2002 Nissan Navara ST-R review from Australia and New Zealand

The original Nissan dealer I bought it from in Ipswich (Brisbane) had abyssmal customer service ethics, or lack thereof. After 3 trips back for the same problem (a misaligned wheel, which had the tyre 'screeching' around corners from the day I took delivery) the whole tyre was scrubbed out after 7,000 km of travel. The dealer rudely refused to help, and I have since taken all the service business to a dealership on the other side of town. Even though it's a chore, I get some satisfaction that the previous dealer won't see another dollar from me.

The quality of the finish on the syleside tray is terrible. It is obviously painted in a different location or method to the cab. The paint is thin and scratches incredibly easily. After only 6 months general use, I had to get the tray resprayed inside and out. As it is due to be repainted yet again, 2 years later I have decided to replace it with an aluminium after market tray.

Engine and gearbox are great. Heaps of power. If you need a work ute it would be worth considering. For a daily driver round town I'd think twice.

Handling is very average on road and passable off road. My wife still doesn't mind driving it to the shops (where it picks up a new dent or scratch every single trip, due to its tinny finish), and its reasonably comfortable at normal speeds on good roads.

According to car reviews the new models have sorted out the handling issues, I have yet to drive one. To be honest I wouldn't be buying another one, I'd get the turbo diesel hilux for the better finish and resale value.

Having said that, for the money, I believe the Navara was an "OK" buy. It was happy on our one trip to the beach. It hasn't got great approach and departure angles and is a bit 'plastic' but it will get around bush tracks OK.

Rather than lose money on their poor resale, I decided to keep it as my long term work vehicle, but only because I have to : (