I need help/advice on a JDM Nissan...

[The Adam Blaster]

Ok, I'm COMPLETELY ignorant of Nissan's products, so a lot of this is going to be baby steps for me...

I "believe" it's a Patrol model.
It's either Japanese or Australian since it's a RHD truck.
It has the raised roof/pseudo-camper thing.
On the back, it says "Sahara 4x4".
It is sitting on a lot at an RV storage place near my work, and I had a quick conversation with the owner of the lot.
He told me the actual owner is in Vancouver - he just got transferred out there and had to leave the truck. If it doesn't sell, he will have it shipped out to the coast and he's going to keep it.
The lot guy did tell me he just performed a bunch of maintenance on the vehicle, totalling around $3500.00.
It's a 1990 with a straight-six diesel engine, with only 94,000 km's on it.
Apparently it has a rear sway bar that can electronically disengaged to help with articulation.
The guy is asking $14,500.00

What sort of issues cn be problematic - big $$$ to fix?
Are they fairly reliable?
What sort of mileage could someone expect with a close to stock one of these? (It looks pretty stock right now.)

Am I able to morally buy this vehicle since it has a sticker on the side that says "I drove the Alaska highway" when I have not yet driven that highway?
(Just wondering...)

 

[BiG BoB]

It would probably be a GQ model patrol (model before the current rounder shaped GU). You can get every accessory you ever dreamed of, and then some, for them from ARB, Opposite Lock, TJM etc in Australia.

They're live axle, with coils all around. The Sahara model had a higher roof (intended for Saudi's due to their headgear) and typically had some luxury options. The LSD's in the back of Patrols are probably the best around, many guys in Australia only fit an air locker to the front.

The diesel is reliable, and will go forever with regular servicing but isn't a rocket ship. Not sure if it was available in any vehicles in North America (perhaps comercial vehicles?) if it's not parts are certainly easy to find in Aus and I assume available mail order.

They are at least as tough as a Landcruiser. They were also sold in Australia as a Ford Maverick (not sure if they were available through Ford as a Sahara spec however).

 

[The Adam Blaster]

Thanks Bob!

I don't suppose you happen to know the hp and torq ratings on the engine?
I'm also curious what sort of towing capability it has?

 

[BiG BoB]

Not sure on the specs, but these are as common as landcruisers in Aus, so a visit to www.google.com.au will deliver more than you'd ever want to know.

Got a feeling they can tow 3500kg with a braked trailer.

Sean