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4 minutes ago, Salarios said:

@Xaf thank you for taking the time to write such thoughtful and valid comments. These are serious words of wisdom that every driver should adhere to. 

The Y62 does indeed have considerably higher running costs, but the thrill of a V8 400hp engine packaged in luxury justifies it in my humble opinion. @Gaurav can attest to the joy of riding it as he drove up the Maleha mountain with it on Friday. I have a [fake] defender back home (more on that later), and have no worries on damaging it while offroading since running costs are much lower, but sometimes I feel like I'm driving a farm tractor. I'll let people with more experience comment on striking that perfect balance between comfort/power versus running costs. 

Anyway, a few points to mention: 

- I had the bumper changed yesterday (thanks @Chaitanya D for the contact details of Mohammad), and also installed the bash plate painted matte black to match the car, and a new LED light: 

1827110418_ScreenShot2020-03-16at16_50_15.jpg.0fc9eb45ab9ee43e915c41c0cb6bd5f5.jpg

1114536763_ScreenShot2020-03-16at17_16_41.jpg.51b7a53587bf7ff924e331c512200590.jpg

The bash plate is connected to the chasis, and should theoretically absorb the forces better. 

Before doing this, I visited these guys, and considered metal front and rear bumpers along with Smittybilt winch:  

32252163_ScreenShot2020-03-16at17_03_29.jpg.025979293f8b6a39b9f72fa6ae33fb82.jpg

2133163244_ScreenShot2020-03-16at17_03_45.jpg.fbd49b9af41f1a56ac649b35968be179.jpg

115873128_ScreenShot2020-03-16at17_03_51.jpg.b11d29a7ea2b42e3d0dfbd8befffde20.jpg

They were asking 3,600 for the front, and 2,200 for the back, plus 2,800 for the 12k winch. But because of three reasons I decided against it : a) The bumpers are made of aluminum and recovery points can not be attached to the bumpers; b) RTA approval is questionable for the bumpers and c) the winch is attached not to the chasis but to a cross bar which is held to the chasis with three bolts on each side. And that front cross bar is not strong enough to with-hold the strong forces of a winch. I spoke to multiple shops that confirmed the Y62 by design is not suited for a winch like a cruiser. 

Just to comment on @Srikumar's valid statement about additional wear and tear, and of course this is true, but my experience is that some cars are built tougher than others. Cruisers and patrols are built like tanks and can withstand that offroad abuse much better than entry level 4x4's. But of course the approach/break-over/departure angles need to be improved. 

 

Screen Shot 2020-03-16 at 17.02.48.jpg

Can we make/ add this info into another thread? So people can find it easier in the future? This is valuable information.

Just now, Xaf said:

Can we make/ add this info into another thread? So people can find it easier in the future? This is valuable information.

Ow it is already done! Oops

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26 minutes ago, Salarios said:

@Xaf thank you for taking the time to write such thoughtful and valid comments. These are serious words of wisdom that every driver should adhere to. 

The Y62 does indeed have considerably higher running costs, but the thrill of a V8 400hp engine packaged in luxury justifies it in my humble opinion. @Gaurav can attest to the joy of riding it as he drove up the Maleha mountain with it on Friday. I have a [fake] defender back home (more on that later), and have no worries on damaging it while offroading since running costs are much lower, but sometimes I feel like I'm driving a farm tractor. I'll let people with more experience comment on striking that perfect balance between comfort/power versus running costs. 

Anyway, a few points to mention: 

- I had the bumper changed yesterday (thanks @Chaitanya D for the contact details of Mohammad), and also installed the bash plate painted matte black to match the car, and a new LED light: 

1827110418_ScreenShot2020-03-16at16_50_15.jpg.0fc9eb45ab9ee43e915c41c0cb6bd5f5.jpg

1114536763_ScreenShot2020-03-16at17_16_41.jpg.51b7a53587bf7ff924e331c512200590.jpg

The bash plate is connected to the chasis, and should theoretically absorb the forces better. 

Before doing this, I visited these guys, and considered metal front and rear bumpers along with Smittybilt winch:  

32252163_ScreenShot2020-03-16at17_03_29.jpg.025979293f8b6a39b9f72fa6ae33fb82.jpg

2133163244_ScreenShot2020-03-16at17_03_45.jpg.fbd49b9af41f1a56ac649b35968be179.jpg

115873128_ScreenShot2020-03-16at17_03_51.jpg.b11d29a7ea2b42e3d0dfbd8befffde20.jpg

They were asking 3,600 for the front, and 2,200 for the back, plus 2,800 for the 12k winch. But because of three reasons I decided against it : a) The bumpers are made of aluminum and recovery points can not be attached to the bumpers; b) RTA approval is questionable for the bumpers and c) the winch is attached not to the chasis but to a cross bar which is held to the chasis with three bolts on each side. And that front cross bar is not strong enough to with-hold the strong forces of a winch. I spoke to multiple shops that confirmed the Y62 by design is not suited for a winch like a cruiser. 

Just to comment on @Srikumar's valid statement about additional wear and tear, and of course this is true, but my experience is that some cars are built tougher than others. Cruisers and patrols are built like tanks and can withstand that offroad abuse much better than entry level 4x4's. But of course the approach/break-over/departure angles need to be improved. 

 

 

@Salarios I read somewhere that you will not be attending the drive this friday as you have to travel, hope you and your family is all well.

Nice job changing the front end, looks great and I suppose it definitely does a decent job in the sands. That guy is sharjah is super flexible and will include all your suggestions. 

I agree with you on the V8, power and the build quality. But it needs some adjustments/mods to make it a proper offroader - we need to enquire and get the best of available options as there is not much info available especially in UAE as all the mods are coming from Australia mainly... I definitely dont want to write it as my regret may be two years down the line.

See you soon upon return and safe travels 

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2 hours ago, Salarios said:

 

1827110418_ScreenShot2020-03-16at16_50_15.jpg.0fc9eb45ab9ee43e915c41c0cb6bd5f5.jpg

1114536763_ScreenShot2020-03-16at17_16_41.jpg.51b7a53587bf7ff924e331c512200590.jpg

I just took a screenshot of these and save it in my scrapbook under "Things to do whenever bonus comes" 😁 Thanks @Salarios for sharing.

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Btw, with all these Y62 mods, what do you guys think @Chaitanya D @Salarios of Nissan Patrol Gazelle? Should one, say, sell his Y62 and upgrade to Gazelle? I mean it already has winch, 2" lift kit, and fully serviceable by Nissan. I'm guessing this will also pass RTA annual tests... >> https://en.nissan-dubai.com/vehicles/new/patrol-safari/gazelle.html 

 

gazelle.jpg

Edited by Zed
prev pic was not uploaded right
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12 hours ago, Zed said:

Btw, with all these Y62 mods, what do you guys think @Chaitanya D @Salarios of Nissan Patrol Gazelle? Should one, say, sell his Y62 and upgrade to Gazelle? I mean it already has winch, 2" lift kit, and fully serviceable by Nissan. I'm guessing this will also pass RTA annual tests... >> https://en.nissan-dubai.com/vehicles/new/patrol-safari/gazelle.html 

 

gazelle.jpg

Almost 300 k for another car ...I would rather spend some more and keep my patrol.

Except some niggles while off road , it is a wonderful family car 

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If your pockets allow you can travel to the moon and back. But if you want to spend over 10 - 12k in mods on your existing ride to find out you need even more mods later, it better to buy a cheap car for off-roading and trash it at will. Mechanically anything can go wrong with it in the middle of the desert, are you willing to leave you 200k vehicle overnight to return to it the next day to fix and take it home? If you like the V8 power get an old Nissan Armada or Chevy Tahoe or Ford Expedition. Just my opinion.

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The Gazelle isn't as exciting as it may seem. Have a look at this review that outlines some of its quircks and imperfections.

 

I think a Y62 with unique modifications based on your needs and preferences can be more thrilling and enjoyable. And a modded Y62 is still more versatile than a Gazelle: it can take you to a cocktail party in a tuxedo, or the toughest trails in shorts, and do both with class. 

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Please don't fall for such reviews. Sure it has it short comings, but these so called automotive reporter's do their reports based on how generous these car companies are to them. They are biased. You can mod a Y61 Patrol much better and cheaper, Nissan just charges you handsomely playing on your fear of what if my car doesn't pass after modifying it. Just keep your modifications to the bear minimum you need. Don't go overboard. My car has passed 3 years in a row, but I only get done what I feel is necessary to do without any extras.

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Sure reviews are biased, but it still doesn't negate some of the facts presented: that you're paying 300k for a car without many options and luxuries which are often found in this price point.

And so as you said, the manufacturer is taking the buyer for a ride. ;-) 

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