Nissan Patrol Problems

NISSAN assures me the problem was fixed when it changed the sump and dipstick, but I have had some reports it wasn't totally fixed. I've been unable to verify those claims and can only take its assurance at face value. I wouldn't worry. If it does occur, you'd have very strong grounds to make a claim against Nissan.

I'D GO for the GQ Nissan Patrol. It's tough, plenty of parts are available and everyone knows how to fix them. I don't have any real problem with the Jeep, though early ones were poorly built and rather rudimentary with a small cabin.

NISSAN is coy about the problems with the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel in the Patrol, but it is clear there is a problem. A change was made to the dipstick to increase the oil level in the engine, and there are reports of work having been done on the cooling jets that deliver oil to the pistons. From the evidence we've seen it seems there is a problem with the lubrication of the pistons. The best course of action, seeing your's hasn't had a problem, is to keep the oil level up to the top mark on the dipstick. We approached Nissan and though they wouldn't admit there was a problem a spokesperson said the company would look after any owner who had one. Read into that what you will.

THE MQ is really getting a little long in the tooth, so I would recommend you think about a GQ, though you will find it hard to fit one within your budget. Going by your description of the sort of driving you will be doing I would advise against the Patrol. It sounds like a very expensive way of getting to the city, ferrying the kids around and going shopping, with only an occasional weekend away. Go for a regular car -- it will be better suited to your needs and be less expensive to run. If you must go for a Patrol, buy the 4.2-litre petrol GQ.

UNLEADED should be fine for your car. We checked with Nissan and they agreed that unleaded is the way to go.

YOU could tow your outfit with a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel, but I couldn't recommend the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel GU Patrol because there are too many reports of engine problems. They seem to have problems running at high loads on the highway. See this week's used cars report.

EARLY GU Patrols with the 3.0-litre turbo diesel experienced some lubrication problems, and Nissan advised dealers the problem could be fixed by increasing the oil level in the sump. There have been no further reports of problems, but contact your Nissan dealer for more information.

YOU can have your vehicle serviced wherever you like without affecting your warranty, but if you go to a service outlet other than a Nissan dealer you will need to ensure it is being serviced as recommended by Nissan. If a component fails and you want to claim on your warranty, Nissan will want to know that it has been serviced correctly and you will need to provide evidence of that service. It could get messy.

Nissan has told us that there was a service campaign on the ZD30 Patrol which revised the engine oil capacity and included all vehicles manufactured from launch (May 2000) until the end of October 2000. They recommend any owner with queries or concerns regarding their vehicle to contact their nearest Nissan dealer or the Customer Assistance Centre on (03) 9797 4114.