Buying a used Nissan Terrano? Top things you must check first

The Terrano was Nissan‘s offering in the compact SUV market. An alternative to sister company Renault’s Duster, the Terrano was more than just a badge-engineered version. It got significant styling changes like redesigned bumpers, new grille, newer headlights and taillights, and also sheet-metal changes to the exterior.Powertrain  was borrowed straight from the Duster, so driving characteristics are vastly similar. Inside, you get a spacious cabin with an all-new interior, and the build quality is tough and robust. Until the recent facelift that came out in 2017, Nissan had not updated the car apart from a couple of anniversary editions.

Powering the Terrano is a Renault-Nissan 1.5-litre diesel engine that develops 110hp. A dash from 0-100kph will take 11.88secs and it can go all the way to a top speed of 184kph. However, there are a few niggles like the heavy clutch and the turbo lag under the 2,000rpm mark. Overtaking is easy, with a strong mid-range, and the Terrano feels at home while cruising on the highways due to its good high-speed stability and road- holding ability.

If you’re in the market for a used Terrano, it is advised to get the following checks done. Check if the engine feels lethargic and takes time to start. These are symptoms of a faulty high-pressure pump,which is an expensive fix costing almost Rs 50,000.

Here are the details:

This could happen as a result of poor quality fuel if the car in question has primarily been driven out of the city. Another issue many owners have reported is the AC compressor failing. It costs Rs 80,000 for a new one so make sure the AC is in top condition. Also, check the driver and passenger footwell for moisture or leaks. The AC drain pipe tends to leak here and this results in a foul odor. Lastly, make sure the clutch is in good shape. The high pedal effort and poor low end torque means owners are most likely to use the clutch more often and hence it can wear sooner. Replacing the entire clutch assembly will set you back by Rs 15,000, including labor costs. Lastly, check for general wear and tear parts like the suspension, brake pads and whether if there is any exterior damage. On the whole, the Terrano is a fairly reliable car. Make sure the problems above check out and you have a strong and robust SUV. Servicing the Terrano is required every 6 months/10,000km and costs around Rs 3,000-4,000. A major service will set you back by Rs 5,000-6,000. The Terrano is quite frugal too. In the city you can achieve a commendable 11.8kpl while on the highway, you can get a good 17kpl.

The Terrano is a good alternative to the Duster if you like a robust and tough feel, and also if you want something that stands out from the crowd. It is also equally reliable. Finding a used one is quite easy.

(Source: DNA)