Is 20grand a lot of money any more?

You would spend the 20 grand more because you either have it in the bank or you have the capability to borrow it. It must be an ego thing.

Cars,4bies and all things automotive are just Recycled Earth in my opinion.

I asked myself the same questions and came up with a different answer when I replaced my 4WD last year. I figured that fuel prices were about to go through the roof and that the depreciation on my toy of choice was about to become horrendous as the public demand for big fuel chewers dropped. So I figured it was better to buy an old solid 4WD where the depreciation would be as little as possible. Bought an old but good 60 series diesel. Its tank like. had lots of good gear on it and I reckon will be going for another 15 years at least. Lots of cheap spare parts for the bits that don't keep going. Yep, it eats fuel, but, the depreciation is negligible; I calculate that I have saved so much that I can still afford to fuel the thing. If necessary I'll get a little fuel miser for around town and be able to keep the truck for the things I love.

Duke,

Some people are not mechanically minded and need the piece of mind that comes with a warranted vehicle, some more people would rather drive a new comfy vehicle rather than give their hard earned to Mr Costello (via tax), some more do it cause they can ect ect. That's the power of freedom of choice in a democratic society.
If you choose to drive one of these new vehicles and you do have a problem with it, from my experience you would be glad you payed the extra for a yota badge. Nissan wiped me as soon as they possibly could re warranty claims, but in a past vehicle toyota could not do enough for me on a number of occasions including warranting gearbox trouble outside the vehicles warranty period.
Am happy with the Nissan I have built at my own expense, but if I was to buy another newy it would NOT be a Nissan, even if they are stronger.
Just my experience and opinion of course.

Regards Trevor.

Personally I dont think I will ever buy a new car especially not a 4by. You say 20k difference in price well I couldnt justify more than that in total for ANY vehicle especially a 4by. One decent trip In a new 4by could easily depreciate it by 20k in scratches - scrapes and the odd ding, No I think I will stick to my 94 80 series and if I sell it it will be for a mid to late 90s 75 series ute why Tojo? well why not, Go ahead if you want to buy a late GQ or early GU its all around the same price 15-20k, Around a 3rd the price of a new one

Mate,
Just get the patrol and give me the 20 grand extra......Ill invest it for u :-)

Let's face it most people that but new 4WD's look after them. Let them loose the 20 grand after they drive it out the show room floor, sort out any problems in the first couple of years, and when its sold or traded in, it's worth buying as a good second hand vehicle.

I would find it hard top justify the 55 thousand + to buy a new 4WD these days and loose 20 as soon as you get the tyres dirty.

I have but one word "DEPRECIATION"!

I think it may just come down to economics.

A friend told me years ago that we Aussies like to "live to the extent of our pay packet" and I think there is a lot of truth in that. So, naturally anyone in the market for a new car, or fourby or whatever, will likely look at how much they can afford per month. (I know I did!!)

So for the people who's per monthly payment can afford the extra 20K (On a 5 year HP, it's not a lot per week), that's what they get!
(We are paying off the Patrol and also my "Misty Express" work van, we'll own both in two years time. Playing "what-if" a couple of weeks back I mentioned to SWMBO that when we own both, maybe we should keep the GQ as a plaything and then for the lighter trips, finance a pre-loved more upmarket 4by..... perhaps even a live axle 100 series. But she isn't budging.... she wants a TD6 GU and doesn't look like giving in.)

It will obviously be dictated by what amount we can finance.

Why do Patrol owners tell them the drivelines are stronger??

Because it is