2007 Nissan Patrol Reviews

Ewan Kennedy reviews the GQ, GU and Y62 Series Nissan Patrol from 1996,1997,1998,1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015 as a used buy.

The wagon earnt its place as a staple for off-roaders and caravanners. New Some of today’s wagons look like four-wheel drives, some even pretend to be tough off-roaders but when it comes to the crunch few cut it in the rough going like the Nissan Patrol. The Patrol, a genuine go-anywhere four-wheel drive, made no

The growing popularity of SUVs has seen many of the breed dilute the off-road skill set to accommodate more civilised road manners -- but not this lot.Certainly less agricultural than their forebears, these three examples still have more than enough gumption to gallop down the Gunbarrel Highway or amble along the Oodnadatta Track.The phrase “King Off The Road'' has long been associated with the Toyota LandCruiser and there's nothing to suggest it's a royal fraud.The Japanese brand has built much of its reputation on the back of this beast -- wags will joke that if you want to get somewhere, take a Land Rover -- but if you want to get home again take a LandCruiser.The Toyota's debut was as a workhorse in the 1960s, covering rough ground around the Snowy Mountains Scheme, and its legend has grown from there. The throne is currently occupied by the 200 Series, updated in late 2009.The pricing was a reflection of the demand and Toyota was charging mid-$80,000 for the entry-level GXL wagon. But for towing a caravan, horse float or a boat, there wasn't much that could touch the Toyota's 3500kg braked towing capacity.New vehicle sales figures reflected that, with the LandCruiser regularly outselling Nissan's Patrol by two to one. The Patrol has a long heritage in Australia as well, stretching as far back as the LandCruiser.In 1962, geologist Reg Sprigg and family travelled across the Simpson Desert in a G60 Nissan Patrol, the first vehicle to complete the journey. The Patrol nameplate took hold in the 1980s and has been a part of the 4WD scene ever since.The brand just launched its new model -- with no sign of a diesel engine -- so we'd be inclined to look back to when it had a turbo diesel under its squared-off snout. A left-field choice in this segment is the Jeep Commander, a model that never took off in Australia but had seating for seven, turbo diesel power and the off-road cred that comes with a Jeep badge.There were petrol six- and eight-cylinder options but the 3.0-litre turbo diesel V6, teamed with a five-speed auto, had ample torque and a reasonable thirst. Not a stellar sales performer for the US brand, it fell victim to belt-tightening brought on by the GFC, but if you're not interested in a Japanese giant it might fit the bill.HOT TIPSCheck for signs of water intrusion and rust, as serious off-road expeditions gone awry (as well as recent floods) can have rusty consequences.Diesels are generally more frugal and a lot easier to feed in the Outback, where PULP and ULP can be in short supply.Check the fine print on the towing details, as some 4WDs make big boasts but fall over in the capacity details.2010 Toyota Landcruiser GXLEngine: 4.5-litre V8 turbo dieselTransmission: 6-speed automaticThirst: 10.3L/100kmCARSGUIDE SAYSThe 200 Series took Toyota's full-size diesel 4WD into the realm of the turbo diesel V8, which meant lots of torque, as well as genuine off-road ability and room for eight. Cloth trim, stability control, dual-zone climate control, six airbags and money-can't-buy heritage.2012 Nissan PatrolEngine: 3.0-litre 4-cyl turbo dieselTransmission: 4-speed automaticThirst: 11.8L/100CARSGUIDE SAYSLife in the shadows of more popular 4WDs has kept Patrol prices sharp. Three rows of seating, 17-inch alloys, cruise control, airconditioning and stability control are among the features in this full-size off-roader. It was much cheaper than the corresponding 'Cruiser when new and remains a cheaper proposition in the used market.2007 Jeep Commander XH WagonEngine: 3.0-litre V6 turbo dieselTransmission: 5-speed automaticThirst: 10.5L/100kmCARSGUIDE SAYSThe brand has long been known for building off-roaders -- its heritage dates from WWII. Jeep is not as adept at ergonomic interiors as the Japanese but the brand's charisma tends to offset niggles. A genuine seven-seater that will get off the beaten track when asked.

The holidays are looming and if getting off the beaten track for a camping trip is your idea of fun, there's a sharp deal on offer from Nissan. Nissan has released a limited-edition Patrol DX Walkabout which features more than $7000 in free extras. The $49,990 (a standard DX retails for $50,290) Walkabout adds alloy wheels, a six-CD stacker, bullbar and $2000 of camping equipment to the DX, but just 275 vehicles are available.Meanwhile Nissan has also given its heavy-duty ute, the Patrol cab-chassis a new-look exterior and an updated three-litre diesel engine.The ZD30 turbocharged diesel engine with intercooler is also used in the Patrol wagon range and has been recently upgraded with a common-rail fuel injection system.One more apparent benefit of the engine, which replaces the previous older-technology 4.2-litre diesel, is the rated towing-capacity increase from 2500kg to an impressive 3200kg. Another plus for Patrol utes is that they are four-wheel-drive, complete with dual-range option. Patrol has serious off-bitumen credentials. The cab-chassis comes in two spec levels, the DX and the better-equipped ST. The DX can be ordered with coil or leaf rear suspension. The rear leaf springs are claimed to give optimum load-carrying ability and durability in rough conditions. All versions have a coil-sprung front end and an anti-sway bar.All have the five-speed manual gearbox and limited-slip differential. Standard equipment includes double door seals (to help keep out dust and noise), wide-opening doors, CD player and airconditioning. The ST gets carpet, power windows, central locking, side steps, map lights and large centre console. The DX has a driver's bucket seat and a two-person passenger bench seat, while the ST has two bucket seats. All DX leaf-spring and ST models have standard dual front airbags. The DX coil-sprung models have airbags as an option. Coil-sprung DX and ST models are fitted with four-wheel disc brakes, while the DX leaf spring model has large rear drum brakes and front discs.Pricing on the updated models remains unchanged: from $49,790 for the DX with leaf springs, $50,180 for the DX with coils and from $52,890 for the ST.The ZD30 engine standard in all Patrol cab-chassis utes is a 2953cc job with double overhead camshafts, turbocharged and intercooled — giving 118kW power at 3200rpm-3400rpm and 380Nm of torque at 2000rpm-24000rpm.The 95-litre diesel tank is backed up by an 80-litre sub tank, which promises good range for rural and bush use.Patrol cab-chassis tare without a tray fitted is 1997kg for the DX with coil springs, 2123kg for the DX with leaf springs and 2009kg for the ST with coils. GVM is 3150kg, 3400kg and 3150kg.