1997 patrol td rx in car yard

Hi Neil ,well I have just the same traded in 4 runner and got the 4.2td Patrol , I am very happy with the change over more room and power .Mine is a 99 coil cab with 125000 on the clock payed $36000 it was very tidy ,I am getting approx 7.9km to the lt but this drops to around 5.9km to the lt when towing a camper trailor , sorry cant help you much on the paint problem ,I very much dout it is rust under the paint I would be more thinking that it has had something spilt on it as its in a car yard some times kids get in at night and tip coke or other paint killers on them . 99 GU Patrol 4.2 TD
Peter York 4x4

The paint thing on the bonnet is possibly blistering from very high engine temps. Have a look on the underside of the bonnet. May be a sign that it has worked pretty hard or been overheated.

StevenLPrado GXL TD Manual
It's on order, Delivery in April '04.
This pic will have to do till then. Can't wait!!!

Hi Neil, Ive got a 1994 4.2 efi, petrol RX, When i got mine about one year ago $19000 with 125,000 kms, Ive replaced the fuel pump and the brake cylinder. That's the only real things that have gone wrong with it, mind you I service it every 10000K. We've travelled a few miles in it since we've had it and the fuel ecomony is not to bad, as long as you don't boot it. We get 650ks on a good day out of the tank, a lot less around town, and off road you can't beat the power in mud or sand. We've had diesel patrols before in NZ and loved them, but we're more than happy with this one. Don't know about the paint, ours has no rust whatsoever but the paint is slighty worn on the driver's side door. Happy to ask any other questions you've got, and yes they do come out in a 2.8 and 4.2 diesel and 4.2 in petrol.
regards
Uppy

Hi Neil,

I have a 1997 RX turbo Patrol. It is a 2.8TD. Odds on you were looking at a 2.8TD. I paid $25,000 for mine 12 months ago with 84,000km on the clock. I've been very happy with it to date with no issues at all (except normal maintenance).
My only suggestion is if you are going to be doing a fair bit of towing try to find a 4.2.
I sold my Prado VX and I've never been happier (don't have to worry about scratches etc.) except I do miss some of the luxuries.