1999 Nissan Terrano: Everything you need to know before you buy

Nissan Terrano The 1999 is a car that still attracts interest among fans of SUVs with history. Released as part of the second generation (R20), it became a logical continuation of the legendary line, which gained popularity due to its reliability and cross-country ability. In 1999, the model had already undergone several restylings, receiving a more modern design and improved technical characteristics.

Today Terrano R20 - This is a budget option for those who are looking for a simple, maintainable and unpretentious SUV. However, before purchasing, it is important to understand its weak points, operating features and nuances of choice. In this article we will analyze in detail all aspects: from engines and transmissions to typical “diseases” and tuning tips.

1999 Nissan Terrano Specifications

In 1999 Nissan Terrano R20 was offered with several options for power units, gearboxes and drives. The main modifications differed not only in power, but also in reliability. Let's look at the key parameters:

• 🔧 Engines:
  • KD22 — 2.2 l diesel (72–83 hp)
  • TD27 — 2.7 l diesel (99–100 hp)
  • KA24E — 2.4 l gasoline (134 hp)
  • SR20Di — 2.0 l gasoline (115 hp, rare for Russia)
• ⚙️ Gearboxes: 5-speed manual transmission or 4-speed automatic transmission (petrol versions only).
• 🚙 Drive: full (4WD) with a plug-in front axle or permanent all-wheel drive (All-Mode 4WD in top trim levels).
• 📏 Dimensions: 4100×1690×1870 mm (length×width×height), wheelbase - 2230 mm.

The most common on the Russian market were diesel versions with TD27 And KD22. Gasoline KA24E It is less common, but is valued for its higher power and less sensitivity to fuel quality. An automatic transmission is a rarity, and its presence significantly affects the price.

Parameter	KD22 (diesel)	TD27 (diesel)	KA24E (petrol)
Volume, l	2.2	2.7	2.4
Power, hp	72–83	99–100	134
Fuel type	Diesel	Diesel	AI-92
Fuel consumption, l/100 km	8–10	10–12	12–14
Engine life, km	300 000+	400 000+	250 000–300 000

An important nuance: TD27 diesel engines manufactured before 2000 often suffer from a “head” problem (cracks between the valves) if they were operated on low-quality fuel or overheated.

Weaknesses and typical problems

Nissan Terrano R20 The 1999 is a reliable car, but with age it develops characteristic “illnesses.” Knowing these weak points will help you avoid costly repairs or correctly assess the condition of the car before purchasing.

• ⚠️ Body corrosion: The main problem is rust in the arches, sills and the bottom of the doors. Welding areas and drainage holes are especially vulnerable.
• 🔥 Engine overheating: A common cause is a clogged radiator or faulty thermostat. Diesel versions are sensitive to overheating, which can lead to cracks in the cylinder head.
• 🛢️ Oil leaks: Crankshaft seals, rear camshaft seal and valve cover gasket are common sources of leaks.
• 🔗 Suspension: wear of silent blocks, ball joints and wheel bearings is a standard problem for cars with a mileage of 200,000 km.
• ⚡ Electrical: oxidation of contacts in the fuse box, problems with the generator and starter.

⚠️ Attention: if upon examination Terrano If you notice oil in the cooling system or white smoke from the exhaust pipe, this is a sign of a blown cylinder head gasket or a crack in the head. Repairs will cost 30,000–50,000 rubles.

Another common problem is handout. Over time, the bearings and gears wear out, which is manifested by a hum or vibration when moving. Replacing the transfer case assembly is expensive (from 40,000 rubles), but often it is enough to change individual parts (for example, a chain or bearings).

How to choose a 1999 Nissan Terrano: buyer's checklist

Upon purchase Nissan Terrano R20 It is important to carefully check not only the technical condition, but also the history of the car. Here are the key points to pay attention to:

Inspect the body for rust (especially arches and sills)

Check the level and condition of the oil in the engine and gearbox

Make sure there are no leaks from under the seals and gaskets

Test all-wheel drive operation (turn on 4WD and check for any backlash)

Check documents for broken numbers or criminal history-->

The first thing to start with is body inspection. Use a magnet to check for putty on sills and arches. If the magnet does not stick, this is a sign of hidden corrosion or past repairs. Also pay attention to the uniformity of the gaps between the body panels: discrepancies may indicate an accident.

Next - engine. Start the car when cold and listen to the operation:

• 🔊 A knock at the top of the engine is possible wear of the valves or camshaft.
• 🔊 A dull knock at the bottom - problems with the crankshaft or liners.
• 🔊 Extraneous noise when idling - a malfunction of the timing belt or fuel pump (for diesel engines).

Don't forget to check transmission:

• 🔄 Jerks when shifting gears - clutch wear or problems with the gearbox.
• 🔄 Rumble when driving - possible wear of bearings in the distributor or gearboxes.
• 🔄 Vibration at a speed of 80–100 km/h - imbalance of the driveshaft or wear of the crosspieces.

⚠️ Attention: if the seller refuses to provide the car for diagnostics on a lift or a service station, this is a reason to be wary. Most likely, it hides serious problems with the chassis or transmission.

Operation and maintenance: what the owner needs to know

Nissan Terrano R20 — the car is unpretentious, but requires regular maintenance. Here are the basic recommendations for extending its service life:

• 🛢️ Engine oil: change every 7,000–10,000 km. For diesels TD27 And KD22 use oil with viscosity 15W-40 (For example, Mobil Delvac or Shell Rimula). Petrol KA24E less demanding - suitable 10W-40.
• ⚙️ Transmission oils: Replace the gearbox, transfer case and axles every 50,000–60,000 km. Suitable for manual transmission GL-4 80W-90, for distribution - GL-5 85W-90.
• 🔧 Brake system: Pads and discs last about 30,000–40,000 km, but wear accelerates with aggressive driving. Regularly check the brake fluid level and condition of the hoses.
• ❄️ Winter operation: diesel versions do not start well at −20°C and below. Use winter diesel fuel or anti-gel, and also check the glow plugs.

Pay special attention cooling system. B Terrano R20 The radiator often clogs, which leads to overheating. Recommended:

• Flush the cooling system every 2 years.
• Use ethylene glycol based antifreeze (e.g. CoolStream A-110).
• Check the operation of the cooling fan (it should turn on at a temperature of 95–100°C).

If you plan to operate the car in difficult conditions (off-road, towing a trailer), be sure to strengthen the suspension. Standard shock absorbers and springs Terrano not designed for constant loads. Popular options for tuning:

• 🚗 Installation of spacers to increase ground clearance (up to +3 cm).
• 🔧 Replacing shock absorbers with oil or gas oil ones (for example, Kayaba or Monroe).
• 🔗 Reinforced ball joints and silent blocks (for example, from Febi or TRW).

Tuning and modernization: what can be improved

Nissan Terrano R20 — an excellent basis for tuning, both external and technical. Let's consider the main directions of modernization:

1. External tuning

The most popular improvements:

• 🔥 Installation of LED headlights or foglights (for example, Hella or Osram).
• 🎨 Full or partial painting (often owners choose matte or chameleon shades).
• 🚙 Protective bars on the bumper and sills (for example, from ARB or Ironman 4x4).
• 🔄 Replacing wheel rims with cast or forged ones (popular sizes: 15x7 or 16x8).

2. Technical tuning

To improve cross-country ability and dynamics:

• 🛢️ Chip tuning of diesel engines (for example, firmware from RaceChip can add up to 20 hp).
• 🔧 Installation of the turbine to atmospheric KA24E (requires modification of the piston group).
• 🚗 Differential locks (for example, ARB Air Locker for the rear axle).
• 🔄 Replacing standard springs with reinforced ones (for example, from Old Man Emu).

One of the most popular tuning options is winch installation. For Terrano R20 Models with a towing capacity of 8,000–9,500 lbs are suitable (e.g. Warn Zeon or Comeup Seal Gen2). In this case, it is important to strengthen the front bumper or install a special frame plate for mounting.

What to do if vibration appears at speed after a suspension lift?

Vibration after increasing ground clearance is most often associated with changes in wheel alignment angles. Solution:

1. Check wheel balancing.

2. Adjust the wheel alignment (adjusting washers may be required).

3. Check the condition of the CV joints and cardan shafts - with a large lift, they may operate at the wrong angle.

Cost of 1999 Nissan Terrano on the secondary market

Price for Nissan Terrano R20 1999 depends on condition, mileage, equipment and region. In 2026, the price range looks like this:

Condition	Mileage, km	Price, rub.	Notes
Needs renovation	200 000–300 000	150 000–250 000	Rust, faulty engine or gearbox
Satisfactory	150 000–200 000	250 000–350 000	Works, but has some minor glitches
good	100 000–150 000	350 000–500 000	No rust, freshly renovated
Excellent	up to 100,000	500 000–700 000	Garage storage, full service
Tuned	any	400 000–1 000 000+	Depends on the level of improvements

The most expensive options are cars with a gasoline engine KA24E and automatic transmission. Diesel versions TD27 And KD22 cheaper, but their repair and maintenance are more expensive due to the specifics of diesel engines.

When purchasing, pay attention to region of operation. Cars from southern regions (for example, Krasnodar region) often have less corrosion, but may suffer from overheating. Cars from the northern regions (Siberia, Far East) most often have off-road mileage, which affects the condition of the suspension and transmission.

Alternatives to the 1999 Nissan Terrano

If Nissan Terrano R20 doesn't quite suit your needs, consider similar SUVs from the same period:

• 🚗 Mitsubishi Pajero II (1991–1999): more comfortable, but more difficult to repair. Engines 4D56 (diesel) and 6G72 (gasoline) are considered reliable.
• 🔧 Toyota Hilux Surf (1997–2002): Legendary reliability, but prices are higher. Diesel 1KZ-TE - one of the best in the class.
• 🛢️ Isuzu Trooper (1998–2002): simple and durable, but parts are harder to find. Engine 4JG2 (3.1 diesel) is famous for its resource.
• ⚡ SsangYong Musso (1999–2005): Cheap to buy, but less reliable. Engine XDI 2.9 problematic.
• 💰 Suzuki Grand Vitara (1998–2005): more compact, but with all-wheel drive Super Select. Gasoline J20A (2.0 L) is a good option.

Compared to competitors Nissan Terrano R20 stands out:

• ✅ Simplicity of design and maintainability.
• ✅ Good cross-country ability thanks to a short wheelbase and high ground clearance (210 mm).
• ✅ Large selection of spare parts (many parts are interchangeable with Nissan Pathfinder R50).

However, it also has disadvantages:

• ❌ Outdated brake system (rear drums in basic versions).
• ❌ Noisy and hard suspension.
• ❌ High fuel consumption (especially for gasoline versions).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the 1999 Nissan Terrano

❓ Which engine is better to choose: TD27 or KD22?

TD27 more powerful and reliable, but more sensitive to fuel quality and overheating. KD22 more economical and easier to repair, but weaker off-road. Suitable for the city and highway KD22, for a serious offroad - TD27.

❓ Is it possible to install an automatic machine on the diesel version?

Technically possible, but will require replacing the engine with a gasoline one KA24E or VQ30DE (from Nissan Pathfinder), since standard diesel engines are not compatible with automatic transmissions. The cost of alteration is from 200,000 rubles.

❓ How much does a TD27 engine overhaul cost?

Overhaul with replacement of the piston group, liners and grinding of the crankshaft will cost 80,000–120,000 rubles. If you need to replace the block head, another +30,000–50,000 rubles.

❓ What kind of oil to pour into the distributor and bridges?

Transmission oil is suitable for transfer case and axles GL-5 85W-90 (For example, Castrol Axle EPX or Liqui Moly Hypoid-Getriebeoil). Change every 50,000–60,000 km.

❓ Where can I find spare parts for Terrano R20?

Main sources:

• 🛒 Exist.ru, Autodoc.ru — original and non-original parts.
• 🔧 Showdowns (for example, Drom.ru or Avito).
• 🌍 Order from Japan (via Buyee or Japancars.ru).
• 🏭 Direct deliveries from manufacturers (for example, Febi, Sasic, NK).