Nissan Patrol Review (1995 to 1998)

Quick Summary

A well-inspected Nissan Patrol will make a rugged and faithful companion. If armour plating a Labrador seems extreme, then a Patrol may well be the next best thing. It has a no-nonsense image and can be used for all the family oriented uses whilst having the ability to tackle muddy fields and minor Alps.Take time, and opt for the newest possible model, as many will find the earliest car maybe a touch too spartan. If the purposeful image and undoubted capabilities appeal, you could do a lot worse than the Nissan Patrol. With the latest range finding its feet on the used market, now is as good a time as any to buy.

Overall:

Models Covered:3 & 5 dr 4x4 [2.8 & 4.2 diesel, 4.2 Petrol, SE, TD SE, TD SLX]

4x4EVERLASTING

The Nissan Patrol has never managed to embed itself into the British perception quite as its makers had hoped. It lacks the leviathan image of Toyota's Landcruiser or the class of a Land Rover product. Too rugged to attract to the fashionable crowd, it has fallen between a number of stools. Still, it has been a mainstay of the Nissan range for nearly half a century and has sold in steady, if unspectacular, volumes. Appealing to the likes of farmers and serious off road enthusiasts, the Patrol sells itself on its virtual indestructibility.
Used Nissan Patrol for sale

History of the Patrol

The Patrol has been around in one guise or another for over forty years. Back near the dawn of time, it was a crude, noisy four-wheel drive vehicle, offering little in the way of creature comforts. As with most vehicles that seem to have been around forever, the Patrol has developed into a car that is supremely fit for its purpose.To make the report manageable, we are concentrating on models produced since 1995, when a revised range was launched, dubbed the Series 460. This consisted of the 4.2 SE, with a 168bhp 6-cylinder petrol engine, and two diesel models, the 2.8 TD SLX and the 2.8 TD SE. The TD SLX was a three-door station wagon body style, with a 6-cylinder turbo diesel engine generating 111bhp. The TD SE shared the same body style as its petrol engined brother, the massive five-door station wagon. The Patrol was replaced by the Patrol GR series in 1998.
Used Nissan Patrol for sale

Nissan Patrol Road Test

No great surprises here. The Patrol is designed to excel off road, so it shouldn't come as a shock to discover that the big Nissan isn't the nimblest car out there. Perched high in the cabin, the all round view is excellent, and the steering on all models is relatively good. Despite this, even the 4.2 petrol engined models are not hugely quick, and the 2.8 diesel models are, let's face it, rather slow. With 60mph arriving in 22 seconds in the Patrol TD SE five-door, there's plenty of time to appreciate the car's other qualities. The interior fixings may look quite basic, but they are built to last, and are generally dependable. The tyres create a fair bit of road noise, and the square shape doesn't so much slip through the air as bludgeon its way forth, with resultant wind roar at speed. One thing's for sure; you'll never be accused of being a Kings Road cruiser.
Used Nissan Patrol for sale

Buying a Nissan Patrol

Whilst the Patrol may well be built to last, many owners try hard to test this fact. They often lead a hard life. Off road driving is a punishing activity and many Patrols will also have been used to tow caravans, boats and the like. With this in mind, check for evidence of towing equipment and test the suspension fully, as towing can seriously deteriorate the life expectancy of rear shock absorbers – even on a Patrol. Also check for evidence of fuel leaks, a sticking differential lock and corrosion around the tailgate. Inspect the exhaust, wheel arch liners, suspension and chassis and for damage caused whilst off roading and get to know the history of the vehicle in question. As a favourite tool of ram raiders in the nineties, the model was dubbed the 'Nissan Parole' by the tabloid press. Therefore check to see if the vehicle is HPI clear and insist on service history and receipts. If in doubt, take a specialist.
Used Nissan Patrol for sale

Nissan Patrol Typical Pricing

The 460 series cars begin at £3,800 for a Patrol TD SLX three door on a 1995 N plate. A similar TD SE five-door will retail for £4,800, but you do get a great deal more metal for your money.
Used Nissan Patrol for sale

Nissan Patrol Parts

(approx based on a 2.8TD) A mix here between prices agreeably affordable and figures to prematurely age your bank manager. Front brake pads are around £44 and rears £40. You'll need to be trying hard off road to destroy a headlight, but the privilege will cost £132. A new clutch and a radiator will cost in the region of £230 each, and a starter motor will be £340. Are you sitting down? A new exhaust will be around £560 and a new alternator won't see change from £600.
Used Nissan Patrol for sale