GU 2.8lt Turbo Diesel

Hi Smally - you're spot on about it not being a race car but speaking from experience (I have a 1998 2.8tdi GU with 170000kms on the clock) it is a very reliable truck. I bought it with 38000kms on the clock and to date haven't spent a cent on repairs. I am, however, quite particular in the service regime and particularly in changing oil and filter every 5000kms.
They are great for highway running and over the kms I have done, which includes 2 trips to Cape York and a number into the Vic High Country - the vehicle has returned and average of 12.3ltrs/100kms. All in all an economical, comfortable and reliable vehicle albeit short on grunt low down.
Cheers
Pete

Smally - regardless of the implied, albeit uninformed, criticism of vuduguru, longevity will come if you look after the vehicle. Proper and regular servicing and not driving like you are competing in the Warn Winch Challenge all the time will see you get a good return on your $$$$$. There are still a lot of GQ 2.8 patrols running around and still in great nick.

Hi Smally,

I have a '99 2.8 TD GU which is now ~ 155k km. I have had no problems to date apart from clutch change at ~ 140k km. Like others above I do regular oil/filter at 5k km intervals. The powertrain is std, though have upgraded suspension and increased tyre size to 265/75R16. The latter has increased fuel consumption slightly and I notice I have to change down on hills a little earlier than when fitted with 265/70R16.

We also have a Southern Cross camper trailer. I have found no issues when towing, albeit a little slow on the take-off but not an issue. Last year we travelled from Perth to Alicesprings via GCR & Uluru, then down to Cooper Pedy and home via Kingoonya-Ceduna road and then Nullabor. Loaded up with gear, camper and 5 pax we averaged 16.5 L per 100 km. On bitumen alone this is better and I get ~ 13.5 L per 100 km w/out trailer. With camper we travel comfortably at 100 kph and no problems going faster to overtake, albeit with some time to wind up.

Hugh