent towing capability. The 3.0 ltr motor had immediate torque which the new one doesn't. The 2.5 ltr doesn't have that immediate surge at low revs. At least the one in the d40 doesn't which is far more powerful.

The best thing to do would be to ask nissan if you can test drive a demo with a tow bar on it? If it is possible. Hook the boat on and test it. The only place I could see it being an issue is on a wet ramp. But that applies to any 4x2. If you are getting the 4x4 it won't be an issue.

Most of the vehicles in the class of the d22 are not much better. You really need to step up to the hilux/d40 navara to get the power jump.

The mazda bt50 with the 2.5 is very gutsy off the line though.

[snatch]

Your boat would only be around 1400kg? It would pull that weight easily.

[Hagar]

Thanks guys for the feedback . DecOguy is yours a manual . Thought I saw where the manual and auto have different power ratings . As you say Snatch the vehicle is pretty well proven - just the newer diesel has less history . Any more ?

Chris

[dec0guy]

Snatch, mine is a manual. Pretty sure the D22 only comes as a manual and you need to to go the D40 to get an auto option.

Fuel economy over the weekend for mostly country/highway driving was just under 10L/100km

[the lobster]

Let me first say that I own a Landcruiser so take this with a grain of salt

But seriously, we all know of Nissans screw up of putting a 3.0 litre turbo diesel into their Patrols. I don't care how high tech the engine is, or what other factors were involved, at the end of the day a small engine in a big vehicle can never be a good thing, especially when it's made to work hard (towing etc).

I fear the 2.5 in the Navara may be pusing a similar boundary. Again, it seems like a great engine but not sure if it will cut the mustard in the Navara over the long term. Especially with a regularly loaded tray and regular towing near capacity. I'd be nervous.

Having said that, my brother-in-law has a D22 with the above-mentioned 3.0 litre turbo diesel and he loves it. He works it pretty hard too.

matt

[Hagar]

Thanks for the info Matt . Definately worth looking at a good 3.0 litre if it can be found.

Chris