Nissan Patrol

From those days where the Patrol would put your back in after a hard night , to the luxury and technologically savvy days of today the Nissan Patrol is finding is way back up there in popularity.

You are either Nissan or Toyota but in recent years practical buyers have swung back to Nissan.

Quality drivability and city type features have lured back some of those heady 80 series Toyota owners whom in the late 1990s turned off and tuned out to the then newly released 100 series.

It would appear on the surface that Toyota still hold a great deal of the culture in rural Australia and Nissan Patrol popularity tends to be with the sometimes fickle city markets.

The grey nomads are seen more and more haunting showrooms of Nissan looking for that comfortable tow vehicle to hook the old caravan up too.

If you ever get the chance speak to a nomad with a van and ask him or her what he thinks of his Nissan Patrol you will be going a long way to hear valid complaints.

Ask the average and the answer may lie in the engine. That's if you have the 4.2 intercooler Turbo Diesel or even the 4.8 Petrol. The 3.0 turbo diesel I would have to say that the Mr. average jury is out possibly still reeling from the popular as the plague 2.8 of the late 90s.

2008 Nissan Patrol (see test track video)

Revision is the keyword for the 4x4 fraternity and the patrol by Nissan is one of these.

The Turbo Diesel line up now consists of the 5 deat DX wagon, 7 seat ST, ST-L and Ti .

The ST now has the 4.8L petrol variation ST-S is discontinued.

Other than some cosmetics the Patrol boasts ABS anti locking Brakes as standard except the DX. The 4.8 petrol as we swelter in high fuel costs produces 180 kw at 4800 rpm but what is impressive is the Torque 400Nm at 3600 rpm. Add the 5 speed auto box with the sequential manual shift mode and this four wheel drive Nissan need to be taken notice of.

Compare the ZD30 3.0L Turbo diesel and you will find less torque than the petrol but note its 380Nm is delivered at 2000rpm and here well consider the fuel economy.

Wheel articulation for the car geeks show what a vehicle this is off road: quote (car advice. com. au)

"It’s off road credentials are where it shows its true form with the ability to climb a 39-degree gradient and tackle 700mm-deep water crossings. Beam axles with coil springs front and rear allow excellent wheel articulation over the roughest terrain, while the auto-locking front hubs (on ST, ST-L and TI models), long suspension travel and generous ground clearance all contribute to the Patrol’s formidable off-road ability"

Nissan Patrol Walkabout

Extra value adds to this already well appointed vehicle approx $7000 according to Nissan. New price $49990.

Not every one will get the chance on one of these as production is limited to 275. Engine size 3.0 CRD

Unless you are a brand follower this Nissan Patrol for the 2008 market is superb both on and off road.

Given the kids to the beach test I can assure you space refinements and comfort are top of the list.

Ask the wife test and you get a thumbs up . Nissan Patrol 2008 looking forward to 2009.

Nissan Patrol

2008 Nissan Patrol (see test track video)

The ST now has the 4.8L petrol variation ST-S is discontinued.

Nissan Patrol Walkabout