Sahara as serious off roader
Submitted: Wednesday, Oct 15, 2003 at 11:03
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Member - Robyn
We are contemplating upgrading from Nissan 3lTD to a 4WD with more grunt. We've had a great run with the Patrol but the new model doesn't have an auto option (and for those of you who still believe that manual is the ONLY serious option for off-roading we have been convinced otherwise after our Patrol experiences so please keep an op-en mind). We do almost as much off-road as city and open bitumen road driving ( note that we do some serious off-road stuff towing an Ultimate off road campervan). Hence the preference for auto, cruise control and comfort, and fuel economy of TD but with the extra grunt needed for towing.
For off-road we need a second battery (deep cycle) under the bonnet, and we want some real comfort. We are not averse to the price of the Sahara but need to know that it is really tough enough for the rough treatment it will get.
Anyone willing to share their experiences??
Reply By: mick - Wednesday, Oct 15, 2003 at 12:21
Wednesday, Oct 15, 2003 at 12:21
Gidday Robyn,
Who told you the new model 3.0TD doesnt have a Auto option, it does!!!!!!!
Got one and love it.
Mick
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Follow Up By: Savvas - Wednesday, Oct 15, 2003 at 12:24
Wednesday, Oct 15, 2003 at 12:24
G'day Mick ... I think robyn may have been pointing out the 4.2L Patrol doesn't have an auto, which is unfortunately correct . Doesn't mention it explicitly though.
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Follow Up By: Member - Robyn - Wednesday, Oct 15, 2003 at 13:26
Wednesday, Oct 15, 2003 at 13:26
Sorry, I meant the 4.2 doesn't have an auto option.
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Follow Up By: Truckster (Vic) - Wednesday, Oct 15, 2003 at 14:29
Wednesday, Oct 15, 2003 at 14:29
Total stupidity by MIssan with no Auto in 4.2, they are missing out on 100's of sales.
They are forcing people to have the lesser 3.0, its called marketing.
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Follow Up By: Savvas - Wednesday, Oct 15, 2003 at 20:38
Wednesday, Oct 15, 2003 at 20:38
Agree with you wholeheartedly on that one, Truckster!
I'd go the 4.2 over the 3.0 anytime.
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Reply By: Savvas - Wednesday, Oct 15, 2003 at 12:22
Wednesday, Oct 15, 2003 at 12:22
Hi Robyn,
Have you thought about installing a Safari DTronic into the Patrol, instead of getting a new vehicle? A number of Patrol owners have installed it in their GU 3L and are really happy with the results. (
http://www.safari4x4.com.au/dtronic/nissan/sd16.htm)
If the vehicle you have now is serving you well, and you're only requirement is for more grunt, then this could be a low cost option for you.
Nonetheless, the L/C Sahara would do the job with no problems.
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Follow Up By: Member - Robyn - Wednesday, Oct 15, 2003 at 13:30
Wednesday, Oct 15, 2003 at 13:30
Thanks Savvas but pardon my ignorance. What exactly (in simple terms) does the safari do? I'm going to the website you suggested but thought I'd check with you about the basics first.
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Follow Up By: Savvas - Wednesday, Oct 15, 2003 at 14:12
Wednesday, Oct 15, 2003 at 14:12
Robyn,
It basically alters the injector timing of the motor from standard to suit the diesel fuel available in Australia.
When a global manufacturer like Nissan designs and builds an engine that will be sold in multiple markets, they usually manufacture and tune it for the lowest common denominator across those markets and that is often the quality of the fuel.
Diesel in Australia may have different qualities to that found in some other countries. The Dtronic simply tunes the motor to run on optimally on the specific qualities of Aussie diesel.
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Follow Up By: Member - Robyn - Wednesday, Oct 15, 2003 at 15:58
Wednesday, Oct 15, 2003 at 15:58
Thanks Savvas, got the picture.
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Reply By: Member -BJ (Sydney) - Wednesday, Oct 15, 2003 at 17:03
Wednesday, Oct 15, 2003 at 17:03
Robyn we have the 3.0ltd patrol with the D'Tronic chip & tow a Kimberyey Kamper with no lack of power. Try the chip first before changing to tojo about $650.00 fitted as it piggy backs on original chip so if it karkes it you can just change the plugs back to original chip & keep going Regards Bob
Where to next
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Follow Up By: Member - Robyn - Wednesday, Oct 15, 2003 at 20:24
Wednesday, Oct 15, 2003 at 20:24
What impact, if any, will fitting the DTronic have on the vehicle warranty (still has 18mths to run) or any electronics related to the chip (eg we have a 2nd battery -deep cycle- and pirhana battery management system). Hope I'm not showing my lack of knowledge about our Pecy (the Patrol) here but hubby's away and I'm the one doing the research on this (I manage the money!). Don't worry I know how to get us out of trouble, change filters, tyres and all that off-road stuff but when it comes to the more complex stuff I'm out of here!
Appreciate your assistance.
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Follow Up By: Member -BJ (Sydney) - Thursday, Oct 16, 2003 at 15:37
Thursday, Oct 16, 2003 at 15:37
Robyn, it won't affect any electronics, as to warranty if you need to go to dealer just unplug it pull it off as it is attached to original chip with velcro & plug original one back in & off you go.Regards Bob
Where to next
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Follow Up By: Member - Robyn - Monday, Oct 20, 2003 at 15:13
Monday, Oct 20, 2003 at 15:13
BJ
We went and checked out the Dtronic at the
Adelaide 4WD show at the weekend. Quote for fitting was $1500 (includes the unit) so we're going to give it a go first. Thanks for your advice. Maybe see you on the road sometime!
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Reply By: Mick - Wednesday, Oct 15, 2003 at 21:19
Wednesday, Oct 15, 2003 at 21:19
You will find the Sahara to be far superior to the Patrol in all respects - on road, off road, towing. Something like comparing a Commodore to a BMW in car terms. You certainly won't be disappointed.
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