Nissan Patrol 4x4 (Africa)

Greetings for a cold, wet and miserable Cape Town!!

I've been browsing this forum for more than a year, absorbing as much information as i can. A few years ago, i owned a Nissan Safari 2.8 petrol bakkie, that was used to tow my 23' boat. Used her for about 2 years and ended up selling her because i sold the boat and she just stood, parked off.

Then a bought another boat and ended up buying another Safari Station Wagon (which has PATROL) badges on her. Old, leaf spring model, which now sports a 350 Chevy under the bonnet. Still busy finishing her off......

Anycase, i'm in the market for a slightly newer tow vehicle. I would have prefered a diesel patrol bakkie, but they seem to be exceptionally scarce. I've now broadened my search to look at 4.5 and 4.8 petrols stationwagons. Budget, around R150 000.

How much mileage can the 4.5 or 4.8 petrol models do? Difficult question to answer, i suppose, as it WILL be related to how well the previous owner looked after their vehicle........ Just wanting to know whether 250 000km's+ is going to be a problem.......

Thanx!!

Hi there Miles.
Welcome to the forum.
I been towing a large boat and trailer (3 tons) with Patrols between Pretoria and mozambique over some pretty rough terrain for parts of the journey, for many years now.
First I had a 4,5, now I have had a 4,8 for last 3 years. Awesome vehicles, never had a problem except a 5th gear went on the 4,5 (dont tow in 5th!). The 4,8 is tiptronic and a pleasure to tow with on long journeys and is also very capable on the sand. Fuel consumption is roughly same between the two vehicles, but you definately have more power available on 4,8!!
The engines are completely unstressed and last many 100's of thousands of kms without any big problems - some claim over 500,000 kms and going strong.
You do get the 4,8 in a manual (the GL version) - and that might be a good choice for you.
You will definately find 4,8's around R150k mark (2004 models) with around 200-250k kms on the market.
Good luck!!

Jip as long as its been looked after you will be ok
Things like radiator and visus cupling needs to be changed at about 200k the rest is easy ....frans in the cape Town can help you check them out . If you looking at one up here let graham have a look
Happy hunting
Welcome to the forum
Nearly forgot

On the Patrol petrol engines you don't have to do anything up to 500000km!

Welcome Miles.

Thanx guys!! Just what i was looking for....

Will go check out a few options and will report back!

If anyone see's a good buy, PLEASE keep me informed.

Thanx!!

Welcome Miles !!!

A Patrol will easily last you 500 000Km. Yes there will be a bit of maintenance that will be needed, like viscous coupling and a good radiator flush and the PROPER anitfreeze. These beasts are really strong. We didn't buy them to be fuel efficient but to be able to go anywhere, anytime, without any stress, and in comfort.

Frans ( Tour de Frans ) is definitively someone to get into contact with down in the Cape. He is the guru with Patrols. And as mentioned earlier if you get a Patrol from up here in the JHB /PTA area Graham is the highveld guru !!