G'day all, I'm hoping someone can offer some opinion's on a few different scenario's I've been considering with regard to my next purchase of a 4WD. I'd be looking to keep it for at least the next 10 years or more, and I've previously owned 2 Patrols (MQ SWB 3.3D & GQ LWB 4.2D).
I'm trying to keep enough money in my budget after purchase of the vehicle to add on extractors, turbo exhaust, Cooper tyres, springs and shocks!! Not askin' much am I....?!
The other thing is, I'm only interested in the Patrol and the 'Cruiser.
I know there are other rigs on the market that can bolt it in (my requirements) for the money I'm prepared to spend, but to be honest; I'm not going to be happy with anything else - it's just one of those 'satisfaction with purchase' things - I can't explain it, and I'm sure as hell not going to try and rationalise it - it just is! And I don't mind 'wasting' my money on any of the below if they are do-able.
If I could afford it, my first preference would be to get a TD4.2 GU series II/III, but they are around the $45K mark by themselves.
SOOOO, considering my budget is $45K tops I was thinking any of the following may fit the bill - if they are not ridiculous, are realistically acheivable, or fraught with danger:
1. Load up at the bank and hang the consequences and go the dream machine - definitely fraught with financial danger there!
2. Look at buying an 03/04 'Cruiser non turbo diesel (from less than $30K to $35K) and bolt on an aftermarket turbo (~$5K?)
3. Look at picking up a 98/99 GU series I DX for less than $20K (seen them as low as $15K) and drop a Brunswick V8 diesel in it (6.2 or 6.5?)
Base model's are A-OK for my purposes, I'm not after all the fruit of the ST's/Ti's and GXL's like 7 seats, electric windows etc. (although A/C is a MUST of course!) And again, resale value isn't a concern as I plan on keeping it for the long term.
I've not had any experience of the 'Cruiser's apart from the non-turbo slugs I've driven on
mine sites, and I can already see problems with no. 3 re: it's already 8 yrs old even though I'd be replacing the donk. I also read with interest on this
forum that there can be problems insuring V8 transplants; is that still the case these days?
My purposes are pretty simple; town driving the majority of the time, but plan on joining a 4WD club after getting whatever. I plan on doing some long range touring too, as I have done in the past (eg. from WA through NT up to
Cape York with a lot of off-roading thrown in). I'll be using it for short offroad trips as much as possible throughout the year also.
Opinions and comments/pro's & con's on any of the above scenario's will be greatly appreciated as I think this would be the best place to ask it!
Cheers
Mike