2001 Patrol 3.0 TD

[Botswana Bob]

Hi Everyone,

I usually buy an item and then join a forum, only to find out valuable information that wouldve been handy before i opened my wallet.

So this time I am doing it the other way round.....

I am currently looking at buying a 2001 Nissan Patrol 3.0 TD
It has 225K on the clock and a winch....
The guy wants BWP100K for it (about Rand 108K).

I am going to see the vehicle tomorrow afternoon..
Now in Botswana you can import cars yourself, so good chance it might be a grey import.

It will be used purely as a recreational vehicle (camping and a bit of light 4x4 play)


Any other things you think I should look at before buying??

[Fanie1]

I am no expert, but I would be very carefull with that vehicle. I have serious doubts about the first 3.0 tdi's ???

The kilos are high, what about a service record and maintenance that was done? If it was a petrol model, no problem.

The experts will soon update you in full

Regards

Fanie

[Botswana Bob]

Thanks Fanie 1

Like I mentioned, this kind of info is pretty valuable before money changes hands.

[G-MAN]

I have heard it blow's up loads of info on the forum about early 3.0td's.

[JG Shields]

Malcolm,

I had a 3.0TDi, drove it for 275000km "VERY HAPPY" before the engine died. This forum covers many debates relative to the ZD30 engine and it is worth your while reading it. My view in a nutshell.

1. The pre 2003 model engines had suspisious design flaws and were called the grenade engines. Stay away. The post 2003 models had the required mods done in the facory but it still did not bring total comfort to the ZD30 community.

2. Although the ZD30 engine runs- and performs very well, it works very hard in the heavy Patrol body. The result is constant high EGT's (Exhaust Gas Temperatures) condusive to the gradual (over time) destruction of metal engine components such as the pistons. The symptom (high EGT) is not visible on the water coolant guage, only on a EGT guage.

3. THEREFORE - My question with reference to a second hand car will be - WHAT ENGINE TIME DID THE CAR SPENT ABOVE THE IDEAL TEMP DURING ITS LIFE? The answer is simple - TOO MUCH!!!...finish and klaar!!! The grenade pin is already pulled.

4. I like the 3.0Di Patrol, especially the auto GRX. However, if I have to buy one again, I will buy it new, install at least a good EGT guage from day one and drive the car within the limits required for a long life span, in which case I am certain that I will get very high kilos out of the engine.

Keep reading and talking. You will make the right decision.

[KOOS BEST]

Hi Malcolm, if I am you and live in Botswana and can buy the grey imports man o'll man I'll drive down to Dbn, look at what they have there, big selection and pay for a vehicle and get it delivered by truck to Botz.
Do yourself a favour and go there , the importers are all situated near the harbour, they send truck loads to our neighbouring countries daily.
I saw plenty Patrol 4.2 TD sw and pickups, Cruisers 70's,105's, Prado's and Pajeros, as a SA citizen resident here we are not allowed to buy.Thx SARS.Some have a lot of bling and look very eastern some have all the accessories like roofracks, longrange tanks and fridges allready.

[KOOS BEST]

3. THEREFORE - My question with reference to a second hand car will be - WHAT ENGINE TIME DID THE CAR SPENT ABOVE THE IDEAL TEMP DURING ITS LIFE? The answer is simple - TOO MUCH!!!...finish and klaar!!! The grenade pin is already pulled.

SO TRUE SO TRUE SO TRUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ON THAT PATROL

[Russ Kellermann]

Now i know where my 1st 2007 Patrol Pick up 4.2d ended up, right at that harbour i bet! Stolen......either that or its in some conflict area running drugs two and from the jungle with an anti-arcraft 50cal gun bolted to the double skin bin.....

[Botswana Bob]

Hi Malcolm, if I am you and live in Botswana and can buy the grey imports man o'll man I'll drive down to Dbn, look at what they have there, big selection and pay for a vehicle and get it delivered by truck to Botz.
Do yourself a favour and go there , the importers are all situated near the harbour, they send truck loads to our neighbouring countries daily.

Maybe thats an avenue i should explore....... I see those trucks coming in from Durban on a daily basis---- R40K for a 5 year old RAV4 anyone

I also know the goverment here auctionsoff their goverment vehicles off after a few years worth of service.


Decided to pass on that 2001 Patrol.... really glad i joined this forum beofre making a big mistake and buying that car

[JG Shields]

Malcolm,

I do not know your personal preferences regarding vehicles and their application, budget etc. However....the 4.2TD Nissan Patrol (factory turbo!!!) is one of the best balanced SUV 4x4 vehicles in the world when RELIABILITY, ENDURANCE, 4X4 ABILITY, ECONOMY, POWER, CABIN SPACE and LOOKS is measured. (And...do not forget the beautiful engine sound) You have a wonderful opportunity with the "grey imports". Use it!!!

Good luck and keep us up to date.