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I'm looking at a 1996 Nissan Terrano 3200cc Diesel (I think it's turbo). But I'm unsure of the economy of these vehicles as I've never owned an SUV before. I would be traveling 90km 5 days a week in it, so getting close to 1000lm per week including running around on week-ends etc.

Can anyone give me insight into these vehicles. Will it cost more than petrol? are there more expenses involved with SUV's of this brand than a normal car?

Any advice would be appreciated.

Age and mileage is the biggest risk with any vehicle like this, more so with a diesel. Ongoing maintenance costs can be extremely high while unplanned repairs can cost almost as much as the vehicles total value.

Diesels are great if you have a need for such a vehicle. For example if you want to tow a heavy caravan, horse float or boat on a regular basis then they are definitely worth strong consideration.

You don’t give the odo reading or price of this particular vehicle but one has to imagine the km’s are reasonably high.

A proven service history can help alleviate some fears of future unplanned repairs/costs but even the most well maintained high mileage diesel vehicle can become a financial nightmare.

Don’t forget also you will be paying Road User Charges of around $46 per 1,000km’s travelled as well as higher registration costs with a diesel.

A petrol powered vehicle doesn’t let you off the hook either however any major repair costs and regular servicing can be a lot less.

Remember also fuel cost are really only one part of total vehicle ownership.

I would estimate the average diesel fuel consumption to be around the 11L/100km mark however an awful lot depends on where and how the vehicle is driven and its condition.

Be careful also of this model/age Terrano. They have a reputation of rust problems in the rear floor panel (around the seat belt mounting points).

This is a very major repair and inspectors look very hard at warrant of fitness time.