HDJ79 vs VDJ79 vs Patrol GU 6

G'day Karl,
For that sort of coin, you could probably buy a brand new Colorado or similar. I've read up on heaps of reviews etc and the general consensus is that the Colorado gives great bang for bucks.
Buying new gets your roadside assist and a full manufacturers warranty too.
Just a thought...... there's plenty other cab chassis in that size that could easily carry a camper too.
Good luck and enjoy it whatever you get.
Fab.

If you intend to put 100000ks on the vehicle then you would be best going for one with as low a mileage as you can afford. Anything with over 100,000k ,in my opinion would be a gamble.
Go the Nissan with the low ks.
I prefer tojo,s but the 6 cylinder patrol was a great vehicle.

Do you really need diff lockers? Expensive . I,d be saving my money and do the trip. Let thr places you go decide if you need the diff lockers. Dont forget that you,ll need money put away for breakdowns. Not being negative , but keep it simple, prepare your vehicle properly and I reckon you,ll be sweet. Whatever vehicle you purchase...ensure you get the RACV, RACQ etc,etc. to thoroughly inspect the vehicle.

cheers

Hi Karl,

Congratulations on your Trayon purchase, ours just had its seventh birthday and its still going strong.
Now with vehicle purchase, I recently had to go through a similar activity as the original vehicle I had for the Trayon just didn't work out (read - fell to bits!). However I had a larger budget and were looking for a long-term solution so a new vehicle was on the agenda, and we ended up choosing a 2012 Landcruiser Workmate c/chassis.

I think your range of vehicles you are considering is prudent, and I personally would avoid any of the meduim duty utilities (Ranger, BT50, Triton, etc) if you wish to keep the vehicle long-term and wish to travel extensively on rough corrugated roads.

Good luck with your deliberations, and maybe we may meet on the road (or next Trayon muster!).

Cheers, Geoff

Hi Karl

We have a similar camper - the Travelander and it weighs in around the same. I have a 2008 VDJ 79r. This has been a great 4x4. Last year we completed the Canning Stock Route with no issues. Since 2008 we have done many outback trips and the car has held up great.

With your choices - I thought the Nissans had a 4 cyclinder in that year group - the last of the 6cyl was around 2007. I would not be too happy with a 3.0litre 4x cylinder.

The HDJ or VDJ toyotas - I don't think there is much difference. Both have great motors. Maybe the VDJ has the cutting edge and it is nice to feel and hear that V8 but I am now getting close to 200,000km and will need a complete injector change. At toyota prices that is $1300 ea fitted. The 6cyl HDJ are only about $250 each and you can fit them. This is a consideration but not a deal breaker.

With my ute I did have a chassis extension after 5 years. We felt we needed just a bit more room. And it allows me to carry extras like the spare fridge when the camper is off the back.

I had the suspension upgraded to heavy leaf springs but now I am looking at parabolic springs.

Hi Carl,

I bought my 79 from a government auction last year. Low Ks and all services recorded by Toyota.

It's since done 20000 Ks and not missed a beat. What I saved at the auction has been used to upgrade the suspension and add a third fuel tank and under tray water tank for desert trips.

I also carry a Travelander and have never needed diff locks in the desert.

Hope this gives you some extra food for thought.

Happy travelling

Terry

Get a good Toyota HDR 79R It has a fantastic 6 cyl turbo diesel motor .

The lighter Tritons Hilux's, Colorado etc. ( good 4x4,s for the right type of travel) in the long term will not really be up to the heavy going .
but I suppose it depends where you take them.

I have never needed diff locks ( front and back diff locks will set you back about $4500.00 ) .
maybe a decent winch as a backup would be better.

Just my opinion .

Cheers

Karl,

Don't know enough about the Nissan to comment, but would try to avoid the 4 cyl model.

Have a HDJ79, and think they are the duck's nuts, but as they are very popular, they also attract a very high resale value.

I feel you would be better off going for a V8, with as low kms as possible, rather than pay the same money for a 6 cyl version, with higher kms, that may not be quite as pristine as it's price suggests.

But in saying that, if I saw a late model, low kms HDJ79, GX ute, in immaculate condition, it would be hard not to buy it. Probably half the fun of a vehicle purchase, is the research beforehand.

Enjoy your search,
Bob