what 4wd?

Lots will say if it is a 3 litre diesel avoid it, if it is a 4.2 litre diesel grab it.

Check the Patrol forum you will find lots of info on the 3 litre "grenade".

Hi Eddy,

I have a 2004 Nissan Patrol 4.2TD, in the city it is OK, but on the open road, bush tracks, etc it is awesome IMHO. I have towed both van and CT and it does it very well.

It is comfortable and reliable with not much that can go wrong.

Good luck with your purchase and your trip.

Cheers
Ev

Hi Eddy m, It's a fairly broad question you'll get plenty of opinions I'm sure. The Patrol is a very capable vehicle BUT in my honest opinion (IMHO) When you read stories & speak to people about them exploding for no apparent reason (only because they can) even Patrols that have been well serviced & cared for just shuddering to a halt for no reason other than the obvious. Motor explosion in the 3 Litre Patrol is something to worry about....it's not gossip or Nissan bashing, go onto the Nissan owners web site,read recent posts on this forum & make your own mind up. If the Patrol makes it around Australia without a glitch ...great. If it doesn't can you afford another motor for it? Then there is the inconvenience of being possibly stranded somewhere!! Resale value? Car yards are asking big $$$ for them but when it comes time to trade the salesman will quote a very low price for your trade in that's if you go that way. If you plan on spending $20,000 to $30,000 there are numerous options but not knowing if you have children & how many,do you have a partner? All these questions come into the equation. If answers to the above is yes, I would purchase a 3.2 litre I/cooled D.i.d Diesel Pajero auto....very comfortable to drive & ride in. Servicing is every 15,000km..with reasonable pricing. Parts are not a problem there are dealers all over Aust. I towed my off road C/Trailer with an NP auto diesel (2003) & it was fantastic. My wife loved driving it & felt safe even towing the trailer. Take your partner into all the car yards. Put bums in seats, drive what you like, even ask the salesman could you try towing the camper for a day. Have a good look at the Pajero they are a very underrated vehicle but not as over rated as the Patrol IMHO. Having had both!!!

For towing I would look at a 4.2 TD Patrol or 100 series Toyota. Doesn't have to be auto. The later the year the better. Only because any defects and recalls should have been done and lesser mileage. Preferably one without a towbar as that means it hasn't done any "tough" towing. No need to jump into the V8's. Preferance for diesel as well. Might be a good idea to stay clear of those with "big" lifts. More than likely they could have had a rough run over rocky terrain or belonged to a hoon. Not all though. But then again it may have been lifted for extra clearance in the deserts and hills. Try to stay away from anything thats been near salt water.

Best of luck.

Phil