How high is high?

Submitted: Thursday, Jan 25, 2007 at 23:06
ThreadID: 41636 Views:2511 Replies:7 FollowUps:15
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Hi all.
We are looking for a Landcruiser or Patrol to head off into the dusty sunset with. With a budget of just $10k for the car we have been doing heaps of homework.
I was hoping some of you can help with some of the questions that are popping up...

1. How high is high? Is a 15 year old 4wd that has done 300,000km in the city going to serve us better than a similar one that has lived in the bush? Is there a risk going bush in a city car that has never or hardly been off-road?

2. What inherent problems should I look for when inspecting a Landcruiser or Patrol circa 1990?

3. Has anybody got any advice about buying from a dealer? I prefer private sales, but there are not that many choices.

4. We are probably going to deck out the interior for optional sleeping ourselves (we are both industrial designers). Can any one offer hints or ideas or share experiences?

Thanks~!
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Reply By: Merce - Thursday, Jan 25, 2007 at 23:16

Thursday, Jan 25, 2007 at 23:16
I would buy a patrol as you will get a better 4wd for the money you want to spend. At the age you are looking at the kms are not as important as the condition of it.
AnswerID: 217849

Follow Up By: Neilo - Friday, Jan 26, 2007 at 10:01

Friday, Jan 26, 2007 at 10:01
Thanks Merce.
Obviously a loaded preference, but still a valid opinion....How would the patrol be a better 4wd? What advantages would it have? Im torn!

Thanks
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Follow Up By: madfisher - Friday, Jan 26, 2007 at 10:35

Friday, Jan 26, 2007 at 10:35
Cruisers are usually 20 to 30 percent dearer than a Patrol of the same age. I am a toyota man but I would recommend a Patrol for your needs. They also have a stronger drive line than a 60 0r 80 series
Cheers Pete
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Reply By: Willem - Thursday, Jan 25, 2007 at 23:23

Thursday, Jan 25, 2007 at 23:23
Hmmm lots of questions and no doubt lots of answers too.

A country vehicle would be a better option as it has been driven over longer distances whereas a City vehicle might have more worn parts due to the constant stop/go driving. Country vehicle would also be prone to LESS rust.

My Patrol GQ I bought at 260,000km and have since added another 70,000km without major problems. Around the 300,000km mark you may have to replace the clutch, starter motor, radiator etc but normally a GQ diesel should reach 500,000km with out too many issues

Country Dealers may be a better bet but make sure you find out the history of your intended purchase.

Landcruiser 80 series are good vehicles even if the earlier models had some problems(no doubt sorted by now .lol)

I have made a fold up bed in my GQ for when I go on solo trips.

Cheers
AnswerID: 217850

Follow Up By: Neilo - Friday, Jan 26, 2007 at 10:06

Friday, Jan 26, 2007 at 10:06
Thanks fellow South African!
I guess Im a bit nervous about buying a car with 300,000 on the clock, lots of posts mention that some 4wd's only wear in around that point.
What about shocks & suspension? Any clues I should look for that will indicate nearing end of life?

Neilo
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Follow Up By: Willem - Friday, Jan 26, 2007 at 20:12

Friday, Jan 26, 2007 at 20:12
If I were you I would definitely look at a country area.

I am biased, but in general the GQ Nissan diesel is just about unbreakable. It does have some flaws but they are minor irritants.

I saw an ad locally(OK 130km from my place)for a 1997 GQ Nissan diesel for sale for $14,000 with only 190,000km on the clock. If you have a good look around you may find such vehicles and their prices range from $7,500 to $15,000. With cash in hand you always have bargaining power.

When you have found a likely vehicle the best thing is to take it to the relevant Automobile Assocoiation and ask for a mechanical report. Might cost you $100 or so but it will be worth it. Then you would know what needs to be done and what your expectations will be as to its suitability.

You may email me through my website if you need more info on anything relating to 4x4...:-)

Cheers
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Reply By: troopyman - Friday, Jan 26, 2007 at 07:54

Friday, Jan 26, 2007 at 07:54
You can get the odd good 60 series cruiser for around 3 to 5 grand . That leaves 5 grand to fix up any problems . Nothing wrong with a good diesel 60 series .
AnswerID: 217869

Follow Up By: Off-track - Saturday, Jan 27, 2007 at 18:28

Saturday, Jan 27, 2007 at 18:28
Except rust in the roof sill, be wary of this as most have it.
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Reply By: Davo_60 (ACT) - Friday, Jan 26, 2007 at 09:21

Friday, Jan 26, 2007 at 09:21
Hello Neilo

Both the 60 series and GQ are good but some time is required to find good examples. As above I would try to find a vehicle for 5k and allow 5k for repairs and maintenance (5k does not go that far these days). You will find an excellent 60 series for 5k. I bought my cruiser for 5 and have spend nearly another 5 replacing such things as alternator, water pump, turbo rebuild, injectors etc. But I have the confidence to take it anywhere now.
AnswerID: 217874

Follow Up By: Neilo - Friday, Jan 26, 2007 at 10:08

Friday, Jan 26, 2007 at 10:08
Thanks Davo_60
I had assumed to buy around the 7-8k mark and fix up with around 2-3k. Are you suggesting some parts should be replaced anyway? (If they havent been done so recently?) What other issues should I look for?

Neilo
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Follow Up By: Davo_60 (ACT) - Friday, Jan 26, 2007 at 10:35

Friday, Jan 26, 2007 at 10:35
My experience only:

Rust is a big issue with the 60's (don't know a lot about GQ's except that they are a very good vehicle). Need to check roof, gutters, doors, pillars etc. I would recommend you take someone with you who knows a bit about these vehicles as it is easy to buy a vehicle that has been patched up.

5-6k will buy you an excellent 60. No need to pay more unless almost everything mechanically has been replaced or rebuilt in the past couple of years and they can prove this.

I paid 5k for a very low km vehicle in immaculate condition but I have still need to do the following things: Alternator, radiator flush and new water pump, rebuild turbo, injector service, brakes, new hoses belts fuel lines etc + full service of all other areas (wheel bearings etc). These may not all be necessary but give general peace of mind and reliability.

It is advisable to try and find a vehicle with a sound engine and drivetrain as rebuilds in these areas will blow cost way out. I also prefer to buy privately.
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Follow Up By: Truckster (Vic) - Friday, Jan 26, 2007 at 12:35

Friday, Jan 26, 2007 at 12:35
I think Davo hit it.

60's are magnets for rust, and if they dont have rust, they are full of bog if they can find anything for the bog to stick to.

why not look for a car already decked out ?
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Follow Up By: Neilo - Friday, Jan 26, 2007 at 13:31

Friday, Jan 26, 2007 at 13:31
Thanks guys. Great info!
Would be nice to find a decked out car.... but they seem quite rare! Sure the more extras that come with it the better, but I guess I have to comprimise cost of adding stuff vs cost of fixing stuff....

Neilo
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Follow Up By: Truckster (Vic) - Friday, Jan 26, 2007 at 19:02

Friday, Jan 26, 2007 at 19:02
if your budget is $10k to buy, fix and setup then good luck ;)
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Reply By: Big Woody - Saturday, Jan 27, 2007 at 07:52

Saturday, Jan 27, 2007 at 07:52
My best mate just picked up a 1993 80 series Landcruiser DX model for $6000. It is a very clean and tidy truck with metalic silver paint, flares, alloy mags, bullbar, spotties etc.... It has done 290,000km and we cant can't find anything wrong it.
Drove it back from near Lismore NSW to Bundaerg and it returned 10L/100km. Can't compain about that.
He found this in the trading post. Plenty of bargains to be found if you are patient and ready with the cash to grab them because they don't last.

Brett
AnswerID: 217995

Follow Up By: Neilo - Saturday, Jan 27, 2007 at 11:12

Saturday, Jan 27, 2007 at 11:12
Lucky guy! But I 'spose having the knowhow & confidence helps spot the bargains...
I have the patients and just a bit of cash, so Im hopeful!
Thanks.
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Reply By: Brew69(SA) - Saturday, Jan 27, 2007 at 08:44

Saturday, Jan 27, 2007 at 08:44
Don't worry if all the GQ's you see have rusted out rear sliding windows. it's common. Just replace them. The truck itself is not prone to rust at all.
AnswerID: 217998

Reply By: Barnesy - Saturday, Jan 27, 2007 at 11:49

Saturday, Jan 27, 2007 at 11:49
Everyone has already said it, 60 series non-turbo diesel (the turbo is a good engine but cost heaps to repair and this old they are getting to the time when repairs are likely) or GQ. Even early GQ's are going for 6-8 grand now. In regards to the mechanic, i would steer clear of an RAA/RACV inspection, go for a specialist 4wd mechanic. They know a lot more about 4wds.

My GQ cost $11 000 and had to spend $3 000 sorting the steering out but haven't had any problems at all in the last 40 000 km.

You can fold the back seats down, make a false floor for the boot the same height and sleep in there. Although the GQ isn't as big as others inside. Even the 60 series is bigger.

Barnesy
AnswerID: 218020

Follow Up By: Neilo - Saturday, Jan 27, 2007 at 12:45

Saturday, Jan 27, 2007 at 12:45
Good advice about the RACV Barnsey. Now I just need to find a trustworthy 4wd mech. Can anyone reccomend any in the St Kilda Vic. area?

I am planning to custom make a fold down door/drawer system for sleeping with a double mattress. Any on got good info or advice on this ?

Neilo
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Follow Up By: Member - John and Val W (ACT) - Saturday, Jan 27, 2007 at 15:32

Saturday, Jan 27, 2007 at 15:32
Neilo,

Kitting out your vehicle to live in is half the fun of travelling!!! There are many differing approaches, largely depending on the extent to which you want to live in the vehicle, use a tent, a camper trailer, etc. We aim to carry everything in/on the vehicle and tow nothing, which I suspect is your aim too. After 15 years, our Troopy has reached a kind of stable evolutionary plateau. You might get a few ideas from it. There's 1 interior picture in our "member details" here, but I'd suggest visit
autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/troopyoz/
where you'll find a comprehensive listing of our design objectives (see "Travel setups" in the "Files" section) and in the "Photos" section you'll find detailed photos of our rig in the "Taltech2002" folder. Also in the Files section, check out "Rear setups", a huge file giving lots of pictures of many peoples' internal setups, lots of ideas. You'll need to sign on (free) to this Yahoo site, but it's well worth it. It is a bit more specific than the ExplorOz forum but you'd get a lot of useful feedback there if you asked for it.

I can't comment on which vehicle would be most suitable for your needs, beyond saying that if I was starting again, I would start with a Troopy.

HTH

John
J and V
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Follow Up By: Member - John and Val W (ACT) - Saturday, Jan 27, 2007 at 15:36

Saturday, Jan 27, 2007 at 15:36
Ooops - that link should read

autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/troopyoz/

John
J and V
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Follow Up By: Barnesy - Saturday, Jan 27, 2007 at 18:15

Saturday, Jan 27, 2007 at 18:15
Neilo, you could try removing the backseat and make a false floor so you can fit some storgae under the mattress. The boot on the GQ is relatively flat but under the rear seats isn't flat so that would have to be levelled out with some ply board etc. The GQ isn't the best for this sort of thing due to smaller interior, it will be OK but the troopy is the best one for this.

Barnesy
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