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.

The Good:
  • Large cabin
  • Excellent off-road skills
  • Road presence
The Bad:
  • Bulky size not for everyone
  • Unrefinement
  • A dinosaur compared to modern competition
The Pick: 3.0 Super Safari

THE SPECS
Engine: 4,478cc TB45E (2000-2007) and 4,759cc TB48DE I6 gasoline (2007-2010), 2,953cc ZD30DDTi I4 diesel
Power: 197hp @ 4,400rpm (4.5 gasoline), 252hp @ 4,800rpm (4.8 gasoline), 158hp @ 3,600rpm (3.0 diesel non-CRDI), 150hp @ 3,600rpm (3.0 diesel, CRDI)
Torque: 350Nm @ 3,600rpm (4.5 gasoline), 400Nm @ 3,600rpm (4.8 gasoline), 354Nm @ 2,000rpm (3.0 diesel non-CRDI), 343Nm @ 1.800-2,400rpm (3.0 diesel CRDI)
Fuel Consumption: 4-8km/L (city), 7-12km/L (highway) (*estimated and varies)
Transmission: 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic
Suspension: Front and rear coil spring type

MORE INFO
Price (New): P1,900,000-P2,800,000 (range from 2000 to 2017)
Price (Now): P360,000-P2,200,000
On Sale: November 2000-2017
Rivals: Ford Explorer, Ford Expedition, Isuzu Trooper, Mitsubishi Pajero, Toyota Land Cruiser Prado
Resources:
http://www.patrol4x4.com/forum/

Contacts:
Nissan Gallery Ortigas - (02) 635-5888


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