Nissan 3.0Ltr ST Wagon Performance?

Terry,

I have had my 3.0 patrol for 15mths and although I don't tow a van I can tell you I am extremely happy with its performance and general capabilities. I average 11L/100Km being a combination of city and highway. Good luck with the selection process.

Hi Terry

We have had our 3.0L Patrol since May this year and are wrapped with it. Pulling our 1200kg Jayco camper around Vic a month ago we got 13.5l/100km sitting on 95kph. Our worst was 14.5L/100km same speed but into a 30-40 knot head wind.

You may hear stories about clutches and other wekanesses of this model, but after speaking to other owners, I am beginning to believe that these have reached the "Urban Myth" stage.

As I said, we are extremely happy with ours. If you can afford it, go the 4.2TD. We couldn't afford the extra ~$7K, so we made our choice.

MikeF

Terry - a good source for all Patrol related information is http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Patrol4WD/ There was a discussion on this topic only last week, and the people who had in the past been most unhappy with their 3.0 Patrol have recognised that their own actions influenced the problems they experienced with the vehicle. I personally have had mine for 18months and consider this car to be on eof the best overall packages on the market ... for my money, its got the right blend of price, performance and features. It has never let us down, and we've done 2 substantial outback trips, and numerous weekend jaunts. Economy for me is around 12l/100km both in town and on trips (fully laden with roof rack). All the best ... Andrew

G'day Terry,

I have a 3.0 which is just 18 months old. For me it has been an excellent truck, I have had no major mechanical probs except for dirty fuel last year in northern NSW.

I also have a 3.0 as a work vehicle (previously a 100s cruiser) and very happy with it's performance when towing. This truck out performs my mates 3.4 ULP prado when towing.

Only probs with my work wagon has been the 2 replacement air flow meter units, both under warranty and local dealer looked after me OK.

Economy is similar to the other posts.

My only two gripes about both trucks are the bloody hopeless standard headlights. You have to fit aftermarket spotties just to bring you up to a reasonable level (I do a lot of night driving) and the single reverse light on the left side, makes it very difficult seeing waht you are doing, fitted an IPF single 100w below the spare to compensate.

Good Luck, just make sure that whatever you buy it puts a big smile on your face every time you sit in it!.

Regards,

BB

Terry,
I have had a 4.2 TD Patrol for three years now and 115000kms, troublefree, I am getting a consistent 12.3L in 100kms, best was 10.5L/100kms and worse 17L/100kms (accross the Simpson Desert).
No problems so far and I would not swap it for anything else on the market.
I got some friends and coworkers with the 3.0L Patrol and they are happy too...
Good luck on whatever you choose.
Will

Many thanks to Dave, Mike, Andrew, Ian & Will on their promptly replied to my questions about the performance of the 3.0ltr Patrol.
I really appreciated your very helpfull comments and encouragement.

Cheers....Terry.

Terry
The Patrol is an eccelant tow vehicle, the 5th gear will fail if you use it to tow for extended periods on full power, if you dont have the selfcontrol to stay in 4th and cruise I suggest you go for the auto.
Nissan will not admit there is a problem with 5th because almost any vehicle that has 5th as an overdrive has the same problem. The gears themselves are not faulty it is purely a case of heat build up over time, the designers live in countries where you cant use 5th for more than a few minutes, except USA but they only drive autos.
Eric.

If you are going to be doing a lot of towing the 3.0 auto is the go for you.
If you like a manual car the 4.2 would be a better option for towing.
Cheers Rob