fourby replied:

You will not be disappointed,Having owned 4 Nissans previously these are the best yet.
I personally think the auto is the way to go as they mask the turbo lag that occurs with smaller diesels.
I tow a 17ft van with ease, and with a set of rock crawler gears from Marks adaptors you have the best of both worlds,easy driving in traffic,excellent hill climbing ability and better downhill braking than the manuals.
My only dislike is the plastic guard trims around the wheel arches which are easily damaged and cost a fortune.
Fitting side bars are one way of eliminating this problem.
The economy of the vehicle is excellent.
If you are a fitter as your tag suggests, you will appreciate the excellent construction of the chassis and mechanics.
Do not be put off by the doomsday prophets,most of which relate to the early model problems that have been rectified.
regards

Mark replied:

I faced the same question when I was trading my 80 series diesel cruiser just 5 weeks ago. I went for the 3.0 ST GU Nissan and so far (3,500kms) am absolutely delighted with it.

I tow a 1.6T offroad caravan and compared to the cruiser (non-turbo but extractors and 2 1/2 exhaust), its like chalk and cheese. Forgot what its like to tow when enough power on board. I went for the manual and the only time you notice a bit of turbo lag is below 1,000rpm when taking off with a load. But apparently the dtronic chip fixes that too.

My brother-in-law bought the GU 3.0TD auto 12 months ago and has clocked up 45,000kms. Not one fault in that time and he too loves it.

After bagging the nissans for the last 10 years while I owned the cruiser, I have now changed camps and am happily converted :)

Cheers

Mark

mick replied:

Fitter,

I bought an Auto 6 months ago, I did a reasonable amount of research and figured that they can't be that bad (earlier models had their probs) because there are that bl**dy many of them out there, in saying that absolutley thrilled with it, and we tow a 16.5 foot van as well. Power when you need it and no probs yet.

Go for it!!!!

Mick

Martyn (WA) replied:

Fitter,
I considered buying a new one but that's as far as I got. I bought a 2000 3.0 litre TD about five weeks ago, the difference between the GQ and my new GU is considerable, I've just come back for a bit a trip at the weekend, my first one and I was very impressed, fuel economy was good and there appeared to be a lot more space inside the cab for the kids as well. Quieter as well. With the HF and the UHF remote head on the centre console an overhead console maybe the answer seems to be a bit cluttered now, the amount of power available appeared to be much better, fifth gear held in and the turbo is still ok so I look at that as a win. I was a staunch supporter of the GQ and I still am, the simplicity of the mechanics of the vehicle has got to be a winner, the computer and general complexity of the electronics is a bit of a worry, I'm sure the confidence will grow with time.
I'm averse to buying new due to all the extras you have to pay for the pleasure of purchasing a vehicle that nobody else has driven and the resale value if you took it back to the same yard to trade the following day. I got what I believe to be a good secondhand vehicle at a great price, they are out there you just have to look. My opinions as usual. Keep the shiny side up

DARREN replied:

Fitter, I Bought a new 3.0 manual in May and now have 20,000 on it (10,000 being a Cape York trip towing a trailer). Very happy with it considering I thought I would never enjoy driving a Diesel. I would ignore the 3.0TD critics, it does seem that the "issues" of the earlier models have been resolved.
My mate who has a non intercooled 2002 4.2 Dielsel reluctantly agrees the 3.0TD goes better.

fitter replied:

well guys i'm convinced. Will be closing the deal soon. Hope you can all come to the christening!!!! Once again thanks for the help.

It's really good to see a group like this with so much support ( and banta!! )

Cheers,
Fitter.

Truckster (Vic) replied:

Guy in our club brought is clutch and pressure plate in to the meeting the other night. 70,000klms is all he got out of it, not towing anything..

$4000 the repair bill, $2800 for the pressure plate I think it was, not repairable at most places, but Steve roly found a place that does. (Watto's wasnt fixable.)

Steve only got around that many klms out of his too...