1998 Nissan Terrano: everything you need to know about this legendary SUV

Nissan Terrano the first generation (1998 model year) is a real legend of the domestic car market. This SUV, created on the basis Mistubishi Pajero, has gained popularity due to its unpretentiousness, reliability and excellent maneuverability. Even after 25 years Terrano R20 (as the first generation was designated) remains in demand among off-road enthusiasts and connoisseurs of retro technology.

In 1998 Nissan Terrano It was offered with petrol and diesel engines, all-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive, and with manual or automatic transmission. However, it is the diesel versions with the engine 2.7 TD and all-wheel drive Super Select became the most popular in Russia. In this article we will look at all the key aspects: from technical characteristics to typical problems and repair tips.

1998 Nissan Terrano Specifications

In 1998 Nissan Terrano was produced in several modifications, but the main technical parameters remained similar. The model was based on the platform Mitsubishi Pajero first generation, which determined its design features. Below are key data for the most common versions.

Engines Terrano R20 ranged from modest gasoline 2.4L 4G64 to powerful diesel 2.8L 4M40. The latter, by the way, was considered one of the most reliable and durable. The transmission was offered to choose from: 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. All-wheel drive system Super Select allowed you to switch between modes 2H, 4H And 4L on the go, which was an innovation for that time.

Parameter	Gasoline 2.4L (4G64)	Diesel 2.7L (4M40)	Diesel 2.8L (4M40)
Power, hp	125	95	125
Torque, Nm	196	235	294
Transmission type	Manual/automatic transmission	Manual transmission	Manual transmission
Fuel consumption (combined), l/100 km	12–14	9–11	10–12
Max. speed, km/h	160	145	155

The suspension deserves special attention: the front is independent on double wishbones and the rear is dependent on springs. This design provided excellent maneuverability, but required regular maintenance. Clearance in 210 mm made it possible to overcome serious off-road conditions, and the approach and departure angles (36° and 25°, respectively) made Terrano one of the best SUVs of its time.

Weaknesses and typical problems

Despite the legendary reliability, Nissan Terrano 1998 has a number of characteristic “diseases” that every owner should know about. Many problems are related to age of the car and features of operation in Russian conditions. Let's consider the most critical points.

The first thing owners complain about is body corrosion. The sills, wheel arches and underbody are especially vulnerable. If the car was not treated with anticorrosive from the factory (and in 1998 this was a rarity), then after 10–15 years the metal begins to actively rot. Second weak point - electrician. Over time, contacts oxidize, relays and fuses fail, and wiring becomes fragile.

• 🔧 Engine: Diesel versions often wear out injection pump (high pressure fuel pump), and for gasoline ones - valve cover gasket and seals.
• 🔥 Transmission: In automatic transmissions, clutches wear out, and in transfer cases, bearings and seals wear out.
• 🚗 Suspension: Tie rod bushings, silent blocks and shock absorbers quickly fail.
• ⚡ Electronics: frequent problems with the generator, starter and engine control unit (ECU).

⚠️ Attention: If your Terrano started to “eat” oil (more than 1 liter per 1000 km), this may indicate wear valve stem seals or piston rings. In diesel engines, a similar symptom is often associated with the occurrence of rings due to low-quality fuel.

Unique to the 1998 Terrano, the Super Select all-wheel drive system requires regular checks of oil levels in the transfer case and gearboxes. Neglect of this rule leads to failure of the front axle coupling.

Maintenance and repair: what you need to know

Operation Nissan Terrano 1998 has its own nuances. Main rule: regular maintenance extends the life of the car by decades. Let's look at the key points that are worth paying attention to.

First - changing oils and filters. In diesel engines, it is recommended to change the oil every 7–8 thousand km, in gasoline - every 10 thousand km. It is important to use oils with a viscosity 10W-40 or 15W-40 (depending on climate). Transmission oil in the box, transfer case and axles must be updated every 50–60 thousand km.

Changing the engine oil and oil filter|

Checking the oil level in the gearbox, transfer case and axles|

Diagnostics of the brake system (pads, discs, hoses)|

Checking the condition of timing belts and generator|

Cleaning the fuel system (especially for diesel versions) -->

Second - suspension diagnostics. Every 20 thousand km it is necessary to check the condition of silent blocks, ball joints and shock absorbers. Pay special attention torque rod bushings — their wear leads to play in the rear axle. It is also recommended to lubricate once a year cardan shaft crosspiecesto avoid vibrations.

⚠️ Attention: When replacing silent blocks with Terrano Often there are problems with their pressing. Use only original parts or high-quality analogues from Febi or Lemforder - cheap fakes fall apart after 5-10 thousand km.

Third - body care. If your Terrano has already undergone corrosion, it is necessary to carry out a complete sandblasting and anti-corrosion protection. Welds and fender liner attachment points are especially vulnerable. For prevention you can use Movil or liquid plastic.

Tuning and modernization: what can be improved

Nissan Terrano 1998 — an excellent basis for tuning, whether to improve cross-country ability or comfort. Many owners start with raising the ground clearance and installations off-road wheels. However

One of the popular options is installation of differential locks. This significantly improves off-road performance, but requires proper tuning. Also, many owners replace standard springs with reinforced (for example, from Old Man Emu), which allows you to increase the ground clearance by 3–5 cm without sacrificing rigidity.

• 🔧 Engine: chip tuning of diesel versions can add up to 20–30 hp, but requires the installation of a reinforced intercooler.
• 🎨 Exterior: popular bumpers from ARB, winches and additional lights Hella or PIAA.
• 🛋️ Interior: replacing seats with more comfortable ones (for example, from Recaro) and installation of a modern radio with support Android Auto.
• 🔋 Electrical: installation of a second battery or solar panel for autonomous trips.

An important nuance: when installing wheels of larger diameter (for example, 31 or 33 inches), it is necessary to reconfigure the speedometer, since the standard speed sensor will show incorrect data.

How to choose a 1998 Nissan Terrano on the secondary market

Upon purchase Nissan Terrano 1998 In the secondary market, it is important to carefully check the history of the car and its technical condition. The average price for such machines varies from 150,000 to 400,000 rubles, depending on mileage and condition. Here's what you should pay attention to first.

First - documents. Make sure the car is not pawned or stolen. Check your history through services Autocode or traffic police. Second - body condition. Inspect the car on a lift or overpass: rust on the side members or sills may cause you to refuse the purchase.

How to check Terrano for hidden problems?

1. Start the engine “cold” - smoke from the exhaust pipe may indicate wear on the piston group.

2. Check the oil on the dipstick: if it is black and has metal shavings, this is a sign of serious engine wear.

3. Test the all-wheel drive: turn on the 4L mode and check for any extraneous noise in the transfer case.

4. Make sure all power windows and locks work - wiring problems can be costly.

Third - test drive. Please note the following points:

• 🔊 Extraneous noise in the gearbox or transfer case when changing gears.
• 🚘 Play in the steering or uneven tire wear (indicates problems with the suspension).
• 🔥 Engine overheating (may indicate a thermostat or pump malfunction).
• ⚡ Unstable operation of electronics (for example, a flashing light Check Engine).

⚠️ Attention: If the seller refuses to provide the car for independent diagnostics, this is a reason to be wary. Often, serious problems are hidden under such a pretext, for example, cylinder head gasket failure or clutch wear.

Operation in winter: tips and tricks

Winter operation Nissan Terrano 1998 has its own characteristics, especially when it comes to the diesel version. The main problem is fuel freezing, since summer diesel fuel crystallizes already at –5°C. To avoid this you need to use winter diesel fuel or add antigel.

Second - battery. In cold weather, the battery capacity drops, so before winter, check its condition and replace it if necessary. It is also recommended to insulate the battery with a special case. Third - oil. For winter it is better to use synthetic or semi-synthetic oil with a viscosity 5W-40to make cold starts easier.

• ❄️ Preparing for winter: Check the condition of the glow plugs (for diesel) and replace them if necessary.
• 🔥 Warming up the engine: Do not leave the car idling for a long time - this leads to carbon deposits on the pistons.
• 🚗 Tires: Use winter tires with studs or velcro, as standard all-season tires do not provide enough grip.
• 🔧 Brakes: Check the condition of the brake pads and discs - in winter the braking distance increases.

Alternatives and analogues: how to compare Terrano 1998

If you are considering Nissan Terrano 1998 as an option for purchase, it is worth comparing it with the main competitors of the time. The main alternatives are Mitsubishi Pajero (on which, in fact, it is based Terrano), Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 90 And Suzuki Grand Vitara.

Mitsubishi Pajero the first generation is almost identical Terrano, but is often found in better configuration. Toyota Prado 90 more comfortable and reliable, but also more expensive. Suzuki Grand Vitara more compact and more economical, but inferior in maneuverability. Below is a comparison table of key parameters.

Parameter	Nissan Terrano R20	Mitsubishi Pajero I	Toyota Prado 90	Suzuki Grand Vitara
Engine (diesel)	2.7L / 2.8L	2.5L / 2.8L	3.0L	2.0L
Power, hp	95–125	99–125	125–170	80–128
Fuel consumption, l/100 km	9–12	10–13	11–14	8–11
Patency	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐
Average price, rub.	150 000–400 000	200 000–500 000	500 000–1 200 000	250 000–600 000

If your budget is limited, Terrano - one of the best options in terms of price/quality ratio. It's cheaper Prado, but is not inferior to it in cross-country ability, and in terms of maintainability it surpasses many modern crossovers. However, if comfort is important to you, you should take a closer look at Pajero or Prado.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the Nissan Terrano 1998

Which engine is better to choose: gasoline or diesel?

Diesel engines 2.7 TD And 2.8 TD are considered more reliable and economical, especially for off-road use. They have a large resource (up to 500,000 km with proper maintenance) and better torque at low speeds. Gasoline engines are easier to repair, but less durable and more power hungry.

How much does a 1998 Terrano engine overhaul cost?

The cost of capital depends on the type of engine. For diesel 2.7L 4M40 price varies from 80,000 to 150,000 rubles (including spare parts and labor). Gasoline 2.4L 4G64 will cost less - approx. 50,000–100,000 rubles. It is important to use original spare parts or high-quality analogues.

Is it possible to install HBO on Terrano 1998?

Yes, but with reservations. It is not advisable to install LPG on diesel versions. Can be installed on gasoline engines 4th generation HBO, but this will require ECU tuning. The main disadvantage is the loss of power at 5–10% and the risk of valve overheating if adjusted incorrectly.

What kind of oil should I put in the transfer case and axles?

It is recommended to use gear oil for the transfer case and axle gearboxes GL-5 80W-90 or 75W-90. Dispensing volume - 1.3 l, for the front axle - 1.5 l, for the rear - 1.8 l. You need to change the oil every 50–60 thousand km.

Where can I find parts for Terrano 1998?

Spare parts for Nissan Terrano R20 are still widely available on the market. Original parts can be ordered by catalog numbers Nissan or Mitsubishi (many components are interchangeable). There are also high-quality analogues from Febi, Sachs, TRW And Monroe. For rare parts, you should go to a disassembly shop or specialized online stores.