I'm looking at moving into either a Patrol or a Pathfinder (diesel) to pull our van with an ATM of 2100kg. Can't stretch to new at this stage, so I'll be after a fairly late model used. I'm just interested to hear views from owners of these models re. performance, issues etc. Both have plenty of tow capacity in reserve and the Patrol is almost an overkill, but the key question is this, is the 2.5 in the Pathfinder strong or wheezy with a load on the back or would the Patrol make more sense in the long run? Also, is the Pathfinder as reliable as the Patrol is reputed to be?
I know this may spark a variety of opinions and probably some departure into other makes, always interested to hear about alternatives but would like to focus on the above. I'm not looking at equivalent Toyota's as they seem overpriced IMO and I definitely do NOT want a ute.
Thanks in advance for your help.
-- Edited by SouthernComfort on Sunday 10th of December 2017 12:06:52 PM
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Cheers,
Tony
"Opinion is the medium between ignorance and knowledge" - Plato
Patrols are virtually bullet proof since around 2000, I drive a 3 litre Y61 2013 diesel GU - previous was the 4.2 Diesel Patrol - The whizz-bangery on the newer Patrol makes up for lack of 2 cylinders. Average 16 K/Litre with 3 tonne van on tow - I don't know if they make a diesel in the Y 62 if you are seeking brand new. Second hand, if going to Toyota try and get a good 100 series or 70 series, but still as costly as a new Patrol.
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Possum; AKA:- Ali El-Aziz Mohamed Gundawiathan
Sent from my imperial66 typewriter using carrier pigeon, message sticks and smoke signals.
SC, I've a feeling there has been rear tyre wear issues with Pathy caused by independent rear suspension. Could be worth keeping in mind.
A couple of friends of mine towed 24' Future Systems vans with them. They had no problems with power or rear tyre wear. They did use WDH with Hayman Reese tow bars (don't use a Nissan OEM bar though.) Independent rear suspension vehicles often have tyre wear problems with some makes but I have not heard that it is endemic on Pathfinders.
If you go for a 3 litre Patrol then keep away from the 2000 - 2002 models (unless their motor has blown and they have had a replacement motor.) Also the 3 litre automatic models have a tow capacity of only 2500 kg, this is only a worry if you trade up to a heavier van.
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PeterD Nissan Navara D23 diesel auto, Spaceland pop-top Retired radio and electronics technician. NSW Central Coast.
Had a 2008 Pathy and towed a 21' Jayco Sterling behind it for a number of years, the major part of which was on dirt. Never had a problem an there was always power in reserve.
It's a real pity that Nissan superseded the Pathfinder with a big SUV with the same name for the current model. The REAL Pathfinders with a ladder chassis were a great tow vehicle.
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Cheers Keith & Judy
Don't take life too seriously, it never ends well.
Trip Reports posted on feathersandphotos.com.au Go to Forums then Trip Reports.
Thanks for all the comments guys, very helpful. Starting to think a little more about the Pathy since it has a 3.0t tow capacity but is less bulky than Patrol (frankly my better half is a bit daunted by the size of the Patrol). Based on what I'm hearing, seems a 2011-13 auto diesel might be worth considering, certainly more affordable and slightly more fuel efficient than Patrol. If their load space is reasonable and the 2.5L pulls alright, it could be ideal. As I mentioned above, my van is only 2100kg ATM, plus I always use a WDH and do very little if any off-roading. The van is only a few months old and we're unlikely to need/want a bigger one in the future.
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Cheers,
Tony
"Opinion is the medium between ignorance and knowledge" - Plato
I have a 2008 Pathy, done nearly 200,000klm, mostly towing a off road 'van, weighing about 2.5tonne loaded. Been all over Australia, from the Cape to Broom and Perth. The wagon does seem to wear out tyres but that maybe because I upgraded the suspension early and I use airbags (at 25 to 30 psi) when towing.
