2018 Nissan Navara 2.3L Diesel · FH18 DFD

The 2.3-litre dCi diesel Navara typically returns around 35-40 mpg in mixed use, though heavily loaded or off-road use will reduce that. Fuel costs for roughly 7,700 miles per year at current diesel prices should fall in the region of £1,400-£1,700 annually depending on driving style. As a vehicle registered between 2017 and 2020, this Navara sits in VED Band I (the top band for light commercials) if classed as a commercial, or a higher-than-average road tax band if registered as a car — confirm the V5C category before purchase.

Insurance for a diesel Navara double-cab typically falls in groups 40-45, which is on the higher side; expect annual premiums of £600-£900 for an average UK buyer. Routine maintenance such as oil and filter changes is reasonably priced at around £180-£250 per service, though brake disc and pad replacements (as recently required on this vehicle) can cost £300-£450 for the front axle. Allowing for fuel, tax, insurance and routine maintenance plus a modest contingency for the wear items flagged on recent MOTs, estimated annual running costs come in at approximately £2,800-£3,500.

Begin with a physical inspection of the rear leaf springs and shackle pins, as both nearside and offside rear items were flagged with slight wear on the most recent test. Slight wear advisories often progress to outright failures within 12-24 months on working pickups, so budget for replacement bushes or shackle pins in the near future. Also check the front brake discs and pads visually, as the August 2025 test noted wear on both components; uneven wear may indicate a sticking caliper, which is a known Navara issue.

The engine MIL warning illuminated during both 2025 failures (recorded under different but related defect categories), so an OBD-II scan is essential. On the 2.3 dCi, common triggers include the DPF pressure sensor, swirl flap actuator and EGR valve — none of which are cheap. Confirm the headlamp aim has been correctly re-set, as the August 2026 failure cited 'Front Headlamp aim too high'; this is often a simple adjustment but verify it has not been done repeatedly due to damaged adjusters. Finally, inspect the tyres for uneven shoulder wear, which would corroborate the 'worn on edge' advisories from August 2025.

General inspection points for a double-cab Navara of this age include checking the chassis and rear cross-member for corrosion (a recurring warranty-related issue on D40-generation pickups), the condition of the load bed liner, and the operation of the transfer box and diff lock if fitted. Listen for clonks from the front suspension on full lock, which can indicate worn CV joints or anti-roll bar links.