Patrols vs LC?

They're all good vehicles. I'd suggest that you consider the one that is in the best condition, lowest km, amybe offers extras and has a good service history (and previous owner is contactable).

Hi V8 diesel,

I used to have a 1HZ 80 std 80 series and this is very similair to the 105 series std. And as you know I have the 3.0TD GU. So as you are after 1ST HAND experience here, I feel qualified to speak for 2 of the vehicles.

My 80 series (105 equivalent) was a fantatstic vehicle and took me to many out of the way places. I never had a problem with the drivetrain (did have a front lokka though) and the only time it let me down was when the glowplugs didn't let it start on a cold day (an easy work around). I really loved my 80 series and would have no problems in buying one again EXCEPT they are S...L...O....W.... I used to tow my 1.6T offroad van and it was a real chore. While it would cruise confortably on 100km/hr on the flat, show it a hill and start changing the gears!!! But without the van behind, I never had a problem but overtaking was a hit and miss affair. But I did fit extractors and 2 1/2" exhaust to try and get more power. Overall perhaps still my sentimnetal favourite.

My series III GU 3.0TD is a very nice capable 4WD. It is far quieter than my old 80 and both have relatively similair handling (both big and heavy - not a sports car;-). While I have only done 20,000kms so far, you cannot compare the comfort factor of the ST vs the std cruiser (power windows/mirrors, cloth/carpet etc...) the GU is simply MUCH nicer to drive everyday.

As I unfortunately have to use my GU mostly as urban transport, it does a better job than the 80, and a lot of that is mainly because of the engine. While we all have read the various issues, I will only comment on how it performs here (but will add it has never let me down!).

The power of the 4 cycl diesel is unbelieveable. I was a true 6 cycl+ only person and am still amazed at the performance of the 3.0TD (with Dtronic I might add). It even outpointed the mighty 4.5 petrol cruiser in a roll-on "drag'" from 80km/hr to 135+. It led all the way and just shows how much torque it has. When towing, I simply engage the cruise control and thats it!!! Rarely do I ever have to change back a gear for a hill, unlike the 80 where it felt like you were rowing!!!

But what I don't like about the GU is the low range ratio of 2:1. The cruiser was noteiceable better with its 2.5:1 and thats not because of better low down torque, the actual low range top speed of the nissan is simply too high compared to the cruiser (both had 33" tyres). I also miss the bigger tanks of the 80 series (145L vs 125L) but the marginally better economy makes the difference minimal (GU 11.5L/100km towing 15.7L/100kms vs Cruiser 12.5L/100kms towing 17L/100kms).

While I really liked the old 80 (and 105series) I am very happy with my GU and am glad I went that way. However one option I did have was to get a 105 and put a turbo in it. I did not do that due to warranty issues (I was buying new), but also because you miss out on the nice confort items like power windows/mirrors, carpet etc... Perhaps the most noteable thing is the ease of everyday driving with more power than I really need. It simply makes driving that much more relaxed, something i didn't realise until after I had the 3.0TD for a while.

Anyway, whatever way you go, all 3 are good vehicles and I am sure you will like whatever you choose. Good luck.

Cheers

Captain

How about bloke in our clubs TD42..

Nissan Patrol GU 1999 ST,
4.2 TD,
140,000kms,
power windows, a/c, cruise control,
Pioneer mp3 player,
Unifilter 2 stage main filter, 3 x unifilter pre cleaners for snorkel,
7 seater (very back seats removed and stored in shed) for 4X4 Storage components full storage system,
fridge slide,
Bushman fridge with highlid, low lid and dairy basket and half cargo barrier with 2 x 20lt jerrycan storage behind back seats,
fold down table on rear door (vehicle used as display for 4x4 Storage at Wandin in 2003 & 2004)
25lt flexi-tank inner-guard water bladder.

In addition there is a second storage module that replaces back seats for long trips,
Milford Cargo barrier for behind front seats and an 80lt flexi-tank floor bladder for long trips.
TJM T15 steel bar,
Ramsey Platinum 9500 with 4.6hp motor low mount winch,
ARB Smart solenoid dual battery kit with two plugs wired to rear of vehicle,
2 new N70ex battery's,
Safari snorkel,
Dept. of interior centre roof console,
Uniden UH100 UHF, Uniden PC122 AM/SSB, mikes have been wired to plug into centre floor console.
Dobinson 5 inch lift kit, EFS Long travel shocks (2 months old),
extended brake lines, extended breathers, front & rear sway bar disconnects,
4way Steering stabiliser,
Opposite Lock rear steel bar and twin wheel carrier,
tinted windows,
CJ 4WD transfer case bash plate,
Lightforce D170 spotlights,
Glind Shower,
4 new cooper STT 285/75/16.
4 jungle trekker 2 34 x 11.5 (worn approx 2mm from new) on Trax II 16 x 8 inch rims,
Serviced every 5,000 kms,
Heavy duty clutch fitted at 70,000kms before 1 month trip up north,
New front wheel bearings fitted at 100,000km's to be sure.
Good condition,
10 months Reg and RWC.
Take base price and add, depending on accessories wanted.

Base Vehicle
Nissan Patrol GU 1999 ST, 4.2 TD, 140,000kms, power windows, a/c, cruise control, 7 seater 25lt flexi-tank inner-guard water bladder. TJM T15 steel bar, Safari snorkel, 4way steering stabiliser, Dept. of interior centre roof console, Uniden UH100 UHF, Uniden PC122 AM/SSB, mikes have been wired to plug into centre floor console. Serviced every 5,000 kms, Heavy-duty clutch fitted at 70,000kms before 1 month trip up north, new front wheel bearings fitted at 100,000km's to be sure. Good condition, 10 months Reg and RWC
$35,000 negotiable

Vehcile is in Melbourne, pictures will be posted soon

Jason O.
Mobile 0417 351 064

If I were choosing between the 3 vehicles you have mentioned only, I would go the 4.8 patrol, and unichip it to get the extra economy, and performance, as well as your accesories to take into account.

I would also choose a good suspension set up, to maximise the feel of the vehicle on the road, and tyres, and run some slotted cross drilled rotors and some nice material brake pads so it will stop, as well as go.

If driving alot of km, want something that does it easy.

If the type of vehicle was open, then the V6 120 series would be my choice.

HI V8 Diesel
For my money I'd stick with the Nissans, you are familiar with them, the 3LTD is not as bad as is made out mine has done 158k and even though I've had problems with injector pump sensor, the truck has done everything I've aksed it do do and more
Mike

G'day V8Diesel,

If you get close to thinking strongly about the 4.8 Patrol and are still worried about fuel economy - then converting it to LPG with dual fuel is an option to be considered. I recently purchased an 8/99 GU Ti at 90K Km for $31.5K as a tow vehicle for a 2T+ van and had it converted with a 92L usable LPG tanks and a 75L long range petrol tank - all underneath. It's about 40% cheaper to run, with little noticeable loss of power with the petrol option at the press of a button for a little extra grunt if needed. It cost $2950 conversion all up with long range petrol tank included, which will pay for itself in 28K Km of normal driving or 17K Km with van - so it's good business - and prolongs engine life. The concern about access to LPG in out of the way places is worthy of mention, but the 75L petrol tank gives 300-400 Km range depending on whether you're towing something heavy or not. The purchase seems to have been vindicated (and it's nice to have those little luxuries like climate control which provides ducts for everyone, cruise control, CD stacker etc. etc.) when I found "JustCruisin" doing the Big One with pretty much the same outfit as I have which is as yet untested outback.

www.justcruisin.bigpondhosting.com is worth a look to see how they're motoring. Started from Adelaide on 24 June and are presently south of Karratha via Alice, Darwin, Broome etc.

Happy hunting

Pete

Hi V8 diesel, I think you know which one I would go for.Anyway mate when you are in Perth look us up and we will have a beer
regards uppy