Thread: 2.7 D4 on loan.

Originally Posted by discojools

Certainly the 2.7 has more than enough go and also takes more bush friendly wheels and tyres.

I shyed away from the 2.7 because of the continued reports of hesitation even in the D4 coupled with the reports of the 3.0 not having hesitation, after having bad hesitation with my manual TD5 D2s for so long prior to my fixing it. In all other respects the 2.7 in standard 5 seater guise would have been better suited to my needs, and my pocket!

I think a lot of owners driving D3s and D4s are people who aren't used to 4WDs and diesels, thus they are comparing the car with roadcars of the same price bracket. Compared to that yes both D3 and D4 hesitate, but in reality it's more than liveable, just requires a different driving style. Try a Nissan Patrol 3.0 auto if you really want to experience hesitation ;-)

The specs for the 2.7s are the same but the lack of accessories, and 40psi+ in the tyres would make for a more sprightly performance.

If chronic hesitation at launch is a concern, then a good used D3 V8 may be the solution. I can attest that they certainly have no hesition (and using Sand mode, best have your head firmly against the headrest). The extra expenditure on fuel can be offset by the savings on purchasing a good used one (simpler and less expensive engine to maintain too). They will take 18" wheels too. Despite having a 3.0 D4 on order, I'll miss my D3 V8 (stolen and torched) on occasion.

Quote: The extra expenditure on fuel can be offset by the savings on purchasing a good used one (simpler and less expensive engine to maintain too).

My mate the T****a dealer principal believes that petrol engines are far more reliable and economical when total through life costs are added up and advises his customers accordingly. He is of the view that the new diesels are now more complex and expensive to repair than the equivalent petrol version and expects to see lots more in the workshop due to dodgy biofuel blending which is being mandated (NSW?). Apparently it has been blamed for delamination of injector casings in some some Nissan diesel models...

Jim,

I know you set your d3 up with a few accessories did you ever do any remote desert trips or long range touring in it and if so how did you go with fuel usage and real life range? I torn between the extra go of the v8 and the frugalness of the tdv6.

thanks
tony

Originally Posted by rmp

I think a lot of owners driving D3s and D4s are people who aren't used to 4WDs and diesels, thus they are comparing the car with roadcars of the same price bracket. Compared to that yes both D3 and D4 hesitate, but in reality it's more than liveable, just requires a different driving style. Try a Nissan Patrol 3.0 auto if you really want to experience hesitation ;-)

The specs for the 2.7s are the same but the lack of accessories, and 40psi+ in the tyres would make for a more sprightly performance.

Having just come from a 3litre auto Patrol ( chipped ) They don't really hesitate, ( well mine didn't ) the auto actually spools up pretty quick without lag, but slurs forever between gears, and it just runs out of puff on the top end. I find the D4 hesitates unless you give it a good boot. It is either gently bentley, or green light grand prix.

How did I know someone here would be an ex Patrol owner ;-)

The chip makes the difference...stock standard it's a slug until the turbo decides to assist. I should have qualified that a little, the throttle response may seem ok but by the time the noise has been translated into turning force it can be a while.

Driving style has a lot to do with this.

Santa Fe IIs are another one known for this, but again it's very driver dependent.

Once I got used to the slight "hesitation" I don't notice it at all now. Its all down to your right foot compensating for it. For me modern diesels are so powerfull and efficient I don't think I would go back to a petrol car for everyday use.