Terrano R3MR..?

[GoodOldBakes]

Guys, just off to look at an R3MR this afters. 2.7 diesel, auto, 96 N; 90 odd thousand miles. I've had a quick search on here and can see there's a few owners of said wagon so just wondered what people's opinions are?

It's a couple of years older than my R reg but I've been looking for an automatic for a while now. Is there anything that I should particularly consider and look out for with this car? I've seen people post previously about having a problem getting insurance for such imports. Is this still a problem?

Cheers. :thumbs

[macabethiel]

I rate them as a drive but I am not an off roader or caravaner on the plus side they have rack & pinion steering so its more precise than you would expect. The coil spring suspension all round I think is great. I bought it to go fishing in as a third vehicle it quickly became the chariot of choice for holidays in the UK and the wife left me using our MIni most of the time.

Do not expect big mpg mine did 19-21 between winter and summer with 25 mpg on a run.
I found the Insurance a shock as Saga would not cover me and I had just renewed with them on my Merc 300 TE 4-matic when the suspension gave out. The NFU were the best for me last years premium was £343 fully comp for myself & spouse with 4 years NCB.

Things to look out for are the rear suspension bushes in the short arms that hold the axle in place and the long arms that form the rear suspension. All 8 bushes are the same size etc. I used Polybushes in the short arms but had to use genuine Nissan ones in the long arms. You can probably buy some rubber type from the likes of Blueprint.

If the short arm bushes are worn its very hard to see the wear or to find it at MoT time. You know its there because if you drive at 70 mph and power on then off the vehicle rear end feels as though its going to let go and you get a mini tail wag.

In rain and winter I used the 4WD mode it was much more stable and had little effect on mpg. My wife was the main driver and she loved it, she was sad to see it go but it needed the front wings replacing and a set of tyres and I decided to spend that money on changing to our Santa Fe.

Only mechanical / engine related failure was the alternator rectifier burnt out. It had been repaired by previous owner and wrong pack was fitted. Had a set of glo plugs and thats pretty much it. I changed the oil & filter every 6k and the ATF each year using Fuchs Titan 4000. Everything on it still worked when I sold it, folding mirrors, aircon, electric windows rear wipers etc.

They do not have much underbody protection on them when they are imported from Japan so its worth checking if anyone has given it some waxoyl or similar.

If I could have found a 2002 plate with 50k on the clock I would have had another it will be a hard act to follow!

[GoodOldBakes]

Thanks for the very comprehensive reply macabethiel. Much appreciated.

Didn't have time to take it for a drive so I'm going to pop back at the weekend and take it for a run but it looked a decent old stick for it's age. Odd little spot of rust on the chrome bumper and bits of bumper touched up here and there but no areas of complete failure. Looked like it would need a new exhaust before the next MOT as there was a fair bit of rust on the main box but underside, apart from that, no worse than mine underneath.

Bit disappointed that it didn't have remote locking or a sunroof and the rear offside window wasn't working but not deal breakers if it runs fine. Not got as far as haggling yet but it's on at £1995 which is about 800 more than I'd be looking to pay. In your opinion is that about right..?

[macabethiel]

Well I parted with mine at £500 trade in N 448 BRC and it had a full years MoT, Stainless exhaust, aftermarket alarm & remote locking paid £3300 for it in 2008 but it had been a money pit for previous 3 owners as they did not manage a year each.

The trader was going to fix the front wings and sell it on I think. Place called MJM vehicle solutions near Fauld they are on the nett. I have his number if you want it but he has a propper website.

Is it private or trade they are not fast sellers as few people know much about them

[GoodOldBakes]

This is it here on their eBay site

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/261252412633?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

Very good nick inside. The wheels are heavily dented though. Previous owner looked like he was a farmer from his address on documents so probably seen a fair bit of off road use.

Has a rather curious pop out mini TV screen and a wired 'remote' control, which you can just see in one of the pics. Do these things have a CD autochanger like the European Terranos..?

[macabethiel]

Looks pretty tidy some had a factory fitted screen on top of the dash with pitch and yaw display on them.

Mine had Chrome Alloys on that were a bit scabby from winter salt but dent free. Wheels TYres were 265/70 x 16. Hope this helps.

Its worth dipping the ATF and make sure its nice and pink if its off colour then beware if its dark and smells burnt I would walk away.


There was one advertised in the Sheffield area a couple of years back it had 50 or 60 k on the clock then might be the same one its the same colour.

Chap had it a year but it did not make reserve.

I think its worth £1500 if it drives like a dream and is tidy and aircon etc works.

If its tatty then £750-£1000.

[GoodOldBakes]

Gone! :(

Been sold before I could take a look at it. Anyone on here bought it?

[macabethiel]

Gone! :(

Been sold before I could take a look at it. Anyone on here bought it?

Might be worth ringing MJM it should be having the front wings done and I can vouch it was a good one when I parted with it !

I would be surprised if he has sold it already.

[GoodOldBakes]

Might be worth ringing MJM it should be having the front wings done and I can vouch it was a good one when I parted with it !

I would be surprised if he has sold it already.

I'll have a look at their site. Was it auto? Going to have a look at a Shogun Sport auto tomorrow but can't really say may heart's in it.

[macabethiel]

I have never seen one that's not an auto plus you never need to replace the belt b'cus its a chain !

[macabethiel]

I'll have a look at their site. Was it auto? Going to have a look at a Shogun Sport auto tomorrow but can't really say may heart's in it.

Yep it was auto they have sold it I beleive

[GoodOldBakes]

Yep it was auto they have sold it I beleive

Seen another couple knocking around but in poor nick really. I'm starting to look more and more at Pajeros now... :eek: Well that'll get me kicked off the forum, won't it.... :lol

[AD Ent]

I'd have a 01 shogun, but read some horror stories and the DiD engine gives about 22-26mpg but wont run on veg.

[Barrbeast]

I'd have a 01 shogun, but read some horror stories and the DiD engine gives about 22-26mpg but wont run on veg.

Could always go for a tidy 2000 mk2 Shogun, I got around 24mpg with my '95 and the 2.8l will run on veg as far as I know.