$30,000 and I need to be sure about Nissan

[Damo4runner]

Ok I will cut the crap the wife has given me the go ahead for a new truck and she has said that since I have always wanted a patrol that now is the time, well stuff me stupid now I have to be sure of what I want. I have always wanted an automatic but the petrol is WAY to thirsty so I was sure that I wanted a 3.0 TD AUTO now where your help comes in, I need to now if the series III or the series IV (from 2003 onwards) have had the "engine go bang" problem fixed the reason I ask is that a mate of mine just bought a series IV 3.0 auto 2005 and it seems great so I think that it is the engine I want but I read hearsay on another site that this guy has his 2006 model in at Nissan being replaced and this scares the shit out of me. So has this model been fixed or should I just cut my loses and look at something else at this rate an older 2.8 is seeming better even if I take into account the fact that it is manual and that I could have to replace the motor (due to the 2.8 heads cracking problems) and the computer (aka the possible computer problems) PLEASE no flaming or crap this is $30,000 of my money that I have saved and can now spend on what is meant to be the truck of my dreams. Am I safe buying the series III or series IV models????????????????

Thanks heaps

[Nemesis]

To answer your question specifically, I don't know.

To throw a spanner in the works though: If you are after an everlasting gobstopper type motor, why not simply look for a big ballsy 4.2TD Patrol? With a few little tweaks those things can reliably punch out close to 1000Nm of torque all day long! :cool:

[Stoner]

To answer your question specifically, I don't know.

To throw a spanner in the works though: If you are after an everlasting gobstopper type motor, why not simply look for a big ballsy 4.2TD Patrol? With a few little tweaks those things can reliably punch out close to 1000Nm of torque all day long! :cool:


1000nm all day long, is that a little ambitious??? serioius question? (lets not make a debate about it thou!

cheers

[Mick.]

GUdeano from this forum has one of the lastest 3 litre Patrols and I think he had 3 engines blow before he told Nissan to jam there motors and put a 6.5 diesel in it. So no Nissan still haven't sorted out there problems with the 3 litre unfortunatly.

So as Nemesis as said go the 4.2 diesel they are a very reliable engine that will go and go for years.:thumb:

Cheers Mick.

[Peter @ Aawen4x4]

That 1000nm isn't really ambitious at all! Most modded turbo 4.2's have gotta be getting close to that without too much modding either! Sure, it's not making that as the TD4.2t or ti came from the factory, but it won't take much to get it there, and when that very same engine was in its first life, as a turbo diesel TRUCK engine, that's exactly what they did!! All day and for a few million km too!

But I personally wouldn't be too concerned about the later model 3.0TDi's. Sure, you can worry about that engine destruct question, but I wouldn't mind checking the REAL stats against the heresay; 'cos I reckon that for every 3.0l post 2003 that has blown up, you'd find it fairly easy to find a Toyota IFS that had collapsed, or a Mitsubishi Di that has blown the auto gearbox, or a .... but you get the point I think. There are failures and the odd problem with every car. The early 3.0l Nissans got a name for it, now everyone who doesn't service their Patrol blames it on the self destructing motor! And those who have serviced them but drew the short straw and ended up with the one of the vehicles from the 1 or 2% that do have troubles blame the self destructing motor too! I wouldn't be surprised to find that there are really no more 3.0l Nissan motors out there blowing up than there are of any other make of vehicle!!

Go the 3.0l Nissan if that's what floats your boat, or the 4.2 and tweak the turbo if thats what it takes, but get the long term warranty, and take your chances just like every other purchaser of a new or used car out there!! Your chances are as good as anyone elses, better actually, since you are doing the homework!!! Check everything and buy the best one you can! You'll Luuurve it!

[Nemesis]

1000nm all day long, is that a little ambitious??? serioius question? (lets not make a debate about it thou!

cheers

By close to I didn't mean right next to, I was talking it up a bit. However getting well into the better half of that figure is no mean feat for the 4.2 with exhaust and tuning work (flywheel figures.)

Moral of the story is, the 4.2td is a big lazy work horse that responds well to a bit of 'freeing up' and will go all day if maintained.

[Damo4runner]

ok so if I bite the bullet and just get the 3 litre and be done with it are there anythings that I can do to make sure it don't go bang I have read about the egt sensors and blocking off the egr but this as far as I can tell gives nissan an excuse to say no to anytype of FREE help outside of warranty this is really sucking my brain out as EVERY car i have bought new or used has ended up letting me down and yes I always have them serviced but I think I just attract lemons this time I will be going though a car broker so hopefully someone who knows what they are doing will be picking the right car for me I just have to tell them what I want and how much to spend......................

also am I wrong to want an auto or does the manual keep the stress down on the engine and better long term I have had my share of hardcore stuff and now I just want to be able to go to the beach/fraser island and some out of the way camping spots with some 4wdriving (no lockers needed stuff)

[Nemesis]

I've never used a broker before, but I can't say I would trust someone else to pick me a car.

My advice would be find the one you like best. But before commiting, get a trusted 4WD mechanic to look it over first and make sure it has a service record. Don't be afraid of buying privately as you will save alot of $, but ideally get something that has a transferable Nissan warranty.

[danbbode87]

If thats the case i wouldnt try mu luck if you can find a 4.2 get it but if not get a 2.8, would you consider a 4.2 GQ like a 97 or something?

[Patrolling Paddy]

Ok I will cut the crap the wife has given me the go ahead for a new truck and she has said that since I have always wanted a patrol that now is the time, well stuff me stupid now I have to be sure of what I want. I have always wanted an automatic but the petrol is WAY to thirsty so I was sure that I wanted a 3.0 TD AUTO now where your help comes in, I need to now if the series III or the series IV (from 2003 onwards) have had the "engine go bang" problem fixed the reason I ask is that a mate of mine just bought a series IV 3.0 auto 2005 and it seems great so I think that it is the engine I want but I read hearsay on another site that this guy has his 2006 model in at Nissan being replaced and this scares the shit out of me. So has this model been fixed or should I just cut my loses and look at something else at this rate an older 2.8 is seeming better even if I take into account the fact that it is manual and that I could have to replace the motor (due to the 2.8 heads cracking problems) and the computer (aka the possible computer problems) PLEASE no flaming or crap this is $30,000 of my money that I have saved and can now spend on what is meant to be the truck of my dreams. Am I safe buying the series III or series IV models????????????????

Thanks heaps


I am not a fan of the auto but that is just a personal choice, so go for the box that suits your driving needs.
As for the 3L I would be too nervous to outlay 30K on a lemon (you MIGHT get lucky though).
Why the 3L and not the 4.2? The 4.2 is a proven reliable wagon with limited problems and a nearly bomb proof drive line.
Is is a fuel economy thing?
An option might be to get the TD42 (manual or auto) and do the dieselgas conversion (with the rebates it is quite reasonably priced) thus giving you improved power, torque AND economy, also giving you a vehicle that is proven reliable without the '3L factor' hovering over you waiting to be a thorn in your side.
Just my 2c worth.

Cherers

PP

[Peter @ Aawen4x4]

Get a Motacheck before you buy, better than an NRMA check, 'cos they look at everything like compression, engine wear, likely previous damage, etc. Cost is about $160-$200 and they say summat like they rest their reputation on identifying significant issues (if they can be identified) But they'll give you the blurb, and if they do it right, they'll get the job done properly and tell you if there is any reason for the car you've chosen to self destruct all on its lonesome!

And BTW, the auto is gonna be a better bet behind that engine in any circumstances for 4WDing, but you might want to check out Gearmaster or Rockhopper gears!

[Muddy Dazza]

Funny, I just went through the same thing last week. I just bought a 2001 Series 3 GU with the 3.0TD engine, manual in the ST model.
The series 3 was released in Oct 2001. The series 2 had the engines that went bang. The series 3 engines were an improved verison with a larger sump. Check out Red Book AU : Your site for New and Used vehicle prices (http://www.redbook.com.au)
They have all makes and models listed, and you can check what prices you should be paying. I paid $25000 for mine, fully kitted out.
Also check out 4wd monthly issue 106, as they had a guide to buying used Patrols.
It is probably also worth getting a mechanical inspection as stated by others.
Happy shopping!

[Dogsta]

Dammo4runner, sounds like you have your heart set on a 3L, I personally would go the 4.2L (I've got one) just my choice, I haven't heard any stories of the 4.2 going bang like the 3L (I may be wrong). But as everyone else has suggested no matter what you decide to buy, do you homework and ........GET IT CHECKED OUT BY A 4WD MECHANIC with a good rep. If it costs a couple of Hundred to do so, who cares it's cheep insurance to a point. As far as the Auto/Manual debate goes, it's personal choice, I like my manual, but I can see how an auto would have advantages (especially on the sand/beach). Good luck.

[tna racing]

1000nm all day long, is that a little ambitious??? serioius question? (lets not make a debate about it thou!

cheers


i got a mate running 2150nm out of his all day:waycool:

[BEU77Y]

If you want an auto box, then you have to rule out the 4.2L motor - they didn't come with the option of auto, they're all manual.

[4bdan]

I think it's luck of the draw mate, a friend of mine has a 3.0ltr 2002 model and it has never missed a beat in the last 3 years he has owned it. He also has many other friends with em, that don't have any dramas at all. As i said i think you get some good one's and some bad one's.

[montana]

its a small % of them now having problems, like peter said (he is right in all his replies on any subject.)
everyone takes a risk buying any make/model these days.
would i buy 3 ltr auto ? yes.

[mud4b]

i think the problem has pretty much been solved with the series 3 patrols..

just thinking reading this post.. why didnt the 3.0 in the navara ever blow up like the patrols? they are the same engine... wieght difference?

anyway bud, go the 3.0 lt as it seems it has been wanted for a while.. great power too for suck a little engine and even better econemy.. that engine check thing further up seems like a good thing to do though.

cheers mark

[Big Boots]

its a small % of them now having problems, like peter said (he is right in all his replies on any subject.)
everyone takes a risk buying any make/model these days.
would i buy 3 ltr auto ? yes.

Pretty much what I was going to say, except for buying one, but that is personal preferance.

i think the problem has pretty much been solved with the series 3 patrols..

just thinking reading this post.. why didnt the 3.0 in the navara ever blow up like the patrols? they are the same engine... wieght difference?

anyway bud, go the 3.0 lt as it seems it has been wanted for a while.. great power too for suck a little engine and even better econemy.. that engine check thing further up seems like a good thing to do though.

cheers mark

There are a few differences in the motors. Navara has smaller turbo, no intercooler, no air flow meter and different ecu.



The latest shape patrol is from 08/04, and I wouldn't be thinking you could find one for 30g yet.

[mud4b]

There are a few differences in the motors. Navara has smaller turbo, no intercooler, no air flow meter and different ecu.




yes but the engine itself is the same.. its not the ecu, intercooler,turbo or the airflow meter that blows up... it was just a thought..

[Big Boots]

Without going through and looking up every single part the blocks and heads are different too

[HDJ105]

i got a mate running 2150nm out of his all day:waycool:

Ummm, flywheel Nm and dyno measured tractive Nm are 2 different things.

2150Nm is ~1585 lb ft's, which is all a 410HP 11 litre Cummins makes ;)

[tna racing]

Ummm, flywheel Nm and dyno measured tractive Nm are 2 different things.

2150Nm is ~1585 lb ft's, which is all a 410HP 11 litre Cummins makes ;)

makes 200kw at the rear wheel's. i have never seen a disel do burnouts just hitting the loud petal and arking 4 tires up on the bitchy

[Damo4runner]

Yes I think that I can buy one and just hope for the best and at the moment east coast commericals has a DX series IV for 31,990 asking price so the series IV's are coming down in price. But something (lets say history) says that the one I buy will be the one that blows up. As a side note are the Auto disel Jeeps 03 models anygood just saw one today listed at 24,990 in a car yard with service history and one owner, yes you may have guessed that I am not to good at just jumping in head first price and value longterm are big factors. I thank you for the replys

[Faster]

I risked 50k on a new 2005 patrol and lost big time. It's not just he engine problems it's the Nissan problems and poor customer service. If you do buy one buy it personally from the best dealer that is recomended by a number of locals. The dealer can make a huge difference to your hassles when it fails.

I know of 5 other 2005 or later 3.0L failures two are piston cracking related, and three have had turbo failures like mine, that occured within 1 month of my my three month jouney of anger.

The gu4 motor is different. Block, ceramic pistons oil squirters gaskets and more. GU3 is the same as late GU2 but gu1 and early gu2 were different.

If you spend extra $$$ trying prevent a 3.0L failure you may as well spend the extra on a 4.2 and never worry about "the bang"

I and many of others personally lost on the gamble I hope you do better.

[Chriso]

Read this, no shi7, the most informative compilation or information on the ZD30 engine that I have found.
http://users.on.net/%7Easchulze/ZD30%20Y61%20Reference%20Document.pdf

[Patrolling Paddy]

If you want an auto box, then you have to rule out the 4.2L motor - they didn't come with the option of auto, they're all manual.

Not an expert and not sure on the GU but I know that the GQ had a TD42 with auto as I have driven one, granted it was an import but they do exist in GQ format and maybe in GU imports as well. Not sure on the Oz release but if real keen on an auto an import might be the way to go.
Not trying to make waves just give another option.

Cheers

PP

[boof]

If your heart is set on a Patrol go a 4.2. The reason 3.0L are so cheap is people are scared of them. Personally I wouldnt risk my 30k on a vehicle that unlike the other examples given is widely regarded as a problem. That and I personally know of a series IV that went bang ;)

[Peter @ Aawen4x4]

There were actually a few TD42's with the auto box behind them, GQ and GU, just not a normal 'option'. I don't know how or why they came here, but limited numbers made their way to Oz and you can sometimes find them around the place! Getting harder and harder to find, almost never in the car yards, simply because the people who've got them now realise exactly what a catch they have, and don't let them go! If they do, it is usually snapped up by someone in the know, a friend or relative who knows how good they are and grabs it before it gets out of reach. Getting to be more expensive by comparison to manuals already, and getting more and more optioned up as the years go by! Not too many around in stock condition at all!

So if you find one and you want it, grab it immediately. If you find one and you don't want it or can't afford it, PM me IMMEDIATELY and I'll make sure that it goes to some one who deserves one of these phenomenal machines!

[ChunkyCharcoal]

Read this, no shi7, the most informative compilation or information on the ZD30 engine that I have found.
http://users.on.net/%7Easchulze/ZD30%20Y61%20Reference%20Document.pdf

Excellent read!



Go the 4.2. Worry free motoring forever.

Better resale value down the track.

[tna racing]

I risked 50k on a new 2005 patrol and lost big time. It's not just he engine problems it's the Nissan problems and poor customer service. If you do buy one buy it personally from the best dealer that is recomended by a number of locals. The dealer can make a huge difference to your hassles when it fails.

I know of 5 other 2005 or later 3.0L failures two are piston cracking related, and three have had turbo failures like mine, that occured within 1 month of my my three month jouney of anger.

The gu4 motor is different. Block, ceramic pistons oil squirters gaskets and more. GU3 is the same as late GU2 but gu1 and early gu2 were different.

If you spend extra $$$ trying prevent a 3.0L failure you may as well spend the extra on a 4.2 and never worry about "the bang"

I and many of others personally lost on the gamble I hope you do better.


i agree 4.2 are much better. 3.0l also have a problem of doing rear main seals,air con pump, and front key way on the crank. my choice is the td42t

[fishwenican]

huh ???????
2.8 td head cracking problem s ........bullshit.
maybe one in a thousand, never heard of that on these B4
no more than any other motor.
computer probs...... another pile of crap !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2.8 td is a great option.
great motor, no worse than any other diesel.
just as capable as any other
yes i have one and its gr8

[DGR01]

makes 200kw at the rear wheel's. i have never seen a disel do burnouts just hitting the loud petal and arking 4 tires up on the bitchy

this would definately have to be running the big alison auto!!( cus no nissan box ever made will handle that) as they are the only gearbox capable of handling over 1000nm of tq (at the flywheel) unless of course you are talking 'rolling tq' as on a dyno, then that figure isn't worth even mentioning as it doesn't really correlate to any figure of usefull value.

but then again it is a nissan and as we know ALL skylines make 600kw if you put a blowoff valve on them, its true just read any 4cyl or wenky mag!!!

[grimbo]

makes 200kw at the rear wheel's. i have never seen a disel do burnouts just hitting the loud petal and arking 4 tires up on the bitchy

why would he be arking all 4 wheels up on the bitumen?

All he would achieve is a blown transfer case.

Me thinks there's a little exaggeration going on there

[Faster]

this would definately have to be running the big alison auto!! as they are the only gearbox capable of handling over 1000nm of tq (at the flywheel)

A 4L80E box will take over 1200nm when built properly. Although the allison is a great box but huge and heavy. By the way the alison is actually a 7 speed box but is electronically limited to six gears, I have been informed. I don't know why.

[king55]

huh ???????
2.8 td head cracking problem s ........bullshit.
maybe one in a thousand, never heard of that on these B4
no more than any other motor.
computer probs...... another pile of crap !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2.8 td is a great option.
great motor, no worse than any other diesel.
just as capable as any other
yes i have one and its gr8Trust me mate i have one as well and they are well known for cracking heads. I should know ive had 2 go on me in the space of 50000klms. They are a very underestimated motor tho the only problem i found was that they are gutless before the boost kicks in down low but since ive had mine fitted with a motsons enhancer it's fixed that problem.

[GUnut]

I have an 03 3L auto ST. I run 33 muds all day every day and have not had a problem. It has done 170000 ks and doesn't use a drop of oil or water. Still its a little underpowered for such a big truck but will fix that soon with a chip/exhaust package.
But long story short I have found it to be a great combo especially when it comes to stop/start uphill runs!
Ben

[Damo4runner]

Well the 3.0 did nothing for me in the confidence department so I started to look elsewhere and today I found a vehicle that I will be happy with (this I know because I purchased it with no ill feelings or regrets). The truck you mY BE ASKING is a 2003 model KJ JEEP cherokee Sport 2.8CRD 5 speed auto with only 100,000 on the clock, and before you say wtf I will tell you how I came to purchase said car. A it was F&*king fantastic to drive it blew the feeling that I got from my mates patrol and the price was more than right. From my original budget of $30,000 after insurance and onroads I still have $6000 for mods something that I wouldn't have had if I had bought the patrol, the wife can see over the bonnet (5 foot nothing) and it is not to big (for me aswell) their is only the 3 of us so the 7 seats in the patrol would have gone to waste. End of the day I couldn't find any major faults with the car (yes I know of the little things that occur I also joined the jeep offroad forums) and our family mechanic is also the cheif mechanic for Diamler chrysler and mecedes benz in brisbane so services and parts are at cost, I also got the dealer to throw inthe 100,000 service and change the timing belt also 4 new tires. I know IFS but all my other trucks have been IFS so it really won't bother me overall I am stoked so thanks for all your help

[Peter @ Aawen4x4]

Sounds like you've got a good one!! Enjoy!

[BEU77Y]

Congrats on finding a car that you are happy with - after all, the only person who has to be happy with it, is you.

As for the 4.2 GU's with autos, they must be imports of some sort because I researched just that when we were deciding on whether we'd want a GU or a 100 series just on 12 months ago now. An auto box was an essential item for us, so after hours of pouring over internet sites such as Redbook, I found that the 4.2 GU's weren't being offered with the auto here.

[Peter @ Aawen4x4]

Congrats on finding a car that you are happy with - after all, the only person who has to be happy with it, is you.

As for the 4.2 GU's with autos, they must be imports of some sort because I researched just that when we were deciding on whether we'd want a GU or a 100 series just on 12 months ago now. An auto box was an essential item for us, so after hours of pouring over internet sites such as Redbook, I found that the 4.2 GU's weren't being offered with the auto here.

Pretty certain Nissan bought out a few, some GQ's early in the piece, and tehn some GU's around '98/'99; probly a few more as part of each Series change! I had the pleasure of driving a GU Series IV SWB not that long ago - great machine; Turbo intercooled 4.2 with an auto all in a SWB package with all the fruit!! Not going to get them here in Aus tho'!! Shame!

But yeah, for all the rest, I'd guess that most of them came in as Personal Imports either from Indonesia or Malaysia, or maybe direct from Japan?! There are a few, and they sometimes hit the advertising circuit but seem to sell pretty much before the adverts get published! I've chased a couple early on the day of publishing, only to find that they've already sold!! I've had the $$$ in my hand too, ready to pay what they are asking 'cos they are rare, but all gone by the time the advert hits the public!! Not always to someone in the Publishing business either!

Enjoy, the search might be fun!

[MUDRATGQ]

Gday people i noticed the 4.2 petrol didn't get much of a mention theres nothin wrong with em other than bein a bit thirsty so what i use $90 bucks worth of fuel a fortnight goin to work an do about 700 kays an the funny thing is my old man has the 4.2td an up big hills like Moony Moony with both of em loaded up with over a tone of gear in the trailers to my supprise my petrol blows him away as with my mates cruiser same thing 4.2td both with car floats an Buggies on up hills an on the flat mine blows his away an i have never had a problem engine wise yet probly cause i service it every 5000 kays so why not go the petrol you can always add gas wich is cheaper again just a thought. Cheers Mudrat