New 4x4 for the family - Nissan/Pajero/older LC?

Hi Cookie, I can't really help, but there has been a heck of a lot of discussion on here regarding the Nissan 3.0 TD. It seems they have a particular problem motor wise, that has earned them the nickname 'Hand Grenade' they blow up any time.
I guess you must take into account that SOME of the opinions will be biased, but I am interested in the replies you will get, as I am considering upgrading too, and am unsure if there is any manufacturer that doesn't have a 'problem child'.
Good luck, Dave

Cookie,

If you have $38k to spend see if you can hunt down a Patrol 4.2TD. I got a 2004 ST-L for $39k in March and it is a cracking vehicle. Just another option.

Cheers
Ev

Hi Cookie

Do it on a whole of ownership cost basis Cookie, many forget the overall picture , and I thik you will find that cars like the 4800 petrol Patrol will not only save you money but are unmatched in Grunt and ability and come in at well under $30k these days.

Hi Cookie

Varying opinions on the 3L Patrol. I have driven them for extended periods but overall for towing once you get over 2 tonnes they are slower. The thing I hated about the patrol was how it revs when not at cruising speed. Good advice to find a 4.2TD Patrol if you can find one. As for the 4800 Patrol plenty of grunt but a little expensive on fuel but I know plenty of people who love them.
Cruiser wise I have a 100LC V8 plenty of with grunt but yes heavy on juice as well. I am in the Landcruiser because there is just so much leg room and plenty of room for a growing family. Plenty of V8 LC100's at a reasonable price. Dont disregard Carpoint either. I picked my current Cruiser up on there although I went to Adelaide to test drive it and check it out.
Good Luck with it
Rob

For $39k you would have a reasonable chance of picking up a TD 100 ser nowadays.

I had a Patrol 3.0l TI and glad I sold it.

It wasnt as comfortable to travel in, it was noisy enginewise and didnt give a lot better fuel economy when towing a large than does the cruiser.

Wife didnt want to spend the extra on the Cruiser but a drive down the same rough bit of road we had just gone over in the Patrol opened the chequebook no trouble.

We were just saying the other day 10,000k into the big trip "arent we glad we sold the Patrol before we did this."


It also scrubbed the front tyres and the wheel alignment guy said he couldnt adjust it out cos of the way they are built.

Maybe he didnt want to do it I just didnt pursue it further.


Cheers

Cookie,

I went from a forerunner, which I loved, to a 100 series for the pure reason we had a kid. More room more grunt! It's a great tourer and it has performed to my every expectation. Including drinking heaps of fuel! Built it up from stock to a beast(45K), it is a 99 live front axel, but shes only got 120k on the clock which is close enough to brand new in my books! Your 38K should get you something pretty nice for you and the kids to travel reliabiliy and in comfort!

TD Cruiser would be the choice I reckon.

Hard to beat!

Cheers

If you require an around town vehicle for most of your driving a $38k 4WD is
not a very economical decision. I would spend $15k on a good V6 Jackaroo
for your touring needs & you can buy a new runabout for the daily stuff &
still have change left over. Both vehicles should last many years ........oldbaz.

Hi Cookie,

Have you given any thought to a Prado. I paid $38k for my wife's 120 series 05 GXL 4.0 V6 with the 5 speed auto and only 60000km on the clock.

Scott

Mate,

I love my Paj and am now on my 2nd. and its a diesel.

For that money you would get a very good recent model Paj. Only caveat is that for a diesel the Klms would prob be very high (eg in excess of 100 - 150K). When I was looking around recently I would find 2 Pajeros of the same vintage for the same price but the petrol would have 40K on the clock and the diesel 100K. I would not buy a petrol Paj if you plan to tow or do any long touring, like the Simpson, as my experience with my first NP Paj was that it drank way too much. My current diesel (NS) is 90% as responsive, but much better and more consistent fuel usage.

I can't comment on the 3L Patrol, but plenty of others here have lots to say about that engine and its relability.

Good luck!!

Ben

If you are thinking of doing the Simpson, then don't go for anything other than a diesel. The range is quite good, and you wont have to carry that much extra fuel. My calculations were three jerry cans on the roof of the 3L Patrol we have.

I would rather carry diesel than petrol any day but thats just me. Willem has a petrol Patrol (GQ) and carries large amounts of jerries with no worries, so its doable, as are petrol 4b's across the Simmo. But with 3 kids on board and assoc "stuff" you'll need to tow or have a good roof rack.

G'day cookie,
Give me a ring on 0427 832667 and i can give you details of an option which might well suit your requirements for less money!

Cheers SOLO

Thanks all for your advice - will consider.