Nissan Patrol 4x4 (Africa)

Good day all. Been in the UK for 1.5yrs now and still haven't found a nice Patrol as options are limited to (mostly) rusty 3L diesels. However, found a scarce TD42 (Grandroad, 1999, 170000km) for sale today. The MOT (annual detailed roadworthy check) history is without findings (which is rare), except for last year it shows rusted rear sills and oil leak. Owner says back wheel arches and sills were cut out and replaced (no invoices). No service history as he did work himself (since '15), he's not sure if there's anything in the service book before that (can't find it).
With no service history, I guess it's a gamble, maybe just slightly better odds since it's a TD42? Or walk away?

I messaged a friend in the UK who used to have a 3.0L Patrol.

He says they are super rare & you most likely won't find another very quickly...

If the MOT is clear, then it's a pretty nice vehicle to have.

Another point he made was, that he thinks the Grandroad was the higher spec vehicle, like our GRX. So another plus point, but I would check & confirm that if I was you.

I do see chrome mirrors, colour coded arches & headlamp wipers so it looks promising to me.

I use those 4.2's for work in remote areas. Bulletproof. That mileage is low for what that motor is capable of achieving.
If you do buy it, and you say it is already a rust risk, definitely pull off the rubber strip above the back barn doors and check the metal sill that the rubber covers. Common rust spot so catch it early before it gets into the seam.
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Edited: I initially thought it was normally aspirated but I see it's turbo. Nice allrounder. Buy it already.
I edited my blurb above to remove reference to shortcomings of the normally aspirated motor when not plodding along in the bush

Thanks for the replies!
Yes, it's a Grandroad, it's on the back (and Safari as well)

I know all about the rust in that strip above the barn doors:) Actually looks like there's a few spots in the pics, so that's the first place I'll look. And roof gutters...

Interesting, saw a low km SWB TD-6 as well for very cheap, but the Oz forum says stay away. Apparently that 4.2 is also a grenade!

No not the 4.2, unless the turbo and fueling is horribly miss-matched. The 3.0 is the one that has the "grenade" stigma attached, but again, correctly maintained 3.0 can also go for many many miles.