Buying a used Patrol

you havent mentioned the price. Also I would take it to a recognised 4WD place for a check as well as RACQ.

Dont know what your RACQ is like in Qld, but if they are anything like our No Real Mechanics Available here in NSW, I wouldn't hold much faith in there inspections. Had a friend take a car to them once, and found out after finding the discs were shot and pads worn out, that they dont even take the wheels off during a $165 inspection! Take Bonz's advice and get it into a reputable 4wd shop for a look. cheers.

Need price as mentioned above. But generally, if the service history is good and it has a reputable roadworthy, your on the right track. RACQ will give you peace of mind I guess, I had one done once, but found that it was probably too picky, they have to realise it is a used car after all. 62,000 is above normal use so if it was highway that's good, if not, find out where it was done. Price is obviously the big factor.

Hi Mike - if you want the name/number of a good patrol mechanic (he also owns a 4.2GU) Give Mario a ring 3848 0115 at Moorooka. Being on the exec of the local 4wd club, and part of the trip organizing committee, his work gets tested in front of him regularly.
........................Keith

I would ertainly do a few basic tests like get it up to 100km on smooth road and letting it drift to a stop while looking for vibrations and noises etc Mike , but beyond that there isn't much that doesn't show up by spending time with the car and owner.

Once past initials check and your more serious I would take it for a long test drive , stop get a coffee for 1/2 and hour , look underneath before leaving the coffee shop and taking it back.

Invite the owner along - just talking with them helps to learn a lot about how the car may have been treated.

Robin Miller

Thanks for all the tips. I will take it to an independant for a check over. Just under $40k but has a few goodies on it.
Thanks again
Mike