Hello potential terrano owner

[winnie2457]

Hello guys I’m new today to the forum my car is up for sale I used to own a shogun sport and loved it but it was a pig to drive.

I am looking at the terrano 2 now but I need some advice and a buyers guide as to what to look for. Is the 2.7 engine better to go for than the 3.0 engine? With regard to issues and reliability? What’s the best things to check for when buying one?

My budget is around the 1500-2500 mark cheaper the better really.

Any tips would be great I’ve had a look on here and can’t seem to find a buyers guide to one?

Thanks in advance and I look forward to hearing back from you guys.

[makeitfit]

2.7 for reliability . 3.0 for more refinment
I'd still go 2.7 personally but dont go expecting MPGs to write home about :lol
The big thing to look for is rust. Obviously check the 4x4 system is actually working.
Rust is the killer, look in rear wheel arches where the seat belt anchor points are.
Body mounts, esp the front ones up behind the bumper.
Rust, keep a look out for that :lol
Sills will rot out at the back usually. Harder to spot if the truck has gay steps on.
Take it for a drive and thrash it, all should be fine. Any power shortages indicate fuel issues usually. Easily sorted but dont pay top money.
Good luck
They're great trucks once you've got the rust at bay.
What's your intended use ?

[winnie2457]

My intended use is a daily driver however my average weekly mileage is like 20 miles lol. Then at weekends it will be used for off road shooting yo at farms etc. So is the 3.0 known for issues etc? There is a big mix out there if trucks in both 2.7 and 3.0 you say the 2.7 is better for reliability? How much more over the 3.0 I’m just curious that’s all or is the 2.7 a no brainier and only look for them? So rust is the killer then same as my shogun sport I used to have that was rotten front to back lol.

[RJL Services]

i prefer the 2.7 old school push rod cog driven lump had a 3 litre did not like it 2.7 was used in the london black cabs for a lot of years and are bullet proof later model nissans seem to rust a lot worse to and have a weaker rear axle too

[winnie2457]

Thanks for all the advice when you say later model ones rust and have a weekend axle what years does this effect?

[macabethiel]

Thanks for all the advice when you say later model ones rust and have a weekend axle what years does this effect?

Me I think the Terranos are getting a bit old now, I have jumped ship and have Jeep Grand Cherokee's. The 2.7 5 cylinder WJ is now quite cheap to buy - be fussy there are a lot out there in good condition with sensible mileage. They are all autos though, strong drive train bodywork seems to keep well.

[winnie2457]

I will have a look at them. Any thoughts on the Mitsubishi shogun 3.2DID LWB?

[macabethiel]

I will have a look at them. Any thoughts on the Mitsubishi shogun 3.2DID LWB?


https://www.carbuyer.co.uk/reviews/mitsubishi/shogun/sports-utility-vehicle/owner-reviews


When I looked at the Shoguns the ones I could afford were Starship Mileage, as far as I remember some of them have cambelts. I am a camshaft chain only owner!

Others here might have run them though we have a wide range of members here, I had a Terrano r3mR 2.7 Auto in the past.

[jims-terrano]

I’ve owned 4 Terranos and do agree pre 2000 do seem a better build quality for sure. That said and has been said the big thing is rust and even then most things can be fixed. Paying for rust repairs can get silly money as I’m guessing you’ll know already and I think mainly because garages prefer easy money jobs. If you can weld yourself then no worries there really.
Very early Terranos and Mavericks were 2.7td but around 96 they gave both the intercooler and fly by wire which can cause a few but not many issues. Around 2000 they put the zd30 engine in which had a lot of negative publicity due to same engine going in earlier patrols and had problems but by the time it went in Terranos those issues had been sorted. I have heard of injector pumps going on the 3.0 litre but my guess is people stuck veggie oil in and that’s a big no no with that engine. Some of the 2.7 you can stick veggie oil in but depends on brand of injection system.
I love my 2.7 auto but can be a little slower off the mark and uses a little more fuel. I also love my 3.0 litre manual, this is definitely a more refined engine. Have had 38mpg on that truck on a run driving like a member of the clergy. Only issue I had which is common on those is one of the oil pressure switches.
I love both and one really ought to go but I can’t make my mind up which.

Personally I’d be more concerned with rust and checking it’s been serviced. As said see how it drives, 2.7 can kick out some smoke too when driven hard.

[RJL Services]

i have found anything 2000 onwards seem to be built to a cheaper standard than the older ones

[winnie2457]

Thanks for the replies I have found a nice 2004 3.0 diesel terrano 2 which looks mint and losing mileage so I am going to view that. It’s had the oil pressure sensors changed and has 8 months mot. Looks clean inside and out but will have a good look for rust. Hopefully it won’t be too bad and you guys on here seem helpful if I have any issues with it. Anything else to look out for on the 3.0 engine common issues or problems?

[RJL Services]

check for rust but also the rear axle diff area for any signs of a leak as they can rust around the diff also rear brakes back plate for any leaks

[jims-terrano]

Fuel pipes often rot through at that age, diesel leaks around rear axle area on drivers side. I’ve replaced whole pipes front to back on mine with fuel grade rubber pipe.
Lift 2nd row of rear seats and then lift rear carpets so you can check for any rust signs on boot floor area. Not all sellers will be happy doing this so that’s your call.
Try and check air filter to see if it looks like it’s been serviced, only some wire clips to open housing.
Put steering on full lock and try to go over a bump at low speedI tried a kerb when I test drove the 3 litre and do this on both locks. If you get a loud grating noise that makes you think something is badly wrong. Dead easy 4 spots of grease, it has 4 steering stops that need a blob of grease once or twice a year.
LCD display in speedo cluster often starts to lose characters. Someone did a good write up with photos how to fix on here.
Good Luck

[winnie2457]

Thanks for all the help guys I will keep you updated

[Fez_uk]

Check around the rear spring mounts, My dads 2005 SWB needed welding there this year. My 1997 mav only needed it doing 2 years ago.

The newer ones seem to be less rotten in some places and more so in others. Compared to 96-2000 & 2000-2006.

[winnie2457]

Thanks guys I have found another one for sale now which is a 2000 year one with only 62k genuine miles it’s the 2.7 diesel with leather interior and look very clean however the only issue i have it’s an automatic?

Are the autos ok or is it manual only that’s worth going for?

[jims-terrano]

I think manual and automatic is like marmite.

I love driving my 2.7 auto, nice easy drive and has been reliable for me. Elty and Blocky both have autos and I believe they like them too.

Downsides that I’ve found is mpg is definitely lower but only a mile or two really so doesn’t really worry me at all.
I’ve heard it said they are not as fast, well I’m no speeder so not found a problem. Mine seems pretty quick off the mark if I try. Mine once crept well above 80 without me realising :augie so I slowed right down immediately of course :naughty. To be honest I can keep up with motorway traffic without any problems.

If leather seats check if they’re heated and the elements still work.

I think around 2000 it was before quality dropped too so shouldn’t be a bad buy in that respect.

It’ll probably have side steps look towards the rear of the steps to see if there is any rust staining, that’ll mean rusty water coming from sills but to be fair isn’t surprising at all but to me sills are no big problem.

[winnie2457]

Thanks I am waiting for the guy to get back to me with some more info it’s only got 56k miles on the clock it’s x reg so year 2000 1 owner from new an elderly gentleman. It’s up for 2k so I think a very good price. Also very local to me too but just waiting on hearing back

[Banshee]

Welcome matey and good luck with your hunt.

The boys have covered most things :thumb2

[winnie2457]

Thanks I am going to view it now and have a good look at all the points mentioned here. I will let you know how I get on.

[Blocky10]

Looking through the forum, I see everyone with a 2.7 wanting power chip/commanders and replacing manual gearboxes?
mmmmmmmmm :augie:hide:
:lol

[jims-terrano]

Looking through the forum, I see everyone with a 2.7 wanting power chip/commanders and replacing manual gearboxes?
mmmmmmmmm :augie:hide:
:lol

Blocky, we know that autos rock pal :thumbs

[winnie2457]

Well I’ve bought the truck it’s like new not a mark anywhere and been undersealed too so all looks clean still has the original polythene on the boot and rear carpets only 56k miles on the clock. It also has the 2 battery’s under the bonnet.

Only issues is air con needs a regas and the sunroof is very slow and sticking so need to look at that.

[Blocky10]

Excellent :thumbs
Lets see some photos:naughty

[macabethiel]

Well I’ve bought the truck it’s like new not a mark anywhere and been undersealed too so all looks clean still has the original polythene on the boot and rear carpets only 56k miles on the clock. It also has the 2 battery’s under the bonnet.

Only issues is air con needs a regas and the sunroof is very slow and sticking so need to look at that.

Sounds like you have found a nice one, best of luck - waiting for photos!!

[winnie2457]

I’m not sure how to upload photos on here any tips would be good, also my sunroof issue have any of you guys had this before

[jims-terrano]

Not sure if you’ll need to be a full member to upload photo.

Sounds fantastic and so pristine is very rare.

[winnie2457]

Yes I think a full membership is what I need I will purchase tomorrow then I think it will be worth it on here. So what’s the biggest tyre size I can go without mods to get some extra ground clearance and also how do I go about repacking the stereo as it has the hazard switch built in it?

[Banshee]

I’m not sure how to upload photos on here any tips would be good, also my sunroof issue have any of you guys had this before

You'll need to sign upto an image hosting site to get the most out of uploading multiple pictures, I did a full guide on how to use ImgBB and upload the links for pics but you won't be able to see it a you haven't paid up for the annual membership yet.

http://www.nissan4x4ownersclub.com/forum/showthread.php?t=28588&highlight=imgbb

[jims-terrano]

So how does your new truck drive, are you happy with it?

[winnie2457]

It drives fantastic I actually like the auto box much easier in traffic and around town. I do think it’s a little under powered foot up steep hills etc but then again I will have a search on here to maybe up the power slightly if I can.

I need to remove the original stereo and try and find an aftermarket adaptor fascia with hazard switch.

[jims-terrano]

Plenty of threads on here about the hazard switch. Some of the later models have a radio surround as standard that has a single din hole with a hazard switch that just connects direct to your wiring, check ebay for any breaking near you.

Check out the photo below of my setup, picked mine up from a private seller breaking a truck.

I love the easy going automatic and has made me think about autos for next vehicle. Try using the Sports mode switch on the dashboard, it holds lower gears for longer so not something I use all the time but helps to get away quicker and to get the engine working for hills.

[winnie2457]

Here is a pic I’ve just paid to become a full member

[winnie2457]

Inside

[Blocky10]

That does look clean :thumb2
I tow an almost 2 tn caravan with my auto and it's been spot on.
Mine has the same stereo set up as yours and if it didn't have the cd player under the drivers seat, I would have changed it by now. It works perfectly though apart from the display.

[jims-terrano]

Oh wow that looks great and is it the 3 litre as well?

Take a look at Banshee’s signature as he has a project thread for a 3 litre he bought for his grandad. He posted a fix for the display on that radio display which seemed to work for him.

Also have a look at Downloads section listed in the Quick Links menu as this has some great how to guides.

Dead jealous I’d love a 3 litre auto :thumbs

[winnie2457]

Thanks guys it really is clean and it’s the 2.7 tdi auto.

I will have a look at the how to guides thanks

[jims-terrano]

Looked like the 3 litre bonnet, must of been the angle of the photo. Still like it though.

[winnie2457]

So my issues I have found so far if anyone can help me are as follows

Aftermarket CD player I want fitting so will have to find an adaptor fascia I’m on that now.

Sun roof motor has gone I think I’ve manually wound the sunroof open and closed and it’s free with no resistance over the whole range but as soon you you use the Motor it’s so slow then stops after an inch. As if the motor has lost power or damaged inside. Can you get replacements for these or will any Nissan sunroof motor do?

Lastly my trip reset button does not work I can adjust the clock in minutes but turn it to the left for hours and nothing happens also if you press and hold it the trip does not reset at all. Not sure how I will fix this?

[jims-terrano]

You have a few niggles which is only to be expected I guess really but not bad for a nearly 20 year old car.

Wiring adapters are available as I got one from Halfrauds.

Not sure if there is an aftermarket facia panel, so either make one or adapt one from another vehicle as some members have done or get a genuine from a breakers yard. If you can wait a few weeks or so not sure how long but I’ll be part exchanging my truck so I’ll be removing things like that to earn a few pennies. Not removing until I have to though.

Sunroof on my older truck did that, as you have done I worked it back and forth manually which seemed to fix it. I guess there will be plenty motors available in breakers yards but not sure if the same as other vehicles or terrano specific.

[winnie2457]

Jim I can wait for your fascia how mich would you like for it?

[winnie2457]

Where are you located Jon out of curiosity I am in Oxfordshire?

[Banshee]

Glad you're one of the family mate. Give me a shout if ever you're stuck with the truck.

I work in Gaydon during the week and have more than enough room for tools :thumb2

[RJL Services]

may have sunroof motor if you can post a pic if you need one:thumb2

[winnie2457]

may have sunroof motor if you can post a pic if you need one:thumb2

Yes I need one mate I don’t have it removed at the moment how much you looking T I am interested as I need one

[winnie2457]

Glad you're one of the family mate. Give me a shout if ever you're stuck with the truck.

I work in Gaydon during the week and have more than enough room for tools :thumb2

Is that Gaydon off the M40? I will
Give you a shout mate be good to meet up for a coffee etc

[Banshee]

Is that Gaydon off the M40? I will

Give you a shout mate be good to meet up for a coffee etcThat's the one mate, let me know when you're free and I'll happily pop and give your truck a look over, I'll not be in my truck for a few weeks I reckon as I'm going to do some major repairs to it after the coast to coast trip I've just come back from.

Keep an eye out later this evening for some epic pictures of what we get up to with our Terranos and Patrols

And I'll be updating my project thread with all the repairs I'll be doing

Sent from my Moto G (5) using Tapatalk

[RJL Services]

i will look and double check and let you know tomorrow

[jims-terrano]

Jim I can wait for your fascia how mich would you like for it?

To be fair I really can’t say how long it will take for us to find a replacement vehicle. I’m in Yorkshire but this club tends to be a great courier service too :thumb2

[winnie2457]

i will look and double check and let you know tomorrow

Thanks let me know if you have and I will happily purchase and get it fitted to mine.

[winnie2457]

That's the one mate, let me know when you're free and I'll happily pop and give your truck a look over, I'll not be in my truck for a few weeks I reckon as I'm going to do some major repairs to it after the coast to coast trip I've just come back from.

Keep an eye out later this evening for some epic pictures of what we get up to with our Terranos and Patrols

And I'll be updating my project thread with all the repairs I'll be doing

Sent from my Moto G (5) using Tapatalk

I’m free Thursday evening I love 36 miles from Gaydon in Carterton, I could meet you half way in chipping norton if you wanted and you can give my truck a once over etc

[Banshee]

I’m free Thursday evening I love 36 miles from Gaydon in Carterton, I could meet you half way in chipping norton if you wanted and you can give my truck a once over etc

That sounds like a plan!!!! Drop me a PM and we'll exchange numbers and details etc