In the NRMA’s 2004 survey, comparing the operating costs of 489 model variants over 11 categories, Nissan’s Pulsar and Patrol were both the value leaders in their categories for the second year running.

At $125.31 per week, the Nissan Pulsar ST is the most economical vehicle to own and operate of the eight models assessed in the small car segment.

Compared with a Toyota Corolla Ascent, the Pulsar ST would save its owner over $9 per week in operating costs.

In the large sports utility vehicle category, the Nissan Patrol 3.0-litre diesel was clearly less expensive to own and operate than the Toyota LandCruiser and Ford Explorer.

The Patrol DX 3.0-litre was the cheapest model to run at $200.69 per week, while the higher specification Patrol ST-L 3.0-litre costs only $231.46 per week.

The closest competitor to the Patrol, the Ford Explorer XLT, cost over $50 per week more to operate at $250.93.

The Toyota LandCruiser diesel, at $251.13 per week, would cost its owner over $2500 per year more to run than the Patrol DX 3.0-litre diesel.

In producing the results, the NRMA made the assumption that privately owned vehicles are operated for five years and travel an average annual distance of 15,000kms.

The survey also took into account capital costs - depreciation and cost of funding; fixed costs – registration, third party and comprehensive insurance and NRMA membership; and running costs, such as fuel, tyres, service and repairs.

Nissan’s director of sales and marketing, Mr Paul Stead, said the NRMA results backed up last year’s survey which saw both the Pulsar and Patrol lead their respective categories.

“The results confirm what great value propositions the Pulsar and Patrol are, not only at the time of purchase but over the life of the vehicle as well,” Mr Stead said.