The hand grenade series... yes there have been a lot of problems with the engine of this type (most have to do with constricted air flow to the combusting chamber) . I looked into it quite a lot and it seems like most major issues with the engine had been resolved in mid 2001 (our patrol a late 2001 but.... i bet... i have just jinxed myself now).
Only problems we have experience is CD player failed, fixed with putting a cheap JVC player and also a GME two way in where the junky CD player was, replace headlamp bulb, and need to fix interior lights. So only electrical has gone and they have been documented problems in this model. 3L engine towing is out of the question. (too small)
But there is one distinct thing that attracted me the hand grenade series... the fear.
I got to say there is a lot of fear when it comes to any 3L patrol starting from 98 to 03 just no one likes them and this is really bad for resale...
and why you can pick them up for cheap.
Before i did buy i was told some horror stories look on the net and the same. I was told only get a 04 and if you cant only get the 01, 02 or 03 with the clear rear lights... because they might be ok if your lucky. I started looking at only other 4x4 then i just talked to Nissan, three different dealers in QLD about this and i got the facts (three dealers just to make shore they had their story right).
But after typing all that i have must of jinxed myself and i will be complaining about in six months time
BTW that common rear lights story, one if the first things i did was....
And you cant fear a dud hand grenade
.