Thread: Terrano

I've ended up running a couple of vehicles that don't really suit my needs and would like to get one do it all daily driver/hunting wagon.

After assessing my needs (space/ability to sleep-in vehicle, some towing capacity, capable 4WD - not gut) I am poking around a few Terranos, mostly 91-95.

Anything in particular to look out for with these vehicles or just sharing your experience with them appreciated -- cheers.

I had a Regulus. 3.2 diesel Auto. Basically a Terrano. Good truck. 3.2 has plenty of power.

They can be weak in the steering idler arms, if you don't give it too much of a hard time it should be ok.

Rust.... Don't buy one that's been anywhere near a beach..,but then that goes for any vehicle

For any vehicle that old, take a tarp to lie on. Most of the important stuff to check out is underneath them

I had my 95 terrano for 19yrs. Sold it in Feb this year. Did a head gasket (fully repairable) about the only thing that ever went wrong with. Replaced water pump seals but not the whole pump. They are hard on bushes, I wasn't particularly hard on my wagon but last change cost me 1700. All bottom and top end bushes had to be replaced. Outside of standard wear and tear they were the only regular change. Only did 2 cv boots in that time as well.

2.7td are good, they rust at the seatbelt mounting. Avoid sunroofs

Ive always found them to be pretty gutless for a near 3l. Rust under rear seat and rocker shafts wear on the early ones and I dont know why but nissan shines when it comes to putting oil filters in cunty spots

2.7td been awesome wagon. Sleep in back on foam mattress,take base of rear seats out it gives bit more room. Cost us grand a year in maintainence.give or take. Can't think what we would replace it with so just keep looking after it.

Originally Posted by Chur Bay

I had a Regulus. 3.2 diesel Auto. Basically a Terrano. Good truck. 3.2 has plenty of power.

I still have it 6 years later, still a good truck with heaps of power.

I've had a few. Fantastic vehicles. Need a regular wheel alignment. Don't touch the 3L(most have died now anyway) . 3.2 is the best. 2.7 good but weak power. Window trim rust is common but easy to spot. My last one had done 450000 klm when I sold it and the guy put another 200000 on it. He also loved it.

This was a 96. I'd stay with that model as it had way better extras than the previous.

Rust in the double skin under the rear seats, needs a bracket put in and a LVV cert to repair properly. would probably cost more than the purchase price of the car...

Keep an eye out for a mistral - same running gear as the terrano but I believe some came with an intercooler and they’re a bit roomier as a bit bigger body. Much less common though.
So many terranos have been picked up by hoons to be raided up the beach you want to find one that’s stock.

Can I suggest also keeping an eye out for pajeros of the same era? Again only if stock.

Finding a good 4x4 from the early 90s won’t be easy as so many have been beat to death now. (I was personally killed 2 hilux surfs in my early 20s)

The Terrano's are getting too old now and people are still wanting stupid money for them. I'm considering a 2nd gen Mitsi Challenger as same set up as the Tritons but without the tray overhang at the rear.

Originally Posted by makka

Rust in the double skin under the rear seats, needs a bracket put in and a LVV cert to repair properly. would probably cost more than the purchase price of the car...

did alot of these when they first started coming into the country......
all had to be certified as part of the vin process ....
20 odd years down the track i imagine they would have all blown out by now around the repairs
rust never sleeps