Vehicle review by owner's thread

[Ricof4e]

Post your biased review of your vehicle here.

Must be a 2017 and newer model.

[ThysleRoux]

I am being discriminated against .........................

[Johannes]

I am being discriminated against .........................

Same here That is barely a year old car

[Ricof4e]

Nissan Navara

2.3 SE (manual transmission)

Double Cab

White

2017 model.

Exterior

The exterior to my mind is currently the best looking of the D/C on the market. The new Triton is a close second for me. It has a good looking stance but quite fat-looking at the front. The wheel arches flare up at the front wheel and the bonnet has obliged. Looks quite good, almost like a sports car's bonnet.

It has a wing at its rear end. Don't know the reason why - if you fit a canopy it will probably negate any use therefore. Its I gimmick I suppose.

Ground clearance not too shabby but at 229mm - but its no Hestrie Cloete either.

Due to the high front grill and flaring arches, it is quite difficult to see a kerb or any obstacle near the front wheels. More so, Nissan could have fitted sensors on either side for that extra bit of reassurance. But you get use to it.

Auto light function works like a dream. High beam lights get the job done - no need for spots in my mind.

Under the hood, the engine bay seems neat and organised even if you take out the engine cover. Oil Filter, fanbelt, waterpump all relatively easily accessible.

Had to replace the front right fog lamp after I hit an a bird near Khorixas. The light and bracket broke. Cost just below 2k to buy a new one which I fitted myself. Done in under an hour.

The load-bin is quite deep and wide. I refer to it as "Nelly". Similar traits - but I digress. The 12v socket fitted at the back is a welcome extra.

Interior

The interior is a nice place to sit. Driving position is comfortable and the surroundings are well visible. The trim feels solid, except the cheap silver plastics surrounding the center console and radio. They scratch easily.

Just behind the gear lever, Nissan in its infinite wisdom, has placed the DPF filter button. My son loves that button. I don't. Could have placed it behind the steering wheel where it is only accessible to the driver.

Infotainment system is kak. No questions about it. In daylight you struggle to read the screen. During the night, its too bright (because you have to change the screen settings to see something during the day). Sound is difficult to set. Either too much bass or too much treble. The only artist I found which is suited is Kurt Darren - which says a lot about the D/C (or its owners).

The steering wheel has all the buttons and functions laid out in a logical sequence - I like. Most of the commands are at my finger tips.

The on-board computer works fine, except the ave fuel consumption. The best way I can describe it is by referring to Zuma doing his internship at VW. The range estimate is on the dot.

Speedo is about 5% off.

The rear legroom is surprisingly good. I am 1,9m tall and easily fit in the back when the front seats are adjusted to my length. Furthermore, you don't get that idea of smelling your own arse when sitting at the back. The tinted rear windows help a lot if you have young kids, especially with the Namibian sun. No more need for these street bought sun shades.

The rear view mirror has an auto darkening function. Helps if you drive a lot at night like me. In the top right hand corner, it shows in which direction you are driving. Not sure what the reason could be - Nissan says it is to determine the direction of the wind while driving. Kak man. You just have to put your hand out of the window while driving to get a feel for the wind direction.

Drive-ability

By far the most comfortable D/C on the market to drive. The rear suspension is a winner if you drive 90% of the time on a tarred road. No extreme jolts like you find with a standard leaf suspension. Its a comfortable cruiser in D/C terms.

Its no slouch either. 0-100kph set at just below 11s with a top speed (according to the gps) at 192kph. The 6 speed manual transmission is a hoot.

Lots of power at low revs which makes overtaking and towing a dream. The full 450NM are available at 1500rpm. Due to the twin turbo setup, turbo lag is minimal.

Towing capacity set at 3,5tons. But I wouldn't. I found a heavy trailer to affect the stability of the bakkie - probably due to its rear suspension setup.
Same applies to a heavy load at the back. Anything past 500kg affects the stability in my experience.

With two adults, two children and a loaded rear bin - it drives gravel well. I do not need to deflate to 2bar or less. The standard 2.4bar seems to do fine. But then again, I do not usually exceed 80kph on a gravel road.

Fuel consumption is not too shabby. In town I calculated it at 10,5l/100km and on the open road it goes down to 9l/100km. 80l tank capacity - so I am able to get around.

Additions

The standard tyres makes for a quiet drive. But rubbish in sand and mud. Will look to replace those sooner rather than later.

Fitted a RhinoCab alu canopy. On that a front runner roofrack. Solid build but kak to remove if you have to load something tall in the back.

Overall

It does the job its intended for. Its a comfortable cruiser - not a workhorse or plaas bakkie. Nor is it intended to do difficult 4x4 terrains. For instance, I would hesitate to do Van Zyl's in it.

But going to the farm or driving at the coast - it does its job beautifully and in reasonable comfort.

[Ricof4e]

I am being discriminated against .........................

Its a new car thing - fyn brag thread

[ThysleRoux]

My budget only allows me to brag about the coffee I drink and discriminate against RiChicory

[Ricof4e]

My budget only allows me to brag about the coffee I drink and discriminate against RiChicory

Regardless, it remains damn good coffee.

[KurtG]

I purchased a 2012 Honda Accord in 2018, as my daily runabout, does that qualify me to comment on this thread?

[Ricof4e]

I purchased a 2012 Honda Accord in 2018, as my daily runabout, does that qualify me to comment on this thread?

No.

Just No.

No.

No.

No.

[Johannes]

Nice write up !! So the Nissan is not that bad !!

[Ricof4e]

Nice write up !! So the Nissan is not that bad !!

Not too bad at all - in D/C standards.

Got an itch lately to kick some Duster wheels for the missus... That should make for a good review. I love those cars.

[ThysleRoux]

I find your review with regard to the ride comfort in contrast with the CAR magazine report on the Mervara/Mercara ??? posted by the Mad One elsewhere..................... I know they (CAR) are not unbiased reporters, but still find it odd.

[Mad Manny]

Nissan Navara 2.3 SE (manual transmission) Double Cab White 2017 model.

Drive-ability

By far the most comfortable D/C on the market to drive. The rear suspension is a winner if you drive 90% of the time on a tarred road. No extreme jolts like you find with a standard leaf suspension. Its a comfortable cruiser in D/C terms.

Interesting, I read about the ride on all the reports & tests as it is the first main stream bakkie to go Coil rather than Leaf.
All the reports indicated that the ride was harsh & that it was about average compared to other current pick ups...

[Ricof4e]

Nissan Navara 2.3 SE (manual transmission) Double Cab White 2017 model.

Drive-ability

By far the most comfortable D/C on the market to drive. The rear suspension is a winner if you drive 90% of the time on a tarred road. No extreme jolts like you find with a standard leaf suspension. Its a comfortable cruiser in D/C terms.

Interesting, I read about the ride on all the reports & tests as it is the first main stream bakkie to go Coil rather than Leaf.
All the reports indicated that the ride was harsh & that it was about average compared to other current pick ups...

Did you miss the "bias" portion in the 1st post?

In comparison to my previous bakkie, the NP300 D/C, and my brother's isuzu D/C, and the Amarok, Ranger and Triton I test drove, the Navara in my opinion has the best ride quality.

I shall admit, I am surprised by the CAR review.

Go and test drive one Manny - would love to hear your opinion?

[Prof]

Mr Crappy Coffee.

Yours is only an opinion and I respect that....