Nissan Patrol - advice on which model

GU Patrol 4.2 Diesel. They seem very expensive, but that is because since Nissan discontinued the motor they have been in high demand.

We have a GU 4.2, '99 model and it answers all the the requirements that you have listed. We have found it a great vehicle to get us to where we want to go.

Good luck finding one though.

Cheers

D

I'm a Toyota man myself but I must admit I have not heard many bad reports about the 4.2 turbo powered Nissans. They appear to be pretty reliable and more than enough power for towing.

ob

I've heard the pre-CRD 3l diesel versions are literally the bomb...

I took a wander up to the local Nissan dealer, who unfortunately only had one suitable Patrol: a 2007 Nissan Patrol GU IV MY06 ST, with towbar, Sat Nav, Tint, 3 yr warranty, snorkel and 79140km on the clock. Service history regular and advertised for $40,888 no more to pay. I can obviously shave a bit off that with haggling. It's a 3.0lit Diesel.

The vehicle doesn't seem to have any offroading damage underneath it, it ran very nicely and only a few cosmetic issues.

Is this a good deal and it is a reliable make/year?

My concern is that I end up finding a "good deal" but it turns out to be a vehicle with "issues". I understand that the Turbo Diesels from 99 00 and 01 were problematic....

G'day - we are onto our 3rd GU Patrol
1999 - GU 4.5 ST Petrol - Great to drive, power++, very thirsty, 20L per 100km when driving city & country driving.
2002 - GU 3.0 ST TDI, Great on road, towing & offroad - touchy drive by wire in low range, engine did need a rebuild after about 115,000km, about 13 L/100km.
Currently 2006 GU 4.2 ST. Slow, reliable, good offroad, comfortable, easy to work on, no computer controlled engine, about 14L/100km, good resale.
Cheers.

The floor is not flat if you choose to sleep in the back without some sort of false floor system.

To find out most things on Nissan Patrols look at this site
Patrol Forum

You will find all sorts of negative comments about the ZD30 turbo charged 4 cylinder diesel motor. It is generally accepted that the problems were sorted out by the series 3 (2003) model. so avoid models 2002 and earlier.

The 4.2 6 cylinder has a devout following. It is available in manual only and is less powerful than the ZD30. The earlier 6 cylinder diesel has quite a few fans.

I have had my 2003 GU3 (ZD30) since new in Dec 2003. I have done 145K without any problems. Dealer servicing is expensive but I have had it serviced without fail and I think that pays off. The next service has been quoted at $1000+ so beware if you go down that route. We use the vehicle as it was intended, with extensive outback off road touring. It performs admirably and I can recommend the auto in all situations except down hill. The auto is restricted to a tow capacity of 2500KG while the manual is 3000KG.

For Salary Sacrifice/ Novated Lease(?) I would have thought the financer would have required a vehicle less than five years old at the end of the lease. Even so, I think you could probably get a good 2007 or 2008 vehicle within your budget.

Don't take too much notice of the critics who can the Patrol. It is a good vehicle as long as you avoid the early ZD30 engine. Even then, most of those would have been repaired by now. In any case, as you will find on the Patrol Forum, the ACTUAL numbers of massive failures is not great compared with the number sold. I am looking to replace mine soon and have no reservations about looking at the current model. The current model with its rugged construction and 4WD configuration will always appeal to genuine off roaders. The recently announced new model, due in 2011, with all its bells and whistles including independent suspension is expected to be very different.Nissan Australia has said that they will market the new and old models concurrently for some time. That says something in itself!

Good Luck,

Kingo

Hi ,Errr (no christian name to reply to) I have a 2003 GU 4,2 TDI, it has 301,000ks on it, not a part replaced on it other than normal servicing , even has original clutch. MY first new Patrol, my ex wife still has it, has over 400,000ks on it and only the front auto hub covers replaced($1000) and a new clutch($1000) at 360,000ks.. both vehicles have towed camp trailers and horse floats.... You cant beat a GU 4.2 diesel.

regards Michael

jmandea



My response is going to be about the same as others

If you get a patrol do not purchase the 3ltr diesel. They blow up.

The 4.2 ltr diesel is the go. They are extremely reliable.

Having said that because they are so reliable they are also hard to get. Supply and demand also influences the cost.

I find mine a bit large for nipping around town. It is however a very good and comfortable vehicle to cruise on the open road. Loves long trips on the open road.

As mine is a 2000 model and has done 200,000+ kms I was thinking of trading it in. At the moment I cannot find a vehicle that I would replace it with.



Tjilpi

The best, most economical and most powerful Patrol is the 4.8 on LPG.

Disclaimer: LPG may be expensive and/or have limited availibilty in remote locations.

Jim.

Thanks Team; I'm keen on Diesel as we will be going into remote areas; LPG is great, but once off the beaten track we could have problems.

I'm heavily leaning towards a GU 4.2 - haven't decided what year or exact model yet; I'd like to have something with a few bells and whistles such as plenty of discrete storage space, cup holders and so on.

Are there any models that are able to have the seats folded totally flat so that I can lay a matress right on top, or do I need to do a false floor sort of mod to achieve that aim?

Erica