Nissan Navara (2005 – 2016) Review

Nissan Navara (2005 – 2016) At A Glance

2/5

+Useful rear hinged rear doors on crew cab, developed alongside Pathfinder, one of the most refined 2005 pick-ups.

-Prone to timing chain problems, halfshafts suffer from high wear, avoid models without full service history, reports of severe chassis rust.

More than any other pick-up on the market, the Nissan Navara straddles the divide between workhorse and SUV. The Navara D40 was offered in the UK by Nissan in Double Cab format, with the King Cab offering more load length in the pick-up bed thanks to its shorter cab.

Even if it is a pick-up that plenty will buy more for its style and looks, the Navara is a tough worker and can carry 1125kg, or 1215kg in King Cab form. It will also tow up to 2700kg with a braked trailer and the load bed will manage up to 1861mm with the King Cab or 1511mm with the Double Cab.

Power comes from 2.5-litre or 3.0-litre turbodiesel engines that offer 190PS and 231PS respectively. The smaller engine comes with a six-speed manual as standard or there’s an auto ’box option, while the 3.0-litre V6 diesel is only offered with a seven-speed auto.

Nissan also supplies all Navara models with four-wheel drive and low ratio transfer ’box, so it can cope with serious mud plugging just as easily as it cuts a dash on the high street. Topping this off is the Navara’s decent ride, handling and refinement that put it among the best in class.

 

Used Buying Guide - Nissan Navara

With good road manners to back its clear good looks, useful carrying and towing capacity, the Navara was a big success for Nissan, its wide remit of appealing to business as well as retail customers seeing it offered with a wide range of trims.  

Read the buying guide here >>

Nissan Navara (16) (1)

Ask Honest John

Can I swap wheels between a Nissan Pathfinder and Nissan Navara?

"Can Nissan Navara wheels be put on Nissan Pathfinder? Do they have same settings?"
The Nissan Navara and Pathfinder share the same mechanicals, so as long as the Navara is the same generation as the Pathfinder it is possible to swap the wheels across.
Answered by David Ross

Are there known issues with the Nissan Navara?

"Due to having three large dogs, I was thinking of getting a Nissan Navara, 2014 onwards. Have there been any chassis issues, or any other serious issues with vehicles from 2014 or later that you know of?"
Lots of reported problems with the old shape Nissan Navara. Many of them serious and costly. You can read about them all here: https://vans.honestjohn.co.uk/van-reviews/nissan/navara-2005/ The newer model (launched in 2016) has a much better record for reliability: https://vans.honestjohn.co.uk/van-reviews/nissan/navara-np300-2015
Answered by Dan Powell

I bought a used Nissan Navara without knowing about the chassis corrosion recall - what now?

"I recently purchased a secondhand Nissan Navara, which I have been informed (by DVLA) has a manufacturer recall on this vehicle that has not been resolved. The recall is for chassis corrosion and cracking. What action should I take to resolve this issue?"
A chassis rust issue forced Nissan to recall thousands of D40 models. Affected models are mostly those built between 2005 - 2008, with owners being instructed to take their vehicle to their local dealer for a chassis inspection. If your Navara hasn't had its recall you should contact Nissan's Care team on 0330 123 123. They will organise an independent inspection of your vehicle and then discuss the options, should any problems be found.
Answered by Dan Powell

What double cab pick-up truck is the best buy for £10,000?

"I'm interested in buying a double cab pick-up with a value up to £10,000, but there appears to be a wide choice. Do you have any recommendations as to what would be the best buy? Are there any horror stories attached to any models?"
The best is what in the UK is called an Isuzu Rodeo. Best 2.5 and 3.0 I-TEQ engines. Best 5-speed manual gearboxes. 3500kg towing weight. If you want horror, the chassis of Nissan Navara from 2005-2007 have been collapsing in the middle. Strongest chassis probably the Mitsubishi L200. You can look them all up in: http://vans.honestjohn.co.uk/van-reviews/
Answered by Honest John
More Questions

What does a Nissan Navara (2005 – 2016) cost?