Considering a late model Patrol or T2; advice wanted please :-)

KrustyZeKlown · 06-09-2015, 04:17

Hi all,

Thanks for letting me join the site and post questions. I currently don't have a Nissan but would like to swap my 7 seat 2009 Outlander for something with more off-road potential. I regularly haul a lot of heavy boxes around so love the huge boot and the fact that I can get 45mpg is a big plus. It has been totally reliable which is an absolute must for me. It is also great in mud and snow but does lack ground clearance. After a test at a local pay and play, I have found that approach and departure angles are pretty bad on the Outlander and the lack of low range is also a problem on inclines since 1st gear is just not short enough. Rather than modify the vehicle, I'm looking at other options but slightly nervous as running costs on the Outlander have been so low.

We are currently a 1 car household with 3 kids plus a mother-in-law to carry around. I need 7 seats (OK 6 seats actually) and am currently considering a Terrrano2 with the 3.0 lump, a Patrol (2005 or later) or a Land Cruiser 120. I would like something that returns decent fuel economy at 60mph on the motorway.

I really like the X-Trail (up to 2014) but am worried about the lack of low-range so have started looking more at the T2 and Patrol.

One of the things I noticed when looking at under-bonnet pictures of 3.0 Patrols (I have yet to see one in person) is that two seemingly identical 2007 models appear to have a completely different top mounter intercooler arrangement in the engine bay. Does that make sense to anybody or could that be indicative of an engine swap?

The reason I might not buy a Terrano is that I want to take increasingly long semi-offroad holiday trips over time and I wonder if the Terrano is suitable as an overland vehicle? I know they are great for green-lanes but I thought the Patrol might be more robust and easier to find spares for on extended trips.

One of the reasons I might not buy the Patrol is a perceived lack of front and rear locking diffs vs the LandCruiser. I previously had a Hilux Surf which is part-time 4wd so essentially a fully lockable centre diff and got stuck a few times wishing I had front and/or rear lockers. Also, the wheel base on the Patrol looks so long, I wonder if the break-over angle becomes an issue?

Whatever I buy, I would ideally like to lift it enough to fit 31" or possibly 33" tyres so simplicity / cost of a lift that doesn't stress the transmission is a factor. I had 33's on my lifted Surf and appreciated the axle clearance it gave. I also like to do most simple maintenance myself so appreciate a vehicle that is easy to work on and doesn't have abnormally expensive consumables (fuel filters etc) or parts.

Anyway, sorry for the long post but if any kind soul would like to offer any pointers I would be very grateful. I have never owned a Nissan but would like to!

Many thanks,
Jon

Barrbeast · 06-09-2015, 05:13

First off, welcome bud

I have a modified 2004 Trol so can certainly advise on those! Love my Trol, incredibly capable. Can run up to 32s on standard suspension, up to 34s on a 2"spring lift,very easy to do (just change springs ). I'm on 33s with a 2" lift.

Re the engines, they should look the same but there is a cover on the intercooler that can be removed so that might explain the difference.

Don't know who told you Trols don't have a difflock

they came from the factory with one in the rear axle, same as the 120 cruiser.

I find you sometimes catch the chassis on a breakover but it's very strong and catching is much reduced since the lift.

jims-terrano · 06-09-2015, 08:01

Welcome aboard and certainly the right forum for those vehicles. However if you need an mpg as good as 45 then you won't get it but I suspect you'll know that already. A few people on here with trols and seem to be becoming more popular too. I personally love them but not yet upgraded

I've owned a Terrano since 2002 and it's been a great car,think the 2.7 is the better engine but that said the 3.0 hasn't got a bad name and does give slightly better mpg.
I've carried alsorts inside and on my truck. Also towed loads of stuff without any problems too. Remove the third row of seats and fold the rear seats forward or flat but if you don't need them unbolt and remove which I've done before. Huge inside after those options but not such a flat floor. No idea how different in size to the patrol so others may answer that.

Best of luck

macabethiel · 06-09-2015, 12:24

I would go for a Patrol wish I had found one when we needed to replace our 4x4 as I hate the ride of the Jeep we have.

Fez_uk · 06-09-2015, 16:54

I think you will get more for your money buying a patrol rather than a land cruiser.

The Patrolman · 06-09-2015, 20:33

Troll Power

More than capable and as mentioned more for your money than with a LandCruiser.

I'm sure Paultrol will extol the virtues of the 05 plate face lift model.

mines a Y60 Petrol and its not very economical to say the least

I would go auto every time off roading and towing. you get a lot of gear options 4H 2H 4Low overdrive power and gear hold.

oh and they're huge too

06-09-2015, 04:17	#1
KrustyZeKlown Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Hertfordshire Posts: 2	Considering a late model Patrol or T2; advice wanted please :-) Hi all, Thanks for letting me join the site and post questions. I currently don't have a Nissan but would like to swap my 7 seat 2009 Outlander for something with more off-road potential. I regularly haul a lot of heavy boxes around so love the huge boot and the fact that I can get 45mpg is a big plus. It has been totally reliable which is an absolute must for me. It is also great in mud and snow but does lack ground clearance. After a test at a local pay and play, I have found that approach and departure angles are pretty bad on the Outlander and the lack of low range is also a problem on inclines since 1st gear is just not short enough. Rather than modify the vehicle, I'm looking at other options but slightly nervous as running costs on the Outlander have been so low. We are currently a 1 car household with 3 kids plus a mother-in-law to carry around. I need 7 seats (OK 6 seats actually) and am currently considering a Terrrano2 with the 3.0 lump, a Patrol (2005 or later) or a Land Cruiser 120. I would like something that returns decent fuel economy at 60mph on the motorway. I really like the X-Trail (up to 2014) but am worried about the lack of low-range so have started looking more at the T2 and Patrol. One of the things I noticed when looking at under-bonnet pictures of 3.0 Patrols (I have yet to see one in person) is that two seemingly identical 2007 models appear to have a completely different top mounter intercooler arrangement in the engine bay. Does that make sense to anybody or could that be indicative of an engine swap? The reason I might not buy a Terrano is that I want to take increasingly long semi-offroad holiday trips over time and I wonder if the Terrano is suitable as an overland vehicle? I know they are great for green-lanes but I thought the Patrol might be more robust and easier to find spares for on extended trips. One of the reasons I might not buy the Patrol is a perceived lack of front and rear locking diffs vs the LandCruiser. I previously had a Hilux Surf which is part-time 4wd so essentially a fully lockable centre diff and got stuck a few times wishing I had front and/or rear lockers. Also, the wheel base on the Patrol looks so long, I wonder if the break-over angle becomes an issue? Whatever I buy, I would ideally like to lift it enough to fit 31" or possibly 33" tyres so simplicity / cost of a lift that doesn't stress the transmission is a factor. I had 33's on my lifted Surf and appreciated the axle clearance it gave. I also like to do most simple maintenance myself so appreciate a vehicle that is easy to work on and doesn't have abnormally expensive consumables (fuel filters etc) or parts. Anyway, sorry for the long post but if any kind soul would like to offer any pointers I would be very grateful. I have never owned a Nissan but would like to! Many thanks, Jon

06-09-2015, 12:24	#4
macabethiel Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Derby Vehicle: Freelander & Jeep GC 3.0 Posts: 4,416	Patrol I would go for a Patrol wish I had found one when we needed to replace our 4x4 as I hate the ride of the Jeep we have.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Switch to Linear Mode Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

06-09-2015, 05:13	#2
Barrbeast Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Dundee, Scotland Vehicle: 1990 4.2 SWB Safari Posts: 2,615	First off, welcome bud I have a modified 2004 Trol so can certainly advise on those! Love my Trol, incredibly capable. Can run up to 32s on standard suspension, up to 34s on a 2"spring lift,very easy to do (just change springs ). I'm on 33s with a 2" lift. Re the engines, they should look the same but there is a cover on the intercooler that can be removed so that might explain the difference. Don't know who told you Trols don't have a difflock they came from the factory with one in the rear axle, same as the 120 cruiser. I find you sometimes catch the chassis on a breakover but it's very strong and catching is much reduced since the lift.

06-09-2015, 08:01	#3
jims-terrano Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: UK Posts: 12,965	Welcome aboard and certainly the right forum for those vehicles. However if you need an mpg as good as 45 then you won't get it but I suspect you'll know that already. A few people on here with trols and seem to be becoming more popular too. I personally love them but not yet upgraded I've owned a Terrano since 2002 and it's been a great car,think the 2.7 is the better engine but that said the 3.0 hasn't got a bad name and does give slightly better mpg. I've carried alsorts inside and on my truck. Also towed loads of stuff without any problems too. Remove the third row of seats and fold the rear seats forward or flat but if you don't need them unbolt and remove which I've done before. Huge inside after those options but not such a flat floor. No idea how different in size to the patrol so others may answer that. Best of luck

06-09-2015, 16:54	#5
Fez_uk Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Mid-Wales Vehicle: Maverick 2.7 - Patrol 4.2 Posts: 5,645	I think you will get more for your money buying a patrol rather than a land cruiser.