Overview of the Nissan Patrol
Nissan's largest SUV has forged a reputation as a genuine off-roader capable of carrying families across rugged terrain as much as along suburban streets. It is a traditional rival to the Toyota LandCruiser. For a few years, the older-generation (Y61/GU) Patrol was sold concurrently with the latest (Y62) model that was introduced in 2013. When the Y61 disappeared along with a more frugal turbo diesel engine, it left the Patrol with just a big petrol V8.
NISSAN PATROL GENERATIONS
2004-2016 (GU)
2013-present (Y62)
RUNNING COSTS
Fuel Consumption
5.6L V8 (2013 onwards): 14.4 to 14.5 litres per 100km
3.0L 4-cylinder turbo diesel (2004-2016): 10.9 to 11.8 litres per 100km
4.8L V8 (GU model): 14.4 to 14.5 litres per 100km
= Highly economical.
= Good economy.
= Average fuel use.
= Heavy consumption.
Servicing
Capped price servicing program. Every 10,000km or six months, whichever is sooner. Each service for the Y62 V8 model currently costs between $375 and $1240. Each service for the GU/Y61 model currently costs between $366 and $1343 depending on variant/engine. Nissan Patrol parts and equipment can be found on Gumtree.
SIMILAR MODELS TO NISSAN PATROL
Toyota LandCruiser
Land Rover Discovery
Lexus LX
Infiniti QX80
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR: NISSAN PATROL (GU - 2004-2016)
The GU Patrol is most commonly found with either a 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel or a thumping great 4.8-litre inline six-cylinder that runs on petrol.
The turbo diesel will use less fuel, but in many cases previous owners have worked the motor hard and engine failures are not unknown.
The diesel wasn't a bad engine per se, but it was doing an awfully big job in the Patrol, particularly if there was anything regularly attached to the tow bar. Cracked pistons have been a problem, and some workshops say that turbo-boost spikes are the cause, as the engine is fed way too much boost even if it's only for short periods.
The biggest problem with the 4.8-litre petrol engine, meanwhile, is its thirst but if you can live with that, it's robust and unstressed and is the one to buy for towing big loads. With any GU, check underneath to see if there's damage caused by hard off-roading.
The GU Patrol was caught up in the Takata airbag fiasco, so make sure the airbags have been replaced.
