The car has been an absolute dream to own.
The drivers side power window died, but even then it didn't give up the ghost. It just wound the window up slower.
The battery died on us but I wouldn't call that a fault of the vehicle. More so the places we took it.
Coil springs have started to show some sag but once again it is a result of the terrain we cross.
Couldn't speak more highly of it!
It is very capable off road on weekends and doubles as the family shopping trolley during the week.
After being sucked into the normal spiel of nothing comparing to a Land-cruiser, we initially wouldn't touch one with a barge pole but were convinced by one dealer to take one for a test drive.
Thank god we did. The driving comfort, fuel economy, purchase price and off road handling are second to none and certainly meet if not exceed those of the Land-cruiser.
We have been so impressed with the GQ Patrol that we will be holding onto it for as long as she keeps on going, and when the day finally comes to buy another, the Patrol will be the only contender.
Hi, I just wanted to say that the Patrol is nothing like the Landcruiser. Especially the kind this person is taking about. I have a 92 Landcruiser which burns the new 98 one door Patrols on and off road. On the dunes my car does things which the {atrol wouldn't dream of doing, so I think this comment on this Patrol is a bit odd.
I would have to disagree with the last comment. I have owned two GQ Patrol's (a base model and ti) and they have been very good, although they are susceptible to interior rattles, they're a solid car and very reliable. The 80 Series Landcruiser's are just as good (owned a gxl turbo diesel), but as for value for money, the GQ is a better vehicle. The Landcruiser does look nicer and pumps out a few more kW as it's a turbo'd diesel, but thats about it.
Hi I'm currently car-hunting and I found a 1993 Patrol for sale. It has the 4.2L Diesel engine, it has manual transmission and loads of extras. Body seems to be in excellent condition and it has only got 62K on the odometer.
I need the car for daily use plus weekend activities. Will it be powerful enough for extra-city driving, i.e. is acceleration appropriate and is fuel consumption affordable?Your earliest reply will be greatly appreciated.
Dan.
Having owned a 60 series Land-cruiser, followed by an 80 series Land-cruiser, and finally a GQ patrol, I firmly prefer the Nissan's. All of these vehicles have been diesel. The 60 series was a great truck, but it was leaf sprung. The coil sprung 80 series gave me no end of problems. The full-time 4wd system in the 80 is not as strong as the 60 or the GQ. The front diff is actually a smaller item from the Hilux. After thousands of dollars spent on the Toyota, an experienced 4wd trainer suggested the GQ patrol. I did many weeks of research and couldn't find anyone who had a bad word to say about the GQ patrol (mechanically). Most of the Nissan guys had owned Toyota's before (and had problems) and most of Toyota guys that said they would never own a Nissan had actually never owned a Nissan!. The editor of 4WD monthly summed it up with this quote reflecting on the gearbox and drive train.. "Toyota talks tough, Nissan is Tough". My advice, don't be fooled by the extra cup holders or color coded bumpers.. underneath the skin the better car is obvious, and anyone who has experience with both will probably agree. "You don't know what your missing until you've driven a Nissan!"
Having been through a number of 4x4's over the years from utes to Rangies I've owned driven many different models which were always a little on the "old" side due to my usual budget restraints. Mid last year I was in the market for a large wagon & after looking at 80 series Cruisers for $22000 plus with loads of klms. I ended up in a 91 GQ Patrol Wagon with 242000 klm on the clock which set me back all of $12500. Other than putting a radiator in it & a couple of hoses it's been near bulletproof. It drives well, tows well & fits all of my tribe in. It's now done over 280,000 clicks & still going strong. I love it as a vehicle & the only criticism I have of it is the massive turning circle which makes it a bit like turning the Queen Mary. Other than that I reckon it's the best car I've had.
The GQ Patrol is tough and capable. It will go anywhere a Landcruiser will go and the driveline is stronger.
I have owned a short GQ petrol since new in 1992 and have had nothing break except a fuel gauge and a bonnet (hood) hinge pin. I think it rusted and then twisted off when I raised the hood (I had not oiled it in ten years).
I also replaced the radiator after about six years (my radiator man says I should replace the coolant every year rather than the two years Nissan recommend, then it will last much longer)
A friend has a diesel GQ Patrol of similar vintage and now he has 530,000 Km and is still running the original engine without any rebuild. he is religious about changing the oil every 5000 Km.
Both these vehicles get used offroad a lot - Simpson desert, Cape York, high country etc.
I'm a converted man. When I was younger, my uncle had Toyotas on his farm that he'd let us drive around in. I became a 'Cruiser man from very early on, and dismissed anyone who had anything good to say about Nissan's as an idiot.
I got an apprenticeship at the local Toyota dealership and was in my glory being able to work on Landcruisers everyday. To cut a long story short, the fairy tale soon ended when I realised just how over-rated Landcruisers are! Brand new Landcruisers coming off the back of the truck with shuddering clutches, and never ending gearbox and diff repairs, and saggy suspensions. And the cab interiors rattle worse than a commodore taxi.
One of the mechanics I worked under, and for whom I had a lot of respect owned a GQ Patrol wagon. I was blown away when he brought it in to the workshop one day to check the oils. Put it on the hoist and take a look underneath. Not a single oil leak, or signs of any previously, no signs of damage anywhere. This on a 4WD that had twice been to the tip of Cape York, and once around Australia. I was blown away and instantly converted.
I now own a 1988 Nissan Patrol Ute Diesel with 250 000 kms on it. The engine is stronger than anything I've seen with this much mileage, and just seems to get better with every mile, I know that sounds funny, but it does. Wierd, and another Patrol Diesel owner has said the same thing to me. I am converted, and after driving my Patrol, my Father, who is the owner of a 1993 Landcruiser ute has also been converted. He now wants to buy a new Turbo Patrol ute.
Once you own a Patrol, you'll never buy another Landcruiser. Toyota's are too over-rated and over-priced.
I had a guy in the other day who claimed he was doing his first set of injectors at 450,000km. claimed that his father had one that had done 850,000km with minimal maintenance & currently had one that has done 960,000km, but also reckoned that the motor was still worth another 200,000km. I questioned him because I am investigating buying a 4.2l diesel. I have found from many questions of owners & motor transplant importers, that the Toyota 3.0l (1997& earlier, still 1kzte motors) are still susceptible to cracking cylinder heads & other problems, but can't find anyone who passes negative comments on the Patrols.
There is the 4wd, and then there is the Nissan Patrol.
I have previously owned 2 land cruisers, a 45 series Ute (2h petrol engine) and a 80 series. These were fine trucks, they were capable, and comfortable. The old 45 series petrol was a petrol guzzler to the max; and the 80 series diesel was quite economical.
I thought I would never change from toyota.
Several years ago now I decided to purchase a G Q patrol, 4.2l diesel short wheel base and I have never looked backed. My G Q is twice as strong in the drive-train than any land cruiser, as well as almost bullet proof in mechanicals. It may not drive like a sports car, but who cares?, at least you know you are driving a truck.
My patrol is very frugal, has tons of torque, and I couldn't be more happy.
Just bought a 94 model and have to agree that the turning circle is huge,the only drama we have had is with the auto hubs not disengaging properly.
Hi to all prospective Patrol buyers, coming from Africa, I have seen and used a variety of four wheel drives in harsh terain. My personal favourite for ride quality would be the Land Rover Discovery series two.
For reliability & value for money the Patrol GQ would certainly be my first choice. Lancruisers are still unrefined, uncomfortable, and overated.
Test drive a Patrol, they are a sensible buy.
I own a 1988 Nissan Patrol after years of owning Land Rovers. The Nissan is an altogether better vehicle. I had thought that it was impossible for a vehicle with leaf springs to handle properly. Nissan have accomplished this perfectly. It blows all Land Rovers, Land Cruisers and Isuzu's into next week. I own the 2.8 petrol, straight six and after over 120,000 miles (uk) it just keeps getting better. It pulls so beautifully smoothly. I have now completed a few long journeys in the thing that would have left me exhausted just contemplating the same jouney in the Land Rovers.
And I can listen to the radio, and hear it. Wonderful.
Comfort and unbelievable simplicity and strength.
Another confirmed Patrol nut here.
Last car was an unbreakable 1993 (fully imported) GQ Patrol LWB. Was fitted with the RB30 and a Manual gearbox.
An absolutely unbreakable car, and we upgraded to a 2001 GU Patrol LWB. This time, fitted with the ZD30 Turbo diesel and a again with a manual gearbox.
I feel it is not as good as the GQ's mechanical, but still poo's all over the 100series Land Cruisers.
Just wait 'til you drive it.
Or is it '_SHIFT The Future' now?
Looking for an patrol GQ with 2,8l turbo diesel.
Found one with 200 000km on the clock at very good price!
Now wonder you patrol owners how is this vehicle with the "small" 2,8 turbo diesel engine? what to look after (after 200 000km)?
Can someone help me? (mail me att: duracell68@hotmail.com) please help us out!
--J-- Family.
I own a gq patrol and its great I have the 4.2l turbo deisel aftermarket turbo. It has a 4 inch lift and 1 inch body lift. I have put 33inch tyres on it it makes such a difference in the bush. It has 414,567km on it at the moment and still going strong I am about to go aroung australia in it and have complete convidince in the engine.