Choices, choices...

chester copperpot · 19-06-2014, 07:58

Hi there

Forward planning for overlanding, possible RTW trip. Usual dilemma between Land Rover or Land Cruiser for base vehicle but seriously considering a Patrol instead - seem just as capable and tough, and better value.

Want a fairly basic vehicle with minimal electronics so your average bush mechanic can patch it up and off we go, when something breaks.

So first question - which model? - I see there was a model upgrade in 1998 or thereabouts.

Second question, what are the main known issues to look out for when buying one?

Lastly, I'm prepared to get this vehicle into best possible shape - after all we will be depending on it. Is there a good Patrol specialist around who can strip it down and put it all back together in readiness? Live in the Essex/Hertfordshire region.

Many thanks for any tips, gratefully received.

CliveG · 19-06-2014, 08:14

Morning Chester Copperpot from SW France,I had a '95 GR Y60 LWB Patrol with a 4.2 diesel,great car,not the fastest but brilliant.I have now got a '92 2.8TD GR Y60 LWB Patrol,quicker than the 4.2 but a powerful car.In 1998 they changed over to the Y61 shape keeping the 2.8TD for a couple of years then went to a 3.0TD which had teething troubles,they sorted this I believe after 3 or 4 years,too modern for me!The Y60 is a good simple 4x4 and well respected with reason,still very big in Oz,Africa and loads over here in France(2.8TDs).Parts are available reasonably easily and priced,solid vehicle generally,take a look on e-bay,gumtree there are a few for sale,I would have another but maybe a SWB next time.Have seen some prepared ones for sale on there from time to time,happy hunting

Fez_uk · 19-06-2014, 09:01

Any of the older 2000 and older will suffer badly with rot. So worth thinking about if you can't do the work yourself.

AlexD333 · 19-06-2014, 20:48

Howdy and welcome, plenty of petrol nuts on here!

I love the terrano myself, indestructible engine to the max

Sweety · 19-06-2014, 21:46

All I can say is if your going to travel large distances don't get a Land Rover as you'll spend more time at the side of the road fixing it than driving

I've owned one & never again go Jap & you'll not look back

chester copperpot · 20-06-2014, 18:39

Thanks for the tips. I think it would have to be a LWB Patrol as we want to have the option of sleeping in the back. Do the post 1998 models have ECUs ? Ideally I want to avoid all that. While I have no experience (yet!) my research leads me to believe that for any long journey going through undeveloped countries you want as basic as possible, as driving countless miles over dust and sand can play havoc with sensors and gizmos, apparently, and then you need a boffin with a lap top to fix things, which can be hard to find in the back of beyond! Well that's the perceived wisdom anyway, but I guess I will find out.

Speed is not an issue, slow and steady all the way as I want to look after the vehicle. With this in mind what's the positives/negatives of the 2.8TD v 4.2?

CliveG · 20-06-2014, 18:47

GR Y60,basic,known all over the world,otherwise think about old Toyotas but pricier,parts well known worldwide,friend of mine had one and ran offroad trips in and around Dakar,he also drove the French TV crew/cameras etc for the Dakar(last one before Al-Qaida messed it all up by killing French tourists

19-06-2014, 07:58	#1
chester copperpot Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Hertfordshire Posts: 2	Choices, choices... Hi there Forward planning for overlanding, possible RTW trip. Usual dilemma between Land Rover or Land Cruiser for base vehicle but seriously considering a Patrol instead - seem just as capable and tough, and better value. Want a fairly basic vehicle with minimal electronics so your average bush mechanic can patch it up and off we go, when something breaks. So first question - which model? - I see there was a model upgrade in 1998 or thereabouts. Second question, what are the main known issues to look out for when buying one? Lastly, I'm prepared to get this vehicle into best possible shape - after all we will be depending on it. Is there a good Patrol specialist around who can strip it down and put it all back together in readiness? Live in the Essex/Hertfordshire region. Many thanks for any tips, gratefully received.

19-06-2014, 08:14	#2
CliveG Senior Member Join Date: May 2013 Location: France Vehicle: nissan patrol gr y60 Posts: 265	Morning Chester Copperpot from SW France,I had a '95 GR Y60 LWB Patrol with a 4.2 diesel,great car,not the fastest but brilliant.I have now got a '92 2.8TD GR Y60 LWB Patrol,quicker than the 4.2 but a powerful car.In 1998 they changed over to the Y61 shape keeping the 2.8TD for a couple of years then went to a 3.0TD which had teething troubles,they sorted this I believe after 3 or 4 years,too modern for me!The Y60 is a good simple 4x4 and well respected with reason,still very big in Oz,Africa and loads over here in France(2.8TDs).Parts are available reasonably easily and priced,solid vehicle generally,take a look on e-bay,gumtree there are a few for sale,I would have another but maybe a SWB next time.Have seen some prepared ones for sale on there from time to time,happy hunting

19-06-2014, 09:01	#3
Fez_uk Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Mid-Wales Vehicle: Maverick 2.7 - Patrol 4.2 Posts: 5,645	Any of the older 2000 and older will suffer badly with rot. So worth thinking about if you can't do the work yourself.

19-06-2014, 20:48	#4
AlexD333 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Uk Vehicle: 2004 Terrano 2.7 TDI Posts: 7,847	Howdy and welcome, plenty of petrol nuts on here! I love the terrano myself, indestructible engine to the max

19-06-2014, 21:46	#5
Sweety Senior Member Join Date: May 2013 Location: Northumberland Vehicle: Terrano 2.7TDI SE LWB Posts: 3,604	All I can say is if your going to travel large distances don't get a Land Rover as you'll spend more time at the side of the road fixing it than driving I've owned one & never again go Jap & you'll not look back

20-06-2014, 18:39	#6
chester copperpot Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Hertfordshire Posts: 2	Thanks for the tips. I think it would have to be a LWB Patrol as we want to have the option of sleeping in the back. Do the post 1998 models have ECUs ? Ideally I want to avoid all that. While I have no experience (yet!) my research leads me to believe that for any long journey going through undeveloped countries you want as basic as possible, as driving countless miles over dust and sand can play havoc with sensors and gizmos, apparently, and then you need a boffin with a lap top to fix things, which can be hard to find in the back of beyond! Well that's the perceived wisdom anyway, but I guess I will find out. Speed is not an issue, slow and steady all the way as I want to look after the vehicle. With this in mind what's the positives/negatives of the 2.8TD v 4.2?

20-06-2014, 18:47	#7
CliveG Senior Member Join Date: May 2013 Location: France Vehicle: nissan patrol gr y60 Posts: 265	GR Y60,basic,known all over the world,otherwise think about old Toyotas but pricier,parts well known worldwide,friend of mine had one and ran offroad trips in and around Dakar,he also drove the French TV crew/cameras etc for the Dakar(last one before Al-Qaida messed it all up by killing French tourists