Trading up 2WD to 4WD - Petrol or Diesel

I think that initially you will be over the moon with your petrol purchase but as you start to travel around this wide brown land of ours - particularly towing you will start to wonder why you did not get a diesel - particularly when you are realise you can go further on a tank and get better fuel consumption.

Given your travel intentions I would be looking at a diesel if one is in the price range. However I would only be looking at a CRD 3.0l Patrol - you might be OK with an earlier model but maybe not.

To your questions - my views are:
In reality service costs will be similar diesel to petrol. But a diesel vehicle is generally a little more to buy but offset a little in running costs - however the real advantage in a diesel is the additional range and less planning required for fuel.

LPG conversion is worthwhile though LPG availability is restricted out back. So when you take the cost into account then I would have got a diesel. A petrol with LPG (dual fuel) vehicle already fitted when purchased might be worth considering - longer range using petrol and LPG and cheaper use when running on LPG between fills. However be aware that LPG is often far more expensive in remote areas (or non existent) even maybe as expensive as diesel or petrol.

I have not had an issue getting petrol.

I think that with time you will wish you had bought a diesel.

I hope this helps

Garry

I would seriously consider a diesel Pajero there are numerous models around. I have had an NP 2003 auto & now a CRD NT auto....both diesels. Just for your info the patrol can only tow 2.5tonne in auto diesel & IMHO GUTLESS..also my two cents worth...I have had dual fuel cars & gas belongs in BBQ's!!! Have a drive of the diesel auto Pajero & then a drive of a 3 ltr Patrol....the patrol is 118KW whilst the Pajero is 147KW.....big difference. Robert

Gday,
I would be doing some serious research before considering a 3.0l Patrol!
I think the motors were sorted by 2008 but do yourself a favour and do some research first.
Try a search on here for "grenade" and you will get the idea.

Cheers

Hi George,
I have a 2008 NS Pajero (automatic diesel) that I have been happy with. As far as servicing costs for this goes, the oil has to be a particular low ash oil, and is very expensive. If I can find a recent service receipt, I will tell you exactly what it costs.
Having said that though, my next car will also be a diesel because I do a fair bit of towing.
Personally I wouldn't entertain the idea of a gas conversion on a petrol, but you should ask the advice of a good mechanic.
As far as availability of petrol in the outback, well that probably largely depends on how 'outback' you intend going. If you are going to be staying on the blacktop, then there won't be a problem.
Have you checked out the red book to check the vehicle prices you have been quoted are a good buy? The reason why I ask is because just last week I got a trade in figure for my Pajero, which has done 95,000kms and has a bullbar, tow bar, UHF, cargo barrier, driving lights, rear diff lock, electric brake controller plus other extras and I was only going to get $23k. I have decided to hang onto it, so we will trade hubbies HSV senator instead.
Good luck.
Leanne

I think, unless you want to do a lot of serious offroad, go for the Pajero. Cheaper on fuel, easier to manouver in the car park and just a better all round propersition