On the odometer?
251 300 km, of which some 25 000 km have been off-road

How many owners has it had?
I am the second owner.

How much did it cost?
R269 000 in 2005

Why a Nissan?
Its excellent value for money compared to its two main competitors.
As it is said in numerous articles: what do the Aussies know that we don’t?

Where have you been in it?
We have visited Mozambique frequently and have been all over South Africa, Botswana, Namibia and Zambia.

Your dream destination?
The Serengeti and surrounds

Does it have a nickname?
No

Any accidents?
Its original front bumper had a run-in with the electric security gate.

Any breakdowns?
The alternator conked in on the way back from Mozambique. 
The 12 V system of the Kipor (generator) had to take over and I could continue with the Kipor running on the roof rack to charge the Patrol’s battery.

Any repairs?
The alternator was rewired, the exhaust gas recycling pipe was replaced, the turbo was overhauled as a preventative measure and a leaking air-conditioning pipe and the air flow sensor were replaced.

Modifications?
I have had a Burnco front bumper and dual battery system fitted. My roof rack, packing system and 29 MHz radio are all removable.

What do you like about it?
Its total balance of 4x4 capability, driving comfort, power, automatic gearbox and fuel consumption

And what not?
I dislike Nissan SA’s poor publicity and image-building efforts for this excellent vehicle

If you could change something?
I would be greedy if I changed something.

What is your best memory of the vehicle?
Two weeks’ problem-free off-roading through northern Botswana

Would you drive through Africa in it?
Definitely – the Voetspore TV series is my inspiration to keep the dream alive.

Do you pack anything special before a long trip?
An extra fan belt and diesel filter

If it were a person or celebrity?
Has anyone won the Ironman competition for four consecutive years?

If we gave you R10 000 …
I would have a snorkel fitted. With the rest I would fill up and drive to the Serengeti.

Originally published in Drive Out #32 | Aug-Sept 2009