Buying a Patrol

Submitted: Monday, Oct 16, 2006 at 20:43

ThreadID: 38565 Views:2655 Replies:5 FollowUps:8

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davem31

I've got the opportunity to buy a 1999 Nissan Patrol with the 4.8 engine which is also on gas. It's done 178,000 km. Are there any specific problems a car this age could have or any specific areas I should check before consider buying?
Thanks,
Dave Mitchell

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Reply By: GQ_TUFF - Monday, Oct 16, 2006 at 21:05

Monday, Oct 16, 2006 at 21:05

find out how long it has been on gas.....as we all know most cars heads don,t like being on the gas all the time, check the service history, If it does not have a good history I would walk away myself......I bought a GQ that had had the gas for 12 years no service history....nothing but BIG problems with this motor, head...valve and carby problems....If its service history is good then I would say go for it as the patrols drive line is very strong.

Cheers stefan

AnswerID: 199467

Follow Up By: davem31 - Monday, Oct 16, 2006 at 21:35

Monday, Oct 16, 2006 at 21:35

Thanks Stefan for making the effort to reply. I shall investigate those issues with my brother.
All the best,
Dave Mitchell

FollowupID: 458333

Follow Up By: Brew69(SA) - Monday, Oct 16, 2006 at 21:39

Monday, Oct 16, 2006 at 21:39

The 4.5 loves gas............built for it they say.

FollowupID: 458339

Reply By: Member - Hugh (WA) - Monday, Oct 16, 2006 at 21:23

Monday, Oct 16, 2006 at 21:23

Hi Dave,

I'd double check that it is a 4.8 donk and not the 4.5. I didn't think this engine came out until Series 2 in 2000, but that may well have been late 1999. There are likely others on the forum that could confirm these details.

Regards,
Hugh

AnswerID: 199471

Follow Up By: davem31 - Monday, Oct 16, 2006 at 21:36

Monday, Oct 16, 2006 at 21:36

Thanks for the info Hugh. I'm having a bad night. It is a 4.5 L.
All the best,
Dave Mitchell

FollowupID: 458334

Reply By: 1arm - Monday, Oct 16, 2006 at 21:32

Monday, Oct 16, 2006 at 21:32

Hi Dave
I have a 12/1999 4.5 on gas.
It had 80000 on it when I bought it and now it has 165000.
It had been converted to gas early in its life. It had regular serving before I bought it and has had regular servicing since. I have had no trouble with it at all.
One thing to check is the gas tank itself between the tank and the protector plate if it has one as this can fill with dirt /mud and rust the tank.
other than that as I said I have had no trouble with mine. I normally run it for a few kms on petrol every couple of week
Evan

AnswerID: 199472

Follow Up By: davem31 - Monday, Oct 16, 2006 at 21:38

Monday, Oct 16, 2006 at 21:38

Thanks Evan,
You've raised a couple of points I hadn't considered. I'll go check.
Thanks again,
Dave Mitchell

FollowupID: 458337

Reply By: PatrolBen - Monday, Oct 16, 2006 at 21:58

Monday, Oct 16, 2006 at 21:58

Cant sway you towards the 2.8TD?
I had to make this choice when umming and arring over which vechile to get and apart from the economy factor the 4.5 just did not have quite as much go as I wanted from a big petrol engine ( for the amount of fuel it drinks) and whilst I know that the particular one you are contemplating is on LPG expect it still to be pretty severe.
The 2.8's driveline isn't as strong as the 4.5's (but more than strong enough for the vechile) and once you have revs on the board it is a very surprising engine.

If you are interested let me know but I won't waste any more of your time if your not. I am not aware of any problems for this vechile apart from the previously mentioned valves and heads when LPG-specific servicing is maintained to the letter

Arivo Dirchi
Ben

AnswerID: 199482

Follow Up By: PatrolBen - Monday, Oct 16, 2006 at 22:02

Monday, Oct 16, 2006 at 22:02

Should've checked it betterer;
I have heard reports of burnt valves and cracked heads after LPG specific servicing has NOT been maintained to the letter. By this I mean the checking of the gas mixer reguarly.

FollowupID: 458346

Follow Up By: Member - Stephen M (NSW) - Tuesday, Oct 17, 2006 at 19:09

Tuesday, Oct 17, 2006 at 19:09

Hi there Ben, what are you selling, can email me if you dont want to put details on the site. Regards Steve M

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Follow Up By: PatrolBen - Tuesday, Oct 17, 2006 at 19:34

Tuesday, Oct 17, 2006 at 19:34

Mate, I am not selling anything but just wondering if davo had checked out the 2.8TD GU as a viable alternative or had not bothered due to reports of its performance that likened it to a snail on a hangover. If he had and it did not suit his purpose then it would be pointless me getting up on my soapbox and espousing the many and great virtues of the little turbo battler.

Sorry if I gave anyone the wrong idea.

FollowupID: 458489

Follow Up By: Member - Stephen M (NSW) - Tuesday, Oct 17, 2006 at 20:12

Tuesday, Oct 17, 2006 at 20:12

Hi Ben, sorry I thought you may have been selling one an I am currently looking at buying another vehicle not really sure wether petrol, diesel, patrol, landcruiser and have myself thought about the 2.8 patrol as they dont seem a bad vehicle bar the few comments (helpful ones) in regards to the gear boxs not being as strong as the 4.2's and the 2.8 been a bit under powered, but did have a look and drive of one today and was very impressed with the get up and go and uphills and in my price range but still I have heard they dont like heavy things being towed behind but I am only towing a camper trailer so dont think that would be an issue. I thought the 2.8 would be a bit slower than it was so now after driving that today I'm really wondering on what to purchase. But in saying that they go great I will be steping out of a 2.8D hilux which has soooo much grunt NOT, am having a drive of the 4.2 patrol (diesel) tomorrow and also a 100 series cruiser (petrol) but about 7k differance between the two. Regards Steve M

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