Last Chance To Buy: Nissan Patrol

Monday 15 November 2004 20:00 EST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

When is it going?

When is it going?

From this month, a slightly updated Patrol has been on sale in the UK. The new model looks marginally different and has a tweaked engine, but this XXXL-scale off-roader remains the same basic package.

What's good about it?

Since an earlier revision, in 1998, the Patrol has provided acres of internal space, with five-door models and seven seats. The build quality is good and the smartened interior is pleasant. A starting price of £24K is reasonable, and the three-year warranty is reassuring. It's safe, with airbags as standard and ABS brakes. Diesel consumption is respectable at the mid-20s. Group 14 insurance.

What's bad about it?

Range Rover, Shogun, Landcruiser and Trooper do the oversized 4x4 with much more style. The truth is that the Patrol is not so hot on tarmac. There is lots of leaning on bends and the steering feels less than direct. The 2.8-litre six-cylinder turbo diesel engine linked to a manual gearbox is the Patrol's downfall. On the road it is sluggish, taking 18 seconds to reach 60mph. Off-road, the engine struggles to provide low-rev power.

How much?

Brokers can get about £700 off. Autoebid.com managed to get a 3.0Di which retails at £24,245, down to £22,134; Broadspeed.com offered an identical model for £22,007.

Any snags?

Patrols are highly reliable. There has been only one recall, in 2000, when the security of the brake-pedal pivot-pin was questioned. Dealers should have fixed the problem.

FACT FILE

Launched: 1998

Engine: 2.8 TD 3.0 Di

Performance: 3.0 Di top speed 99mph 0-60mph 15 secs

Economy: 26.2mpg

NCAP: not tested, but airbags on 3.0 Di and side airbags on SE+

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in