Hello all I recently asked opinions re landcruiser workmate as a tow vehicle I have had a look but not really happy with it for our purpose so I have always been a Toyota man but have looked at 2012 Nissan patrol 3.0 litre turbo diesel I am sure many travellers have this vehicle is it capable of towing a 23-25 ft family van successfully any advantages any disadvantages ?? any help would be appreciated thanks in advance
Tezza...this might be bit late, but there are plenty of folk who use that brand/model of vehicle as a tug, I wouldn`t but Nissan continue to offer hand grenades as a low cost 4wd.............do some homework on the Patrol 4wd website I think, before spending your hard earned.......and before anyone things that is too harsh I`ve had 4 Patrols of the GQ persuasion and they were bullet proof, just not convinced the 3 litre is up to the job.
-- Edited by whiteman on Monday 21st of April 2014 03:23:32 PM
Whiteman.....I have a grandson that wants a Nissan GQ as his first vehicle. He does not play video games and other electronic gadgets, he just goes beach fishing. Would you recommend a GQ for a grandson of yours?
John, I assume your question is a serious one and on that basis would recommend the brand & model for someone looking for a low cost 4wd which is about as bullet proof as you can get............must make one thing clear the 4.2 litre diesel is the better of the models on offer, although friends of mine have had yeoman service out of the 2.8 litre diesel and if you can put up with the thirst of the 4.2 litre petrol they are a pretty useful tool as well.
Depending how much money he has to spend a letter model 4.2 lire factory turbo diesel is a terrific unit, but be prepared to pay a fair bit for them.
-- Edited by whiteman on Tuesday 22nd of April 2014 06:23:19 PM
Thanks whiteman, yep I'm serious, trying to keep a headstrong young buck out of trouble. He loves the brand and model. I think he is talking diesel, I have warned about towing a tanker behind a petrol model. What he is after is a mid 90's model, his mates have them (peer pressure syndrome). Any further info would be a help, I'm a pop and don't know much, you know how it goes.
John, about 2 years ago I bought the last of the GQ`s that I owned from a mate who was a retired copper and had bought it via the auction system.....it was the base model, he used it for a number of years and did tow a van around Oz also......gave him $5000 at the time, took a few things off, modified it slightly and then sold it 3 months latter for about what I`d paid...............my experience is that straight out of the box they are a terrific vehicle in the bush and if son wants to modify to go "rock hopping" or simply make it a better tool they are simple & easy to work on........furthermore there are plenty of 2nd hand parts available via ebay or gumtree.
Suggest you have a look on these website for a complete vehicle for sale as well as checking "carsales.com.au".....2nd hand car dealers would be my last choice, but they might throw in some warranty if your lucky, if they do make sure you read the fine print !!
-- Edited by whiteman on Wednesday 23rd of April 2014 03:14:37 PM
Thanks for the advice whiteman. I will help him as best I can, armed with your knowledge. As an aside, My horses include a Chev. Silverado 3500 LTZ 4x4, bought it new in '09, I pull a 5th wheeler with it. I just bought a new Colorado 2.8 diesel, ( I note these are copping a hammering with adverse comment). I want to take she who must be obeyed to Cape York in a camper trailer. Tried it with the big rig but only got to Hahn River road house, wasn't game to go any further with road conditions at the time.
John...a mate bought one last year and got as far as Wagga before the turbo expired, fortunately the Holden Dealer wasn`t far away, so Colorado & Van came in on the back of a truck and repairs were then carried out......it appears no further issues, hope your trip is less interesting and yeah I agree big chevvy not really suitable for our off road conditions............good luck.
