New Terrano 3.0di owner

[trick202]

Hi all

I have just replaced my Landrover Discovery 2 V8 with a Nissan Terrano LWB Sport 3.0Di
It's a second car/workhorse for us. We also have a 2013 Vogue Autobiography. I'm in Halifax, West Yorks.

So far, so good. I like the car, it seems to have personality and feels solid in a way the Landrover never did. I initially aimed to buy a Shogun, but I couldn't believe the price of the Terrano and the Patrol engine swayed me (especially after test driving Shoguns in the same price range). I do have a couple of queries though:

1: It's a little smokey on initial startup - but seems to run fine with no smoke. Valve stem seals? It also smells of paraffin/diesel when left running.

2: I seem to get quite a lot of engine noise through into the cabin (mostly coming from the footwell/trans tunnel) - Is this pretty normal? It's not an unhealthy noise - just a little more intrusive than I'd have expected.

3: Is there a source for aftermarket parts? Toys etc?

4: Front brakes are quite grabby and they tend to lock the front quite easily. Normal?

5: It'll be due some tyres soon, and I was thinking of something a little more rugged than the road tyres it has on. General Grabbers, or maybe some Insa Turbo Dakars. Anyone got any experience with these?

6: Is the handbrake a traditional handbrake or a transmission lock? Feels like the former to me.

7: Front tyres are wearing on the outside quicker than the rest. Does the car just have more positive camber naturally? It's on both fronts. Our old RR Sport used to do this too (but they were £250 a corner).

Sorry for all the questions!