Buying Nissan Patrol 4.2

Submitted: Tuesday, Feb 24, 2009 at 20:01

ThreadID: 66264 Views:7215 Replies:6 FollowUps:5

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G'day

I am looking at purchasing a Nissan Patrol 4.2l diesel (2004). Can anyone provide any pointers on specific things I should look for when I inspect it?

Thanks
Evan

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Reply By: d04 - Tuesday, Feb 24, 2009 at 20:55

Tuesday, Feb 24, 2009 at 20:55

Go to the Nissan Patrol forum, they will sort you.

AnswerID: 350866

Reply By: Peter McG (Member, Melbourne) - Tuesday, Feb 24, 2009 at 21:01

Tuesday, Feb 24, 2009 at 21:01

Here's a link:

Patrol Forum

I was lucky to get one of the last. The main thing to check is regular servicing. There are some basic things you can do to improve performance and the guys on the forum will head you in the right direction.

Cheers

Peter

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AnswerID: 350872

Reply By: Trevor R (QLD) - Wednesday, Feb 25, 2009 at 08:41

Wednesday, Feb 25, 2009 at 08:41

Evan,

Basically vehicle is very straight forward honest vehicle. If they have been serviced regularly and it is straight both under and above the guards then I am not aware of any major faults with the rest of it. Earlier models had the 5th gear problem but that was sorted in about 2001. Very real to expect very big k's out of it so even if it has a few on it already don't worry about that side of things.

It will run hot if you intend to push it along towing big loads but that is just how they are. Both mine do even though the previous owner swears one of them never did for him, so a lot of people just don't push them hard like some of us do. This really does not shorten their life as my original one has ran hot since new and has 380000km on it now and that is running 100% over factory power settings too, so they can take a real hiding in my opinion.

Good luck with it.
Trevor.

AnswerID: 350933

Follow Up By: Ozboc - Wednesday, Feb 25, 2009 at 21:10

Wednesday, Feb 25, 2009 at 21:10

Evan thats good to know , about the running hot --- mine runs very hot when going up extended long hills with the PoPtop on the tow ( but never unloaded ) ....

I generally wont drive with aircon when towing as this certainly add to the motor heating up very fast - have you had any other suggestions also ?

Boc

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Follow Up By: Trevor R (QLD) - Friday, Feb 27, 2009 at 08:34

Friday, Feb 27, 2009 at 08:34

Boc,

Sorry mate but no real solution to the heat. I have ploughed plenty into finding the answer but still have it happen. Best you can do is slow down and don't lug in too high a gear. I have found the 4.2 responds best, when towing and climbing, at late 2000 rpm. Over 3000 rpm and she will heat up but down in the teens and it will do the same also, so keep a light pedal and around 2800 rpm and you will see best results.

As a tip, get the radiator cored about every 18 months / 2 years as a precaution. I think this is cheap preventative maintanance.

Cheers, Trevor.

FollowupID: 619557

Reply By: Robin Miller - Wednesday, Feb 25, 2009 at 21:45

Wednesday, Feb 25, 2009 at 21:45

Hi Evan

3 issues concerned me about these cars, first the heat which I note others have commented apon , whereas with the petrol 4800 I ended up getting, it runs so much better that I have even removed its second electric fan as its just not needed.

2nd is the NVH , I would recomend you drive one for some km's at up to 110kmh to be sure you can live with the noise and vibration. After our first (and only) long trip in one my wife wouldn't go in it any more.

3rd is slowness , everyone I know has modifed there's now and they do take a power upgrade well but usually at the expense of more noise and fuel consumption, such that they are hard pressed to achieve 25% better mileage than there petrol cousins.

Robin Miller

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AnswerID: 351059

Follow Up By: Member - Coyote (QLD) - Thursday, Feb 26, 2009 at 16:35

Thursday, Feb 26, 2009 at 16:35

My 06 4.2 GU has no known vibration or over heating problems.. Has never overheated for me. For example I sat on a bout 130-140 from Ayers Rocks to Port Augusta over two days and other than being thirsty at that speed no other concerns that I wouldn't expect to find in any other 4WD doing that speed... I have however since doen a power up and have inmproved fuel economy and increased perfromance (3" exhaust with Motsons powerup)

FollowupID: 619441

Follow Up By: Mick15 - Saturday, Feb 28, 2009 at 18:02

Saturday, Feb 28, 2009 at 18:02

I'd imagine the 4.8 petrol would have a larger radiator?? Would think it would have to to be able to cool a 185kw petrol, which surely would generate more heat than a 4.2d, which makes me wonder if it is larger would it fit in place in the diesel??
As far as NVH goes the only thing that i don't like is that gearbox backlash - which only occurs below 1000rpm - and would happen regardless of engine.
At touring speed most of the harshness ive felt related to the vehicle itself - live axles etc, not that ive got an issue with it.
As for power, i guess thats a personal thing, i dont even have a turbo and the only time i find i'd like more is in the city - and i try to avoid them!
But yeah would be good to spend some time in one before you buy it.

FollowupID: 619784

Reply By:- Thursday, Feb 26, 2009 at 07:31

Thursday, Feb 26, 2009 at 07:31

Thanks for all the tips, I appreciate your advice.

Regards
Evan

AnswerID: 351088

Reply By: Member -Dodger - Thursday, Feb 26, 2009 at 16:38

Thursday, Feb 26, 2009 at 16:38

A an owner of a 4.2 clunker you will have one tough truck that will go on n on n on but will not like real hot weather when towing. So do what I do either go slower or stop n have a drink whilst both you and the vehicle rest. After all why rush we all get there eventually.

Yep I love my Truck