Nissan Patrol 4x4 (Africa)

Hi guys,
so im on the hunt for a patrol, preferably the 4.8, but ive seen a couple diesels floating around gumtree etc.
I have no idea about these diesels though. I am a little nervous of diesels, and prefer petrols, hence the initial search for a 4.8, but I thought I must check on these diesels first before ruling them out completely.
what are they like reliability wise over say 150000kms?
is it safe for me to assume less will go wrong with the petrol compared to the diesel?
thanks!

cheers.

I bought mine when it was on 200k, done 6k since i bought it.
There are many 4.2s running around with 400-500k+ on the clock.
we have a member here, dungbeetle, who's 4.2Gl is on 733500km
With regular oil changes, the 4.2 is bullet proof.
The 3.0 diesel, does not have as good reputation as the 4.2

What is the 4.2's fuel consumption like?

I get 6.5km/L when towing something and 7.5km/L when empty
Got 6.5km/L when doing a round trip of 550km when the Patrol was fully loaded and this included 3 days of playing around and driving offroad

Do some research on the 3.0 engine and look at the following link
http://www.chaz.yellowfoot.org/zd30_engine_problems.htm

I belive the 3.0 engine can go far if you fit an EGT gauge and do an oil change every 7,500km
The 3.0 is also the Patrol that uses the least amount of fuel (probably between 7.5 and 8.5km/L)

I personally would stay away from the 3.0 turbo model, UNLESS you have knowen the patrol for a long time and it has had a madman fitted, they have a tendancy to go BOOM!! if they have not been maintained properly. I would keep looking for the right 4.8 or even look for a 4.2 diesel (bomb proof motor!! but not easy to find) You patrol will find you!!

Just following on to the 3.0 issue....

Yes the 3.0 diesel has a bad reputation. This was from 2000 till around 2004 where the 3.0 had a tendency to go bang.... however post 2004 ZD30 motors are said to have been sorted out. Depending on if you want to buy new or how old a Patrol you wish to buy, I would say that a 3.0 diesel, after say 2005 - 2006 would be a safe bet. However, the EGT guage would be a definite addition needed. If it already has one fitted, then you know that the previous owner has looked after it. Those motors are unbelievably strong and light on fuel.

Thanks for the replies guys.
It is the 3.0 I was asking about.

With words like 'bang' and 'boom' in the descriptions of these motors I think I'll avoid them .

That's good info to know though, so thank you.
I'll definitely carry on the search for a 4.8 and put up with a higher fuel bill, but peace of mind that Im not going to experience and boom or a bang! :)

Michael wrote:Do some research on the 3.0 engine and look at the following link
http://www.chaz.yellowfoot.org/zd30_engine_problems.htm

I believe the 3.0 engine can go far if you fit an EGT gauge and do an oil change every 7,500km
The 3.0 is also the Patrol that uses the least amount of fuel (probably between 7.5 and 8.5km/L)

Michael, I used to do 9km per litre and only ventured in the sevens when offroading was included in the mix.

graham1 wrote:Thanks for the replies guys....
With words like 'bang' and 'boom' in the descriptions of these motors I think I'll avoid them .

....And I did not even post on this thread!?
Graham, I personally was a 'bang', 'boom' victim.
I would say that the 2004 and 2005 vehicles are still a risk as well. Mine was 2004. I knwo of at least one 2005 (face lift) 3TD that failed.
But as Michael said, with an EGT installed from early on in the engine's life, it would be okay.
Unfortunately the early models did a LOT of PR damage to the Patrol in SA....

hahahaha... Alex, You put a smile on my face....

But Graham, yes a 2004/5 can also be at risk as the person may have bought it in 2005, but it was built in lets say late 2003, due to not many Patrols being sold in South Africa ( irrespective of petrol or diesel ). Having said that there are many happy 3.0 diesel owners out there too, so don't necessarily write them off too quickly. They are damn potent having seen what they can do even in Botswana on the pans whilst towing an off road trailer !!