Nissan Navara NP300 Any one own one

[Almako]

Andy tell me you are speaking from experience if not your opinion is just hear say.

Since we are going down that path all of the guys i have met towing behind the newer dual cabs don't have any issues with power. I have no doubt the 3litre is powerful though the new engines aren't just smaller they have better gear boxes to work as a better all round package, not to mention the Navara is twin turbo which means no lag, even when towing. The first turbo kicks in immediately and the second around 1500rpm the dealer tells me. As for the coil suspension Nissan is the only manufacturer doing this in this class and an airbag installed is 500 to 600 bucks which is nothing given the thousands of dollars people are filling their 4x's with accessories now a days. The other brands are leaf so if you want to save your $600 go with another brand. Even the guys driving coil sprung wagons are known to have the same issues but it's an easy fix.

I've just spent the last 7 years trialling at least 7 different transducers on my Cruise craft with an estimated cost of around $5k only now have I hit the mark and am happy, so $600 for an air bag; whatever. Need I say more.

[TheRealAndy]

Andy tell me you are speaking from experience if not your opinion is just hear say.

Since we are going down that path all of the guys i have met towing behind the newer dual cabs don't have any issues with power. I have no doubt the 3litre is powerful though the new engines aren't just smaller they have better gear boxes to work as a better all round package, not to mention the Navara is twin turbo which means no lag, even when towing. The first turbo kicks in immediately and the second around 1500rpm the dealer tells me. As for the coil suspension Nissan is the only manufacturer doing this in this class and an airbag installed is 500 to 600 bucks which is nothing given the thousands of dollars people are filling their 4x's with accessories now a days. The other brands are leaf so if you want to save your $600 go with another brand. Even the guys driving coil sprung wagons are known to have the same issues but it's an easy fix.

I've just spent the last 7 years trialling at least 7 different transducers on my Cruise craft with an estimated cost of around $5k only now have I hit the mark and am happy, so $600 for an air bag; whatever. Need I say more.

Spoken from experience. Towing a sailing boat up and down the east coast for racing. Its not that the smaller capacity engines are not capable of towing loads, they can and I have done it. However when you stick 2 tonne of boat with high windage and you want to do the speed limit, they spend a lot of time jumping down gears and revving high on the very smallest of inclines.The V6 3.0 still does it, but needs a much larger incline before it becomes a problem.

Have to admit, My navara is leaf sprung at the back, and so was the previous one. All the vehicles I have towed the boat(s) with have been rear leaf. Maybe the coil spring rear is better? From memory Nissan did do an upgrade to the rear springs of the NP300 because it was a known problem when loaded, so perhaps they have finally sorted out the shit suspension. Time will tell. However, myself and pretty much every one I know that tows a decent load with the modern crop of 4wd utes has needed to replace the suspension at around the 50000km mark. I am not bagging the utes because of this, just saying its yet another one of those compromises that you need to be aware of.

If you jump in a modern landcruiser ute and compare it to navara there is a clear difference. The LC is a great car, plenty of grunt and can tow a house. But the Navara is like jumping into a Commodore sedan, much more comfortable and better car for touring and city driving. Everything is a compromise.

Me personally, I just wish the manufacturers would step it up just a little, something halfway between our current crop of dual cab utes and the yankee ones. The 3.2l ranger is close, maybe just push it out to a 4.0! Just bought the wife a new car today, talking to the salesman and there is a rumour that Nissan might be bringing back a larger engine in the Navara. If I was to take a wild stab in the dark and if there was any substance in the rumour then perhaps it might be a Mercedes v6 diesel engine?.

[goona]

Given it's now well over a year since the last post in this thread, how are you all going with your Navara's.
I am keen to trade in my D22 on a version 2 STX but am concerned that the ass end will drop significantly when towing my 6.5m fibreglass boat. Which I might add is the sole reason I own a car as I typically have company cars, unfortunately that are not tow vehicles.
Any feedback would be great re towing ability of the new Navara, particularly around that 2.5 to 2.7 tonne, or heavier.

Haven't been on Ausfish for a while and just come across my ole post. So feedback Yes I bought a NP300 Navara. Was a good car but not the best at towing. Ended up keeping the Patrol for the tow rig. Now I have gotten rid of both and bought a new V6 Amarok. Like chalk and cheese. So much more powerful, more stable and generally feels a whole lot more comfortable to drive. Saying that the boat is close to 3t dry so it is in my opinion a little to much for the old 2.3lt Nav.

[NAGG]

On my second one ...... First one didn't miss a beat & when I decided to build a Norweld canopy I thought it would be best on a new platform ...... had no hesitation with going again with an NP300 .
Yes you have to trick up the suspension ..... but other than that - it does the job towing 2 tonne

Chris

[TheRealAndy]

Old thread revival!

I still have my d40 v6 diesel. 100k on it now. I have decided to hang onto it because there is nothing on the market that ticks enough boxes for ne.

Just got a price on servicing the 'sealed for life' gearbox, I think it was about $350.

I think if I were to replace it now, I would buy a Ranger. Thought about it a few times now, just cant bring myself to spend the coin.

[slickas]

For what it is worth I would NEVER touch one. Here is my experience with them, and this isn't my car by the way.
Attachment 125173Attachment 125174

[shortthenlong]

For what it is worth I would NEVER touch one. Here is my experience with them, and this isn't my car by the way.
Attachment 125173Attachment 125174

Linky no worky

[NAGG]

My second NP300 has just kicked over 3 years - Never had an issue with the first one & the second one is ticking along nicely

highly recommended if you are towing < 2.5 tonne ...... just need to spend the coin to boost the suspension .

Mechanically it's 1st rate & pretty good to drive

Chris

[TheRealAndy]

Still driving the V6 3.0 diesel D40. Still nothing on the market that is worth the upgrade. Still looking at the price of the 3.2 Ranger and still wondering how anyone justifies the price.