Pathfinder R51 as a tourer???

Joined: 16 May 2005 Location: Sth Brissy

Looking at getting a diesel tourer that i can sleep in.
According to Nissan the Pathfinder has a longer boot than the Patrol. Although i would like the bigger engine of the patrol it will be mainly a road vehicle for the missus and taken on tours (desert, Cape etc.) a couple of times a year. I don't expect it to be a serious offroader, have a modded Hilux for 4WD park and harder offroading.
Missus boss has a Prado and it goes everywhere out in the red center so i figure this could do it too.

The only thing that concerns me is the availability of parts compared to a Patrol or 80 Series Idea

I have herd they have crap fuel economy but i am only buying this if a start making my own biodiesel Wink

1. Anyone got one of these Question

2. Bad points to look out for Question

3. Worthwhile mods Question

4. I want this to be a comfy tourer; is it the most comfortable tourer out there Question

If not what do you think is Question

Something like this:

Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Location: Sydney

the engine in the newer pathies is pretty high tech and i don't think it would like biodiesel - pretty risky.
The auto's are much thirstier. With a manual you should be able to cruise around below 10L per hundred km.
When I tow my buggy around I get about 14, altho if you push it you get between 16 and 18.
otherwise they are ok, the traction control is better than nothing but they are not a serious offroader.

Joined: 16 Oct 2007 Location: Brisbane

Prado is a better tourer.

Joined: 16 May 2005 Location: Sth Brissy

Yom wrote:

Prado is a better tourer.

Only Toyota options i like are the 80 or 100 Series
Can't afford a 200 Series Crying or Very sad

Joined: 27 Nov 2002 Location: Lost in Melbourne.

napsta wrote:

the engine in the newer pathies is pretty high tech and i don't think it would like biodiesel - pretty risky.

... and nissan void warranty if you use Bio.

Joined: 16 Oct 2007 Location: Brisbane

If you can afford a diesel 100 which isnt shagged then you can afford a prado!

Joined: 16 May 2005 Location: Sth Brissy

Yom wrote:

If you can afford a diesel 100 which isnt shagged then you can afford a prado!

Don't like Prados; but i am willing to listen:
How would you say they are better than a 100 Series Question

Joined: 16 May 2005 Location: Sth Brissy

bogged wrote:

napsta wrote:

the engine in the newer pathies is pretty high tech and i don't think it would like biodiesel - pretty risky.

... and nissan void warranty if you use Bio.

Vehicle would not be in warranty.
Sorry should have stated secondhand purchase Embarassed

But for banter sake:
How if it is available at the pump; that is like saying you void your warranty if you use ULP instead of PULP.
Diesel doesn't have an ISO standard so how could they inforce that; going by the legal standards diesel is allowed a 5% variable in the mix so a B5 they should not be able to contest. Although i would want to run B50 or B100 Rolling Eyes

Joined: 16 Oct 2007 Location: Brisbane

OK. Go drive the two and come back & tell us which one you liked more. The loud, fidgety nissan with the flexible interior or the fairly nice, quiet and refined prado?

I know the prado isn't built as strong as a 4wd should be but I have my doubts nissan have done any better with the R51. Another good one is to actually call a few dealers and see if they have the following parts in stock for you or can get them to you within 2 days - radiator hoses, intercooler hoses, radiator, front left hand low controlarm/wishbone as well as steering idler arm/ball joints and I'm sure the list will go on and I'm sure that all these parts would not be easy to come by even at a nissan dealer. They don't stock parts anymore because it costs them money.

Joined: 16 May 2005 Location: Sth Brissy

Yom wrote:

OK. Go drive the two and come back & tell us which one you liked more. The loud, fidgety nissan with the flexible interior or the fairly nice, quiet and refined prado?

I know the prado isn't built as strong as a 4wd should be but I have my doubts nissan have done any better with the R51. Another good one is to actually call a few dealers and see if they have the following parts in stock for you or can get them to you within 2 days - radiator hoses, intercooler hoses, radiator, front left hand low controlarm/wishbone as well as steering idler arm/ball joints and I'm sure the list will go on and I'm sure that all these parts would not be easy to come by even at a nissan dealer. They don't stock parts anymore because it costs them money.

Sorry i meant compare the 100 Series that you referenced to the Prado Smile

Joined: 28 Jul 2008 Location: Near Warragul, Victoria

Brad

You can try here, Pathfinder specific forum. www.pcoa.org.au/forum. Always full of good info.

Nickj

Joined: 16 May 2005 Location: Sth Brissy

nickj2411 wrote:

Brad

You can try here, Pathfinder specific forum. www.pcoa.org.au/forum. Always full of good info.

Nickj

Thanks NickJ tryed there, thought i might get some more info on here.

Joined: 28 Jul 2008 Location: Near Warragul, Victoria

You should regiser and pose your questions in the R51 Technical area. I am sure by the end of the day you will know everything you need to.

Nick