I’m on the market for a Patrol, but only if the right one at the right price comes along. Otherwise, I’ll have to “settle” for a Pajero. :)
I’ve recently test-driven a 1998 4.5e (the fuel injection model) GRX with around 410 000km on the clock. It's a donkey, but I'm looking for reliability rather than speed.
The current owner has had it for less than a year, but he has done plenty of maintenance, replacing the battery, both front wheel bearings and the starter motor and overhauling the clutch and cooling system. Most of this has been done at a Nissan dealership, and he has invoices he's willing to surrender as proof. In addition, the car has been driven for around 4000km before its last (major) service.
Still, there are at least two important things to be done: one is replacing the oil and oil filter and the other is sorting out the flashing airbag light on the dashboard (supposedly, the airbags have not been deployed). If I recall correctly, both jobs were quoted at about R7000-8000, the owner says.
I’ve taken along a friend who’s a mechanic and he felt the car to be fine mechanically, but didn’t want to vouch for it 100%, given the extensive work that had been done on it. He noticed a smidge of oil in the engine bay, but didn’t think there were leaks. Looking under the car, all seemed in great condition.
The body has some scratches, but no major dents. Other than that, the paintwork is in fair condition, although some panels have been resprayed. To my untrained eye, it appears to have been professionally done.
4x4 high and low range are working and so are the rear and front diff locks. The same goes for the air con and sunroof.
There are some signs of mild wear and tear inside, mainly on the door side of the driver’s seat, where the seams are coming loose. The same is starting to happen to one of the passenger seats. Still, nothing major.
The following extras are included: OME suspension with a small lift, steel front bumper, snorkel and a roof rack with two lights mounted at the front and one at the back (all of which are working).
The tires may have about 30-50 000km left in them, but I’m not the best judge of that. In any case, they are larger than standard, as the vehicle was used by one of the previous owners for towing. So, I would likely replace them to reduce noise when driving and hopefully improve fuel consumption, which currently stands at about 22l per 100km in town and 17-18l on the open road. The roof rack and the bumper don't help, but I would probably remove the former as well.
So, what do you think would be a fair price for this vehicle in today's market? I’ve included a few photos to make it easier to judge.
Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!
Please find below a photo I found online that matches pretty closely what I saw on the front wheel hubs, which led me to believe the car had an aftermarket front locker.
When going under the car, I have to admit I just searched for oil leaks and checked the state of the driveshaft, so I didn't even notice the diff lock.