Used Nissan Patrol review: 2007-2012

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 pretence of being anything else. It comfortably sat at the top of the pile with its long time rival, the Toyota LandCruiser.

Toyota kept the LandCruiser ticking along with upgrades and new models while Nissan largely stuck to the proven old model. By the time 2012 ticked around the Patrol was suffering against the newer LandCruiser 200 and lacked a lot when it came to creature comforts, safety and refinement.

The most popular body style with people wanting a family recreational or towing vehicle was the four-door wagon. The main models in the range were the entry ST, ST-L mid-ranger and the Ti range-topper.

In the cabin, there was ample space, flexibility and convenience, thanks to the split-fold ability of the second and third row seats.

Engine options were a gutsy 4.8-litre petrol six-cylinder that performed well, but was very thirsty, or a 3.0-litre turbo diesel with a more attractive combination of performance and economy.

Patrols were well suited to heavier loads, such as a horse float or large caravan

If you went for the petrol engine you got a five-speed auto with sports shifting. With the oiler, the choices were a five-speed manual or four-speed auto.

All had part-time four-wheel drive with rear-drive for highway cruising, and high and low range four-wheel drive for off-roading.

With a braked towing capacity of 2500kg the Patrols were well suited to heavier loads, such as a horse float or large caravan.

Safety wasn’t one of its virtues. Being based on an old model with a separate chassis, the Patrol was rather dated as it came to the end of it long model life. However, it did have the basics of dual front airbags, side front airbags and anti-lock brakes.

Being a relatively old model the GU Patrol lacked in the sorts of creature comforts and refinement towards the end of its model run, but those who signed up were less interested in those things than reliability and ruggedness.

Many Patrols were used for towing and lots were used by grey nomads to tow large and heavy caravans to all parts of the country. They were ideally suited to it.

Now

Patrols have been largely trouble free and generally reliable. The only thing that you needed to be aware of was the propensity of early 3.0-litre turbo diesels to self-destruct.

The issues were addressed in later models in the years covered here and they don’t give the same trouble.

Most buyers chose the turbo diesel over the petrol engine as it has the low-end torque that makes it a good towing vehicle and delivers decent fuel economy.

The Patrol keeps on giving over the long term. Few owners report any trouble

For others the simplicity of the 4.8-litre petrol six is attractive. It too will tow capably — but don’t expect it to be economical.

As evidenced by the feedback from our readers, the Patrol keeps on giving over the long term. Few report any trouble and that reflects the real life experience of most owners.

It’s important with a vehicle that has been worked hard that it has also been well maintained. Properly serviced, a Patrol will continue to work well into the future, even as the kilometres mount.

It’s also important to check for off-road abuse. The Patrol will go places few other vehicles will; it’s made for heavy-duty driving in rugged conditions and will cope admirably if it’s driven with care and consideration. Walk away from any car you think could have been abused.

Smithy says

A tough wagon made for towing or off-roading.

Owners say

Arnold Brierley After owning three of the old model 3.0-litre four-cylinder diesel auto patrols, my experience is that it is tough and reliable. The engine and turbo should be allowed to cool down for one to two minutes before switching it off after a hard or long run.

Bob Auld I have owned three Nissan Patrols since 1984, all from new and all manuals. My current Patrol has 55,600km on the clock. As a fulltime grey nomad, I have towed a 20-foot two-tonne caravan to all corners of Australia. They work hard both towing and off-road, and never have they complained. The current one drives and tows well, it is smooth and quiet, has low-range torque and is tough off-road. It gets 11.5L/100km in the city and 15.0L when towing. The only problem to speak of is a rear axle seal, which has had to be repaired twice.

Lyall McEwin I have owned a GU Patrol since new. It has done just on 250,000km without a problem, including a round-Australia trip towing a pop-top caravan. I have recently replaced shock absorbers and the only expenditure other than services has been tyres. We have been impressed with the reliability but less so with the power when towing uphill. Fuel consumption on our round-Australia trip averaged 14.0L/100km, which we regard as excellent ­— non-towing trips average about 10.0L and it’s thirsty around town.