About the Nissan Patrol
Zorro purchased this Nissan Patrol new for $67,000 (including all on-road costs). Zorro would buy this car again because: “A full size 4WD with nothing but a simple naturally aspirated V8 petrol motor which has no EGR, no DPF, no turbo(s)… nothing to complicate maintenance or warranty but for one engine without accoutrements. Added to that, the V8 is sublime, it has far more power than you need, and while the torque figure of 560Nm is lower than the 600Nm of the LandCruiser, gearing, and locking differentials make mince meat of any difference. “
How reliable has your car been? Tell us about any issues.
Exceptionally reliable. The only warranty issue was some paint chips on the car, which a lot of Y62 owners noticed. Unlike my previous ownership with a Toyota and its issues (sorry, have to go to the previous CarAdvice to look at that) Nissan recognised it and repainted the entire car at their cost (saw the $12,300 receipt) within around two weeks of me complaining/letting them know about it.
Servicing was far better than my previous Prado 150 at annual increments. As a defence member, I often go away for months on end – up to 7 months – on deployment. While a very high kilometre owner (around 1000km/week) this allowed me to have up to seven months break and still not need to either service the car early or have it run late.
What do you think of the ownership experience with your car?
Excellent. Paint was the only issue (on selected versions) and fixed without complaint, fuss or argument. Every car has an issue when new – just look at JD Power’s highest rated car. Usually a Lexus, but even that has up to 70 per cent of new cars having a fault.
It’s how the marque deals with them. As my other car is a Lexus, I cannot fault Nissan on dealing with issues.
How has the purchase and aftercare experience been with your car?
I love(d) this car. It did everything my previous LC200 VX and LC Prado 150 did but with more power, more room, greater reliability, more comfort and better service intervals.
The only reason I sold the Y62 was due to owning a farm after purchasing, which meant a whole lot of manure, rubbish, wood, and the rest going in the back. So it was a case of keeping it, but having the back turn to an ordinary look – or getting a ute.
As I sold it during COVID, I was offered the same price as what I bought it for so sold it. Regretted the decision instantly.
Are you happy with the price and features of your car?
No issues to me. Having said that, I hadn’t had Apple CarPlay in a car before, so didn’t care. The wood grain look I loved – and know for those that hate it there is a $400 aftermarket kit that either converts it to carbon fibre or aluminium if that’s your thing.
Having said that, my next car had Apple CarPlay. So I get the advancement this is, and it actually stopped me buying a Series 5 Y62 in January of this year.
Now, in April, I see they have integrated AppleCarPlay. If that was available in January 2024, I would be in one again.
What do you think of the performance and economy of your car?
Performance? It’s brilliant. For the relative cost of petrol, I would buy it again and again and again. Ignore the LC owners (I used to be one) who talk about the cost of petrol.
Ignore the 16.8L/100km versus 14L/100km as a percentage. Instead, put that in dollar figures. I worked out that I was spending $2200 more per annum than my LC200 VX V8 Diesel.
For that, I got shedloads more power, safer overtaking power and manoeuvrability, and the bonus of no EGR, catch can, or turbo to fail.
It was worth the sacrifice for all the driving I did. People seemed to have caught on too, with the Y62 going gang-busters for sales since 2020 or so onwards
What do you think of the technology in your car?
No Apple CarPlay didn’t affect me at the time. Just like in 1994 I didn’t think cruise control was anything good… as soon as you have it, you can’t do without it. So when subsequent cars had it, the fact the Y62 did not left it out of contention only three months ago.
With today’s announcement that it now comes with CarPlay I would have bought it again. The only car in my 40 years of driving that I would buy again.
What do you think of the ride comfort and handling of your car?
My god, this car is sublime to drive. While the KDSS on my LC200 was good, this Hydraulic Body Motion Control (HBMC) on the Y62 is tenfold better.
Just exquisite, with the sound deadening making this car similar to an S-Class in NVH (yes, from experience). While it limits lift options, they are out there.
And don’t forget this car has a OEM ground clearance equal to a LC200 with a 2.0-inch lift. The new Warrior adds another two inches, so think a LC200 or LC300 with a four-inch lift.
Do you have any additional comments about your car?
The Y62 was and underdog decried by many because of its lack of diesel option and then perceived fuel limitations. That’s long been solved; petrol is available everywhere in Australia within 500km of anywhere, and the power and torque far outweighs the negatives of increased fuel consumption.