Buying advice please

Howesy,
I think you will find the Nissan 2.8 turbo diesel is a 4cyl.
I would definitely go for the 3lit turbo diesel - 2003 onwards models.Good on fuel and fantastic for towing.
I don't know of anyone with an Explorer, so can't comment.

About the only Major thing you need to look out for on the Explorer 1997-2000 is the Cam chain tensioner’s on the V6 engine, It is easy enough to spot, Occasionally when you start the engine you will hear a rattle (Little bit like a diesel engine sound) also may be present between 2500-3000RPM (So make sure you start it up a couple of times and listen for the rattle between that rev range when driving).

If it has between 100,000-150,000k’s and has not had the Fix it could present itself at anytime above that I would say you are safe (so talk warranty before buying).

That being said I have had this noise for the last 18,000k’s with no problem but will be replacing the suspect left cam chain tensioner shortly.

Longevity wise on U.S forums people have 1997+ explores with 280,000k’s on them with no problems (Besides the standard maintenance)
I have 120,000k’s on mine and the only problem apart from the cam chain tentioner, which has not stoped me driving the car is I had to replace a sticking thermostat.

Off-road- you can lift them 2-inch for about $1000 and it will get most placers you want to take it. Just remember it is not a off-road machine, but a capable one when driven correctly.

Pro-Formance wise- It will kill the 2.8 patrol in every aspect (155Kw and 344Nm of toque). Fuel consumption between 13.5-17 Litres per 100, and for what you pay they come extremely well decked out.

howesy
In my circles the 2.8 does not have a good reputation. There are 3 in my club which have given trouble. One packed it in about a days drive beyong Birdsville and had to be recovered back to Bris for repairs. Horn blew and wipers wiped but engine would not start. The 2nd one had similar electrical faults. It wouldn't start but if you tried 10 minutes later it just might. It also had a recurring problem of losing power without warning. This nearly got the owners killed so it was traded.
The 3rd one has had expensive fuel pump and glow plug repairs totalling thousands. 3 is not a big number but when you have only 4 in a club it starts to look bad.
Can't comment on the Explorer but I've just come back from Fraser Island where I recovered one from an inland sand track. It had just been serviced, was only running on 5 pots and was making a loud clunking noise from the front diff when I found it.
Lastly I have a friend who is a salesman for a Nissan dealership who told me if I really wanted a Patrol the 3.0 L was great but if I was going to tow anything with it, I'd be better getting the 4.2L. He said all the engine failures they have replaced are in cars that are 3.0L and regularly tow.
Sorry if I've rained on you.
Derek