A Nissan Y62 Patrol was not the 4×4 we had our sights on buying when we first started talking about travelling around Australia in a
That was before the world went mad and prices erupted due to shortages and “Covid tax.” Something nobody was ready for back in 2020 and also something no one could have predicted either.
Once we decided that we’d swap living overseas for a few years with lapping Australia as we discussed here the hunt for a 4wd and
We always knew we’d spend a year or 2 (or 5 or 6!) on the road travelling around Australia. So it was a simple swap and decision for us to make. We’d downsized from a previous Crusier and both of us were driving sedans at the time we made that decision, so we definitely needed a 4wd.
Kev had a Landcruiser previously when he travelled the Top End and we both found it easy to drive and park. It was a petrol V8 tho, however, with some mods and an addition of a gas fuel tank it slowed down the cash flowing out of the pocket.
I’m not sure if we are the only people who buy their
We bought the van and then the Nissan Y62 Patrol.
We were aware of the weights of the van and that is why we took much longer to decide on the Patrol. Plus the Patrol has a petrol engine…
Ute’s and Wagon we researched and considered as our tow vehicle
- 200 Series Landcruiser (Prices skyrocketed)
- Toyota Hilux
- Isuzu D Max
- Mazda BT50
- Isuzu NPS 75/155 4×4 Truck (🤦🏼♀️)
- Y62 Patrol (No, as it was petrol!)
- Landrover Discovery (The price!)
- Chopped 200 series (The price!)
- Isuzu Mux
- Jeep Grand Cherokee
- RAM 1500 (We drove our friend’s RAM, and we loved it, but it was too big)
- Amarok
- Y62 Patrol (Test drove and loved it!)
The Process of Elimination
Towing capacity and weights are our number one priority. Even more so now when weights and safety are also on the radar of the authorities. We took the attitude that we wanted to be within the law, safe and comfortable, and towing a 3 – 3.5-tonne van.
If your vehicle or van is overweight and you are involved in an accident, you could void your insurance on either your 4×4, van or both.
Currently, we don’t know the exact weight of our van as we haven’t received the van yet. We do know however that the Tare weight is around 2.8 tonnes.
Based on this, we knew that the 4×4 we needed had to be capable of towing 3.5 tonnes. If the weight of a 4×4 and its towing capabilities didn’t match up, it automatically disqualified the model from our list.
Of course, we didn’t know all of this when we first started looking and researching. It was hours and hours of reading, watching YouTube videos and talking to people.
We circled back to the Patrol twice, discarding initially it because we’d have to buy a new car and it has a petrol engine!
Another YouTube series we watched was from Sian and Chris – Big Oz Explorers. They had ditched their Ranger for a Y62 Nissan Patrol because of their van’s weight. You can watch their build series below.
Never in another time in history could you drive a new car out of the showroom and it be worth more than you just handed over. Buyers scrambled to buy as soon as a second-hand car hit the market. All so they didn’t/don’t have to wait.
The old supply and demand card came into play, and prices soared. At the time of the initial writing of this post (July 2022) the market still hasn’t slowed.
The devaluation of a new car out of the showroom was the main reason we generally don’t buy a new car. However, 2020 – 2022 showed us differently, and we signed on the dotted line with our local dealer and prepared to wait for the beast’s arrival.
Picking Up Our Series 5 Nissan Y62 Patrol
Picking up a new car for adults must be like Christmas Eve for kids. After many months of research and agonising about which 4WD was the right one for us, the day had arrived and it was our turn to pick up our new car. We ordered in August 2021 and took delivery in March 2022.
By 2021 – 2022 standards we thought the eight month wait time was pretty good. The date had only been pushed back once. Like car manufacturers worldwide, Nissan factories could not source enough microchips. I hadn’t realised there were hundreds of chips in a car, and the factory that produced most of the world’s chips had burnt to the ground.
The Y62 Patrol has a towing capacity of 3,500kg, which is more than enough power to tow a 3.5-tonne
We have, however, added airbags. The bags stiffen up the rear axels as the Y62 are renowned for sagging when towing.
Then This Happened…
Yes, you see a fire in the engine bay! That was one Monday morning in mid-October 2022.
Rewind to the previous Thursday and we dropped the big girl off to have an ARB twin air compressor and an automatic tailgate opener fitted.
After calling the auto electrician mid-Friday afternoon, we left the car in the auto electrician’s workshop over the weekend. We couldn’t get to the workshop to pick her up, and it was agreed that we would pick her up early Monday morning instead.
Kev drove her to work, and as the air compressor hadn’t been switched on when he picked her up, he decided to see how noisy it was when he turned it on. Only it turned on, nothing, zilch!
Kev went to work intending to call the auto electrician immediately to let him know he would return the car to have it fixed. However, he got busy and didn’t call him then. Then, within an hour or so, the staff told him the car was on fire. He thought they were joking, as I did when he called me an hour or so later!
After three weeks, the car still hadn’t been assessed. It was a stressful time dealing with the insurance company especially when our van arrived ten days after the car fire.
Nissan Y62 FAQs
We’ll start with the most commonly asked question
WHAT IS THE Y62 PATROL’S FUEL ECONOMY?
The Y62 Patrol has a fuel consumption of 14.4/100km approximately, depending on the owner. This fuel consumption is based on highway driving and no towing.
HOW MUCH DOES THE Y62 PATROL WEIGH?
The Y62 Patrol kerb weight is 2,812kgs.
WHAT IS THE Y62 PATROL’S GROUND CLEARANCE?
The Y62 Patrol has a ground clearance of 272mm, which is plenty of clearance for most off-road situations. This car can clear obstacles and navigate rough terrain with ease, making it an excellent choice for those who want to explore the great outdoors.
WHAT IS THE Y62 PATROL’S TURNING CIRCLE?
The Y62 Patrol has a turning circle of 12.5m, which is a little larger than average. However, this is to be expected with a car of this size and power.
WHAT ARE THE Y62 PATROL’S DIMENSIONS?
The Y62 Patrol has the following dimensions: length – 5,175mm, width – 1,995mm, height – 1940mm.
IS THE Y62 PATROL A COMFORTABLE CAR TO DRIVE?
Yes, the Y62 Patrol is a comfortable car to drive. It has a spacious and well-appointed interior that is perfect for long drives. The seats are supportive and the ride is smooth, making it a great choice for those who want a comfortable car to take on road trip Australia.
I have trouble with my back on and off. We recently did a road trip from the Gold Coast to Bendigo and back. I didn’t have one problem with my back due to the comfort of the seats.
WHAT ARE THE Y62 PATROL’S OFF-ROAD CAPABILITIES?
The Y62 Patrol is a great off-road vehicle. It has plenty of power to get you up and over obstacles, and has a excellent ground clearance that will help you navigate rough terrain. With its 4×4 capabilities, the Y62 Patrol can take on any challenge that you might encounter while out on 4WD tracks or on the open road.
WHAT ARE THE Y62 PATROL’S ADVANCED SAFETY FEATURES?
The Y62 Patrol comes standard with a number of advanced safety features, including:
Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR)
These features are designed to help keep you safe on the road, and they make the Y62 Patrol a great choice for those who want a car with advanced safety features.
WHAT IS THE Y62 PATROL’S WARRANTY?
The Y62 Patrol comes with a 5-year unlimited-kilometre warranty. Plus 5-year standard roadside assist.
IS THE Y62 PATROL A GOOD VALUE FOR MONEY?
Yes, we think the Y62 Patrol is a good value for money. It’s a well-built and reliable 4×4 that comes with a number of advanced safety features. With its spacious interior and comfortable ride, the Y62 Patrol is a great choice for those who want a car that is practical and affordable.
If you’re looking for a spacious and comfortable vehicle that can handle all your towing and 4×4 needs, then the Y62 Nissan Patrol may be the perfect car for you. With a 5.6L V8 engine and a towing capacity of 3,500kg, this car has plenty of power to get you where you need to go. And with its great off-road capabilities, you’ll be able to explore all the best camping and caravanning spots around Australia without any problems.
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With years of experience travelling Australia in a caravan, I’m passionate about helping others embark on their own unforgettable adventures. From off-grid camping tips to expert advice on planning the ultimate big lap of Australia, I share stories, practical hacks, and inspiration to make your journey stress-free and exciting. Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or just starting out, join me as I explore the beauty of Australia, one road at a time!
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Are you able to disclose the cause of fire?
We’d like to know that too! We still don’t know the “official” cause of the fire as the car has to go to the insurer’s forensic department.
The normal upgrades say there is no Australia wide gvm upgrade kit for 2022 y62 that is national. Have asked arb and orders?
Hi Antony
The GVM upgrade I mentioned is 180kg. We are in Qld and we are told that this is recognised nationally. You can have a GCM and GVM upgrade pre rego, but you’d have to check with your states Dept of Transport what is acceptable to their rules and regulations.