Just on 70,000k’s. Leaking coming from timing cover. Will cost $3,000 to fix! Never had a car needing the engine removed for repairs at 70,000k’s. I was told it’s a known problem. Well, Nissan fix for me.

The 3 litre is known as the ticking time bomb. There might be a fix for this but the one I owned blew an intercooler, overheated on hills, and was generally a pain. The suspension was very hard even when the tyres were let down. Needs adjustable shocks or something. Not buying another Patrol.

I got my Nissan patrol brand new at Bunbury Nissan, Australia.

I realised that the USB port was looking a bit strange and when I tried to charge my phone it didn’t fit properly.

I took back there and the guy that sold the car tried to tell me that some how it was my flat...he told me that he was going to fix and probably it would have to change all the radio.

I left there and when I pick up it was all the same.

I tried to get around and get the thing fixed but the guys didn’t help me at all.

I never went back there not even for a service

Excellent towing and climbing with stop holding ability on steep loose rocky and slippery grassy slopes. Comfortable driving. Appointments good. Easy manual gear change. Reasonable economy. Easy access. BUT, Brakes failed during emergency when car cut into my safety space. Near nose to tail. foot flat to floor, rapid hand brake use. Faulty master cylinder replaced. Air con. failed. Faulty seals replaced. Now no clutch. Worn out at 19000K. What will be next? All confidence in vehicle lost. Heavy Duty Clutch installed at my expense, Major performance difference.

Despite the bad rep ZD30 Nissan Patrol's have been getting since they were first released into the market, they really aren't a "lemon" as so many others say. In my personal experience, with a few preventative mods (EGR Block, Dawes Valves, Catch Can, Glow Plug Timer Mod) and good maintenance, they really are extremely capable, reliable and remarkable offroad/towing vehicles. Especially since they are among the last 4WDs with solid axles rather than IFS.

Now I'm not a hardcore professional 4WD driver and expert but with my Patrol, but I can honestly say in my personal experience I have never been bogged...yet

Coming from a Jackaroo I almost took a step back in luxury. However i am now in a new breed of reliability and well built. The My Nissan program also helps. From factory this went just as far as any other lifted and modified car went, and did it with ease. It is truly sad that due to emission reasons we can no longer get these in Australia. Unfortunatly there is a small engine in a big car (4 Cylinder, 3L Turbo Diesel)), and it doesn't have a lot of acceleration. However the transfer case and running gear is second to none. Very easy to swap out the factory stereo for something more technical as any double din will fit. Being solid front axle the drive isn't as smooth on road as other modern IFS vehicles, but it handles itself well.

not great on fuel but I didn't expect it to be, great car, fun to drive cant be happier with the power, small engine but pulls really impressive, and love the way it looks, just put a K&N air filter on it, and the engine will last forever, rotate the wheels every service and do the service on time and you wouldn't have an issue

We bought our 3lt diesel wagon new in 2008 and it's been worth every penny! We had never had a problem until 240,000 when we replaced the front suspension etc. At about 280 we've replaced the alternator, it's now at 300 and all is well.
We engage 4wd to run up our driveway (it's a bit wild and very steep) it's never been a town car. Happily tows 2 ton up to the house in low 4.
Overall a good car and still starts first turn every time.

Just ticked over 445500 Km on the Patrol.Has done 3 laps towing a 19.6 caravan weighing 2400Kg and have not had any trouble at all with the exception of some heat problems while towing, Overcame that with a PWR 3 core radiator.Extremely reliable and relatively comfortable. Have had the turbo boosted to 10 PSI which made a big difference to the power and fuel economy.Oil changes at 5000Km ( non Nissan mechanic who has nursed this baby since I bought it) With the gap between the trade-in value and new vehicle rapidly expanding this truck will need to see me out. (mechanic reckons it probably will)

Only done 8000,the ZD30 motors have had their fair amount of issues, hope my vehicle problem is not a sign of things to come. The patrol lost power, went into limp mode, shut it down and restarted and came good for 20klm. then same again.It took nissan a week to say turbo problem,then another week to get one. Now they say it is the ECM unit and has got to come from Japan which will take 10days ? Now no vehicle for nearly a month. Not a happy nissan owner

I've now had this car 51000 km and to my amazement i checked the air filter and it was so dirty, clogged and heaps of dirt just fell from it,i couldn't believe my damn mechanic after seeing him all these yrs missed the airc leaner on my last tune up.i was getting 750 ks a tank and now i think il prob get lots more...this car/ motor has been a dream to drive and never fails me.the 4.5 is truly a great combo.like i said earlier,if your worried about fuel costs then buy a mini.if you want a grunty never say die motor buy the 4.5.

My Patrol is a little on the noisy side due to having a 3" exhaust fitted . Performance is good considering the size and weight of the vehicle. It also handles very well and has a 2" lift kit.
As far as the interior goes the only real thing I don't like is the rear seats wont fold flat to give that extra floor space when travelling. It has proved to be very reliable although it does seem to like the fuel a bit.

I bought the Patrol new in 2004 & it has 350,000kms on it & I had been happy with the Patrol right up till the end of March '17 when it "died" and I could not restart it. I had a security light problem for some 12 months prior & had it serviced to rectify that problem twice cost approx. $600 with the Nissan dealer not being able to locate a problem.
Well now its been in with a Nissan Dealer for 5 weeks, replacing the ECU & finally getting it started but it wont continue to run- they now state there is a problem with the fuel pump ( I have been quoted $9000 for a new one from Nissan)- who knows when I will get it back.
So much for the GU 4.2l TD being bullet proof .

Not a happy chappie - May '17

Bought my Patrol Ti brand new in 2014 and so far have done 40k. Very comfort for long trip around Australia. But I have to say some problems I noticed so far for all potential buyers. First the fuel consumption is crazy full tank only run about 600kms. Second the ZD30 engine is very noisy especially the turbo. Everytime you give some power to the pedal and turbo is sound like a tiger...compared to my Hilux. Third, the power is really a problem when you tow something, 4.2 diesel is the best. Other than that, Patrol is the best 4wd vehicle for old school 4wders.

I have a nissan patrol 4.2 litre turbo diesel and I have to say it is the best thing that has ever happen to me! I have been around the whole of Australia countless times and it has never stoped !! BEST ENGINE IN THE WORLD!!
(4.2 LITRE TURBO DIESEL)

great for highway roads !
Perfect for off roading !
Perfect for towing!
Perfect for overtaking !
Perfect for stepping on the acceleration all the way down and opening up the turbo as you get up to 200 KS with ease !

I love the 4.2 litre turbo diesel I reckon its the greatest engine ever made in Australia full stop.