3.0L TD vs 4.2 L Patrol

Submitted: Tuesday, May 20, 2003 at 11:10
ThreadID: 5017 Views:2804 Replies:12 FollowUps:8
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G'day all,

If given the choice (for arguments sake, money is not an option), what vehicle would you choose? The 3.0L or the 4.2L Diesel? And why would you choose that particular vehicle?

cheers,
Sam.
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Reply By: Member - Sam (NSW) - Tuesday, May 20, 2003 at 11:12

Tuesday, May 20, 2003 at 11:12
Should also have added that the turbo is no a critical factor to me as if I do go with a 4.2 N/A, I will eventually bolt on an aftermarket turbo.
AnswerID: 20521

Follow Up By: Dozer - Tuesday, May 20, 2003 at 20:37

Tuesday, May 20, 2003 at 20:37
Hi
Ask any policeman/fireman etc and they will tell you of the problems theyve had with the 3.0, clutches at 60000kms, exhaust manifolds, gearboxes, pistons. To be fare, it is a first model thing, and the later ones are better, but if you look at a torque graph, the 4.2 makes a flat line of torque where as the 3.0 is like a mountain, peaking for 50 revs before dropping back.
Pity the 4.2 doesnt come auto like it used to in the TI GQ. I would go the 4.2 and turbo it with Safari.
Andrew Wollongong
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Reply By: theratt - Tuesday, May 20, 2003 at 11:23

Tuesday, May 20, 2003 at 11:23
i have just bought a 4.2 td nissan
the reason i swayed toward the 4.2 is they are tried and tested engines,
which in my opinion are bullet proof ,having owned to previous models
yes they are a big motor ,which do lack a bit on the power front,
but where not talking about rally cars here, what you want is a reliability
if you need rally car performance the 4.2 can be buggared around with to produce much more power than the factory motor
the 3 litre nissan has yet to be tried and tested and only time will tell
is you took one to a bush mechanic he would not know where to start
full of electronic crap,
also the 4.2 is quiter when doing 110 kms as the 3 ltr has a different diff
ratio
AnswerID: 20523

Reply By: Member - Lex - Tuesday, May 20, 2003 at 12:59

Tuesday, May 20, 2003 at 12:59
Sam

The biggest factor that influenced me to buy a 3.0ltr. was the transmission. For reasons only known to Nissan you can't get a 4.2 auto. The 3.0 /Auto combination is a marriage made in heaven. I dare say that the cruiser TD/Auto is the same.After driving a manual and auto TD Nissan the choice was obvious. My wife expressed the same view.
When Nissan finally offer a decent large capacity engine/transmission combination Patrols may no longer be outsold x2 by Landcruiser.
AnswerID: 20531

Follow Up By: Member - Rohan K - Tuesday, May 20, 2003 at 14:41

Tuesday, May 20, 2003 at 14:41
Lex, what's the 3.0TDi auto like for engine braking on steep descents? As good as a petrol manual?Be good, or be quick.
Rohan (Sydney)
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FollowupID: 13182

Follow Up By: Member - Lex - Tuesday, May 20, 2003 at 15:18

Tuesday, May 20, 2003 at 15:18
Rohan

Like most autos steep descents are their achilles heel. However since fitting a Rockhopper gear set to the transfer case the engine braking is fabulous. In fact I think that the Rockhoppers are probably the best aftermarket accessory I have ever fitted to a 4wd.
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Follow Up By: Member - Rohan K - Tuesday, May 20, 2003 at 15:37

Tuesday, May 20, 2003 at 15:37
What the reduction? And at what cost?Be good, or be quick.
Rohan (Sydney)
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FollowupID: 13193

Follow Up By: Member - Lex - Tuesday, May 20, 2003 at 16:11

Tuesday, May 20, 2003 at 16:11
From memory about 45-50% deeper low range ratios/about$2000.00
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FollowupID: 13200

Reply By: Member - Martyn (WA) - Tuesday, May 20, 2003 at 13:35

Tuesday, May 20, 2003 at 13:35
Sam,
I drive a 4.2TD and I like the low down grunt, I've haven't a lot of experience with the 3.0 machine but I've seen them in the local Nissan dealer having clutches replaced and a group of mechanics with a lot of blood sweat and tears happening. As mentioned the 4.2 is tried and tested, bomb proof and that goes for the transmission as well, with regular maintenance they will go for ever. When I was looking at the choice of said machines I was under the impression that the 3.0 is better for the crusing type environment, I suppose this also comes down to what your needs are.Keep the shiny side up
AnswerID: 20534

Reply By: relaxed (Fraser Coast-QLD) - Tuesday, May 20, 2003 at 13:55

Tuesday, May 20, 2003 at 13:55
I chose the 3.0L TD because I wanted a bigger vehicle (4WD) and the economy, this vehicle gives me both. What the others are saying about the 3.0L being new and not proven was a concern when buying, but hey, the 4.2 was new once. I'm hinging my bets on the reputation of Nissan and there proven reliability as a brand. As for which is better, I guess is what your going to be using it for, as the old saying goes "there are different horses for different courses". I don't think your going to get a decisive conclusion on this topic as each person will have a different viewpoint.
Relaxed
AnswerID: 20539

Follow Up By: Michael - Tuesday, May 20, 2003 at 14:31

Tuesday, May 20, 2003 at 14:31
HI there, the 4.2 is a tried and proven engine, the 3 L has been tried and proven to have an alarming amount of problems, Fuel pump failure $6000, air flow grid metering $1200, Holing pistons and numerous othe electronic component failure. Some owners have had no problems but others have certainly made up for them. My GU, 4yo, 265,000 ks, no problems and i'm out to get a new one next month, tried and proven. My thoughts only Regards Michael
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FollowupID: 13180

Follow Up By: Billy - Tuesday, May 20, 2003 at 18:12

Tuesday, May 20, 2003 at 18:12
You should research the Yahoo Patrol4WD group as well, there has been a lot of discussion lately on this subject, they even have a Poll going on to determine the truth of 3.0Di engine problems. The consensus seems to be there were some failures on the early build 3.0Di's, but later models are OK and there are a hell of a lot out there going fine. The manual gearbox is common between the 4.2TD and 3.0Di and both have had a share of 5th gear problems apparently related to long distance towing. Problem fixed in GU series 3. I also understand the latest release of the 4.2TD added some degree of electronic contol as well, athough I could stand corrected.

For the record, I've got an '02 3.0Di Auto for touring and light towing, goes good.
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FollowupID: 13209

Reply By: Bruce from Budget Signs - Tuesday, May 20, 2003 at 15:06

Tuesday, May 20, 2003 at 15:06
Gday sam
the reason as to why nissan does not bring out the 4.2 in a td ,& this is hear say so take it with a pinch of salt,is thaty somebody bolted aturbo on to a 4.2 d & the motor failed they complained to nissan who it was not the motors fault this person then had the motor examined by an engineer who found a fualt in the engines manufacture,as i said how true this is i dont know but many rumours have a bases in fact so it might be worth investigating before you go bolting a turbo on,as to anon td 4.2 had mine for 6years never parted with a cent on repairs other than serving cost so i agree with the others 4.2 is bulit proof Budget Signs
AnswerID: 20548

Follow Up By: Member - Lex - Tuesday, May 20, 2003 at 15:22

Tuesday, May 20, 2003 at 15:22
Bruce

I think the 4.2 is a Turbo Diesel. But it is only available as a manual.
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FollowupID: 13190

Reply By: colin - Tuesday, May 20, 2003 at 15:50

Tuesday, May 20, 2003 at 15:50
i think the only 4.2 in the GU is turboed with no intercooler which the 3ltr has. If you will be doing a lot of towing the 4.2 is the way to go,plus they have more torqe in the lower revs which is easier to drive in slow rough terrain, i have a 4.2 GQ which i fitted a supercharger to which has taken away the lag of a turbo, nicer to drive in the rough stuff and bees knees for towing. Col
AnswerID: 20558

Reply By: Goona - Tuesday, May 20, 2003 at 16:14

Tuesday, May 20, 2003 at 16:14
The latest 4.2 from Nissan is Turbo'd and has an intercooler. You can no longer buy a naturally aspirated 4.2 patrol according to Australian 4wd monthly. There was a full test on the 4.2 turbo Nissan in the May 2003 issue. Being the owner of the 4.2 Turbo i am more than impresed with them. Excellent vechile for offroad work and for towing and a hell of a lot cheaper than the cruiser 4.2 Turbo. My Uncle owns the 3.0lt and has just towed a 2 tonne van around australia for the last 2 years and had no troubles with it at all. I guess it comes down to what the intended use is.
AnswerID: 20564

Reply By: johnsy - Tuesday, May 20, 2003 at 17:42

Tuesday, May 20, 2003 at 17:42
check out the resale values of both and if towing in hotter climes the 4.2 may suit better ,also depends on how long you intend to keep it .
AnswerID: 20581

Reply By: Member - Sam (NSW) - Tuesday, May 20, 2003 at 21:51

Tuesday, May 20, 2003 at 21:51
Thanks all for the replies

Given my needs and intended use, the 4.2L seems the go. Just gotta go find me one now.

cheers,
Sam.
AnswerID: 20621

Reply By: johnsy - Tuesday, May 20, 2003 at 22:13

Tuesday, May 20, 2003 at 22:13
Good luck Sam the 4.2 td are a rare beast expect to pay for a st wagon 2k model $28k to $40k
AnswerID: 20624

Reply By: ice - Wednesday, May 21, 2003 at 20:23

Wednesday, May 21, 2003 at 20:23
Sam,
If going for a new GU 4.2 TD don't pay any more than 60K drive away, no more to pay. This includes safety pack (ABS and passenger airbag), alloy bullbar, towbar, snorkel, window tinting, Rego and stampduty.
AnswerID: 20715

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