I'm considering D22 Navara, feedback wanted please

Cruiser3

The D22 are at least better than the Pommy, European and Yank 4x4 ,s .
For value for money the D22 are not to bad , but they are not up to Toyota Hilux or Ford Ranger ( and their Mazda equivalent standards.
The Diesel Triton seem alright value as well.
Most of the small capacity 4x4 mentioned above will tow a van reasonably well.

Hope this helps .

Cheers

Cruiser 3

Pretty sure the D22 in standard condition have a car type clutch that is not suitable for towing Mate of mine bought one new and was informed of this after purchase (of course). Have read many forums that confirms this; however, I have no first hand knowledge as I haven't owned one.

I just recently sold my petrol 105 series LC (auto). Was a beautiful vehicle to drive; however, too thirsty both towing my 1.4t caravan and not towing. Keep your options open, I just purchased a 2.9 Turbo Diesel Hyundai Terracan 4x4 (auto) (I can hear everyone laughing) and it is great on fuel, beautiful to drive and tows the van without any probs. I am on a disability pension so every cent counts so I had to ditch the cruiser.

Gordonk

The D22 is a pretty spartan rig that only comes in a manual and still has manual locking hubs on the front. The gearing is a bit truck like so the fuel economy isn't as good as the D40 even though they have the same engine. The 2.5 diesel is known to have timing chain issues, not sure if that has been addressed in later models. It's a tough no frills ute for under $30k on the road brand new. I know all this because I looked at a new one last week...but unfortunately the blinker was on the wrong side of the steering wheel. I only like Pommy, European or Yank cars and it was sitting right next to a new VW Amarok that was double the price. :-)

Thanks for the feedback everyone.
I am going to test drive a triton today for comparison.
The triton is currently dearer than the Navara D22 but cheaper than the D40.
I could stretch the budget to get the triton if it is noticeably better.
I wonder if the reliability is better for one over the other which to me is very important.
Once again, thanks

I purchased a new 2.5td d22 for my son back in 2010 it has never missed a beat it has for the last 3 years towed a large tandem tool trailer most week days & tows our 2450 kg boat a lot of weekends 180000 klms same clutch

The torsion front end is crap if you put a steel bar & winch you will have to up grade it & it will still be no good & you have to get use to the wood pecker taping under the seats

The dual battery's are not separate so if one dies it pulls the other with it

But value for money it's hard to beat & there cheaper now than in 2010 which means they have a crap resale value if you do not keep it for a while

To Madfisher and Duck
Thanks for your informative replies
I became quite satisfied with the D22 after a test drive with one exception. That was that I felt uncomfortable with the clutch ( I had to increase the revs to about a 1000 and ease the clutch out very slowly)
Maybe this particular car had a problem but it made me worry about how I would start off when towing.
Anyway I took a Triton for a test drive today and that clutch felt quite normal, in fact I could almost let it out without increasing the revs. Furthermore the Triton has 6 airbags to the Navara's 2. Has cruise control and more power and torque. Also auto is an option should I want to go that way.
So for only $2000 extra I think the Triton may be the way to go.

Hi cruiser,in my opinion, agree with some of the other comments. just completed about 10,000 km trip to ES towing a jayco. I believe tow capacity of d22 base model manual is 2.5t, jayco was 1.8t unloaded. check out details such as battery set up( as mentioned).
wasn't aware of limitations of clutch pre purchase , but the navara didn't like the loaded weight of the van + car combined at all on a big long hill or hill start -took effort to get it going. had to drive carefully for trip. I am told navara wont respond to engine upgrades such as gas injection/diesel mix or chip as either risk warranty and increase of power is arguable/negligible . same for considering a competition air filter or a change of exhaust system . then there's the cost++. i am also told manual better tow than auto. many dealers suggested better tow capacity in any vehicle of 3t was way to go for me. diesel obviously way to go for long distance etc.. check out comparison sites and write ups in 4wd/ motoring sites. also saw a good one in a farming mag once.
Did have a patrol at one stage in the past- brilliant, large rear light set pair was for show, had no globe bases or globes!. from what I have seen, may need to spend a bit more.
MG.