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I am thinking about buying a 1997 Nissan Avenir automatic with 140,000 kms and a CD2000 Turbo motor. Are these good reliable motors with no nasty habits?

John

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 14 December 2009

Nissan make reliable diesel engines and this seems to be no exception.My spies tell me the engine is a little unconventional in design but nothing extreme.

Diesels of this age often need more regular servicing than a petrol equivalent so be prepared for oil and filter changes every 3 months or 5,000kms which ever comes first.

Any future major engine repairs can also become very expensive in comparison to a petrol power unit, so buying a vehicle with a good service history may be beneficial in the long run