Any problems with V8 100 series?

Steve just for info a mate of mine just purchaased a 100 series as above paid $57000 including air con drive away,and it is 2004 plate.fuel consumption around 18 mpg at this stage

Hi Steve,
Purchased mine April last year. Goes in for 30k service today. paid 60k on road with Auto, air, Bull Bar, towbar 6 year 160k warranty. Fuel consumption, 400 - 500k per week, work and back mostly 15.5 - 16.5 lp 100k. Problems: pulled speedo plug out near the gearbox in a water crossing, easy fixed. I have noticed some slop in the driveline which I expect to have rectified at service today. Have had the car in about 700mm+ water since the last service. I will be getting the diff and transfer oils changed at service. Back sags when loaded. I have 4 kids and a roof rack and we load it to the roof and load the rack fully. I'd estimate 400-500kg. Will be putting 50mm raised King Springs and hd Torsion bars, Tough Dog shocks, Poly air bags and Cooper ST's on before Barrington at easter. 2 punctures on the Grand Treks, stick through the sidewall and staked rear resulting in a slow leak in the bush. Fixed with Tyreweld. Headlights upset a lot of drivers on the open road, too high. Seats lack lumbar support.
Good points: drives like a limo, ie silent (quiet), smooth and roomy. IFS hasn't been a problem (handles very well on road), although I am no hard core (so far goes were ever my mates GU goes). Fuel consumption results in an increase of about $12-$15 per week over my previous V6 commodore wagon. Tows my 525 Stacer half cab and kids etc effortlessly. Build quality is exceptional. Basically I love it! and having owned diesel landscaping trucks I dont miss the diesel (still have the greatest respect for them). Note that I use ULP in my boat, bike, cooker, mower etc. ie 1 spare fuel drum does everything. Note also that I use Shell Optimax, don't mind the extra expense in return for more power, torque and I believe a cleaner fuel system. Horses for courses for sure. Good luck with your decision.
regards Shane

Hi Steve, i'm on to my second GU 4.2 diesel, last one has 285,000ks on clock(wife has it now), normal service but nothing failed, gets 11L per 100ks, consistantly. New one is 6months old ,50,000ks same, no probs and same fuel consumpstion. I also have trouble getting into a GU, but removed the stop behind the accelerator pedal and bent the pedal towards the firewall about 25mm, surprising the difference, allows you to straighten your leg. If you generally need more room , you can spend $1000 on better seats, Stratos or similar, they are generally thinner in the backrest and they will give you more leg room when the installer sets them back for you. 4,2 tdi is same price as 100 series petrol and goes just as well with added fuel economy, go anywhere and stronger vehicle. Downside is fit and finish is not as good as Toyota, but still good. Love my nissan ,,, regards Michael

Steve
I am currently looking at both the 100 Series V8 & the Nissan 4.2 TD and while I started out thinking it would be the Nissan it has fallen a long way behind now. The Toyota is finished so much better inside and out and looks so much better in my book with nothing to spend other than a lift kit a bit down the track (same goes for GU though).
After having owned a Landcruiser it would be hard to switch to a Patrol and while I haven't discounted it just yet the 100 looks like getting the nod. If I could guarantee more time off road then it would be the Patrol but unfortunately that will not be the case.

I have been told there is a problem with the front diff - too small / gear cut - and that any heavy stress in reverse can lead to new diff. Just something I have heard but I can guarantee others will now provide a yay or nay to this. rgds

Steve

I am in the middle of trading my 2002 Prado grande on the 100 V8. I have looked long and hard and can't go past it.

the only hard part to swallow is the $14400 wish list from ARB and the trouble hiding it from the wife.

Each time the subject comes up I run and she just shakes her head.

Go for the 100.

Bear

oh yeh - there was also a snok in there as well...