Help buying a second hand Patrol

Submitted: Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 15:19
ThreadID: 41580 Views:2642 Replies:7 FollowUps:7
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I am looking at buying a second hand Patrol wagon. My thoughts are for something around 5 years old (i.e. 2002 model) GU. I want to use it for serious off road.

My first preference would be for the 4.2 Turbo Diesel. I am guessing that the non-turbo would be a bit of a slug. I also assume that the 2.8 Turbo Diesel would be a bit of a slug but would appreciate your opinions.

My second preference would be for a 4.5 Petrol. I would like one on gas. Is there any problems with these running on gas. I think I did hear of a problem with a cracked head.

Are there any general problem that I should look out for in this model.

Also any advice about what I would expect to pay would also be appreciated.

David.
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Reply By: Truckster (Vic) - Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 15:31

Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 15:31
Have a bit of a search though the history here.

been discussed plenty of times from people who have changed from one model to other to another etc..

4.2 diesel seems to come out on top nearly always.
AnswerID: 217486

Reply By: Robin - Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 16:32

Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 16:32
David it really depends on what you mean by serious 4wding.

There is zero doubt that the massive 62% more power of 4800
over 4200 can take it places the diesel won't make, and its
combined with bigger brakes as well, and also lower price, and important
to some it has considerably less interior noise (9db).

The 4200 is smoother though over rough ground up until
the point that it runs out of puff.

The 4800 is also more powerful and fuel efficent than petrol
4500 , but both are poor compared to diesel.

Robin Miller
AnswerID: 217503

Follow Up By: thepunter - Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 16:49

Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 16:49
Thanks Robin. I hadn't considered the 4.8 as I thought that it would be more thirsty than the 4.5. I will do some further investigation on this option. I think that they may even be cheaper (i.e. less popular) than the 4.5.

David.
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Follow Up By: Truckster (Vic) - Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 17:15

Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 17:15
It is more thirsty than the 4.8, thats unless its a lightweight one and you dont ever accelerate.
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Follow Up By: Robin - Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 18:12

Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 18:12
You might have that mixed up a bit David , at end of 2001 Nissan came out with its new wave , unfortunately they got short on funds and new wave was beached soon after the 4800 was developed.

Essentially this is why Nissan owners never got the talked about modern big diesels.

The 4800 was a generational difference despite a similar skin.

New 5 speed auto came with the new engine along with some other changes like rear only handbrake and revised suspension setings, which gives it sports car like handling.

It delivers about 30% more power than even its 4500 early brother, more than V8 cruiser and shot Nissan to its first ever 4wd of the year , due to innovations like variable valve timing and variable length inlet track.

The huge power increase came with a 5% drop in fuel use for the manual (mine) and 9% for the auto due its dual range lockup converter.

They can be picked up for $30k if you look around.

Don't test drive one , or you will be sold!

Robin Miller

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FollowupID: 477978

Reply By: Beadman- Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 16:54

Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 16:54
I to was in your boat late last year. At the end of the day I went with what I knew was the write decision for me 4.2 factory TD GU II. I have had many fourby's but by far this is it I will never go back to anything else. I've sice put 4" suspension lift 35" MTZ (muddies). put 11psi of boost and 3" exhaust all the way threw.
It Jumps out of the ground as soon as you give it some. Also put a snorkel for creek crossings and am contemplating crawler gears (not sure yet)

Finding a good one was the hardest thing. I searched all over east coast and ended up finding it in Rockhampton about 600KM north of where i live. Well worth the drive.
GOOD LUCK
AnswerID: 217508

Follow Up By: Trevor R (QLD) - Thursday, Jan 25, 2007 at 17:41

Thursday, Jan 25, 2007 at 17:41
Beadman,

If you want to test the crawler gears before you buy, drop me a line as I am in Brissy and it sounds like you may be as well??? I have the 3.7's in my transfer case giving 85% reduction over standard 2.02 ratio. It makes a HUGE difference but I suspect it would be a disadvantage in sand if you do a lot of real soft sand work??? I don't, so cant comment for sure on this. In the rocks and narly stuff you will be streets ahead.

I am at dieseldrifter at bigpond dot com If you want to contact me.

Regards, Trevor.
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Follow Up By: Member - Roachie (SA) - Friday, Feb 02, 2007 at 23:43

Friday, Feb 02, 2007 at 23:43
Beadman, I'm curious about how the 4.2 handles the 35" MTZs. ?

I have a set of 315/75R16 Mickey Thommos MTZs about to be be fitted to the Chevvy V8 powered GU. It has the 3.9 diffs, same as you've got I suspect.

When I had my 4.2TD, even with the extra grunt from the Denco turbo and 3" exhaust system etc, I STILL found that even the 265/75R16 MTRs were, at times, a tad too big.......This was at times when I had the camper trailer and fully loaded (maybe 4.5tonne gross) and trying to do a standing start on a slight hill etc.....clutch-slip city!!!!!

I think the torque of the 6.5 should cope okay......I'm running 295/75R16s at the moment and the 315s aren't all that much taller......

Interested in how your's handles these bigger tyres
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Follow Up By: Beadman- Saturday, Feb 03, 2007 at 19:41

Saturday, Feb 03, 2007 at 19:41
I don't tow anything and I have no issues with lack of power. Boosting it from 8 lb to 11lb made a difference. Handling not a problem but i haven't had it on wet bitumen yet as i only use this veichle for holidays. Very Happy with the tyres extremly good off road.
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FollowupID: 480052

Reply By: Outbacktourer - Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 19:33

Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 19:33
Punter,

IMHO I would not consider a large 4by in anything but Auto. Once you have been there you won't go back. An Auto makes driving a large car with a heavyweight driveline smoother around town, is superior in 90% of off road situations and better on fuel when cruising.

In GU 2002 that leaves you with the 3.0Di (4 Speed) and the 4800 (5 Speed). Unless you do big K's and/or need long range there is no need for Diesel and the 5 speed is the better box. Robin has summed up the 4800 nicely. The 3.0Di is a newer tech electronic direct injected DOHC, variable vane turbo Diesel that has had engine issues primarily with 2000/2001 models but a lesser number of later ones as well. A boost and EGT gauge are recommended as it seems the engine does not monitor boost and fueling irregularities very well with dire consequences if not addressed. A low hanging A/C compressor is a limitation if you are doing repeated deep water crossings.

OT
AnswerID: 217557

Reply By: Member - andrew B (Kununurra) - Thursday, Jan 25, 2007 at 09:53

Thursday, Jan 25, 2007 at 09:53
Gday David

I have a 1998 2.8 Gu for sale, runs real good.....promise!......but serioulsy, From my experiences and others, I would look at the 4.2 TD, and would keep right away from the smaller hi tech diesels. I don't know about the petrol option, But I think they are a good proposition. A friend up here has one on gas, but its an issue in places like the GRR, as he has a small petrol tank and no gas suppliesalong the way.

I also had an issue with LPG recently on a 45 degree day, no LPG bousers in Port Hedland would work......I think it is pretty rare though and only on some instalations on really hot days

Good luck with it

Cheers Andrew
AnswerID: 217682

Follow Up By: rolande- Thursday, Jan 25, 2007 at 12:42

Thursday, Jan 25, 2007 at 12:42
G'Day Andrew,

Not as rare as you may think.

Was is Geelong on a hot day before Xmas, low on gas for the work car. Had to drive around to find a servo with an underground gas tank as all the above ground ones would not pump anything.

Just got shrugs from those behind the counter.

Not much good when miles from home and low on gas.

Regards

Rolande
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FollowupID: 478135

Reply By: equinox - Thursday, Jan 25, 2007 at 18:04

Thursday, Jan 25, 2007 at 18:04
Have you thought about a Landcruiser?

They have similar models, and generally speaking, the consenses is that they are a better unit.

Obviously you have to pay a bit more for the better quality but it will be worth it.

Cheers


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In whatever comes our way.



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AnswerID: 217793

Reply By: Leroy - Saturday, Feb 03, 2007 at 23:13

Saturday, Feb 03, 2007 at 23:13
if you are talkin '02 model then there is no 2.8's no NA 4.2's and the 4.5 Petrol is extinct!

Leroy
AnswerID: 219555

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