Nissan 4.2 or 3.0lt

The Turbo 4.2 is the best option, especially if you intend to keep it for a while, as I believe the smaller engine will cost more to maintain long term.

I also think the larger engine would be more suited if you intend doing many long trips.

I had been keen on updating to the new GU patrol but have ended up going with the Toyota 100 for a number of reasons. 1. The 3.0lTD motor is just too complicated, too electronic and thus a real nightmare if it decided to breakdown in the bush. 2. The 4.2lTD motor has been confirmed to me by rural Nissan dealers (of all people), and some remote Telstra service guys, to be a motor that if pushed much over 110km/hr, it WILL overheat. Yes, a motor that Nissan claims to be for our Aussie conditions will overheat if pushed a little. I have also been told that some dealers have to keep a spare motor on hand. All reasurring stuff. The old naturally aspirated 4.2L diesel motor is the best performer all round but Nissan, in their wisdom, dont have that as an option. They feel us 4w drivers want more power, however in doing this have stuffed up big time. I have just bought a Cruiser 100 standard, with the NON turbo 4.2 diesel that I know from experience is a damn good, reliable and non overheating motor beyond the 110km/hr limit.
However it is all horses for courses. Good luck.

Peter,
I have a 2.8itd which has not given me any problems. A lot of the club (Land Rover) members have either the 3.0L or 4.2L which run ok. We have not had any overheating problems with the 4.2 which have had trips to the Cape, Simpson etc. The only problem on the Simpson run was a 100 series with clutch and gearbox which was eventually trucked home for major repair. I don't believe that these vehicles have any more electronic problems than any other modern 4by. In fact, some of our members have dropped Toyota and Land Rover in favour of the Patrol. If I could afford it, I would upgrade to the 4.2L because it is a better tow vehicle. On a normal run without trailors, the 4.2L only puts in about 2L more than I do on refuelling.

I'm sick of hearing that computer-controlled motors are "too complicated and a nightmare if they break down in the bush". Is anybody seriously suggesting that the old coil/distributor/points/carby petrol motors are better in any way than modern electronic-ignition fuel-injected ones, or that "dumb" mechanically-injected diesels are better than electronically controlled ones? The reason modern diesels are gradually overcoming the gutless, smelly, noisy reputation of their predecessors is because of electronic engine management. The fact that the Patrol 3l TD is as powerful as the 4.2l TD says it all.

And what's more likely to break down in the bush, a box of moving, spinning, reciprocating, breakable parts, or a solid-state electronic component with zero moving parts? In any case, in the unlikely event of an electronic component failure there is always a limp-home mode.

My home "fleet" consists of a pair of early-eighties Jap buzz-boxes and a late-eighties efi Commodore. The Japs are a nightmare to keep tuned and running properly, while the Commodore starts first time and just keeps going. I know which one I'd trust a long way from anywhere.

Hi Guys

I'll put my 2c worth in here..Yep, electronics do break down, but as has already been said, so do mechanical bits. If your electronics last 3 months, chances are they will last forever.

We have had our 3.0L TDi Patrol Manual for just over 3 months now and are really pleased with it. The fuel consumption on a trip recently with our 1320kg (GVM) Jayco camper trailer on the back was 13.5l/100k @ 95kph criuse, in 5th gear, up hill and down dale, so no complaints there.

Maintenance on any modern motor is going to be expensive, so might as well get used to it .. and that's any brand of motor.

Others will have their say also i'm sure....

Regards
MikeF

Peter, Horses for courses I think. I recently bought a 4.2 Turbo Diesel.
The 3.0 is very responsive to drive and about $6,000 cheaper than the 4.2 turbo diesel. It is well suited to the average person doing touring and highway work.
The disadvantages are complexity and the engine's dislike for poor quality fuel (common in Oz), due to the very high fuel pressure in this type of engine. The turbo also comes in relatively late, making progess rather jerky on rough trails.
I bought the 4.2 because of simplicity, ruggedness, reliability (old fashioned truck engine) and the fact that the turbo spins up just above idle, making it a good trail machine. The difference is big engine/small turbo or small engine/big turbo. Both engines can be improved with intercooler (4.2) and chip fiddling (3.0) if you have a spare $2,000, before replacing stuff (bigger turbo, 3" exhaust etc.).
Both are good vehicles, but have different strengths.

Peter, I've owned the 3.0ltr manual for 18 months and done 2 trips to the outback, and numerous weekend jaunts. Like yourself, we just do "your average stuff". Wife & two kids have plenty of room (for themselves and the gear), and the car goes like a dream. This engine has been used in light trucks in europe for a number of years prior to its release in Australia. I service it myself, and its a cinch. Cheers.

I have had a 3.0 l for since May 2000 (over 2 years) with 50,000 on the clock. Car has been over all sorts of terrain.

At 20,000ks the engine stopped. The charge wire from the alternator shorted on the AC pipes, battery did not charge and no power means no electronics. I connected the second battery and this got me to a NIssan dealer.

At 35,000ks the fuel filter became blocked and motor progressively lost power. First noticed enginine couging at 3500 revs. After about 2,000 ks car would not go over 100ks. I was bush at the time. Problem silved with change of fuel filter.
during this trip we did approximately 100ks of bulldust (3 rd gear powering through) which also completely blocked the air filter (repalce on route) so after this, a snorkel was fitted to help keep the dust out.

At 40000 ks shocks compeltey worn adn replaced with Bilstiens and 2 inch lift with new springs

Motor has heaps of power. It can work hard all day. I can tow a 16ft van at 120ks all day and motor does it easily. Power is NOT a problem. The power is very usable and there is very little turbo lag.

I believe that it is a very good vehicle but electronics can always be a problem. It is really a matter of whether its worth paying another $5000 or so for the peace of mind.

Fuel consumption - around town driving easy on the right foot - 12.5 litres/100 ks.
Highway with full roof rack at 105-110ks - 14.5 litres/100ks
Caravan below 100ks - better than 6km per litre.
Caravan above 100ks - worse than 6km per litre but never below 5km per litre.

top speed - 155km/h after a while. Realistic top cruising speed - 135km/h (only if you have the right rubber).

Would I buy again - answer is YES.

Feel free to email me if you want more info.

Sean

Peter i had a disco - will never again have a disco.the manufacturers dont give a toss and thats it.
loved patrol but believe for my money got best value with pajero.

phone the racv or nrma and ask their advise before you spend.

searched the net and can advise that the best deal was from john biastos of framkston nissan and keith giles of peter lees mornington for pajero

regards peter