New member with a Question
Hi,
I joined this forum to share my experience with my Y62 TiL Patrol. I have owned about 4 Discoveries and a Landcruiser and this is definitely the best of the bunch even allowing for advances in technology over the years. I bought it mainly because of its value for money following massive price reductions following the Australian launch and because it was the only vehicle this side of $130k with all of the safety features I wanted. Goes like a rocket if needed and it was a pleasure to leave the diesel clangers behind. Economy has settled down to 15.3/100km using 98 octane with mostly highway cruising. I figure since the speedo overreads by about 10% the economy is also 10% optimistic. I attempt to reduce the refuel price shock by not waiting until I have used all 140 litres, buying $5 worth of chocolates at Woolies Caltex to ensure I get my full 8 cent per litre discount and finally convincing myself that it is worth every damn cent anyway to drive this vehicle. I spend a fortune on insurance for cars, houses, life insurance etc and this is the best way to ensure I and my passengers are as safe as possible. I have travelled 18k in it to date. Great vehicle. The thing I like about it most is its size. Lots of room for grandkids. What I hate most about it is its size - parking is a nightmare in suburbia and I have learnt to cruise around the shopping car parks to pick the best spot to minimise door dings from other inconsiderate car owners. The all-round camera system is poor resolution and next to useless but I can live with it if I don't rely on it. Good for avoiding pets running around the car in the driveway though.
I am considering trying to put the 3rd row 'missing' seat belt in the rear (TiL only has 2 instead of the other models 3). When I asked Nissan prior to purchase about this issue they were none responsive but they eventually said it was a weight issue because of all the extra gear on the TiL. In other words they had no idea. The cutouts are there in the headliner and since all the bodies are the same I suspect it is just a matter of getting a seatbelt from the dealer and paying a certified installer to put it in. I wouldn't even bother asking a dealer to put it in as we can all guess what their response would be. The only down side from my 'purchase experience' has been support from Nissan Australia and the dealer I purchased it from. Shocking is probably the only word I care to use in this forum. They really need to clean their act up and yes, it would influence my next purchase. My local dealer basically told me to go elsewhere to buy one because he didn't have one in stock and probably thought I was not a serious buyer (my thongs may have had something to do with it). Several weeks later he was dumb-struck when I booked it in for its first service after buying it inter-state at the best price I was given. I guess the dealership missed out on a substantial $ benefit from the sale. Cheers.
