LandCruiser200 in NissanZD30 out

Submitted: Tuesday, Sep 23, 2008 at 20:22

ThreadID: 61967 Views:3221 Replies:5 FollowUps:4

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TheMajor

G'day All
Well I finally got on to the forum, been having trouble. Picked up the 200 Cruiser in Adelaide, 8.9.08, compliance plate says August08 and even had the shipping documentation. It was a bit sad to leave the old Nissan behind, gone many a place with it in the last 6 years but with all the documented problems with the engine I really felt insecure in the backblocks. I must admit though, I still think the Nissan Patrols are really good, the suspension, seating and touring and off road capacity are up there with the best except the reliability of the engine is less than desired and the Nissan overall customer service is completely lousy. The motor in the LandCruiser200 is really something else. I thought I would have to do a 90km trip home from Adelaide to NSW but was told by the dealer that all the motors had been bench tested and drive however I like. Made me feel a bit hesitant but after 800kms I gave it a workout to 120kms and it was only doing 1700revs in 6th gear - I mean that's just a bit over idling. Breaks felt a bit harsh and felt a bit top heavy with a bit of body roll compared to the Nissan however I soon got used to it. I got 12 litres per100kms in the 1500km trip home, not the 10.5litres per 100km as they claim but that could improve but I doubt it. I still have a 60 series LandCruiser in the garage I have had for 24 years and even though the old cruiser is a bit rough and ready by today's standards I still feel more comfortable driving that in the bush in the real heavy stuff than the Nissan or the new Cruiser. Why did I go to SA to buy the new cruiser? Well, I can tell you I got a much better deal on the new cruiser and a $6,000 increase on the trade in plus they paid for my fuel and accommodation and when you are retired that is just another holiday in the making. The salesman from the dealership had a few ales to clench the deal, nothing like that where I live. So Captain, I am out there Cruising with you and like you I am starting to deck the vehicle out.
Cheers
The Major

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Reply By: stefan P & Pee-Wee 50 - Tuesday, Sep 23, 2008 at 20:43

Tuesday, Sep 23, 2008 at 20:43

If only the patrol had a V8 diesel from the factory

4WD bliss if they did

AnswerID: 326812

Follow Up By: Michael ( Moss Vale NSW) - Tuesday, Sep 23, 2008 at 20:54

Tuesday, Sep 23, 2008 at 20:54

YeP!!! How dumb are Nissan!!!

FollowupID: 593945

Follow Up By: ross - Tuesday, Sep 23, 2008 at 21:18

Tuesday, Sep 23, 2008 at 21:18

Even a nice reliable diesel 6 cyl would be enough for me

FollowupID: 593951

Follow Up By: Member - Bucky (VIC) - Wednesday, Sep 24, 2008 at 05:50

Wednesday, Sep 24, 2008 at 05:50

Stephan

Don't go there !
Roachie will get in the band-wagon, and the verbal dribble will flow..

If you were to purchase 4X4 action September issue, you wil see what I am talking about ..

ThreadID: 61394

Check out this thread

Cheers Mate

Bucky

FollowupID: 593982

Follow Up By: Member - Roachie (SA) - Thursday, Sep 25, 2008 at 22:26

Thursday, Sep 25, 2008 at 22:26

Back in ya box Bucky!!!!! LOL

Patrol + 6.5 litre V8 diesel donk = perfect 4x4........ yeehaa!!!!!!

hahahaha

Roachie

FollowupID: 594360

Reply By: TheMajor - Tuesday, Sep 23, 2008 at 21:10

Tuesday, Sep 23, 2008 at 21:10

Hi Michael, I agree with your comments about living in the Southern Highlands, however if you head SE about 40kms from Moss Vale you will find a beautiful valley full of tree ferns, fresh running creeks, rainforest and brilliantly green all the time and a light mist during the winter. We miss the heavy frosts that you get, perhaps I might meet you one day at The Friendly Inn
Kind Regards
The Major

AnswerID: 326822

Reply By: Member - Andrew (WA) - Tuesday, Sep 23, 2008 at 21:35

Tuesday, Sep 23, 2008 at 21:35

Hey Major...

I too had a ZD30 Patrol...series III. I bought it brand new and had it for 5 years but like you, after that warranty run dry, I was very hesitant about its reliability. Sold it and got a TD100.

I miss the Nissan for so many reasons...and these TD100's are not everything I was lead to believe but having said that, I don't fear a break down any more. I wish I could have gone to the 200 but that's a lotto job sometime down the track.

Anyway, the Pootrol took me around OZ, did the GRR and lots in between. Off road, brilliant. On road I prefer the cruiser but if only Nissan had a decent engine...and the next generation Patrol will I'm sure, I would never have parted with it.

Good luck with 200...they seem pretty special.

AnswerID: 326828

Reply By: Member - Captain (WA) - Tuesday, Sep 23, 2008 at 23:29

Tuesday, Sep 23, 2008 at 23:29

Hi Major,

Welcome to the 200!!! I too loved my GU 3.0TD, but every time I sit in the 200, well, its just not quite the same. I am now well into my buildup, done the lift, the roo bar, the tyres etc...and all is good :) I am sure you will enjoy your 200 every bit as much as I do mine.