Old VS New Patrols

[Aziz Al Saleh]

Hi there guys,

A friend of mine owns a 1985 Nissan Patrol Safari (Shorty) with the removable top, and since I toke it for a spin with its current condition (real abused) I really liked what these machine can do, even whey they are nearly dead ''but not actually'', it does almost everything from towing big boats, sand beaches, and recovering other 4X4's! this is also the same with another friend of mine that owns a 1999 4500.

Well my father owns a 2003 4800VTC Auto, and it is a great 4wd vehicle, but I would give more trust to the older models, the Auto tranny feels a little bit faint compared to those older ones - had some overheat problems with it while in the dunes (the Tiptronic wont shift) gave it a 10min break and then worked well again. the saying that says ''The best Never Rest'' would be more suitable for the older models

What is your opinion on this, and what do you think?

Thanks

Aziz

[Herrie]

I would like to have a shorty Safari but it never came out in South Africa.

[Tjaart]

The manual gearbox is bullet proof and will never die. Remember to keep your foot off the clutch when driving. It is simple and effective and very strong. As you said, the auto box got too hot when working very hard. but at least it won't break and disintegrate like some other 4x4's around.

Old are very nice and very reliable. In SA they are very scarce, but they do sell for quite a bargain!! SA only got a limited amount of models, so we are not spoiled for choice. We are, however, very passionate about our Patrols and that will never change. Fortunately, all Patrols, old and new, are brilliant and tough. Except maybe the hand grenade models of 2001 -2003 3.0TDi.

Let us know what you decide on and send us a pic of your Patrol!! Happy hunting!!

[Rusty]

The manual gearbox is bullet proof and will never die. Remember to keep your foot off the clutch when driving. It is simple and effective and very strong. As you said, the auto box got too hot when working very hard. but at least it won't break and disintegrate like some other 4x4's around.

Old are very nice and very reliable. In SA they are very scarce, but they do sell for quite a bargain!! SA only got a limited amount of models, so we are not spoiled for choice. We are, however, very passionate about our Patrols and that will never change. Fortunately, all Patrols, old and new, are brilliant and tough. Except maybe the hand grenade models of 2001 -2003 3.0TDi.

Let us know what you decide on and send us a pic of your Patrol!! Happy hunting!!

Hi Tjaart, I am a bit concerned(have a 3,0tdi 2006 )after reading about this engine variant, do you have any experience with the 3,0tdi after 2003 models , I have currently done 122 000km and so far so good. Previously had the 4,5 petrol ,rgds
Darryl

[JG Shields]

Darryl, my 2001 3.0Di GRX has 266000 on the clock. Nissan replaced the engine on 92000km (when I bought it) as part of a compulsary modification program, relating to all the reasons that indicates to the "grenade syndrome". I had no engine trouble since I bought it on 92000km. I had a alternator regulater failure and I did a voluntary Turbo recon on 250000km as part of a precautionary service before a Botswana/ Zambia trip earlier this year. Yes, I do complain about engine management issues which I battle to get sorted from time tot time.

I agree that its a high maintenance/attention engine. I am trying to know the "YES and NO" factors of the engine, which are quite a few. I believe that by managing these factors well, I got a fair result with my engine so far.

[Herrie]

JG, ek het 'n manual vir jou as dit gaan help.

[JG Shields]

Dankie Herrie. Ek sal dit waardeer. Kostes?...

[Rusty]

Hi JG, Many thanks for your comments, just gives one a bit more confidance in running the motor for a longer period of time. I find that the various Nissan dealers I have taken the vehicle to are not familiar with the Patrol or what is required. I had a previous problem which one dealer could not sort out, when I requested that we look at the maintenance manual they were a "bit " embarressed as it had not been taken out of its wrapper.

[Rusty]

Hi Herrie, gee I would also appreciate it if I could get a copy, how can I arrange it with you?Best regards
Rusty

[JG Shields]

Rusty, I can write a book about my bad experiences with Nissan dealerships and their workshops. I had exactly the same experience with the "do not know the Patrol" mechanics. Eventually I did my own research and told them what to do when I took it for a service. They dit not like it. However, ons day I had a call from a service manager asking me my opinion on a similar problem than mine that they had on a hardbody bakkie. It was a joke. One day when I phoned them, the lady at the service dept answering the phone called for the manager and, in the background, I heard het saying to him - "It's that man who knows more about his Patrol than you".

I am of the opinion that a lot of the bad reputational issues of the 3.0Di could have been avoided had they know more about their product.