zd30 going...going...gone

Can't say I've ever had a problem with Nissan - then again I've never (yep never) had a single problem with my 1998 2.8 tdi GU wagon. Bought it in 1998 and other than routine services haven't had to spend anything on it and have never had to approach Nissan for a warranty claim. So will I change marques next time I buy a vehicle......well probably not but I will more than likely buy a dual cab petrol ute (with factory gas) next time around and that may force me to consider others. Having said that I may even keep the old GU as it is by far one of the most reliable vehicles I've ever had and I had two Toyotas before this - a Tarago and a Corona both of which were pretty good vehicles as well.
I can't figure you 'The Major' - from your post it seems that you were worrying about what might happen in the future...I'm guessing you won't be any better at that with the yota either. Oh and car manufacturers all can be a pain in the butt to deal with at times.

"twin turbo V8 Toyota diesel" - That has to be a 200 Series Landcruiser.

Have you worked out the payload and the range. From the various posts in this Forum it seems that it somewhat lacking.

Welcome Major , I too done exactly the same thing and it was Nissans response that put the last nail in the coffin for me too mate,theres alot you can forgive but when they get to the point of telling you, "well you bought it you wear it " leaves a bad taste aye ? by not buying thier product (and I'm only talking ZD30 here not the 4.2 or any other) is the only way they'll realise just how pi$$ed we really are with them,
good luck anyway mate, glad to have you on board,
regards,
Dave

Yes I had the same response from Andrew with my problems. I am surprised he still has a job! Good move Captain, Major and Dave by making a stand and spending your money elsewhere.
Hey Dave, Andrew said to me "You bought the thing mate" and that was the point when I thought "Stuff you and your company".
Great Public Relations! Val Davis was good and has to put up with Andrew who works beneath her, probably undermines her and they (Nissan) would probably sack him if they could but he would squeal like a pig and take them for unfair dismissal as he is such a self opiniated scum bag.

Good onya Major.......looking forward to your arrival. Make sure you bring your WHOLE extended family....the more the merrier!!! hahahaha (Don't tell anybody, but I wanna have a drive of the 200 when you get here!!!!)

Cheers

Roachie

Hi Major,

Welcome to the club!!! You will not be disappointed with the 200 series, it is one awesome beast. And I understand exactly what you mean about Nissan. I still reckon the GU series III+ 3.0TD's are a great vehicle, its just a pity Nissan Australia don't know how to look after their customers.

While the 200 has more power than you ever really need, I don't think it will match the legendary reliability of the 1HZ or Nissan 4.2. Simply too many electronics and low tolerance mechanicals like fuel pump. But the difference will hopefully be Toyotas backup service!

Note that already that Toyota have taken their Steel roo bar off the market (check out the website - its no longer listed!). While no info is given, apparently an owner was asked if he had taken his on many corrugations! Reading between the lines, it may have been too heavy for the mounting system used (the ARB bar strengthens the chassis and is on reason why the bar weighs in at a porky 90+kgs).

My 200 series build-up continues. I started with a 10" Alpine roofmount DVD (gotta look after the kids!) and replaced the radio with a Polaris radio/bluetooth/Ipod/DVD/reverse-camera/GPS (added Oziexplorer - its great to have Ozi on a 6" screen and still have the dask look very factory like).

Also added a GME 3420 UHF and ARB winch bar, but this has lowered the already low front end by 10mm. Will wait till I get a lift kit before I install my old winch.

Its actually not always that easy getting accessories for the 200. Took 2 months for the ARB bar and while most magazines advertise suspension kits, not actually available when you ring up.

About to install a rear draw system, but not sure what to do about a cargo barrier. The Toyota one has "straps" that run to the floor from the top as you cannot mount it to the roof due to the curtain airbags. These straps get right in the way and make it an impractical item.

Anyway, doing the buildup is half the fun. But getting the scratches down the side certainly brings a tear to your eye - but you get over that pretty quick.

The LCOOL site is an absolute wealth of info for the 200 series. A lot of guys there willing to share how to fit accessories, problems with vehicles etc... and is a "must join" site for a 200 owner. Reckon you take a look, will help plan what you might want to add and how to fit it.

Anyway, be careful giving Roachie a drive. May make him think about joining the dark side too. And with his chevissan missing in action, the hit of raw V8 diesel power may be too much for his system to take – not really fair in his current weaken state!!!

Cheers

Captain