2005 Nissan Patrol DT4 DIESEL

G'day, I presume a DT4 is the 3 ltr diesel? If so, Google "Nissan Patrol hand grenade", you will find many answers to your question. Good luck

hi Hamish T
i would suggest you go on the Nissan patrol forum as around that year model they were having a lot of engine problems with pistons melting and engines imploding they are not known as a very good tow vehicle or drive because of this and any nissan vehicle of that vintage could be a load of trouble for you especially trying to tow that size caravan
so be warned you would be far better off buying a pajero they are far more reliable and renown for being a great tug
cheers

Hi, as already said by others, sadly the 3ltr engine is a timebomb. The rest of the vehicle however is quite a reasonable on-roader/off-roader. The 6 cylinder version of about the same vintage is highly regarded as a capable vehicle but usually commands a much higher price.

Rob

The 3litre was known as the grenade and yes a lot of them blew up but this was primarily the pre 2004 models, blows up in later years did still occur but a lot less frequent. CRD's are proving quite reliable. There is a range of mods that can be done to make them a less vulnerable to 'grenading' but this is no guarantee against a failure but you should feel comfortable purchasing a 2005 onward model if it has been well maintained.

Lot of people with no personal experience jump on the grenade bandwagon, so to balance the negative statements above, google Toyota D4D engine failures and you'll find the same amount of failures. In one magazine I read the other day they claimed the D4D was making the Patrol 3litre look very reliable. I have owned a 2005 Patrol and currently own a D4D Prado so am very familiar with both.

Would I recommend the 3litre Patrol as a tow vehicle? No. Auto is only rated to 2500KG and the manual, while it's rated to 3200KG the dual mass flywheel and clutch doesn't go very well for very long, and it's an expensive fix. I also have three mates that have towed biggish vans and each have had to replace the clutch at around 30 000km's. They are also thirsty when pushed. In the times I towed with mine, about 1200-1500kg's it got very tiresome changing up and down gears, especially in undulating country.

The truck weighs itself weighs nearly three ton on its own and its an awful big ask for a small motor on its own let alone adding another two or so ton to it. Jump on the Patrol 4x4 forum there is plenty of info there and people more familiar with the limits will answer your questions, just expect it to be a little biased as it a single make forum.

There were plenty of niggling problems that soured my experience with the Patrol, it was very uncomfortable around town, suffered from the infamous wheel wobble, chewed panhard bushes etc amongst a whole range of other things. There just always seemed something to repair or maintain on it.

My vote would be to try and get a 6 cylinder diesel Landcruiser, its going to be more comfortable, reliable and fuel efficient. You will pay more but it would be worth it.