Andrew replied:

TB42s are notorious for cracking heads, particularly when using gas.
Recond head would have involved welding the cracks which is really only a short term fix.

Basically a very good strong vehicle but dont pay more than $7-8,000

Vinnie replied:

ZTG

You can get an honest 4.2 diesel for around 10,000 - check the net - Trading Post.

As for a 4.2 running on dual fuel *** once the head has been reconditioned not replaced new, you can expect it to go again in the nearer future.

As Andrew says don`t pay anymore than $7g to $8G

Vinnie

Swine Hunter replied:

Hi ZTG,

As mentioned GQ's (Mavs) on gas are notorious for cracking heads, when run on petrol only, they usually don't have that much trouble as long as you don't let them cook. I would say that the reason the head was done is self explanatory - it has 350km on it!

If no receipts for bottom end rebuild, I would assume that has also done 350km, and would certainly compression test it prior to purchase. If it has been very well serviced, and looked after it may still be quite good, but if neglected it will be fairly tired with that many km.

Diesel ones as mentioned are available for a few $$ more, but with similar or more k's the servicing history and condition are even more important as diesels are super expensive to fix compared to ULP. They are more economical than petrol versions in terms of km/L, but alot of the savings have been eroded by the now higher cost of diesel over ULP and particularly over LPG. The diesels if not turbocharged are sluggish, and if you live in the city or travel through hills or tow anything heavy, you will need patience to get where you are going, but on flat road they cruise well enough not to be a hinderance.

Cheers,
Wayne

ZTG replied:

Guys,
Thank you all very much for your advice, I really do appreciate the input

Regards
ZTG

Member Eric replied:

If its had the head done recently is a good thing , as above had stated a comon occurrence . But Andrews valuation on 7 to 8 k is a little over the top . If you came to me to buy it off you , I would put 4k on it .

Cheers

Brew69(SA) replied:

Not sure where u can get one for the prices mentioned above. Had mine for a year now and when we were looking we didn't see adiesel under 13k and nothing was under 10k for a dual fuel. Very happy with mine......lots of spares around.......good luck.

Truckster (Vic) replied:

The head in this instance is not so much the issue the 350,000klms on the rest of the engine is..

Its a big petrol donk, thats old and donebleeploads of klms..

You could find much better lower klms for $7-8k. Petrols dont go for much over $10k.

$4k you would sell 100's...

western mudrat replied:

350000km! - Petrol! I'd be surprised if it HADN'T been reconditioned.

$7-8k is about right for dual in excellent condition but I'd be wanting fewer than 250000km for those dollars. For the ks you're looking at $5-6k is more accurate.

If you are interested in a diesel 4.2 with 235000km on it, have a look in the trader section, I have on going under $13000.

Shameless, shameless plug.