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

[KrustyZeKlown]

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