Welcome to the forum.
Do the same searching for the Ford Ranger or the Isuzu D-Max (which is a reasonable ute, by the way). You'll find they all have their share of problems.
The D40 ST Dual Cab utes are a Thai build and rumour has it that Mishitbusi is going to share the manufacturing premises with Nissan in Thailand in the not-too-distant future (if they aren't already). The Mishitbusi has the best ANCAP rating but can't tow like the Nissan.
There are clutch issues with any of these 4WDs. They use dual mass setups, the flywheels have springs in them and they're really not quite strong enough to pull nearly 6 tonne. They haul themselves around no trouble at all.
The easy answer to the problem is this: if you want to tow stuff, don't get the manual (regardless of what manufacturer you choose). The automatic is far better for towing, especially long-haul. Look in my garage - our Navara's had that caravan tacked onto its tail for half its life, and hasn't missed a beat. Only issue has been the rear suspension - I've put helper springs in, and I use load levelers (weight distribution hitch).
Unladen - so no trailer, but stuff in the tub - the manual is fine. You still shouldn't give the clutch too much workout but it will serve you well. It's really a matter of how much you have to ride the clutch to get things happening, which is why towing kills it. If you can minimise that, you avoid the problem.
Personally I prefer the auto. It locks the torque converter at highway speeds so the fuel economy starts to match the manual. I've had it off road through mud holes and rivers.
This photo is taken just after I'd crossed through the river:
And this pic is taken just after I'd done the mud holes in the exact same way:
Hope you enjoy whatever vehicle you choose.
, loved it and got quote for purchase.
