'Upgrading' dilema

Submitted: Tuesday, Aug 05, 2003 at 19:19
ThreadID: 6381 Views:2165 Replies:10 FollowUps:19
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I am in the process of wanting to upgrade from my '84 HJ60 Cruiser to a later model 4WD as I will need to use it for business (as well as pleasure!) but don't want to spend more than 30K. My Cruiser is great but getting on, especially since I have to do city driving, Love the deisel motor and would appreciate feedback of others experiences...Cheers, Danny
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Reply By: zigglemeister - Tuesday, Aug 05, 2003 at 19:59

Tuesday, Aug 05, 2003 at 19:59
For under 30K you ought to get either a good 80 series Cruiser or a good fairly late GQ Patrol. If your HJ60 is standard (no turbo) you'll probably appreciate the power increase from either the Toyota or the Patrol std 4.2 diesels. They're both very good engines, some will probably suggest one or the other. I have a cousin with the 80 series and a brother with the GQ and would be happy with either. The cruiser is a bit more comfortable than the Patrol but both are probably better than the HJ60 in that regard as they're both on coil springs. You'll pay a little more for the cruiser for an equivalent age and km's compared to a GQ.
For that money you might also want to consider an early GU 2.8 litre turbodiesel. It'd go better than a std HJ60 too, I'd imagine, and there are a few around now and then for that price. One other alternative to take a good look at if you're not doing much bush driving is the Jackaroo. Their turbodiesel is quite nice and they're a very comfortable unit.

Tim Z
Tanna Island, Vanuatu
Much abused Toyota 4Runner 2.8 litre diesel
AnswerID: 26864

Follow Up By: Danny B - Tuesday, Aug 05, 2003 at 21:19

Tuesday, Aug 05, 2003 at 21:19
Thanks for that...I have heard a lot of good things about the newer Patrols and they seem to be more affordable than the Cruisers - although I have always stuck by the cruiser in the past... I had tossed around the idea of keeping the old girl (300,000km) and buying a sedan for work, but don't think it would cope with some of the bigger trips we have in mind...but maybe someone has had better experience than me with going to the cape or across the simpson...

What about the Discovery...? A friend reckons they are the way to go but have also heard some not so good reports about them.

Thanking you!
D
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Reply By: tristjo - Tuesday, Aug 05, 2003 at 20:19

Tuesday, Aug 05, 2003 at 20:19
Danny,

You have heaps of options when you are shopping with 30k. Probably the best options would be the GQ Patrol and 80 Series 'Cruiser, as mentioned above.

My pick would be a mid 90's 4.2ltr diesel GQ Patrol. A good one could be had for around 20-25k, which would leave you enough money for a few accesories.

The GQ, in my opinion, is stronger in the drveline department than the 80, and the TD42 motor is extremely reliable and pretty much bulletproof. I reckon the only advantage that the Cruiser has is the slighly better build quality, and a better ride.

Both of these vehicles are a long way ahead of the 60, and will make exploring alot more enjoyable.

Tristjo.
AnswerID: 26867

Reply By: Member - Willem- Tuesday, Aug 05, 2003 at 20:41

Tuesday, Aug 05, 2003 at 20:41
Danny,

Keep your old truck and buy a nice town car. Your HJ60 would be all set up for bush trips. Let it have a rest and do small repairs on it to keep it up to standard. Then when you go bush you wont mind if you scratch it and also you will know every inch of your truck. If you have to buy a newer 4x4 then always buy one at the end of the production run...like 1988/1989 or 1998/1999. Just have a look at this forum and see the complaints about new edition 4x4's.

Cheers, Willem
Never a dull moment
AnswerID: 26871

Follow Up By: Truckster (Vic) - Tuesday, Aug 05, 2003 at 21:07

Tuesday, Aug 05, 2003 at 21:07
I was thinking the same, get a nice second hand car or even a new one of them small things, for $22k, and keep the old bus.
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Follow Up By: kezza - Tuesday, Aug 05, 2003 at 21:19

Tuesday, Aug 05, 2003 at 21:19
Good advice - we have a GQ patrol for the bush gets scratched and rocked - costs nothing to maintain and owes us 10 grand. A falcon station wagon that I owe money to - as its been such a good car since I bought it . To top it all off "we" have (meaning - my wife has, and I get to drive it once a week - if Im lucky) a late model Toyota Celica -All paid cash for and bought as 'bargains' with LOW klms.
Celica is as sporty as they come so I dont need to complain that my offroad tyres are only rated to 160 kph. (bit of a joke here as I hate hearing psuedo offroaders complain that they cant have a serious offroad tyre that actually works in the mud and will do 240 kph down the highway).

Kes
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Follow Up By: Danny B - Tuesday, Aug 05, 2003 at 21:25

Tuesday, Aug 05, 2003 at 21:25
But I don't think the HJ60 will do some of the trips we have in mind...but then again, I am not as experienced as some...but I do appreciate all the advice! ...and then the added cost of registering and insuring 2 vehicles - plus limited parking doesn't help...
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Follow Up By: Member - Allan - Wednesday, Aug 06, 2003 at 01:07

Wednesday, Aug 06, 2003 at 01:07
Danny, I have to agree with the above comments. I had an early 80 series with a 1HZ and it was a faithful honest car. It took us to the most remote places, I didn’t cry when I scratched it and I could put a bag of cement in the back without having to vacuum the carpet later. I recently upgraded to a later model ‘show pony’ and while its lovely to drive it seems to good to knock it around in the bush. Maybe when I get a few scratches or dents it will not worry me as much.
My advice is don’t go too 'flash' if you want to do some serious trips or if it will get knocked around at work. Don’t under estimate your HJ60. As long as it does not have rust it may be worth spending a few bucks on it and buy a good second vehicle.
Cheers
Allan
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Reply By: Danny B - Tuesday, Aug 05, 2003 at 21:38

Tuesday, Aug 05, 2003 at 21:38
What about Discoveries? Are they any decent or should I steer clear? A later model disco can be bought around the mid $20k...are there any deisel prados around under the 30k - and are they any decent.

Ta - Danny :)
AnswerID: 26882

Follow Up By: Member - Geoff - Tuesday, Aug 05, 2003 at 22:01

Tuesday, Aug 05, 2003 at 22:01
Danny,
As a Disco owner I heartly agree, with the age vehicle you are looking at any bugs have already been fixed.
The 300 TDI is a pretty reliable truck, just keep on top of the timing belt changes and if you want to spend the money and go to a gear train setup install a YiCaN - Zeus Timing Gears.
Basically they are good value for money and there are heaps of places to get them serviced.
Cheers Geoff.
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Reply By: Truckster (Vic) - Tuesday, Aug 05, 2003 at 22:49

Tuesday, Aug 05, 2003 at 22:49
Sounds like you have some ideas in mind, looking at a Disco.

What do you want to do with the car??

A 60 Series will go anywhere if setup correctly.

Look at Willems G60 Patrol, much older than a 60 and goes anywhere in Aussie.
AnswerID: 26896

Follow Up By: Member - Willem- Wednesday, Aug 06, 2003 at 00:23

Wednesday, Aug 06, 2003 at 00:23
Yeah and it has nearly 450,000 on the clock which isn't too bad for a petrol engine. Has had a rebuild though. If you maintain your 2H properly it should do 750-million k's.

I will not enter into a Disco debate but read the archives on this forum and make up your own mind.

Happy hunting.
Cheers, Willem
Never a dull moment
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Follow Up By: Member - Melissa - Wednesday, Aug 06, 2003 at 13:09

Wednesday, Aug 06, 2003 at 13:09
Willem,

Just curious...does your Patrol have the 3 speed gearbox. If so how do you find low range? My brother had one for awhile and low range was so high it scared the pants off my sister-in-law when they were getting around the high country. Eventually she refused to go 4WDriving until something was done...like buying another 4WD, LOL.

:o) MelissaPetrol 4.5L GU Patrol &
Camprite TL8 offroad camper
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Follow Up By: Member - Willem- Wednesday, Aug 06, 2003 at 16:49

Wednesday, Aug 06, 2003 at 16:49
Melissa,

No, Rosie has a Nissan 5 speed Truck gearbox(Marks) and 1st low is good enough for climbing up a wall.

I am still waiting for my brochure on the fridge lid, Melissa. Please send to willem@kempen.id.au

Cheers, Willem
Never a dull moment
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Reply By: Wheelerdog - Wednesday, Aug 06, 2003 at 11:00

Wednesday, Aug 06, 2003 at 11:00
I did what you are talking about 4 months ago. I have an 82 60 series with 470,000k's on it (now has a 250 ford motor on gas). I bought a very nice std diesel 80 series with extra's and 175000 kms on it for $21000. It had only been used for highway and family duties never offroad, a guy i knew owned it since new, always serviced etc. if you look around there are some good vehicles around but also some that i got a bit nervous taking for a test drive!!! You have to be patient to find the right vehicle.

I have kept the 60 series as my shooting/camping rig and my wifes daily driver up to the shops etc. I don't like the diesel doing short trips.

When you say it is expensive to have 2 vehicles i figure that it costs about 600 to 800 bucks for rego insurance etc, but for what i use the 60 for i can quickly depriciate the 80 by that much through any damage sustained (scratches, dents, mud inside etc). We use the 80 for long trips and travell etc towing van etc.

After driving an 80 you will realise how agricultural the old 60's are, I don't no how i did so many long trips in the old girl.
AnswerID: 26923

Reply By: geoff - Wednesday, Aug 06, 2003 at 11:45

Wednesday, Aug 06, 2003 at 11:45
G'day,

just last week I collected my "new" (well it's new to me) 96 GXL Turbo diesel, I too upgraded from my faithfull, ever reliable 2H 60 series, (295000). Yoiks, who would have thought a diesel could be so sweeeeet. The new one drives like a dream, and sure enough we have the worrys about scratches, dirt etc, but we bought it to do the same job our old one did and I know we'll get over it the first time we use the Lo range in anger. My old 60 still looks sweet, cause we maintained it well, and I have no doubt the new one will hold up as well after we've banged it round the country too. If you love the old 2H diesel, (i certainly think they are great), then try the 1HD-FT, you'll not be able to look at the old one in the same way again, and that is the problem, dont drive one of the newer ones unless you are commited to buying one, because it'll make it sooooo much harder to get back into old faithfull once youve been pushed back into the seat, accelerating up a hill, and you start wondering when the fuel tank is going to actually start going down.....
AnswerID: 26924

Follow Up By: Danny B - Wednesday, Aug 06, 2003 at 12:40

Wednesday, Aug 06, 2003 at 12:40
Sounds good to me! I am assuming you sold the old truck (because it does drive like a truck compared with a new model) and just have the 80 series. How much did you pay for your newer one? And what is it like to drive around town? My '84 HJ60 truck has always been well maintained and serviced every 5000km with no rust (erp sys) and purrs nicely both on and off road...yes, I would like to keep it as I won't have to worry about scratches and small dings (not that there is any) but it is still old and guzzles the deisel...

thanks for your feedback...it's all helpful!

D
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Reply By: Clauspeter - Wednesday, Aug 06, 2003 at 11:47

Wednesday, Aug 06, 2003 at 11:47
Hi,

I have an 1979 FJ Landcruiser. I spent 30K in restoring it in 2001. Beside the fact of having an uncapable mechanic (especially bodywork turned out pathetic) I tried to think of everything. BUT I STILL HAVE AN OLD CAR. Next time in life I would spend the money into a 'better second hand car'.

Have fun. cheers Cepe
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Follow Up By: Danny B - Wednesday, Aug 06, 2003 at 12:41

Wednesday, Aug 06, 2003 at 12:41
Ditto...read what I wrote above.

Ta!
D
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Reply By: Member - Oskar(Bris) - Wednesday, Aug 06, 2003 at 15:32

Wednesday, Aug 06, 2003 at 15:32
Danny
Don't be a boofhead.
You can't know much about 4X4's if you want to go upgrading your 60. Just 'cause your mates all have better looking cars doesn't mean that you have to have a better one than them.
They won't want you to go out with you if you keep upstaging them. Besides that you have to be able to drive one properly anyway.
Learn to drive the one you have.
AnswerID: 26947

Follow Up By: Danny B - Wednesday, Aug 06, 2003 at 15:37

Wednesday, Aug 06, 2003 at 15:37
Goodonya ya dag! Just coz yours is an import pile of tin! As for the driving...you'll keep...
Are you still heading to that 4WD club meeting t'row night?
D
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Follow Up By: Member - Oskar(Bris) - Wednesday, Aug 06, 2003 at 15:48

Wednesday, Aug 06, 2003 at 15:48
Yep
Your - yaw - yore - you're still welcome of course.
Your = possessive
Yaw = sideways slip/attitude in an aircraft or sailing boat.
Yore = I think I might have seen it somewhere
You're = contraction of you are
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FollowupID: 18474

Follow Up By: Member - Oskar(Bris) - Wednesday, Aug 06, 2003 at 16:03

Wednesday, Aug 06, 2003 at 16:03
Danny
In the latest Aust. 4X4 Monthly mag is a little comparo/table of power ratings of popular 4 pot TD 4X4's. I presume they are all 4's - maybe the Jeep (read "Merc") 2.7L is a 5 cylinder, I can't recall.
It says the 3L Prado puts out only 96Kw which is way less than anything else. If this is right they must be well under powered.
Some more grist for the mill.
Cheers
Oskar
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Follow Up By: Danny B - Wednesday, Aug 06, 2003 at 16:42

Wednesday, Aug 06, 2003 at 16:42
Oskar - can you bring the mag to work tomorrow?

D
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Reply By: Eric from Cape York Connections - Wednesday, Aug 06, 2003 at 16:19

Wednesday, Aug 06, 2003 at 16:19
Danny I upgraded my 1983 60 to a 1985 60 with a turbo on it . It took me a while to find it . I paid alot under 30k and it had 100,000 on the clock I spent about another 2000 on it .
All the best
Eric
www.capeyorkconnections.com.au
4wd Tag Along AdventuresCape York Connections
AnswerID: 26955

Follow Up By: Danny B - Wednesday, Aug 06, 2003 at 16:41

Wednesday, Aug 06, 2003 at 16:41
Thanks - are you happy with your new 60 series, and why didn't you go to an 80 or 100?

Ta,
Danny :)
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Follow Up By: Eric from Cape York Connections - Wednesday, Aug 06, 2003 at 18:45

Wednesday, Aug 06, 2003 at 18:45
Danny I have had the above 2 60s for a total of 8 years and with our cape york tag alongs I find the 60s the ones that fall apart the least . When ever anyone sees the old girls and if they were past owners , they all say I wished I never got rid of the 60 . THe 83 modle has done the cape 9 times and the simpson and the flinders and the high country and many other trips and is currantly getting ready to do the canning , it has got 400,000 on the clock. The 85 modle is catching up its done the cape 4 times and many other trips and to date neither truck has had any major trouble. TOUCH WOOD .
All the best
Eric
ps I call the 60s mobile 4wd history.Cape York Connections
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Follow Up By: Danny B - Thursday, Aug 07, 2003 at 12:00

Thursday, Aug 07, 2003 at 12:00
Thanks for that...I do enjoy the toughness of the 60s as it just seems to plod along.

My other concern was maintainance and ongoing repairs with a 20 yo 4B...I use a 4WD ex-toyota mech (and he's very good!) but he is particular when it comes to maintainance and ends up costing me an arm and a leg everytime I see him...he now wants to replace my back diff - I can't feel or notice anything - and when I was planing a trip out to the Simpson he wanted to replace my gearbox...didn't and it still drives well...ho do you know what is sensible maintainance and what is over-the-top (spenditcozyougotit - which I don't!)...or do you just drive til it breaks? I am not terribly mechanical...

D
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Follow Up By: Eric from Cape York Connections - Friday, Aug 08, 2003 at 18:37

Friday, Aug 08, 2003 at 18:37
Danny I think If you look hard you could repair anything . I just get to know the truck and repair what I think needs repairing before every trip I get the mechanic to do the wheel bearings and rattle and check every thing else. I also get the truck dyna tuned I think thats the best way to get the best performance out of the old girls.
The 83 uses a bit of oil but arfter 400.000 ks its not to bad .
All the best
EricCape York Connections
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