|
© JAMES TAYLOR
Editor: Land Rover Enthusiast Magazine
Background
The MQ model Nissan Patrol which was introduced to the UK in 1982 was the first model of Patrol to be imported; to UK buyers it therefore qualifies as the first-generation Patrol. However, the very first Patrol appeared as long ago as 1951 and was a very different sort of vehicle, for like so many light four-wheel drives of the period, it was based heavily on the war-time Jeep.
By the time the MQ models were announced in Japan towards the end of 1981, the Patrol had evolved into a rugged vehicle, particularly suitable for the dirt roads of Africa and South-East Asia. It had no pretensions to sophistication: the Patrol was purely a workhorse. Nevertheless, the UK importers (then using the Datsun name) believed that there was room for the vehicle in the burgeoning four-wheel drive market. So, from January 1982 they began to import both SWB and LWB types.
The Patrol was distinguished from many of its rivals by the fact that both SWB and LWB variants were powered by six-cylinder engines, originally designed for some of Nissan's light commercials. However, its unsophisticated nature meant that it was never a strong seller in the UK four-wheel drive market, being outsold by rivals from Toyota and Isuzu in particular. Probably fewer than 7,000 were sold between 1982 and the end of imports in 1993.
The first examples were imported from Japan, but after January 1983 all Patrols for the UK market were built at Nissan's Motor Iberica plant in Spain. As usual, the Patrol was available in a very wide range of models, but the UK importers saw fit to import only two types, these being a two-door Hard Top and a four-door Estate.
Character summary
The Patrol is a tremendously rugged vehicle, which scores with its reliability and simplicity. To consider it alongside stylish and sophisticated urban four-wheel drives is to do it an injustice: it was simply never intended to compete in the same market. The LWB models in particular have a truck-like character which has its own appeal, and they make excellent towing vehicles. However they are best considered as alternatives to leaf-sprung Land Rovers rather than as contenders in the family estate market. SWB models are tough but lack the
Performance summary
The biggest fault of the early Patrols is their uncompromisingly firm ride; the softer road springs fitted to post-1990 models make a worthwhile difference in this area. Gearboxes on vehicles of all ages can also be baulky when cold.
Much depends on the engine fitted to the Patrol. The early 3.2-litre diesel has plenty of low-down torque but constantly reminds the driver of its light-truck origins; the later 2.8-litre diesel is much more refined and free-revving, and in turbocharged form provides reasonable acceleration and fairly quiet cruising at motorway speeds. The petrol engines offer modest acceleration for their size, but nothing like the performance available from engines of comparable capacity in other four-wheel drives.
On the road, the SWB vehicles present no problems, but the LWB models always feel big and a trifle cumbersome, despite the standard power-assisted steering. Brakes are strong and reassuring on all models. Off the road, the SWB is not as good as its specification suggests it might be, while the immense wheelbase of the LWB models can make them rather a handful in the rough. Axle articulation is good for a leaf-sprung design, but the departure angle is limited by the spare-wheel stowage position under the long rear overhang.
Reliability, weaknesses, spares
Whatever their other limitations may be, the MQ Patrols are certainly reliable. All engines offered in the range are capable of very high mileages without major overhaul - up to 200,000 miles in many cases. Nevertheless, overheating and blown head gaskets seem to be quite common.
While the chassis is rarely affected by serious rust, the bottom half of the tailgate can corrode badly, especially around the hinges. Heavy off-road use causes wear in the front leaf spring hanger bolts, which is revealed by a clank as the steering wheel is turned.
The biggest disadvantage in the UK is that relatively few of these vehicles were sold and that even Nissan dealers are often unfamiliar with them. Many dealers keep very few Patrol parts in stock and there can be long waits before spares ordered specially become available.
Resale values
Resale values of these Patrols have remained surprisingly strong in view of the limited market, which must be a tribute to their durability. However, early vehicles can now be bought quite cheaply, and it can only be a matter of time before prices of the later types begin to fall steeply. It is probably the relative scarcity of used second-generation Patrols on the UK market which is keeping prices at their present levels
Nevertheless, a used Patrol can sometimes be quite hard to sell on. Petrol models are rare and not much liked, most buyers preferring the big diesels. The post-1990 models with their improved specifications and better engines are the most desirable of all, but they are not numerous. Bull bars and other accessories enhance the Patrol's rather plain appearance and can improve the chances of reselling a vehicle.
|
