GQ or GU patrol

Think my keypad stuffed missing half the words.
"I did tell HIM about the 80 series petrol but HE wants diesel which is dearer TO PURCHASE in the cruiser range MORE then what he wants to spend"

Stephen

The GQ are the earlier models.The GU came out I believe in about 88 89.You wont buy aGU on the budget youve indicated .My brother just purchased a 91 model GQ wagon with around 250k on it with a new motor as the guy had cooked it for $7000.The GQ is a renowned reliable vehicle good for 500k at least in diesel and having been serviced etc.The gearbox is virtually unbreakable however watch out for shudery clutch.I think the earlier GQ had slightly less power but were more a truck type engine which is a good thing.Dont go near the 2.8.In reality the later models havent changed much only the engine is lighter and I beleive not as robust and is only now available new with a 3litre 4 cylinder.In addition such things as suspension can be renewed or upgraded fairly cheaply if rqeuired.Hope this helps.

Stephen
Sorry GU came out 1998 _99.

GQ Patrol series 1 1988- around1992. Series 2 1992-1997. I'm not sure about any real differences between the two, the main areas such as engine, gearbox, drivetrains are the same. Tell them apart by the dummy tailights. GU 1997-current and out of price range.

He will be on a winner if he chooses a GQ with the 4.2 diesel. For 12 grand he will be able to find a good one around 1994. Obviously the later the model the better due to fewer km and probably less use. But when buying a 14 year old 4wd it really comes down to individual condition of the car.

The GQ 4.2 diesel is renowned as a tough and reliable 4wd. People regularly get 5-600 000km out of those engines they aren't racing engines but very reliable. As mentioned the gearbox and other drivetrain components are tough as nails.

The 2.8 has smaller gearbox and other drivetrain components negating the best advantages of the Patrol.

They do need 5000km oil changes so if buying privately and the owner doesn't know the type of oil filter it needs then think about service history.

I would suggest getting a thorough pre-purchase check by a specialist 4wd mechanic. If it's been well maintained (meaning regularly serviced and not thrashed off road) he probably won't have many problems but it pays to have it checked to make sure.

If this one he's looking at doesn't stack up then keep looking to find a good one.

Barnesy

Would recommend the 4.2 diesel GQ or a Ford Maverick - same beast. Not a ball of fire, but very reliable. I had a Mav for 250,000, only replaced a rear axle oil seal and a viscous fan coupling in 12 yrs of very reliable 4wding. And the GQ has very few plastic bits to fall off. Early GQs in DX option had a 1 1/2 bench seat, which wasn't all that comfortable, tho the driver's seat was ok. Later DXs had buckets, as did the STs. The ST was a lot better equipped.
Some early GQs developed hairline cracks in the welds of the front diff housing, which were easily re-welded. Check for oil weeping in area.
Rubbers in the front leading arms were known to occasionally chop out after some years, causing a bad rattle under the floor.
cheers, Gerry