USED Nissan Patrol GR 4x4 (98 - 04)

My car

I have an 02-reg 4.5-litre petrol GRX with 170,000km on the clock. I keep it in South Africa and it's the best vehicle for real off-road work.

There are no complicated electronics to go wrong, and an extra fuel tank for long range work. I have pulled Range Rovers out of the bush when their complicated computers die. A bush mechanic can fix a Patrol.

It eats dirt roads and is very confortable on long trips. Despite UK reviews whinging about its on-road lack of comfort, I have never found any problem.

I have owned two Defenders and three Range Rovers, and the Patrol beats them all hands down when called upon for serious work.

When you are 200km from the nearest tar road you need ultimate faith in your vehicle, the Patrol delivers.

My next 4x4 will be another Patrol but not until I have clocked up 500,000km on the current vehicle.

Servicing is cheap and parts are readily available. All in all, it's a great 4x4 as proven by the UN and armies worldwide.

My car

The Patrol is a grossly underrated vehicle. Having owned this for several years its proven to be a thouroughly reliable vehicle.

Servicing costs are low and, apart from tyres and brakes, have seldom been anything other than the stated service cost. Fuel costs are not bad either.

Handling is a bit rough on the road, it sort of needs a little aggression, but then if I wanted a girlie 4x4 I would have bought one.

All in all, a lot of car for the money, an excellent sound system and I want a new one....