Nissan Patrol 4x4 (Africa)

The salesman claims an average consumption of 13.8L per 100km. I take it it's very optimistic figures then?

To be honest, I took a close look at the vehicle today: I know they're super-capable, but ito build quality and toughness it 'feels' very 'plastic' to the touch. I know it will kick all else on trail but ito build quality and durability I think the Patrol and Cruiser might be slightly better. Which leaves me with the conclusion that it is a very expensive toy with a possible drinking problem.

Picasso wrote:..... that brings up the question..... is it the Jeep or is it the wife ?

Actually the comparison of consumption would be when I drive the Jeep vs when I drive my Patrol.

The wife drives "katvoet" very light on her vehicles, she beat me in an economy run years ago...

When I use it, I budget an extra 25% spend on fuel.

I have driven a few Jeeps & I personally love them, but the comfort & interior quality of a Patrol or Cruiser is imo better.

Maybe I'm getting old...

I'm keen to try the (a) Ruby.

Johan

I drove 2007 two door rubicon, still one of my favourite vehicles. As far as I am aware the 3.8 is very reliable engine and should not give any problems. The fuel consumption as quoted is doable if you drive with a light foot, 110km/h I found to be most efficient and still get where you are going.

I am not sure about the 2009 models but I know the 2008 models and earlier is very efficient in picking up grass and compacting it nicely to start a fire. Jeep changed the design but I am not sure in which year. If you look under the car if there is plate type set-up it is a lawnmower but if there is a bar fitted you should be ok.

I have a very informative story about driving "die kaplyn" in central kalahari with a 4 door sahara which acted very efficiently as a lawnmower.

I found the 2007 V6 Rubicon unlimted to be light on fuel for a V6, we normally got about 14l/100km fully loaded on the open road.
One thing I did not like was the 4 speed auto box which was not a good match for this motor.
I believe the 2 door Rubicon only comes out in a manual box so should not be a problem for you.

hugejp wrote:I have driven a few Jeeps & I personally love them, but the comfort & interior quality of a Patrol or Cruiser is imo better.

Maybe I'm getting old...

Agree 100%

I found the patrol is much more comfortable as a cruiser , the Rubicon has a lot of plastic all over the interior and also the roof is a bit noisy at speed as its a fiberglass/plastic material?

Take a careful look at the gear box and differentials. They are known to give trouble.

OK... I still can't believe it. I bought a 2011 3.8 Rubicon 2 door. It has 70 000 km on the clock and I doubt it has seen much dirt roads let alone 4x4 trails. it is as close to spotless as they come in my opinion. It is still stock standard. Just for in case I took out a 2 year unlimited warranty on all mechanical parts. I will collect the vehicle tomorrow. She is a beauty. I almost forgot that I'm buying it for my wife. At least I'll have my Patrol back now and I can quit driving her old polo.