Patrol ST-L 3.0 TD

You can get cruise control on the 3.0..
Nissan dont know what brand winch they sell? Warn.
4.2 lightyears more reliable.

Search archives, or at least the last 2 pages for 1920480238402398 threads on 3.0 V 4.2 etc etc.

Auto or manual is your own choice. For me Auto.

Hi Glyn,

Most dealers can organise an after market cruise control for the 3.0L for around $500 fitted.

I have an Auto 3.0L and love it.

The 3.0L is a newer generation motor that produces more power with less fuel as compared to the 4.2L.

Regards
Phil P

Why buy new?
Well to get a brand new car I suppose..... but if you want to save yourself $20,000 why not check out the government auctions in your state & get one say 15 months or so old!
I bought a GU111 2002 st cab chassis with all the extras for $36,000 ($53500 new)
with a full service history & I am very pleased........ I can buy a lot of extras for $17,000.

My state gov. auctions are at www.auctions.sa.gov.au/
they have a great online catalogue with details, pictures & price history of the last 8 weeks auctions.

Cheers Rowler

I have recently bought an ST manual 3.0TD GU with ABS and am wrapped in it, especially after my 80 series 1HZ (non-turbo). Forgot what it was like to have a 4WD with a decent amount of power. I know there are heaps of knockers of the 3.0TD, but I for one can live with the supposed faults of the 3.0TD compared to the ultra-reliable, but gutless, 1HZ.

I have fitted the Autron cruise control and hey, what a great product. Only problem is the $650 damage to buy. I have also added an overhead console (houses Barret remote head HF and GME UHF plus EPIRB), cargo barrier, snorkel, dual batts, Ramsay winch (2nd hand from my old cruiser), ARB compressor and Cooper 285/75 ST's. Currently still fitting my water tank and rear _Affordable_Storage_Drawers.aspx. Its set up to do long distance touring and seems to fill the role really well.

As for the Nissan winch, see if ARB still have the ARB + warn 9,000lb deal for ~$2400. Works out cheaper than the Nissan setup. I believe the Nissan winch is also the 9,000lb warn, but thats from a salesman!!! Also told by ARB that the Nissan bar is actually made by ARB (but slightly different design)

As for man vs auto, I have found the 3.0TD a tad low on power below say 900 rpm when towing (1.6T), only on takoff. An auto would mask this problem and after driving my brother-in-laws auto 3.0TD for a while, I could live with an auto (but still prefer manual if not towing)

As for 3.0 vs 4.2 , unless you are travelling in areas where relibility is a life and death issue and you have no means of communication, I would go the 3.0TD. It is SO much better to drive and far more economical. The 3.0TD is latest technology and as such depend on airflow sensors, EGR valves, fuel pressure sensors etc... and if a fault develops they go into limp home mode. The 4.2 is from the 50's era, but hey it is bulletproof (note that the new intercooled 4.2 now has an electronically controlled fuel injection pump, no longer the old but proven mechanical one). But I chose the 3.0TD and can live with the slightly lower relaibility to enjoy the benefits of the later technology. Its all about horses for courses.

As for price, make sure you screw nissan for a decent fleet discount. I got my ST with ABS for 42.5K + GST + ORC, and that included roo bar, tow bar and IPF spotties. Fleet discount makes a new vehcile close to the same price as a 2nd hand ex-govt auction one, not fair for private buyers who have to pay full retail for new or only get 2 year old ex-govt one for same price.

Cheers

Mark

G'day Glyn,

I have a 3Lt auto Nissan and it would be the greatest thing since sliced bread. We have all heard about supposed faults, oarticularly with the early models but my 2000 model has never set a foot wrong. Maybe I've been lucky but I think it's more to do with regular and proper servicing and driving it like it's worth $50,000.

Don't get me wrong, I don't baby it by any means, it works hard, but I don't abuse it. There is no appreciably difference in the power or torque of the 4.2 compared to the 3lt. Why everyone keeps saying to get a 4.2 for towing I've got no idea. We tow an off road camper trailer everywhere we go and would usually gross 3.5 tonne. That includes Fraser Island and Vic high country. Brilliant fuel economy and no real lack of power. By the way, the intercooler they put on the latest 4.2 came off the original 2.8lt. It is smaller than the one on the 3lt.

Nissan supplied cruise control on my truck. It's a Command Cruise Control by a mob called Sogalu Pty Ltd of 17 Daphne St Botany in Sydney. It is fitted to the steering column near the indicator stalk. Works very well. I certainly can't drive as smoothly as the cruise.

As for auto v manual, I don't think you can beat the auto. You've probably got to experience it to appreciate the advantages but if you ever go into the sand, either beach or desert, then you just cannot beat it. Even on steep off road tracks it is just great. I believe it gives you superior control over your use of power. I also took out an extended warranty of an extra two years and extra 50,000K. cost about $900 but that only equals about the same cost of a major 40,000K service. Compared to a major failure thats petty cash. And in just over three years, the truck has only ever been serviced by the original supplier even though it means a 100K round trip.

Your call but you won't go wrong with the 3Lt.

See ya in tha bush. Treadlightly!

Nomad

Thanks you to everyone for the feedback, I think I'm sold on the 3.0 TD in Auto. I'm not going to be in the deepest darkest part of the outback so if the high tech options go wrong, I'll still be able to get some place for a tow.

Once again, thanks for the feedback.

C U later, in the bush, on the track, sipping a beer.

Autronic (sp?) do cruise control for drive by wire engines, with up to 3 pre-set speeds. Price is up to $1K with all the bits (fitted). Also has overspeed alarms.

Works great. Installation ~~ so so