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Nissan

Navara

D40· 2005-2015 ute Caution
Price (AUD)
$8-22k
Body styles
Single Cab, Extra Cab, Dual Cab
Drivetrain
RWD, 4WD part-time
Origin
Japan
Built in
Spain / Thailand

Overview

Big step up in refinement from the D22 but introduced new headaches. 2005-2010 Spanish-built examples are widely regarded as better-assembled than the 2011-2015 Thai-built ones — check the VIN/build plate to identify origin. The YD25DDTi timing chain rattle and oil-coolant heat exchanger failures are the headline issues; both can be catastrophic if ignored. V9X V6 was the range-topper from 2010 — fast and torquey but rare.

Engines & variants

2.5L YD25DDTi (common-rail turbo diesel)

Engine
Common-rail turbo diesel
Config
I4 turbo
Displacement
2.5L
Power
128-140kW
Torque
403-450Nm
Drivetrain
RWD / Part-time 4WD
0–100
~11s
Economy
~9-10 L/100km combined
Tow (braked)
3000kg
Tow (unbraked)
750kg
Transmission
6MT, 5AT, 7AT (Jatco)
Timing chain / belt / gear
Chain-driven, known weak point — see problems

Pros

  • Cheap on the used market
  • Decent interior space for the era
  • Later coil-rear models comfortable
  • Spanish-built examples generally better than Thai

Cons

  • Timing chain rattle/failure is THE issue
  • Oil-coolant heat exchanger leaks (chocolate-milkshake oil)
  • EGR failures common
  • Mixed build quality (Spain vs Thailand)

Known problems

high
Timing chain rattle & failure
The headline YD25 issue. Chain stretches, tensioner fails, chain skips or snaps. Catastrophic - bent valves, dead engine. Listen carefully for chain rattle on cold start.
Fix: Full timing chain kit replacement (chain, tensioner, guides, sprockets). Use upgraded aftermarket kits. Some swap to 4M41 or 4JJ1 instead.
From 120-200k km · ~$3500-6000
high
Oil-coolant heat exchanger leak
Heat exchanger seal fails, allowing coolant into engine oil ("chocolate milkshake oil"). Engine damage if not caught.
Fix: Replace heat exchanger and gaskets. Flush oil system thoroughly. Common preventive job.
From 100k+ km · ~$300-800
medium
EGR cooler / valve failure
EGR valve fails or cooler clogs. Limp mode, rough running.
Fix: EGR clean or delete. Block plate available.
From 100k+ km · ~$500-1200
medium
Turbo VGT actuator
Variable vane turbo actuator sticks - limp mode, no boost.
Fix: Actuator replacement or full turbo. Sometimes free up with cleaning.
From 120k+ km · ~$800-2000
medium
Spanish vs Thai build quality
2005-2010 Spanish-built D40s generally have better build quality than 2011-2015 Thai-built ones.
Fix: Check build plate / VIN to identify origin. Spanish examples worth a premium.
From Any

3.0L V9X (V6 common-rail turbo diesel)

Engine
V6 common-rail turbo diesel (Renault-Nissan)
Config
V6 turbo
Displacement
3.0L
Power
170kW
Torque
550Nm
Drivetrain
RWD / Part-time 4WD
0–100
~9s
Economy
~9.5 L/100km combined
Tow (braked)
3000kg
Tow (unbraked)
750kg
Transmission
7AT (Jatco)
Timing chain / belt / gear
Chain-driven, inspect from 150,000km

Pros

  • Genuinely fast and torquey — 550Nm
  • Refined V6 character
  • Rare in the used market = curiosity factor
  • Same Renault-Nissan V6 used in Master vans and other Renault diesels

Cons

  • Rare — parts and specialists harder to find
  • EGR and DPF complexity
  • Heat exchanger and timing chain shared with YD25 risks
  • Premium pricing for what is a niche variant

Known problems

medium
EGR cooler failures
EGR cooler internal failures on the V9X are documented.
Fix: EGR cooler replacement. Delete kits exist but legal status varies.
From 100k+ km · ~$1000-2000
medium
Specialist scarcity
V9X is shared with Renault Master vans but few Australian specialists work on it regularly.
Fix: Find a Renault-experienced diesel specialist before committing to the V6.
From Any · ~Varies