Footloose replied:

Maintainance is the go...from around 1996-7 you'll need to look out for
1 If t/d, has the engine had any work done on it (early ones did pistons etc)
2) Clutch replaced ? (After around 200k it becomes necessary)
3 Radiator ?
4) Starter motor ?
5 Water pump?
6 Suspension ?

A well serviced series 80 is usually very reliable indeed.

djm67 replied:

Only word of caution I will throw in is that of heavy fuel consumption in the petrols.

I have a 80 series diesel and it isn't to bad on juice.

Member - Matthew H (NSW) replied:

G'day Tim, just been thru the whole process myself. Recently brought a 1991 80 Series with 1HZ diesel. I personally didn't want a Turbo as just something else that may break. We have just picked up our new camper from Brisbane and towed it back to Sydney with no problems. We are about to head off on a round Aust trip and just after months of research, that a 1HZ with good sevice record was the way to go. Ours had 270000 on the clock, just put it thru Rego check and service with no problems except having to get power steering hose made up.

Good luck with your decision..

Cheers

Matty

Matt(WA) replied:

Tim,
I got a stock standard 97 80 Series last year. It had 142Km's on it at the time and I paid a little over $16k for it. It had full service history. It was only the base model dx with vinyl floor and 6 seater(front passenger 1 and 3/4). I have since made a few changes but as it was when I purchaced it I would have had no problems heading off around oz in it. Get it fully checked out by someone who knows what they are talking about. A couple of hundred lost on a decent inspection on a lemon is a really good deal compared to what it would cost to fix.
Matt

Member - Mick (Forbes) replied:

Tim

Had my 1996 80 series normally aspirated diesel since 1999 with only 45,000 km on the clock. just turned over 180,000 km after fitting a Denco turbo Kit at 174,000km (Wagga based Company).
Towing an off road camper and heavy loads prompting the move, 17 to 20 ltrs per 100 km is a high price to pay with no top end towing power.
I now have a new vehicle, similar fuel economy, with a heavier foot on the floor. Just returned from the Simmo, three blokes 60ltrs fuel, 60 ltrs water (same in Tooheys) two fridges and roof rack loaded to the hilt with swags and tyres etc.
Best 16 ltrs per 100km, worst 19.5 km per 100km with a killer head wind.
All around better performance high speed, low speed, high range, low range, do yourself a favour, pay the extra, buy a Cruiser with a turbo or invest the $3,500 for a kit like I did. 7 years of 3rd gear hill climbs now a thing of the past !!

Regards

Mick

kgxlprado replied:

I found this on 4wd monthly. only done 180 however it's not a turbo. The seller is asking for 25, I'm sure it's negotiable.

Site Link

good luck.

Moose replied:

G'day Tim
Standard diesel 80's are quite slow - if you like a bit of power you'll be disappointed.
You can pick up a much newer petrol for the money. Fuel consumption may be more but other maintenance costs are generally less - filters, oil etc. Mine gets about 15/16 mpg towing. Used to own a diesel and it only ever got about 20/21 mpg, so not a huge difference. I have not regretted going from diesel to petrol.
Cheers from the Moose

getmethehelloutahere replied:

Thanks to those who replied. Bugger, sometimes I reckon this forum confuses you more. I had people telling me go the diesel, others saying non turbo diesel lacks power, and others telling me to buy petrol. I am sure the 80 series is the right vehicle, just need to decide whether the advantages of diesel (turbo/non turbo) outweigh petrol.Must say it is fun researching though.
Regards
Tim