Nissan 3.0 TD auto.

The Subaru Outback will get similar fuel economy to the Patrol according to a friend who has the Subaru... and a Patrol!
If your talking new, IMHO I'd go the Patrol every time- buts that's still only my opinion.
If you're talking second-hand, rather than an early 3.0 TD Patrol I'd go the 4.2 as it's probably more reliable- but again that's only my opinion. (I have an elderly 4.2 GQ and it's bullit-proof)
I have two friends (including the one above) with early 3.0TD Patrols who have had no problem and love their Patrols....

Peter Just a few thoughts. The two vehicles seem to me to be chalk and cheese. The Patrol will be much more capable off road and the Subaru is definitely a road vehicle that is a bit better than a 2wd in snow, sand etc but not an off roader. They are also very different in performance - the Patrol in 3.0TD is slow as a wet week and has a history of problems and unreliability. The Subaru is a nippy highway performer with a long history of reliability. The Subaru is a leader in its class. The Patrol is well down the list in its class - usually bought because of its lower price ... but you know the saying - you get what you pay for!

peter

I know there has been a lot on this forum in regards to reliability and the 3.0L patrol but have had our Jan 2000 model since new and the only problem has been a failed cd player. ( When remove found 40 cents stuffed in it. Asked 3 yo but she claims not guilty). All up I've found it fills all our needs, is good on fuel and at the time saved about $18000 on equivalent spec toyota.

Regards
bob

Peter,

I own one of these Patrols, use it pretty much for what you look like doing. It's large, economical, reliable, tough, easy to get add on's for and great value for money. If you go back through the archives you can see the same names bagging this vehicle (you know who you are), none of whom own one. Some have already appeared in this thread.

Early teething problems were well documented so if you get an early one, make sure these things are covered off by repairs or warranty.

As for your diesel mechanics, obviously they don'e service any of the popular medium duty trucks in Australia up to 8500Kg GVM, most of which run 4Cyl Turbo Diesels.

If you want something between the Patrol and Subie, you should look at the Pathfinder.

Have you thought about a Prado or Pajero turbo diesel. A bit smaller for the wife but still a real 4WD for you.

Darryl

Peter,

We purchased one in June 03, Auto and spent the extra for the safety pack.

Could not be happier, like you I did my research, and got opinions from different sources, and yes some where absolutely bagging the vehicle and some love it. I love it. We tow with it no probs, tows like a champion, around town great, fuel ecomony very good. All in all great vehicle for a great price, had their problems early but all sorted in the new models.

Go for it, you wont look back.

If you get a patrol get the 4.2 for towing. The 3 litre is an underpowered 4 cylinder enjine in a tank. Do some research on power/weight ratios. It is scientific fact that this is the determining thing when it comes to towing vans and fuel economy.

If you get the 3 litre it is basically going to be like getting a dual cab hilux turbo 3 litre (which I feel is underpowered and I own one), loading it up with a ton of fire wood, 5 adults, adding a van full of stoves, chairs, beds, water tanks, (and all of the other crap that vans have in them), and expecting to be able to hold 100 kms per hour while getting good fuel economy. It just aint gonna happen with the 3 litre in the Patrol.

Get a Turbo 6 cylinder it will be the bees knees. My old Landcruiser Turbo 4.2 would tow a big van, fibreglass ski boat or trailer loaded up to the max, have enough power spare to overtake to 130 and still get 800 kms to a 90 litre tank every time. Every time without fail. It may cost a couple of grand more up front but you will be more than happy with the result (still be a big saving on the cruiser). The 3 litre patrols have had a lot of problems (as viewed in this forum) and many owners have asked for help for a wide variety of things (just do a search of the forum and see).

If all else fails and you get a 3.litre you have been warned. A solution may be to add a few Hiclones to the induction system, put a few in the exaust, and one in the heating system too. They are good for making swirly ice creams for the kids at birthday parties. I hear they work a treat.

You are saying that the 3 litre has better power than the 4.2 are you not. Or is the 3 litre vehicle a lot lighter than the 4.2 vehicle? From all appearances the vehicles are the same dimensions and carry the same ancilliaries. Granted the engine block in the 4.2 would be hevier than the 3 litre (naturally) but where is the other weight savings. Shurely the 4.2 would create a lot more power and counter the extra 2 cylinders. Where are these facts I would like to see them. Floyd..

This is out of new car price list in 4wd monthly

patrol dx 3.0 td 116kw 354 nm
patrol dx 4.2 td 114kw 330nm
subaru outback 2.5 115kw 223nm
subaru outback 3.0 154 kw 282 nm

wizzer

We have a 2000 3.0 gu auto , 70000k's only probs sub tank fuel pump karked it, dust in rear doors. Nissan fixed pump, 3 series seals fixed doors . I tow a 1.5 tonne camper trailer & except for strong head winds would'nt know it was there so ssave your money & buy it. When warrenty is nilly up pay $750 for further 3 yr Nissan warrenty & if anything hapens they can fix itRegards Bob
Where to next

A fantastic response from everyone.

THANKYOU so very much.

I am not yet into the 'Grey' period of my life and I have been firmly told that 'WE' will not be towing a caravan in our twilight years. Silly girl. Does not know what she will be missing. Mother can stay home reading her books and I'll be out enjoying sunrises and sunsets and all the time in between (probably taking a camper trailer with the 3 of us [I, myself and me]).
I appreciate the responses (from both sides) and will take it on board.
If my other half would drive a manual I would go for the 4.2 but as she won't. I am stuck with the auto idea. A shame Nissan has not followed Toyota by putting an auto behind their 6 cylinder turbo diesel, a shame.

Any rumours in the wind about the auto/6-cylinder combo from Nissan?

Best regards all,

Pete Halden
Casula

I have not/do not owned/own a 3.0lt Patrol, so I won't comment about it as a vehicle.

I will however make an observation......

Seems to me that the vast majority of 3.0lt Patrol owners love their cars and are very happy with them.......

Also seems to me that the people bagging them don't own them/have never driven one......

........just my observation :-)

Bought 3.0TD Auto November 2002. Had 40000km service last Friday. Travelled on all sorts of country. Fuel economy great. 11-12l/100km. Never been used for towing. Carries a big load of tools for work throughout the week, and gets to play in the sand, mud or dirt nearly every weekend. Had a fluid leak from transfer case at 33000km. Fixed by Nissan under warranty - no questions asked. Currently waiting for new CD player - it just stopped working on the weekend - Nissan said 5-7 days to get replacement unit. Comfortable, very capable in any terrain, and every conceivable accessory is available for the Patrol.

My two cents worth.

Good to see the jousting continuing..... I don't drive a GU 3.0, but it is on my list for my next truck. My two major concerns are still the size of the engine and its longevity. The 3.0 is a cross-platform unit that was put in the Patrol (at least in part) for economic reasons (direct from Nissan tech department). It is a nice motor, and people all seem to love their vehicles, but I want more from a truck - 150 kw and 500 Nm. Call me greedy if you want, but I don't care.... If I tweak an already optimised 3.0 with a Dtronic etc, I'll get more power/torque, but risk the longevity of the motor - as Roly discovered. As it is, the number of engine failures at the 85-100,000 km is a bit of a worry. We all know the 4.2 goes forever - it's proven it, but the 3.0 is yet to gain the same track record. I would very much like to see the usage/life profile of the 3.0 Patrol fleet i.e. a graph showing where they all are on the odometer. Wouldn't mind betting that a few are over 100,000, but most are between 0 and 65-75,000. Anyone got any details? Given that the engine failures seem to be happening up around 100,000 km, I wonder what we'll see, if anything, as the fleet gets up there. If engines are failing (apart from random failures), that makes me wonder if it's a bit light for the long haul in that platform. Nissan have been good with warranty, but if it's a fundamental flaw, it'll simply happen again with your replacement warranty.
The other point is regarding the price of the Patrol and its competitors (eg cruiser). Eric might be able to assist, but I would have thought that if you paid an extra $20k for a cruiser TD4.2, you would probably get an extra $20 k or so back after the same life - ?? Also, I reckon it's a bit like my shotguns - the purchase price is sometimes outweighed by the cost of additions, consumables, etc. In 100,000 km at 15 l/100 km, you'll burn $15 k in fuel, $5k in servicing, $7-10 k in rego and insurance(5yr guess), maybe $10-20 k in modifications/enhancements, coupla grand in tyres etc etc. So, besides the fact that the extra $20 k for the cruiser has to be found from somewhere, I think its relevance to the argument is often overstated. Price and IFS front aside, I sure as heck know which one I'd pick.....

AND if price were irrelevant, we'd all be driving around in BMWs or Mercs or Range Rovers- does't mean we'd be driving reliable and economical vehicles though!

Member Bill you must be psycic as you have interperated everything I have said perfectly. You should get a job with the CIA or FBI. I hear that people like you do really well in institutionalised government departments you absolute CRETIN.