Showing posts with label nissan patrol. Show all posts
Showing posts with label nissan patrol. Show all posts

Monday, October 2, 2017

Used Car Review - Nissan Patrol (2000-2017)

Once an icon, this will be put to greener pastures this year.

2000-2017 Nissan Patrol

History

We all know that apart from the Mitsubishi Pajero, Toyota Land Cruiser, and Ford Expedition, this vehicle became a poster star of the rich and famous here in the Philippines. From the Presidential Security Group that backs up our president to wealthy tycoons belonging to the top 100 corporations of the country, heads will drool especially when you are driving one, it means you have arrived.

The Y61 Patrol first appeared in December 1997 with model codes of GR for LHD and GU applied for RHD units and a multitude of engine options. Multiple changes were done in the drivetrain and NVH levels were increased. Ten years later, it was discontinued in its home country although certain countries still sell this car.

November 2000 saw the Philippine launch of the Y61 Patrol with both diesel and gasoline (a first) engines and had ran for 17 years with numerous changes to reflect market tastes. Updates were done in July 2003 (exterior revisions), March 2007 (facelift and an upgraded gasoline engine), and September 2014 (the addition of CRDI technology). Apart from the regular Super Safari, limited edition models are offered throughout include the Presidential Edition in 2004 and Legend Edition in 2017, the latter available for 38 units.

Value and Costs
Since this vehicle would have its demise by the end of the year, expect second hand prices to dip further with the cheapest model can be had for P360,000 and later models costing in the million peso range. Most models that you will encounter are diesels, which is what we recommend and since the vehicle had a long production run, standard items vary per year model so it is a price versus feature factor. Manuals can be had with the diesel with the rest work with automatics. Do take note that June 2010 and up models are strictly 3.0 diesel paired to an automatic, as the gasoline and manual oil burner were dropped. Four wheel drive is standard among 2004 and up models, with first examples being strictly rear wheel drive.

Sure, it is built like a tank but it definitely does not guarantee it will be trouble free, especially for earlier batches whose fuel injectors (think the case of the Trooper and early Toyota IMV models) fail due to dirty fuel during that time. Our choice is the diesel especially that the gasoline models are gas guzzlers as well as their availability in the market isn't that much so we wouldn't bother.

Exterior and Interior
Brute and imposing, these two words best describe the vehicle especially that its bulk would make heads turn but at the same time, run out of fear. Its rugged appeal stood the test of time, especially that it can go together with modern rivals when it comes to exterior design. For 2003 models and up, these can be distinguished by their single color scheme as opposed to the two tone of the early releases.

Its exterior bulk also translates to a roomy cabin, which is definitely a good thing. Do take note that 2004 models get front facing third row seats which is better treated for emergency uses while first models have rear seats facing to the sides. Despite modern touches such as a GPS navigation system, reverse camera, and a DVD system, it can't still deny that the interior lags modern competition. ABS brakes isn't standard until 2003 and a passenger airbag is added in 2007.

Engine
You'll encounter the ZD30DDTi 3.0 diesel more often which has 158hp at 3,600rpm and 354Nm at 2,000rpm with CRDI technology being added to late 2014 models which saw a decrease in figures that now lies in 150hp at 3,600rpm and 343Nm at 1,800-2,400rpm. Two gasoline models were introduced to a niche market that prefers the smoothness of one, which are the TB45E 4.5 having 197hp at 4,400rpm and 350Nm at 3,600rpm sold between 2000 to 2007 and later replaced by the TB48DE 4.8 which displaces 252hp at 4,800rpm and 400Nm at 3,600rpm. Our choice of engine is definitely the diesel, given the fact it has the grunt to motivate this rather bulky car. If you love the smell and cost of petrol, we'd go for the larger displacement.

Driving Impressions
Sure, it is wide as a tank but driving is easy with steering which doesn't remind you driving something larger. It is more utility than sport, which is both a good and bad thing since body roll comes standard. Comparing this vehicle to modern rivals, it comes outdated especially that a car introduced during the Nokia 3310 era and still selling at the time of Android and Apple period, but then some people want old school, you can't please everyone.

Verdict
The early 2000s ushered in SUVs which commanded power and presence, but despite the arrival of 21st century rivals which are more modern and plush, some people want that old school feel. If there is one car that can't please all owners, this is it.

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Recall Alert - Nissan Philippines Recalls Frontier, X-Trail, Patrol, Teana

With Honda recalling nearly every vehicle in its line-up which were sold from 2003 to 2012, Nissan had followed suit but only involving four vehicles from 2003 to 2008. If there is a reason for this, it would be the defective airbags caused by the Takata fiasco. If you have a Nissan Frontier, Teana, X-Trail, or Patrol then read this one.

Monday, September 14, 2015

Nissan Patrol Safari - Generation 4 (1991-2000)

NISSAN PATROL (1991-2000)

Replacing the boxy third generation model, the Patrol adopts the Safari moniker. For this model, this one gets a 4.2 inline six engine paired to a manual transmission.




Tuesday, April 14, 2015

Nissan Patrol (non-CRDI) - Generation 5.3 (2007-2014)

NISSAN PATROL (NON-CRDI) (2007-2014)

A third update in 2007 had the Patrol a new face and some additional updates later on, including a GPS navigation system. The gasoline model and the manual were dropped in June 2010, with the diesel automatic remaining.

See the overview of this Patrol
See the Generation 5.15.2, or 5.3 (CRDi) models
See the latest model of the Patrol


Nissan Patrol - Generation 5.1 (2000-2003)

NISSAN PATROL (2000-2003)

Launched in the millennium year, the redesigned Nissan Patrol featured new engines (gasoline or diesel), an optional automatic transmission, more room, and 10 seating function. Do take note that this model during this time can be had in 2WD guise.

See the Generation 5.2 or 5.3 (non-CRDi or CRDi) models


Nissan Patrol - Generation 5.2 (2003-2007)

NISSAN PATROL (2003-2007)

July 2003 saw the facelift of the Patrol, which had a new grille, redesigned exterior features, montone paint, and chrome wheels. This version had gave birth to a Presidential Edition model, which had added several amenities not available for the regular versions.

See the Generation 5.1 or 5.3 (non-CRDi or CRDi) models
See the latest model of the Patrol


Saturday, August 16, 2014

Nissan Patrol (CRDi) - Generation 5.3 (2014-2017)

NISSAN PATROL SUPER SAFARI

An update in 2014 gave the Patrol a CRDi engine which had less power but gained more in refinement. Other than a limited edition model which signaled its demise in 2017, it remains unchanged spec wise.

See the overview of this Patrol
See the Generation 5.15.2, or 5.3 (non-CRDi) models
See the latest model of the Patrol




Thursday, August 14, 2014

Car Profiles - Nissan Patrol

NISSAN PATROL

Essentially the latest model Patrol (the sixth in the series) fitted a gasoline engine and lots of gadgets. You get the space, you get the presence, and you get the power but consumption is very poor. As they say, with great power comes great responsibility.

The Good: Powerful V8 engine
The Bad: Cramped third row bench

Price Range: P3,749,000
Our Rating: *

Last Update: February 5, 2018

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Car Profiles - Nissan Patrol (2000-2017)

2000-2017 Nissan Patrol

The Good: Huge in cabin space, an ace outside the pavement

The Bad: Bulky, somewhat unrefined

The Say: Go off-road in style while being practical.

Go For: 3.0 TDi
Avoid: 4.5 gasoline

Price Range: P500,000-P1,700,000
Our Rating: ***

Related Review: Used Car Review - Nissan Patrol (2000-2017)
Latest vehicle profile: Nissan Patrol

See the different versions of this vehicle:
2000-2003
2003-2007
2007-2014 non-CRDi/CRDi

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Used Car Review - Nissan Patrol Safari (1991-2000)

After years of hiatus, Myk Belmonte follows the story of a comeback kid who wants to bring a bang to the Senate, as well as win the wallets of the buyers.

1991-2000 Nissan Patrol

History
Our candidate for the elections is making a comeback after years of being out of the spotlight. Surely, the SUV elections during the 90s had only a few candidates vying for the spot inside the senate, or in this case, the garages of the buyers.

Introduced in 1987 under the Y60 platform, the Nissan Patrol was totally 100% new mechanically as it carries a coil spring suspension. This remains the off-road prowess it is known for since 1951, especially that is one selling point of the Patrol. It remained in production until 1997, where the Y61 replaced it although some countries had it a little longer.

1991 saw the release of the Patrol Safari in the Philippines after years of the 160 series being sold locally. From prominent families, local businessmen, and the people who get voted by the masses, it has a following. Surely the elite voted their wallets for the Patrol, alongside the Pajero of the same period as their vehicles to carry their families in a safe but high profile fashion. This is one common car you'll see as back up vehicles of the president until they saw better days when President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo replaced them with the Y61 models. 2000 was the last time you can buy them brand new.

Value and Costs
You can experience the moneyed people had done before without losing your image for as low as P300,000. However, the price range between P330,000-P700,000 can be questionable since the car is almost two decades old and in that range one can get various modern vehicles that are friendly to drive. But then, if you have a driver this does not pose a problem (which I will discuss later).

One advantage of this SUV is that there is no need to worry on where to fuel up, since this uses a rudimentary diesel engine. No piezzo injectors to replace, especially that earlier models of the Y61 series had a problem with their diesel engines. Parts can be acquired at your favorite car shops but for some components, waiting is a must. Watch out for the suspension and the vehicle emits black smoke, especially you wouldn't want to be flagged down by ASBU's

Exterior and Interior
Patrols with sirens are the images when mentioning the Patrol Safari. I couldn't help but associate it with either President Ramos or Estrada. This SUV wants to grab attention, especially the muscular but bulky body, and wide wheels comes standard. Let's not describe it further since the vehicle speaks for itself and for the owner.

Ancient is the word to associate with the Patrol's dashboard, as squares covered in black are dominant. The clock and stereo is placed in the lower portion and covered by the stickshift, which is good so that driver distraction is avoided. Gauges are huge, so that you can remind the driver he is over speeding especially when the fuel gauge goes down. The seats are hard, but legroom and headroom is excellent, especially the latter benefits from a tall roof. Planning to clamber in from the outside? It is difficult to do so as well going inside the third row, as you must go over a folded seat.

Engine
If the Pajero of the same period had a 2.5 4D56 (upgraded in 1999 to the 4M40), the Patrol has a monster, a TD422 4,169cc six diesel which has 123hp at 4,000rpm and 270Nm at 2,000rpm. With torques arriving as early as 2,000rpm, this one can move with ease. This one has 10 gears due to the fact it has 2WD and 4WD high and low settings. How does it drive when in these settings? Let's proceed to the next paragraph.

Driving Impressions
Thank goodness that the clutch isn't stiff, in fact it is more easier to press down. However, the shifter is somewhat uncooperative especially that placing it in gear is a challenge. Steering is light, which we are thankful but maneuvering can be daunting especially if you are graduating from a sedan. Before I forget, the 10 gears must be used wisely. Best to leave it in 2WD form especially that the 4WD low can make the Patrol a snail while the 4WD high can make the SUV wild in releasing under steer and at the same time, handling can be a problem.

Verdict
Reminiscing what was life in the 90s? Buy yourself a Patrol Safari and try driving in the posh hotels and golf courses to get the feeling of being a rich guy back then. Comparing this to the SUV's of today, this would be left behind but there is a special place in the automotive culture of the Philippines. Would your wallet vote for this? You decide.


Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Car Profiles - Nissan Patrol Safari (1991-2000)

1991-2000 Nissan Patrol Safari

The Good: Easy to steer, ample occupant space, soft clutch

The Bad: Hard to maneuver, slow at 4WD mode

The Say: Tough as nails, but there are other appealing but modern choices.

Go For: 4.2 Patrol Safari
Avoid: Converted units

Price Range: P330,000-P700,000
Our Rating: ***

Related Review: Used Car Review - Nissan Patrol Safari (1991-2000)
Latest vehicle profile: Nissan Patrol Safari/Royale

See the different versions of this vehicle:
1991-2000