Almost taken the Nissan Plunge

alexharry18 · Aug 19, 2024

Hi folks,

A very new person here on the forum - thank you for the platform and letting me join.
I've previously had a Toyota Hilux 1995 for about 12 years. It was my first car and clocked up 400,000km on it.
I'm after a 4WD again and have almost bought my first Nissan - a 2004 D22 ZD30DDT 3.0 litre dual cab diesel with 150,000 km. I've almost been sold on it until my mechanic somewhat fear mongered/gave a healthy warning about some nissans having timing chain issues.
Very saddened by this and have been trying to do some research since then. I've always liked the Navaras of this era (and the older ones also of the 90's). This car checked out ok during my inspection of it - although I'm no expert.
Hoping to learn more from the forum on this timing chain issue, its prevalence and make the right decision for me.

Into the future, if the purchase goes through ultimately, I look forward to having the forum to assist me maintain the car as I definitely turned to the internet to sort out many problems with my old hilux over the course of her life with me!
Thanks for having me on board.

tweak'e · Aug 20, 2024

the zd30 has never had timing chain issues. it was the later D40 yd25 that has them.
the main issues with zd30 is the injection pump and lack of intercooler.

MANNING · Aug 20, 2024

Hey @alexharry18

Alot of what you hear and what you read is the worst of the worst.
People with a problem tend to post the most.
If your first instinct was that the car is clean and tidy, to your liking and within your budget - Buy It!!

Don't let anyone say otherwise

alexharry18 · Aug 20, 2024

Hi Manning and Tweak'e - thanks so much for taking the time to reply. That's really good to get that confirmation. My mechanic I think is just trying to watch out for me, but he admitted he didn't know exactly which models were actually affected by that timing issue. It is a really good car and I do really want it. It's perfect for my needs.
I'm aiming to have it inspected by a mechanic in the seller's area (which is just the principle I always stand by when buying a vehicle) and perhaps ask them to check the injection pump etc. I'll have a read up on that and lack of intercooler as well. Thank you again for the correction!

dattorob · Aug 23, 2024

in saying that on the injection pump, i'm still on the original with over 400,000km on the odometer. Touch wood it keeps going for a while longer. So mileage may vary i guess.

alexharry18 · Aug 23, 2024

thanks Dattorob! That's good to know!!

alexharry18 · Sep 19, 2024

Hi all again - well I've almost bought the car, only I've learnt it needs a lot of things replaced, mainly cosmetic things, and in the process of calling three mechanics to get quotes/parts (such as a new drivers seat belt sohad to ring nissan themselves), all three have said be careful of buying a zd30 nissan navara. I'm getting very put off. My main mechanic who services my ordinary daily wagon (been going to them now for 2 years) said they see a lot of zd30 navaras with cracked cylinder heads and the repair for that would be a bit over what i'm paying for the car. Even the parts guy at nissan dealership said the exact same thing about the navaras of this period specifically quoting zd30. I did ask him, don't you mean the timing issue with yd engines, but he said the zd30 specifically has a history of having head gasket/cylinder issues. People seem to also be qualifying this by saying 'it depends on how well its been serviced/looked after'. Apart from standard oil changes and coolant maintainence, if the car is under 200,000 km what could you possibly do to influence whether the head gasket/cylinders have issues in way of maintenance?
Just getting very concerned, there's been lots of delays in buying this car and perhaps its for good reason and thinking of exploring alternative options away from navaras.

tweak'e · Sep 19, 2024

you have to keep in mind that they are ~20 year old utes.
cylinder heads cracking is primarily due to overheating. radiators tend to be pretty crap at that age, as well has the fan. but thats a problem with most 20 year old vehicles. especially so if your in a hot country.
i've actually had it due to blown radiator hose, and yes its a big expensive job to replace as you need to remove just about everything off the motor.

alexharry18 · Sep 19, 2024

tweak'e said:
you have to keep in mind that they are ~20 year old utes.
cylinder heads cracking is primarily due to overheating. radiators tend to be pretty crap at that age, as well has the fan. but thats a problem with most 20 year old vehicles. especially so if your in a hot country.
i've actually had it due to blown radiator hose, and yes its a big expensive job to replace as you need to remove just about everything off the motor.

thanks. I was quoted around the 5000-6000 dollar mark for it to be fixed, do you reckon that's about right?

tweak'e · Sep 19, 2024

alexharry18 said:
thanks. I was quoted around the 5000-6000 dollar mark for it to be fixed, do you reckon that's about right?

no idea on your guys costs on the wrong side of the ditch

alexharry18 · Sep 19, 2024

tweak'e said:
no idea on your guys costs on the wrong side of the ditch

oh i see, sorry didn't see you were from nz!

AngryWO2 · Sep 20, 2024

I have to agree the vehicle is getting older, and considering what the previous owner did or not do. Maintenance is a big part of owning older vehicles, regular oil change, change all filters, once a year check and change Diff oils, change gear box oil as required. I have a 2014 D22 and changed all fluids last year, engine oil change every 10 k, check all hoses have your radiator and heater reversed flushed. I use fuel adatives, I know some people say it’s snake oil but it does works. As per $5000 to $6000 for repair or replacement is hard to comment not knowing what work will be done. I would say it’s worth the money if the rest of the vehicle is in reasonable condition check underneath for damage, just watch You tube some people treat these vehicles like ****. Engine bay work is cheap if the vehicle once again is in good shape. Good luck.

Sadlaah · Sep 21, 2024

Gday new here and not sure if I’m asking this in the right post but anyway how’s it going just a quick question for ya’s

I’ve got a 03’ D22 and the battery in my key has gone flat, but the key won’t unlock the doors manually

Any ideas on my next move thanks in advance

Almost taken the Nissan Plunge

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