troy replied:

Cam, 2.8 vs 3.0lt are chalk and cheese. (assume we are talking turbo diesels here)

3.0 uses direct injection. 2.8 doesnt.

buy the 3.0lt. Towing may be a challenge with the 2.8lt.

Stuart replied:

Cam, l upgraded my old GU 2.8lt TD to a new 3.0ltTD and have never looked back! The new one is twice as good on fuel and has a lot more useable power down low. The 2.8 lt is a very capable and sweet little engine, just in the wrong vehicle?? Also the 3.0lt has its oil changed at 10.000kms, where the 2.8lt is 5000kms. Which at the end of the day will save you $$$ over the life of a vehicle. Have not heard of any major mech problems yet, but only time will tell. Hope this helps.

Member - Nigel replied:

Definately the 3.0, or else the 4.2 :)

Brian replied:

Cam See "Nissan Patrol 3.0 vs 4.2 ???" in this fourm. I am in the same boat ,after much research I have decided on the 4.2 td st wagon for 3 main reasons (1)-long running motor heaps of power !!! (2) Not the mechinical problems that the 3.0l has (3) fuel economy difference is minimal. hope this helps

fred replied:

A little exaggeration is not too bad but to say the 3.0 litre is twice as good on fuel as the 2.8 litre is a bit over the top
Recent trip with 2.8 and 3.0 indicated the 3.0 was marginally better on fuel - but not towing

Robyn replied:

I don't want to cause a stor but I think we need to be a little careful about attributing problems with certain vehicles to simply the 'manufacturing' element. I am always wary when I read that someone's had a 'problem' such as 'blown turbos', 'head overheating because of front pully bearing failure' and 'fuel pump problems after dirty fuel'. Now I'm not suggesting these aren't genuine problems BUT, I have seen enough disrespectful treatment of 4WDs by some drivers (towing and not towing heavy loads) to lead me to the conclusion that a significant contributing factor may well be the driving and maintenance habits rather than just the manufacturing. Eg I cannot understand why someone who drives at 100-130 km/hr towing more than a tonne (not to mention what's on the roof rack) in 5th on corrugated dirt roads for hundreds of km should be surprised that he ends up with a problem under his bonnet!!! I'd remind him at the same time that he's probably done a really goood job of sandblasting the underside of both his 4WD and the camper he was towing! My point is we need to look at the whole picture. As far as fuel goes, there are precautions you can take (extra filters and additives) that minimise the risk. Cam, stick to your budget (I assume you have set a limit) and the 3.0lt is terrific if you treat it with respect it deserves on and off the road.

Robyn replied:

I have every confidence you'd look after your vehicle. We bought the 3l for exactly the same reasons you mention and we really did our homework on looking at long term costs. We were concerned about the longer term viability of the 2.8l and we could not afford the through-life costs of the larger diesel and petrol models noting that we intend having our vehicle for at least 10-15 yrs. Good luck!