1999 Nissan Patrol Reviews

This car is rocket proof. It's absolutely excellent in every regard. It is incredible off road, and for a 4wd on full live axles, it handles very well on road as well.

This car requires next to no maintenance and is extremely easy to service at home. It is so simple, and it is also very practical, but the performance could be better; although it can be forgiven with 114kw trying to move 2.3 tons.

On the delivery, I've noticed some minor defaults, such as bolts, plastic caps, mirrors and the attachment of the body to the frame. All of these problems were solved by the dealer fast and at no costs.

The air conditioner "died" at 5.000 km, after that, and for almost three years have been repaired and recharged with gas by several dealers. The last time, in September of 2002, finally worked out.

At 90.000 km the bolts of the fuel pump went loose and I've almost lost it.

Vacuum pump at 110.000 km. This result on a damaged servo pump as well.

The head lights commuter had to be replaced three times.

The wipers broke at 120.000 km.

Actually the driver's seat is wearing badly and the rust is attacking the body, mainly the back doors.

The car is a bit out dated, since it was first produced in the late 70's (160 versions). The 260 was built in Spain, and this late versions didn't have the quality of the early 90's ones.

The car has a good performance off-road, with only two problems. It's a little low and the long rear, specially with the spare wheel beneath is a handicap.

This engine, 2.7 turbo diesel (100 hp), is the best suited for this car, not as powerful as the 3.0 petrol or the 6 cylinder turbo diesel, but much faster than the diesel atmospherics 2.8 (4 or 6 cylinder) and much more economical.

The handling is fair, just beware of wet pavements.

The maintenance can't be ignored, as there are many things to be checked, adjusted and lubricated.

The comfort is quite bad.

1. Shimmering or shaking throughout the car.

2. Faulty brakes.

3. Gearbox jumping out of third gear.

4. At 60000kms, overheating.

5. Under dash rattles.

6. Seat belt clunks as you change gear.

7. Heat coming into cabin (unable to fix) - their answer, use air-conditioner.

8. Clips to hold rear seats cracked.

9. Faulty tyres.

10. Exhaust problems.

1. Whenever there was a problem, the dealers give you the brush off.

2. I have lost around 20 days off work with no compensation from Nissan, not even another car to get around in. They don't even help you to get home when you drop the car off; all of this is your own expense.

3. In a lot of cases, the problems are still going, and it seems to take them three months to repair the problems

4. Others have the same problem.

Dealer fitted winch badly corroded due to being fitted upside down and unable to drain water (no choice as the Nissan approved bullbar only allows the Nissan approved winch to be fitted upside down).

Some dust leakage at the rear barn doors.

+ points.

Excellent off road. Good wheel articulation, good approach and departure angles, excellent LSD in rear axle, live axles front & rear, 1000km+ range on standard fuel tanks.

Reasonable on road. Comfortable seats and driving position, not much body roll, good view in traffic.

Excellent value for money.

- points.

Only one reverse light.

Rear plastic bumper ends are weak and easily damaged off road.

Some rattles and squeaks have developed.

Rear barn doors leak a bit of dust.