Item: Used Nissan Terrano 4x4 1993 - 2007
Author: Steve Huntingford

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<p dir="ltr">Nissan turned up early to the SUV party, with its Qashqai paving the way for the countless models we see today. The Qashqai continues to sell in big numbers in the UK, too, and was also our overall Car of the Year in 2014.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Don’t think Nissan is just about SUVs, though. As well as the Qashqai, the smaller Juke and the larger X-Trail, the Japanese brand has the Micra hatchback, GT-R sports car and Navara pick-up truck.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Nissan was also one of the first big car makers to launch a fully electric car, with its latest Leaf being one of the best on the market.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Despite being based in Japan, Nissan has long committed to building cars in the UK, making several of its best-selling models at a huge factory in Sunderland.</p>


NISSAN

TERRANO II

<p>The Nissan Terrano is a decent enough family workhorse, but hardly outstanding</p>


Used Nissan Terrano 4x4 1993 - 2007

<p>Fuel economy does the Terrano no favours. Its 2.4-litre petrol engine is thirstier than the 2.0-litre unit in the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/honda/cr-v/estate/review/n44">Honda CR-V</a> and the Freelander's 1.8, while the 2.7 diesel is less economical than the RAV4's 2.0-litre petrol engine, never mind its diesel.</p>

<p>However, Warranty Direct says that Nissan labour rates are among the lowest, and that the average cost of repairs to the Terrano are similar to those for other off-roaders.</p>

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The Nissan Terrano is a decent enough family workhorse, but hardly outstanding

<p>Originally, the choice of engine was simply between a 2.4-litre petrol and a 2.7-litre turbodiesel, and it remained that way until April 2002, when a 3.0-litre turbodiesel was added.</p>

<p>The best engine is the stronger TDi version of the 2.7-litre engine, introduced in July 1996 and perfectly suited to the Terrano's workhorse nature. The 2.4 petrol is cheaper to buy, but it just doesn't have the pulling power of the 2.7, whereas the 3.0-litre comes only with the upper trims and remains very expensive.</p>

<p>Again, bearing in mind the car's no-nonsense character, we think it works best as a five-door. Not only does it give you more space inside, it also rides more comfortably.</p>

<p>It's best to avoid the most basic models (LX and, from July '96, S) and look for an SE, introduced in '96. SVE is the most lavish, with leather upholstery, but it's not worth the expense.</p>

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<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Plenty of space for all passengers</li> <li>Large boot with lots of clever storage solutions</li> <li>Good fuel economy and running costs</li> <li>All-round comfort</li> <li>High-quality interior finish</li></ul>

<p>We define a large SUV as anything longer than 4.5 metres. These cars aren’t usually particularly cheap to buy or lease, so in return we expect a roomy cabin, a lengthy list of standard equipment and excellent cruising refinement. A few models in this class are two-wheel drive, but the vast majority have four-wheel drive for at least a modicum of off-road ability.</p>

<p>The Mazda CX-5 is firmly road-focused, but its 2.0-litre petrol engine is a strong, refined performer, making it looks good value for less than&nbsp;£25k. If you can stretch the budget a fair bit, the Audi Q5 provides a combination of comfort, driving prowess, quality and space that's hard to beat. Unlike some rivals, it can't be had with seven seats, though.</p>

<p>A more affordable, yet well-equipped alternative is the Peugeot 5008. It’s more than capable of coping with family life&nbsp;– and all versions have seven seats as standard.&nbsp;</p>

Large SUV

<p>There have been three recalls, of which the two most serious concerned the brakes. The first affected almost 5000 cars built between 1995 and 1997, and the second related to 840 cars built in the eight months from July 2001.</p>

<p>More surprisingly, the Terrano is unlike most other Nissans in that it isn't all that reliable - worse than average, according to Warranty Direct. The company says that the Terrano's weakest point is its suspension, although the brakes, electrics and engines can also develop problems.</p>

<p>It also warns that towing can strain the transmission, causing damage that is expensive to put right. And, as with any car that could have been abused off-road, check for any damage before you buy.</p>

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<p>The Nissan Terrano was one half of a joint venture between Nissan and Ford that also produced the original Ford Maverick. However, the Terrano has out-lived its Ford counterpart by several years.</p>

<p>Two very different versions of the car are available: a sporty three-door aimed at the fashion-conscious and the larger five-door, with a longer wheelbase, which makes a decent alternative to mainstream family car.</p>

<p>Overall, the Terrano makes most sense as a workhorse, as it's not as trendy as rivals like the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/toyota/rav4/4x4/review/n130">Toyota RAV4</a>. The Nissan's cabin lacks the class of a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/land-rover/freelander/4x4/used-review/n747">Land Rover Freelander</a>'s, for example, but both versions have a decent amount of space inside.</p>

<p>True, it isn't as sharp to drive as a Toyota RAV4 and it's no Land Rover away from the Tarmac, but it does have a good, even blend of on- and off-road ability, and makes a decent tow car.</p>

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Used Nissan Terrano 4x4 1993 - 2007 review

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