Grazza replied:

G'day Mate...check out this months issue of 4WD Monthly.

Grazza

Mudguts replied:

Just finished a 3000km trip through northern NSW/Central Coast back to Vic towing 14'6" van and 3.4 m boat on top of our 2000 model TD which has done just over 48000 km
Vey happy with the 7km/litre or around 19/19.5 mpg fuel economy - tows like a dream and will pull the a#@e out of an elephant
Had minor trouble with ABS light coming on - cause small fridge magnet in console box setting off micro switch beneath - tossed away magnet no troubles since
Very happy with vehicle and can reccommend as a tow vehicle. Responsive 'round town and not too big to park/handle - more econoical than ULP but costs more initially and to service

Hope that helps
cheers

Mikef_Patrol replied:

Hi pratt3631

Buy A Patrol, no, oh well, only joking....now where is Damo, he won't believe I wrote this....

Buy the Turbo Diesel. Will probably be about the same in running costs (ie Servicing + Fuel), but 1. It will pull like a train, and 2. It will last forever.

My 2c.

MikeF
2002 3.0L TDi Patrol + Jayco Dove Outback Camper Trailer

Damien replied:

The 3.5L V6 is a very strong & reliable performer but for long distance touring, towing & off-road work you just can't beat the T/D - i must admit, i am biased, i own one!
Servicing costs so far have not been too bad, comparable to petrol. Fuel savings can be huge, depending on your use. My figures range from 10-12L/100km & these figures remain fairly constant whether city driving, long distance touring or towing. Petrol figures start at around 16L/100km but can blow out to well over 20L/100km whilst towing.
While the petrol is zippier, especially round town, the T/D is certainly no slug & is very comfortable & easy to drive.
Out on the highway, it will quite happily sit on 110kmh in 5th & still have ample grunt to get you up any hills without the need to shift down.
The only downside is the traditional diesel "clatter" which is sometimes evident in the cabin & the occasional puff of smoke out the back - nothing too serious to worry about though.
Good luck.

Member - Terry replied:

If you read the latest 4wd monthly on their test be aware I find them biased towards certain a japanese 4wd. Bought a jackaroo deisel auto
4,000 km ago, used both on and off road , about 50/50 and am more than happy with it. Unless you intend doing major modifications for extreme offroading you will find the jackaroo good value.

Mike replied:

Hey Pratt
I previously had a 2000 TDI auto Jackaroo and now have a 2000 petrol auto. The choice comes down to personal preference, with costs to run being about the same. The high tech diesel is difficult & expensive to service - even the Holden dealers stuff the valve clearances. Mine was in for a full week for servicing at 20,000 service because they couldn't get it right.
The petrol is obviously more costly to run but cheaper to service.
The power delivery of the diesel is better suited for offroad work. The petrol more responsive onroad.
If you don't mind paying the additional $4k for the diesel and go offroading a lot, it would be my choice.
Hope that helps,
Cheers
Mike

Savvas replied:

Just to add to the confusion .... while the TD is undoubtedly torquier than the petrol, the V6 is pretty good when compared to it's competition. It still has loads of torque for off-roading and towing but, it's a thirsty unit compared to the TD. My Monterey is getting about 18L/100km around town and down to 12L/100km on the freeway. A recent mixed city/highway/offroad trip on the long weekend saw us get 14.5L/100km.