Nissan Patrol 4x4 (Africa)

Hi All

As you may have seen (in the Vehicles for sale section), I've been flirting with the idea of selling my GQ 4.2D.

Although, I've been really enjoying driving her - so much character, and she really does purr like a Tiger at the right speeds.

I also have a ZD30 2002 Hardbody 4x4 as my daily driver. She has done 320000 kms now, engine never been opened. Been in the family since new. However, quite a few say she's a ticking timebomb. Which does have me worried.

So I've been trying to figure out what the best course of action is going forward. Both engines will be familiar to the Patrol club.

3 Options:

1. Sell the HB and get something newer. And keep the GQ.
2. Sell the GQ and get something smaller for a daily driver, and keep the bakkie (which would be more useful).
3. Continue as is. Worst case, in for a R40k knock with an import engine? Best case, she lives on to 500k+ ?

I've done 2 Wearcheck oil analyses on her so far, and nothing picked up.

Would appreciate any advice/insights/ and/or tips on preventative maintenance. Thanks chaps.

Just some more info:

End of the day, fuel consumption is great, she has ABS and airbags, is a comfy drive, and I don't mind getting her dirty. The only real issue has been that she struggles uphills - and has done so for as long as I remember - sometimes quite a bit worse than the 4.2D - believe it or not! But perhaps that's why she'll live forever - bought myself a Madman, let's see what the EGT gauge says.

How long is your daily commute?

Currently about 22km each way Peter. But likely to double soon. Am going to get me a bike to help with commuting too.

I'm most happy going with option 3 - so would like to know more about that - very easy finding an import engine, but some claim it's a lottery - any thoughts on that?

I stand corrected here, but the ZD30 in the Hardbody was a little different to the ZD30 in the Patrol, and had as better life expectancy that the Patrol ZD30. I think the Patrol ZD30 had to deliver more power to move the brick shaped and heavy Patrol.

I think you are right Cedric, you hear of way less ZD30 failures in the Hardbody and their numbers dwarf the Patrol's.

I think 320 000 km's just proves the point.

To my mind there would be little reason to keep both.

The HB is better in town, and probably slightly easier to keep at 120, but I am sure the Patrol is far superior off-road, and more comfortable on long, bad dirt roads. and probably a more relaxed cruiser too if you aren't too fussed about keeping it at 120.

I know which one I would keep, but your priorities are probably different from mine.

I just switched my Navara (2.5td) d/c for a 4.2D Patrol

I can tell you that the Patrol is really more comfortable, and so incredibly capable of going just anywhere - but you know that! Sometimes though I miss the speed of the Navara - not a trade-off with the ZD30. That said, I don't use the Patrol as a daily commuter.

Also, the Navara did cost me quite a packet when I had to have the turbo and injectors done last year... Keep that in mind when you keep the ZD30 - this is only an assumption, but I believe the injectors alone would cost quite a lot more that that on the old school 4.2D.

So, might be because my Patrol still shines with newness for me, but I would keep it. I was told by everyone that all the 4.2D needs is oil and filters and 500ppm to keep going and going and going... Must say it feels like it!!!

Good luck with the decision!