mid to late 90's patrol or 80 series cruiser

[Wilko76]

Hi All

I am new the to the nissan forum. Early next near i will be getting rid of my old cruiser for an upgrade. I have always had a cruiser but love the look of the patrols also and thought of a change.

Can anyone here give me an unbiased pros and cons of going to the patrol?

My requirements on either are TD. I am prepared to spend $20,000.
Not knowing much about te patrols i have read a few threads about the 2.8l and 3l diesel. I wonder how they compare in power and general 4x4ing to the 80 series.

Thanks for your help

[MyGQ]

IF your after some serious off roading avoid the 2.8L and the 3L engines, stick to the 4.2. They are more reliable and powerfull then the 2.8L or 3L

AS for the car you will find it alot different than the cruiser.

[jessie928]

gidday

the patrol looks better

With the patrol you will never have to upgrade your drivetrain because you keep breaking stuff.

the patrol is alot less complex.

you dont have to put a part time kit in the patrol

you will not flog out your transfercase in the patrol

the patrol is bulletproof and cheaper.

Jes

[Wilko76]

Thanks all.
What year model did the 4.2 TD come in? I thought they were in the later models ie post 2000.

[MyGQ]

I think they came in the later GQ's, not 100% sure though

[wrksux]

The only GQ to come with a turbo was teh little 2.8, they never made an austrlian deliverd turbo that i know of, so any you see will be an AXT or denco kit

[canuck]

In Aug of 1993 Nissan began producing the Safari (Japanes for GQ) with a factory turbo mated to the TD 4.2: http://www.cars-directory.net/specs/nis ... ri/1993_8/
So you might be able to find one of these. However, I understand that these turbos fell far short of the aftermarket turbos you have available in Australia. Cheers,
John

[jtraf]

Depending on what you plan to do with the Patrol I would not rule out the 2.8lt turbo GQ.........I had one and it went every bit as well as my TD42 on the road. Offroad you had to rev a little more but they are a very good engine.

I improved power with sports 2.5in free flowing exhaust and a snorkel. Averaged about 11lt per hundred.

For everyday and touring stuff the 2.8lt GQ would have to be taken seriously. Also have to remeber that the GQ 2.8lt is some 500kg lighter than the GU equivilent. I am giving you seat of the pants experience and not the mate of a mate experience.

Spend a little less buying a Patrol and spend the extra money on accessories to make owning it more to your liking.

James
Cruisers are over priced in my opinion.

[Wilko76]

What is the petrol version of the patrol like?

[Suspension Stuff]

For power and economy the direct injected Cruiser wins over the Patrol.

Off road abilty would be similar if you get a locker with the Cruiser as the limited slip diff is not so good on the Cruiser.

Things seem to be tucked up better with the Patrol but the Cruiser can fit more fuel and or water underneath in my opinion but you would have to fork out for a spare wheel carrier on the Cruiser.

Toyota is nicer to drive than the Patrol.

If you have 33's on both, the Cruiser has better diff clearences but they are not as strong as the Patrol's.

Toyota costs a lot more to buy and to fix if something goes wrong.

Toyota has a better turning circle than the LWB Patrol.

Autos are about the same for strength and if you want a manual than Patrols are stronger.

Handbrake is weak in the Cruiser but not a prob in the Auto.

At the end of the day durabilty will depend on which has been looked after best.

The nicer car to drive on and off road and most ability off road is the Rangie/Disco in my opinion. I truly miss the Rangie for this.

For a fourby to just drop some 33's under and drive than the Patrol is the pic but I chose the turbo diesel Cruiser for a combination of the above that suited me. (However the Cruiser didn't win by a big margin over the Patrol or Rangie). I do miss my beat up lemon Rangie but the electrics will let you down unless you spend a bit of dollars replacing it and strengthen the diffs and axles.

The petrol again is not as powerful or economical as the Cruiser as it is more old tech but will will probably give less issues and cheaper to fix when you stuff it.

Good Luck on your decision as it is not an easy one. I suggest you go and do some test drives yourself before you start to try and make your mind up.

Shane

[Wilko76]

Thx all

Will let you know how i go!