Used Nissan Patrol review: 1997-2001

There are four-wheel drives and there are four-wheel drives.  There are those that spend their time doing the rounds in town, while looking like they could go bush if need be, and there are those that are designed to do their time deep in the mulga, but get bogged down in the 'burbs.Two vehicles fit into the latter category – Toyota's Land Cruiser and Nissan's Patrol.

Both are serious four-wheel drive wagons, capable of plunging deep in the bush or towing a heavy load. They're heavy duty workhorses, at their best on the job.

Model watch

In 1997, the GU Patrol replaced the popular GQ, a rough and tough four-wheel drive wagon that had a big following.  The Patrol follows common practice in this class of off-roader with a wagon body perched atop a separate chassis which is considered the best way of tackling the toughest of conditions a vehicle might encounter.

A separate chassis has the effect of raising the cabin quite high off the ground and it also cuts down on the interior space.  Nissan offered a choice of one petrol and three diesel engines. The petrol engine was a 4.5-litre single overhead camshaft fuel-injected six-cylinder unit with a chain driven camshaft and put out 145kW.

Performance with the petrol engine was good and the fuel consumption was acceptable. The diesel choices were a 2.8-litre single overhead camshaft turbo diesel six-cylinder engine producing 95kW, a 4.2-litre overhead valve delivering 91kW, and a 4.2-litre overhead valve turbo diesel pumping out 114kW.

The 2.8-litre turbo diesel was replaced by a 116kW 3.0-litre in 2000 in the GU II update, and with it came plenty of trouble (see In The Shop).  Performance of the diesels wasn't as punchy, but the low-down grunt they delivered was welcome, along with the fuel consumption savings.

Drive was through all wheels, with a choice of two-wheel drive for the highway and dual-range four-wheel drive for off-road use. Front hubs were manual locking on the entry level DX model, but the others had auto hubs.  Buyers could choose between three models -- the DX five-seater, the popular seven-seater ST and the top of the range Ti.

In the shop

While the Patrol is generally a rough and rugged vehicle with few faults, there is a cloud hanging over the 3.0-litre turbo diesel. The problem generally manifests itself in the form of melted pistons, but the most likely explanation is that it's caused by a piston oiling/cooling problem.

Not all engines are affected. Those most likely to succumb to the problem are those doing a lot of highway cruising.  Nissan has increased the oil fill and played with alignment of the nozzles that spray oil on the pistons for cooling and lubrication purposes, but there seems to be no consistent fix for the problem.

Its important to keep an eye on the oil level in all engines but particularly so in the 3.0-litre turbo diesel.  Apart from the 3.0-litre turbo diesel engine's woes, the Patrol is generally a tough and rugged vehicle that gives good service over the long term.

That said, the manual gearbox can have problems with the fifth gear spline and hub.  It's important to check for a service record, particularly if the vehicle has spent time off-road. It's also important to check under the vehicle for damage sustained off-road, like bashed suspension and chassis components, brackets, exhaust etc.

On the exterior, look for scratches and scrapes from trackside bushes during road excursions.  Consider carefully before buying a Patrol that has clearly been off-road as there are plenty that haven't spent much time off the black top and they are a better choice.

Rating

14/20 Comfortable and well equipped small car makes sense for family transport around town.