4wd choice

That's what I was thinking. How could anybody who was almost sold on a Range Rover even contemplate a Patrol?

Blokes,
I can feel a "here we go again" scenario coming up.
As mentioned at the time of TrucksterNT's original post about buying a RR, there is no "right" or "wrong" vehicle. I personally own a 2000 model GU Patrol 4.2T/D. I had to deal with a Nissan dealer who seemed to think I was mad for wanting to spend more money on the 4.2 than the (supposedly) better and more powerful 3ltr newboy. I said I liked the idea of 6 pots instead of 4 and I did not want to have to worry about a computer going on the fritz on me 400klm from anywhere. I "insisted" on the old technologyin my new machine....luckily I did not even remotelt consider a slush box, as the 4.2 only comes in manual; just the way I like it.
It should not be considered a great "comedown" for TrucksterNT to be thinking of a Patrol instead of the RaaRaa. He's probably worked out that his needs are more in line with what the big Datto can provide.
As I recall, he said originally that his budget was pretty open (he might have won a lottery or something). I've often wondered what I would do if I had oodles of cash. One thing's for sure....the Nissan would remain as my 4x4 of choice. Mind you, it wouldn't sound like a Nissan once the 6.5ltr turbo'd Chev V8 diesel had been transplanted. It wouldn't initially look like a Nissan either, as it would be cut & shut into a 6x6 dual cab.
As has been said many times before, it's a case of horses for courses.
In this case if TrucksterNT wants a very bush capable ("the best" IMHO) truck onto which he can add lots of accessories to make it's 2xbeam-axle configuation even more capable, why shouldn't he go for it. Okay, I acknowledge it won't have the most plush seats, the best stereo, the best NVH rating etc etc, but it's a bloody good place to start to build a bush tourer.
Just my twopence worth.....
Cheers,
Roachie

Dead right Roachie. dead right.

The resale value of the landcruiser is no different to that of the patrol. Just because you can sell your 3 year old cruiser for more than someone with a patrol can is not the way to look at it. They cost more in the first place so you are actually losing the same amount at the same rate. The latest figures released by several major companies (NRMA etc) prove this.
I bet a 57K Patrol kitted out with 10 K worth of accessories will be worth more in three years time than a standard 67K cruiser.
Cheer, Mark.

Whichever you decide, if you want to same a stack of $$$ check out the government auctions, one or two years old with low kms most of them, just have a good look & check the service history.
In SA the site is www.auctions.sa.gov.au/

you can also have a look at the last 8 weeks sales history (prices),

Cheers Rowler (dave)

G'day Eric,
With respect, I beg to differ with your claim that (a lot of) the 3.0L Patrols are sold on power output alone.. With a (claimed) output of only a couple of KW more than the 4.2, the difference is insignificant..
I don't have the figures to hand, but I would think that the 4.2 would have to have a torque advantage, especially low in the rev. range, & the word "STRESS" springs readily to mind (in relation to the 3.0L)...
No doubt, with the obligatory 'round the block "test drive", the 3.0L "feels stronger" simply because it has lower final drive ratios..
(4.375:1, against 4.1:1 in the 4.2... Funny how Nissan never seem to mention that!)
I would contend that they are sold wholly on the significant price advantage that Nissan bestows upon them.. In some cases, no doubt the availability of auto trans. with this engine would "tip the scales"...

I have already stated my case for the 4.2 (above), and IMHO for anybody considering a Patrol, & money no object, it's the only way to go... (Putting my "flame suit" on now)...

Regards, Ed. C.Confucius say.....
"He who lie underneath automobile with tool in hand............
Not necessarily mechanic!!"

EdC,
No flame suit required from me, mate. (See my response/follow-up post above). The 3ltr's figures as advertised were 116kw and 354nm versus the 4.2lt (non-intercooled) of 114kw and 330nm. The BIG difference was when you look at the torque curve....the 3lt is quite peaky as I recall, whereas the 4.2 appealed to me because it achieved it's peak torque figure quite early and held it right through until very high revs (like over 4000; which I never subject my motor to..). With 265/75 tyres, my speed as per GPS is 2050 revs @ 100kl/h. Mates in our 4x4 club with 3 ltrs are telling me they're doing around 2500 revs @ 100kl/h. Work out how many extra times the 3ltr motor is gunna turn say in it's first 100,000 klm!!!!!
Cheers
Roachie

Thats pretty much what they said , it was the longer torque curve that had me interested. Its pretty scary stuff , what I see come into work . I use to laugh at the 2.8 turbo engines doing pumps and heads at 180,000 kms , now the 3.0L is blowing up at 100,000 kms . Seams to make sence what you said about revolutions when the 2.8 reved alot slower .Venus Bay

why cant you order a turbo diesel in a standard ?Venus Bay

Good question Eric. I even asked the toyota dealer if I could get a special order for a live axle standard with turbo, prepared to wait 6 months. But told an emphatic NO. Then offered the RV troop carrier with no intercooler and rear leaf springs and told it thats the best toyota can do(no ABS availibility either).

By the way, I have a Dtronic on my 3.0TD to make up for the relatively low power just off idle. It makes a significant difference, do not understand why Nissan don't tune the factory ECU the same way!

Cheers

MarkNissan 2003 GU 3.0TD
Windsor Rapid Offroad

Hey Captain

emmissions is the big one in regards to the ecu unit , engine life is another issue as well but im not going there

I forgot to mention the V10 Toerag - not a bad bus for $135kBob

I'd love to take the V10 for a ride, it sounds awesome, not the best raps for bush capability though.

I myself, I have trouble following all three of you Billy but thanks for your contribution!

Do people actually take Explorers offroad?????????

Just because their popular doesn't make it the best ( eg, Ford Explorer most popular 4x4 in the world!!! )