1997 2.8 TD patrol a good one to buy???

How much?

The redbook site recommends around the $9,400 - $11,500 for a private sale based on 165,000 - 275,000 kms

At the end of the you are looking at buying a 11 year old car things are going to start going due to normal wear and tear

Hugo,

The 2.8 would not pull the top of a rice pudding.

Look around for a vehicle that has a bigger motor, Any vehicle around that age required to tow should be at least a 4.2 diesel.

Wayne

If things start going wrong and believe you me they do on a thats done that many KM's and years you may need to spend a couple of grand and thats not to improve the vehicle, just to keep it going. You also haven't specified if the rig has done some hard work and serious 4WD'ing etc as that may have an effect on the reliability etc etc. At the end of the day without knowing the condition of the vehicle it would be hard for anyone within these forums to make a recommedation for you. Go with your gut feeling, if there is any amount of doubt then move on.

Hi Hugo,

My work Patrol (1998 2.8TD) which has spent the vast majority of its life on road with a fair bit of highway cruising has 230km on the clock and hasn't done any towing.

5th gear/bearings stuffed up in it about 5000km ago and the gearbox replaced. So definitely check out the gearbox. It had a rumble in it that got worse and worse until there was a shocking vibration in 5th when on the highway.

The motor really is gutless until you get to 2000rpm. Everyone who has driven my vehicle for the first time will stall it atleast once when trying to start on a slight hill (you need plenty of revs and clutch if trying to start off with a trailer behind).

Engine has never been touched but does need new injectors as it blows plenty of smoke when accelerating.

A few years ago it did have a computer/electronic starting fault that Nissan eventually fixed.

Other than that its been a great vehicle with very few problems. Drives very well on road and better on the highway than my personal 100 series.

Personally I wouldn't buy one with the 2.8 TD motor but they are great value for money if you can put up with the engine's lack of torque.

Thank you all for your replies!

Food for thought.

HUGO

Head Problems are the biggest problem on 2.8s. But overrall they are more reliable than the latter 3lts. I have heard that a bigger exhaust brings the turbo in earlier.
Cheers pete

I currently own a 1998 2.8ltr G.U. Patrol with approx. 136000km on the clock. As stated by other replies this motor can be a little tame in the power department and in turn can be a little difficult to get stated on hills. I had a chip fitted to the computer which increased power noticeably and which in turn made hill starting a lot easier. I regularly tow a 1.2 tonne off road trailer with my patrol and find it to be quite capable however just a little thirsty for diesel. (14-15 ltr per 100 kms average) If you buy one of the 2.8 patrols you just have to reallise you are not driving a sports car and be a little patient on the hills and allow a little extra distance when overtaking. Overall a good vehicle. GOOD LUCK WITH THE DECISION.

Regards Gunna Do