New Landcruiser

A few comments:
1) As much as it gauls me to say so, I think the Landcruiser front diff issue is a bit of a beat-up. Most (if not "all") incidents have occured when driver was using reverse gear in "difficult" circumstances (eg: backing up a steep slope or backing a heavy trailer etc). Granted; that shouldn't cause a diff to break, but I think the number of actual "breakages" are not that numerous.

2) Once again, although I wouldn't buy one (or have one if it was given to me), the 3L Nissan Patrol is pretty much a sorted car these days. Most reported problems these days with later model 3L's are caused by various sensors (like the Airflow/Airmass unit or whatever it's called), getting gunked up for one reason or another. Again, same thing as the Cruiser.....something that shouldn't happen, but does happen ; rarely.

3) The 4.2L Turbo Nissan Patrol (which you haven't mentioned), is a solid old-fashioned "truck". It's like a cross between a 60 series cruiser & a GQ Patrol, but with a few more creature comforts.

Not sure why you haven't mentioned this last vehicle; maybe you like your vehicles to get up and boogie......forget the 4.2Patrol in that case.....it's good; but it's still a truck!!!

One thing's for sure....the next generation Nissan and Toyota will be SOFTER than the current vehicles

Cheers

Roachie

A diff wouldn't immobilise you completely but the engine sure will, what will the vehicle be used for? How long do you intend to keep it?
Shopping trolley or light use either might be ok,
If intending to actually use it for 4wding then maybe an older modified/rejuvenated vehicle may be the go.
Second roachies take on the diffs but do have a acquaintance who is on his 4th centre on a 105 base model with factory lockers, two went going forwards.

I have a 4.2 litre turbo diesel patrol. It has ample power to do anything I want. I would recommend it to anyone to purchase. It cost more than the 3 ltr patrol but is a far superior vehicle. Nissan are pushing the 3 litr but I don't see many posts about problems with the 4.2. There are a lot of posts concerning the 3 ltr.

Roachie talks about how fast it is. Yes it is not fast - if you want fast buy a sports car. If you want something that is a heavy duty four wheel drive, is reliable and will cruise all day comfortably at the speed limit towing a camper trailer and return 15.1 litres per 100 km doing that then it is a good vehicle.

It is also a safer vehicle than the Landcruiser. The Landcruiser AKA Toyota Rollover has a tendancy to roll. The suspension is softer than the Nissan. You don't feel the bumps quite as much but it's handling is not as good due to that and they tend to roll. (That problem is not the fault of the vehicle. It goes back to people forgetting they are in a four wheel drive and trying to drive them like sports cars.)

Pling,

This is a never ending subject here and on many other fronts as well, so there is heaps of opinions in the archives if you choose to look as well as the thousands of answers you receive here.
My opinion depends on what and how you are going to use it. Work either vehicle extremely hard and both will show their shortcummings, but at least the Patrol (in 4.2 lt form) will still be going. If it is mainly a suburban vehicle then the Cruiser is a much more refined and easy going vehicle.
I would not even consider the 3lt Patrol with all the reported problems and my bad experience with Nissan warranty, but in the end (as in my case) save your $15K buy the 4.2 Patrol (over the turbo cruiser) and put a few of your savings into geeing up the Patrol, you will be impressed with the results and be able to rave about it for as long as you want to keep the vehicle as it will still be going forever.
PS. I had the 4.2 N/A cruiser prior to my current patrol, so I know the diff in driving both vehicles. Cruiser easier round town but not as reliable as my Patrol as I work my vehicles very hard.

Regards Trevor.

Forget the toyo/nissan boys & all there pros and cons and test drive the new breed of 4wd the LR D3. Then you won't have the dilemma - damned if you do damned if you don't.

Thank you for the comments.

1. I would never, ever touch another LR Discovery. It returned from each dirt road trip on the back of a truck.(costly from NT) Great for pommie wet tar and city work. Dreadful in the outback where mechanics do not wish to work on them and won't because of their complications and parts books that do not line up with the year model.

2. I am currently driving a Patrol 4.8, 5 speed Auto and am very happy except for fuel usage. I have done simpson twice, the Cape, Ann beadell, so use it on not over hard trips and also use it as a town car when not lucky enough to be in the bush.

My request for info is more of what the new models may be and when they will be released. Did'nt mean to start a battle of which brand is best. I like the Patrols strength but not the motors. I like having power when around town.