TB45E - New to Patrol ownership advice please.

[JCenturion]

Hello,

I'm new to this forum and considering buying a Nissan Patrol. I've worked with vehicles my whole life but looking for opinions from people regarding this purchase and ownership.

Vehicle: 1998 TB45E, Petrol, auto, ST, 306 odo, VGC almost no off road work.

I have concerns about fuel economy. It seems 14l/100 is expected but most are getting closer to 17l/100? Any advice or tips on this. I do not want to convert to LPG.

Has had no engine/major work i.e head, valves, box, fuel pump etc. Should I be concerned about this? Is there anything known for this age or kms that seems to fail or that I should consider?

Is being an auto considered a negative? I've read alright things but i'm not a huge fan of automatics.

Do you think this vehicle is too old?

Any info that would improve driveability, knowledge about these vehicles, ways to improve fuel economy, upgrades that are worthwhile (like a long range tank) etc. would be appreciated.

I live in a regional area so while it would make it easier to get to places our 2wd won't go it is 6-7 hours to a major centre if used in that capacity. So I have some concerns about highway driving.

Thank you

[digitaltantrik]

Hey,

I have a Nissan patrol Td42 Diesel and also gonna be picking up the TB45E Petrol 2000 Model next week... Yes the mileage can be an issue...

If u have options options do u have any Td42T Diesel around that u wid wanna pick up?

I think in my opinion and whatever i have learnt till now TD42T cud be ur best bet here

[JCenturion]

Hi,

Thanks. No we aren't looking at anything else nor are there any other similar vehicles around in the same price bracket in the same condition.

So advice about the actual vehicle I'm asking about would be appreciated.

[abw]

I very much doubt you'd be getting anywhere near 14 l/100k out of a TB45. I get 18l/100 out of my tb48 on the highway taking it easy. put stuff on the roof rack, plus camping gear and that goes up to 20). So figure on something similar.

Having said that, from what I've been told, the tb45 is a solid understressed engine. If looked after should go past 500k. The 4 speed auto is also a very solid reliable unit.

[JCenturion]

Thanks :) I've only driven manual 4wd's for actual 4 wheel driving. Do you think an auto is an draw back? I haven't done much sand but I've heard an auto is better for that. I've only done more serious mountainous/rocky type largely because that's the type of area I live in.

[abw]

I don't really do much sand driving. but autos are great for rocky stuff as you have so much more control being able to feed the power on.

[JCenturion]

Thanks, I prefer manuals because I feel they give a better ability to control the vehicle and not have to ride the brakes so hard. Which is probably why I'm so on the fence about that issue. But it's good to know that people who do a lot of 4bying doing see any particular issue with the transmission type. I guess they wouldn't make autos if they weren't cut out for that type of work :)

Do you think the age of the vehicle is a big deal? Especially since it's had no work done. I spoke to the mechanic today who works on this vehicle and other than a radiator and starter replacement nothing else has been done other than general logbook maintenance.

Knowing the radiator has been replaced less than 12 months ago and it hasn't really been driven since I also wonder if there could be an underlying head or pressure issue.. but I could be making mountains out of mole hills too. Radiators can just rust or fail after 19 years.

[UncleFrosty]

With extremely conservative hwy driving, my TB45E gets about 25litres/100 on ULP, maybe 10-15% better on premiumULP on long runs. (4 adults luggage, no roof rack, no trailer, 2" lift)
On LPG it's 33/100 - so you're on the right track not converting IMHO.
These numbers would be heavy due to dual fuel and resultant difficulty in finding "sweet spot" in the tuning for both fuels (from what I've heard).
Haven't taken it on sand, but is "confidence inspiring" on long gravel roads!
It's a bit of a verge ornament at the moment - only kept for minor outings as I don't use LPG if I can help it, leaving me with 30litre sub tank of ULP...
Suggest u stick to standard profile tyres. Bought mine with 285/75/16s. Struggled keeping speed up long inclines. Seems better with 265/75/16s, but I haven't driven it that much since the changeover.
I prefer driving the TB45E over the TD42T (both are stock - no mods), as long as I suppress any thoughts about fuel economy!

[JCenturion]

Thank you! I have driven a wide variety of vehicles so while the fuel economy figures seem high, we are pretty used to it here. We drive on gravel alot because sometimes there is only gravel ahah. and lots of dirt roads, dips and washouts. Our current Rodeo takes 4 tanks of fuel nearly to the dot using 98 over approx 1200km drive which is 70% highway driving with no additional load. granted smaller tank but still she likes the taste of petrol in the morning :)

I am not personally a believer in gas. I have seen what people do and how badly it all can all go wrong, plus gas here is not cheap i'd rather buy petrol. Having said that if people have a good set up or disagree I do want to hear the feedback. I imagine getting the tuning right would not be all that fun.

I believe this one we are looking at is running standard's. The own was an elderly man who maybe did 10,000 in a year so I know it hasn't been flogged or done any heavy lifting. Your comments about the inclines is interesting so thank you for that. Something I will note to do with it when we take it for a test drive.

I have worked on a lot of TD42's and most people seem pretty happy with them. We don't see many TB45's around here which is why I guess I'm a but wary as this area is a bit unknown for me. Nearly all serious 4bys and farm vehicles are diesel. Is there a particular reason you prefer the TB45 UncleFrosty?

Would you consider the age of this vehicle to be of a concern?

[JME_GU]

I have a manual TB45e with M/T tyres, 2 inch lift, bull bar and brush bars, rock sliders but no roof rack or trailer. Driving on the Hume Highway from Canberra to Sydney and back I get 15.6 l/100km just leaving it at 110km/h on cruise control. If I drive it really carefully and get a run up for hills I usually get it down to 15.1 l/100km but I have never seen it as low as 14 l/100km.

If I'm towing I get around 21 l/100km with my 1,000kg camper trailer.

[JME_GU]

With extremely conservative hwy driving, my TB45E gets about 25litres/100 on ULP

When I first got my Patrol I got similar economy, I tried changing the fuel filter and using injector cleaner, changing the air filter and spark plugs, distributor cap and even adjusting the valve clearances. Economy got a bit better, but not really that much better. After about a year I noticed that the car took a long time to heat up but after 10-15 mins of driving the temp showed normal. I changed the thermostat and it heated up really quickly but also used dramatically less fuel. It turned out that the temp showed as normal but the coolant was actually still a bit cold so the car stayed in cold start mode and ran really rich. It might be worth looking at because 25 l/100km is definitely not normal.

[Bob]

When I first got my Patrol I got similar economy, I tried changing the fuel filter and using injector cleaner, changing the air filter and spark plugs, distributor cap and even adjusting the valve clearances. Economy got a bit better, but not really that much better. After about a year I noticed that the car took a long time to heat up but after 10-15 mins of driving the temp showed normal. I changed the thermostat and it heated up really quickly but also used dramatically less fuel. It turned out that the temp showed as normal but the coolant was actually still a bit cold so the car stayed in cold start mode and ran really rich. It might be worth looking at because 25 l/100km is definitely not normal.

I normally use 16 Litres per 100 K's on ULP and 18 Litres per 100 K's on LPG

I prefer a Manual any day but I am a bit of old school

[gubigfish]

If your remote as you claim I'd be looking for a TD42T or TD42Ti if you can get one. My ute has a range of approx 1200km with the Main and Sub tank.

[JCenturion]

Thanks, that's really encouraging. The official stats are that new i guess in 1998 and in perfect condition 14/100 is what is has been marketed at so to get between 15-20l I would expect. This vehicle is also stock standard. So we would need to put in left kits and all the rest if we wanted that.

Thank you everyone for your input, its been really valuable. I think we are going to properly test drive it and do a full inspection, keeping your opinions in mind and go from there. Any further feedback is still appreciated.

[JCenturion]

If your remote as you claim I'd be looking for a TD42T or TD42Ti if you can get one. My ute has a range of approx 1200km with the Main and Sub tank.

This is the only car on offer and the only one that fits our budget. We are tossing up whether to let it go or potentially solve our issue of having one 2 door bench seat ute that just doesn't work for us.

Don't think I don't know about better options ahah it's just those options are not on the table. Pretty hard to get one of these even in bad repair for $4,000. I'm trying to work out based on others more expert/ informed opinions if overall this vehicle would be a decent buy.

[jff45]

I bought my 2001 TB45E Ti auto in 2007 and used it for 9 years before converting it to diesel. It averaged 20/100 without driving it hard (I'm 71 years old now).
I fitted Pacemaker extractors with 2 1/2" exhaust system which made a noticeable difference - it could really breathe better and rev out easier. Fuel use didn't change because I drove it a bit harder then.
Always ran it on 98 octane. Also fitted an Xede engine management system to get a little more out of it.

They are very solid engines if maintained correctly. If you have an engine issue, don't worry, you can buy complete engines for peanuts now.

I converted mine to diesel because I plan on towing a caravan around the country and the TB45E fuel bill would have been prohibitive.

Don't look at what it will cost you in fuel, look at what the vehicle will cost you to own while you have it. The TB45s are one of the most reliable. I've read more engine problem stories on these Patrol forums about the TD42s than TB45s and the TD42s are reputed to be bulletproof :)

[UncleFrosty]

It might be worth looking at because 25 l/100km is definitely not normal.
Thanks. Will do.

[UncleFrosty]

Is there a particular reason you prefer the TB45 UncleFrosty?

Would you consider the age of this vehicle to be of a concern?

Prefer it for the acceleration. My TD42T is a slug. Also quieter in the cab, but this may be a ute vs wagon thing...
Mine's the same (275k km) as your prospective vehicle. I wasn't concerned with the age so much, just needed more than 2 seats! Paid around $10k 7-odd years ago. Price difference to buy petrol vs diesel can more than make up for fuel cost/efficiency in some circumstances.

[jff45]

My TD42T engine pulls much better than my TB45E did and the TB only had 136k kms n the clock.
I'm also really glad to no longer have the NADS and the EFI electronics.

[jay see]

My very early series 1 (built 12/1997) has just ticked over 300,000 but I believe that it's more like 450,000 at least. It was fitted with a direct injection gas system in 2011, I brought it in 2014 as a bog stock Patrol, even down to the factory fitted springs, shockers and radio. I have replaced the starter motor, radiator, thermostat, wheel bearings and some coolant hoses over the last 3 years.
As for power, I can leave at the lights and stay with the traffic no problem, oh mines an auto. It doesn't like any hills, but just flick off the overdrive, let the revs climb and it's not a problem. I think that the 3.9 diff ratio and 305/70/16 tyres don't help.
Fuel consumption I haven't worked it out on both fuels, but hey it's a heavy car.

Why I bought a petrol and not a diesel. I had a bad experience with a diesel yota and couldn't afford a td42.
My gu is a daily and spends 90% of the time on the black stuff.

Am I happy with what I have. Yes.

Hope this helps.