Land Cruiser or Patrol

[PinHead]

Almost time to look around for another work ute...anyone with experiences in current models of these vehicles? Any inherent problems with either of them?

[Lovey80]

I don't own either of them but I hear the Patrol is now available in 3.0L turbo. I know a guy with the latest Cruiser 4.2L turbo common rail and he loves the fuel economy of it compared to the last. He gets the same fuel economy as his last non turbo.

Cheers Chris

[dfox]

Theres quite a few things different between the two cars. Apart from the price difference which is around 8-9 grand as chris has stated the patrol has dropped its 4.2 litre engine and replaced it with the 3 litre common rail. I dont know much about this engine but it seems to me that nissan have been caught out by the 2008 emission laws and the little engine is just a poor excuse. The toyota on the other hand has introduced the 4.5 litre v8 diesel in its latest model. Having driven the new landcruiser quite alot now (mates car) it seems as though it maybe equal too or slightly better on juice then the previous models 4.2 turbo 6 cylinder cruiser, but in saying that if you drive the car hard it uses more fuel then the 6cyl would driven the same.
I recently sold my 2000 model patrol coil 4.2 turbo (with power upgrades). Comparing it to the latest landcruiser, i'd say i like the patrol better overall, with the power upgrades it was equal too the landcruiser in performance, and had superior suspension as far as 4wding goes. It towed the boat unbelievably well and as a comfortable work ute the patrol would be my choice. Theres no way that i'd buy the same car with a 3 litre 4cylinder motor, on paper it may seem ok (KW and NM's), but such as small engine in a large ute is a joke.
I need a ute that can tow 3500kg's and tow it comfortably and safely so ive ordered a new cruiser. If i didnt need a bigger ute id look at a hilux, navara, triton, bravo etc all of which by the way have as powerful engines as the patrol... foxy

[kitty_cat]

spot on foxy
this is the best information you can get

[seameter]

Well I think it depends on what you are looking to do with the car. The slightly longer wheelbase of the cruiser probably means that it can cope with heavier loads a bit better than the patrol can. Also if you plan on hauling heavy loads long distances you will appreciate having the V8 rather than a 4 cylinder. However, the suspension setup un the patrol is probably better off road and more comfortable on road when the ute is unladen. In my experience the 3L 4 cylinder engine has enough power to get most tasks done. It can just struggle a little if you want to carry very large loads. Also in my opionion the patrol has a much more comfortable interior.
This is just my opinion. Others may have different thoughts. Sometimes with a lot of these sorts of things its just personal preference.

[Leighton]

Had a GU Patrol Ute for 3 years, loved it apart from its Fuel Consumption. I was towing a work trailer and from the 2 tanks ( 180 L ) I was only getting around or less than 1000km. Sayiny that it had a 30% HP upgrade and was running 36" Tyres. Like seameter the susp in a Patrol IMO is far superior, I had the ST ( coil front and back ) and did a 6 inch lift and it still drove well.
I had herd they are now doing a run out model with the 3L, this should help with the thirst against the 4.2L

[FNQCairns]

No comparison the Cruiser for sure, Nissan is/was going to bring out a competitive truck but I have lost track of it all now and it is certainly running late if they are planing on one still.
Anyway it was probably only going to be a Cruiser copy in so many areas anyway ie urban assault, so IMO go the Cruiser the mighty Patrol is now dead!

cheers fnq

[Chimo]

PinHead

I was told a while back that there are still some 4.2 patrols to be had if thats of any interest to you.

Chimo

[poundalead]

Hey mate I can't speak for the new cruiser's too much but I was having the same problem when I wanted to buy my truck. I asked around and most dealers that sold both told me that I wouldn't be disappointed with either vehicles. The thing that swayed me was my father-in-law used to work on the pipelines out west and worked in some pretty inhospitable country and all the vehicles that the company owned were Toyotas. The FIL told me if I bought a Patrol I would be disappointed. So logically I went with the 'cruiser. I am a brickie by trade and am constantly carrying heavy loads, I have since done 145000 km's and I can tell you I have not had one single thing go wrong with my truck. I was thinking of buying a new Hilux late last year, but I couldn't justify getting rid of a perfectly good vehicle

Cheers Benny

[PinHead]

thanks foxy..I did not realise Nissan had downsized to the 3l..so I had a look..the Patrol has 118kW and 380Nm torque. My current Hi Lux has 126kW and 343Nm...I think I will pass on the Nissan...the 70 series Cruiser has 151kW and 430Nm..how does Nissan think they can now compete with the Cruiser..looks like off to Toyota I go again.

[Reel Hard]

Nissan do have a 6 cyl twin O/H cam common rail diesel and it has plenty of punch. I am not sure when or if it will become available in Australia, could even be here now. Problems adapting it to the climate here I am told.
The old 4.2 in standard trim was hopeless off the mark.
Big diffs in the Nissan.
The V8 cruiser definitely goes hard.
Best to take them both for a good long drive.

[BenDover]

I had a cruiser ute, now i have a patrol ute (coil cab). The patrol is far more comfortable and capable than the cruiser. But its also alot heavier though. And has a pissy weak and gutless motor. The 3 litre and 4.2td are slugs. But the V8 cruiser drinks ALOT of fuel, and im not that impressed by the amount of fuel for its not that much better performance. This is what ya want...