Nissan Patrol 4x4 (Africa)

Hi All,

Moving to Nigeria next month and would like to buy and bring a Nissan Petrol 4.2 Diesel yr 2009 ( It is USD 10k cheaper that the 4.8 petrol )

I have hear that that the 4.2 diesel is very slow and under powered, even if fitted with a Turbo.

Not planning on towing anything, but will load the car fully with wife and four kids for camping / trekking.

So would the Nissan 4.2 be ok or should I go for the 4.8 Petrol ?

What the best fuel option across Africa Diesel or Petrol ?

Any advice would be appriciated.

Thanks

Currently driving a Nissan Petrol 4.8 Petrol , which is super in the empty quarters and mountains of Oman.

Welcome Chris, as far as I know there is no unleaded petrol and low sulfur diesel available is most countries in Africa.

Can you use normal petrol in your current 4.8 Patrol? Maybe it is best to keep your 4.8 because you can't get new 4.2 diesels anymore - not is South Africa. Can you still get new ones?

Hi Herrie,
Thanks for the reply.

Yes, there is still one 4.2 Diesel (yr 2009) left at the dealer, so buying a diesel is an option.

And yes, it would be great, if I could take my current 4.8 Nissan Petrol, but it is a company car, so I have to buy my own one.

Nissan petrol 4.8 GL7 - USD 40K
Nissan Petrol 4.2 GL7 - USD 30K

I would like to take the diesel version as it is easy maintenance, more economical and a cheaper initial investment. One can get lost of extras for 10K !

But with the 4.8 I am getting max power of 206 kW and torque of 451 Nm/rpm vesus only 99kw / 280Nm/rpm with the 4.2 Diesel.

I am thinking getting the extra power with the 4.8 will be USD 10k well spend.

Well maybe you should then go for the diesel. Frans on this website can turbo your diesel so that you can get about 150Kw out of it. But then you will have to travel via Cape Town to Nigeria

Hi Chris,

We are in Dubai and I have a 4.8 Patrol, let me know if you want to get anything ARB for the patrol.

What are you going to do in Nigeria?

Chris,, you are asking an almost impossible question to answer.

In Africa very little thinking should go into luxuries, power etc. The difference between the 4.8 and the 4.2 diesels power is not going to get you anywhere in Africa. Thinking should centre around survival...hence reliability. Within manufacturers such as Toyota, the 4.5 petrol and 4.2 diesel normal aspirated engines tends to keep up with the beat of the African drums. They are of simple design and easy to maintain. As soon as you move towards complicated electronics and up-to-date high power technology, the better your chances to wait for weeks if/when a breakdown does occur.

Therefore, the issues you should take into consideration are reliability, QUALITY OF FUEL and AVAILABILITY OF SPARE PARTS. Both the 4.8 petrol and the 4.2 diesel Patrols are bullte proof vehicles....BUT what about the above as far the place you are going to use your vehicle?

My suggestion: Sit down, have 2 more beers, read about Africa from those who conquered it by themselves (not in groups where camera teams were present), take another 2 beers, go to sleep, repeat the exercise, make a decision.

Hi Guys,

Done the beer things - I am not going to Nigeria for a holiday.... Thinking the extra power of the 4.8 would be needed to get the hell out of a tricky situation....

@JG Shields: Can't get the 4.5 version, do you rekon the 4.8 is not suitable due to the electronics ?


@PetrolNW, Yes, I need some ARB parts, can you send me (PM) the contact details.I am in Abu Dhabi, Thanks.

Chris, wait until Oom Mac (Kagiso) spots this thread. He will be able to tell you all you need to know about conditions in Nigeria, e.g. which fuel type is most readily available and which one is the cheapest/best quality.

I don't think the 4.8 is unsuitable for Africa. It is only slightly more complex than Toyota's fuel injected 4.5 petrol Cruiser motor. The Japs have an uncanny way of making complex technology very reliable in any case. Besides, where will one find a modern petrol motor without an electronic control system in any case.

The old Nissan 4.5 petrol is mechanically very simple, but still has an electronic control system.

The 4.2 TD has very little electronics, but diesel pumps and injectors require good fuel lubricity and cleanliness to keep on working properly, so I am not sure if things are so clear cut in terms of which is more able to withstand African conditions.

Hi Guys,

I am going go for the 4.8 Petrol version. I checked with Nisaan-Nigeria on parts and the 4.8L is the most common Nissan Petrol in Nigeria, so getting spare parts should be ok.

Now I just need to get it fitted, I am planning to fit:

Long range fuel tank,
ARB commercial bull bar (winch)
Winch, is a capacity of 8000 ok ?
OME 971 and 981
Rear bar with two spare wheels.

I am only fitting a winch, do I need to fit a dual batteri ?

Any comments or recommendations ?

Hi Chris

Where are you planning to have accessories fitted?