Ray replied:

Lex
Welcome to the converted I went from a L/C to a Nissan 18 months ago. 3TD which is excellent to drive on and offroad. I have just changed to 4.2TD Nissan Ute. Both are good and much cheaper to purchase that the L/C. Our 4WD club has over the last 3 years have gone from 75% toy to 75% Nissan mainly because of price. Both vehicles are good, Toy a bit better finished but not 10000 better.

John Sullivan replied:

Lex, have a look at Nissan forum at Yahoo http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Patrol4WD/ good info on Nissan 3 lt . Hope this helps

tim replied:

lex i have 3l partol generally reliable but there has been discussions re weak clutches,failing early and there seems to be an earthing problem i think the cruiser has a lower first gear ratio which might give it an edge in steep country. IMHO the patrol is better value,if you check out glasses guide on resale values the 3l holds value much better than the 4.2 patrol funny as the 4.2 patrol costs more.

Andreas replied:

Lex, I currently have a 3lTD Patrol. Generally I am happy with the vehicle. It represents excellent value for money especially when compared to LC. If I was buying again I would probably recommend the 4.2 since it has a much flatter torque curve. The 3l is great once it is spinning but it can be lacking off idle. The comments on weak clutches is probably due to people slipping the clutch to get the engine rpm up so the turbo comes on boost. If you are looking for a good allround touring vehicle the 3l Patrol is well worth a look and it is quite economical to run considering its size & weight.

Will replied:

Lex, I have a 99 GU 4.2 Turbodiesel. I have driven the 2.8, 3.0L and the new 4.8 petrol, I would not change my 4.2 diesel for any of them...
Simplicity, proven reliability and performace and a flat torque for off road/towing make it the best. The resale value for the 4.2 is better in the longer term, however if you are planning to change again in two years the 3.0L sells better. I have friends with 2.8 and 3.0L patrols, they get about the same fuel economy as my 4.2, the smaller engines use more in the hard stuff though...
If you are going to use it off road get the 4.2, a friend of mine went from an 80series petrol to a 3.0L diesel and although he is happy he misses the low down torque....
The 3.0L are having troubles with the Computers, apparently an EGR opening timing in hot weather, Bosch is working on it.
Will