my car

Multi-skilling is a buzz-word that can be equally applied to vehicles as to people. Dual-cab utes, such as the Nissan Navara, can work hard all day and then, with their extra seating capacity, slip nicely into family duties.

Navara’s almost truck-like look and solid appeal established it as a reliable workhorse, and after a May 1992 upgrade, it became a far better vehicle. It comes in various configurations, including cab-chassis, single-cab, king-cab and dual-cab, with differing spec levels and choice of two or four-wheel-drive. Here we focus on the practical dual-cab version.

While the four-cylinder, 2.4-litre petrol version has been the top seller, Navara also comes in 3.0-litre V6 and diesel forms, with manual or automatic transmission.

Its commercial origin means some compromises. The 2.4-litre does a good job but has to be worked through the gears, and early diesels lacked performance.

Light truck tyres and heavy-duty suspension, designed to carry up to one tonne, mean a firm ride. Navara’s suspension is stiffer than many and the ride can be choppy on second-grade roads. It does not have a great turning circle and handling and braking are average. In the wet or unladen, its brakes can lock easily on hard application so good tyres are essential.

Navara’s front seats are well shaped, there’s good headroom and modern dash layout. Quite light controls add to driving ease, however rear seating is not designed for adults on long trips. Navaras have no child seat anchorage points but this can be overcome by an approved restraint fitting station.

Base model versions are true workhorses and fairly sparsely equipped. The ST and Ti offer a few more creature comforts.

Checking the vehicle’s history is essential. Check what work it has done, ensure service records are up to date and try to talk to whoever serviced it.

known problem areas:

• If regularly loaded to the maximum, sagging or worn suspension can have resulted.
• Oil leaks are common. To check if they’re serious, clean, run and recheck. Also check for cooling system leaks.
• Look for under-body or suspension damage due to harsh or off-road use. Poor accident repairs can cause rust problems. Some pre-92 model diesels also suffered air cleaner clogging and manual transmission weakness.
• Check auto transmission, particularly in high-kilometre examples. Check manuals for clutch wear/shudder.

fuel consumption

Expect 11.0-13.5/ 100km from the 2.4-litre.

safety

Being a commercially-based vehicle, it does not have to comply with all safety requirements mandatory for cars. Even so, the latest Used Car Safety Ratings gives Navaras from 1992 a better-than-average rating.

towing

Maximum capacity is a useful 1500kg but vehicle loading cuts towing capacity proportionately.