Nissan GU 4.2 questions and reliabilty

Submitted: Monday, Aug 25, 2003 at 21:35
ThreadID: 6830 Views:2012 Replies:8 FollowUps:1
This Thread has been Archived
Here we go....

I have just come across a Nissan Gu DX Patrol 1998 model fitted with the good old 4.2 liter oiler, the price is only $20,000 fitted with bullbar towbar etc, but the drawback is that the beast has 320,00 kms on the clock already. The body is in good nick save a few chips in the bonnet and the rear doors near the plastic flares that Nissan stick on, engine wise is seems to run well starts well and doesnt blow any smoke when revved from idle ( am yet to try it whilst driving it ). Now my question is one reagrding the reliabilty of the Nissan engine and drivetrain and the costs of rebuilding the 4.2 if needed. Also what are the weak points in these particular vehicles if any???. I have looked at getting the Rodeo crew cab uts in the 2.8 TD as well with half the kays, but everyone says that the Nissans are the best things since sliced bread in the bush and as we do spend abit of time on the beach or in the bush I thought this might be a good chance to get into a Patrol finally.

Peter

Ps one last thing what sort of milage does the non turbo 4.2 get???
Back Expand Un-Read 0 Moderator

Reply By: Truckster (Vic) - Monday, Aug 25, 2003 at 22:12

Monday, Aug 25, 2003 at 22:12
It all depends on how its been treated.

They are getting 500,000klms IF treated well in GQs and its the same donk.

For $20k, Id grab it! Even if you need a rebuild $5000 you have a new GU 4.2 for $25k...

There was a GQ TB 42 96 model went for $27k the other week at local dealer.

GRAB IT!
AnswerID: 29114

Reply By: Eric ( Melb.) - Monday, Aug 25, 2003 at 22:44

Monday, Aug 25, 2003 at 22:44
i am with trucster , i think it will bleep in 500 k . check the rear roof just above the barn doors for cracks , have noticed afew with cracks from heavy towing , never saw this problem in the GQ, , My opinion is stay away from the 2.8 TD , They haven given me trouble with as low as 160,000 kms

Remember guys my opinion ,

thought I would get that in before some one jumped down my throat
AnswerID: 29128

Reply By: tristjo - Monday, Aug 25, 2003 at 23:16

Monday, Aug 25, 2003 at 23:16
Peter,

GO FOR IT!! In my mind, the TD42 was one of the most reliable motors ever built, and I have seen some well serviced GQ's with the same motor do over a million kays, no bleep e. But, they were WELL SERVICED. When your talking lifespan of a motor, frequent oil and filter changes and regular tune ups can make some motors last forever.......well, almost forever.

The GU's are great trucks. Comfy and capeable, and really well priced. The driveline, like everything else in the Patrol, is pretty much bulletproof. But just to be sure, get it inspected by a good mechanic, preferably a 4wd specialist.

Mate, at that price, you won't regret it!!

Tristjo.
AnswerID: 29137

Reply By: Waynepd (NSW) - Tuesday, Aug 26, 2003 at 01:27

Tuesday, Aug 26, 2003 at 01:27
Hi Jester,
I drive an ex Freight corp 98 dX GU. non-turbo
it has 210,000 on the clock and it still goes ok. i am no mechanic but i can tell you it gets a little smoky at high altitudes when i give it a gutful to coax it up a mountain towing a campertrailer. it won't drag a comodore off at the lights. i replaced the sagging suspension with OME springs and shocks which gave it a 2" lift over the standard height.

I have had it over some pretty tuff stuff and it eats it up. it hasn't let me down in the 2+ years i have owned it. handles well on road and off.
I make sure i change the oil every 5000k's and do the filters every 10,000k's
average about 12L/100km. up to about 16 when towing a full camper and family of 4 and dog.

there are no noises coming from the drivetrain that i can hear and they are supposed to be one of the toughest gearboxes around if you don't overuse 5th. tho i didn't know about this supposed problem for the first year or so of ownership and it doesn't seem to have done any damage so far.

I paid $28,990 for mine in 2001 and that was cheap then so 20k is a good buy and i would go for it.

hope this helps
Cheers
waynepd
%
%:-)
%
AnswerID: 29150

Follow Up By: Truckster (Vic) - Tuesday, Aug 26, 2003 at 13:19

Tuesday, Aug 26, 2003 at 13:19
Considering the new one is around $65k, $20 is a bargain!

GQs still go for that, then again GQ's are real 4b's... :P
0
FollowupID: 20324

Reply By: Member - Sam (NSW) - Tuesday, Aug 26, 2003 at 09:12

Tuesday, Aug 26, 2003 at 09:12
Where is it located Jester so I can beat you to it !!!

:-Þ

cheers,
Sam.
AnswerID: 29165

Reply By: Truckster (Vic) - Tuesday, Aug 26, 2003 at 12:39

Tuesday, Aug 26, 2003 at 12:39
How many do they have for this price, Might grab one myself!
AnswerID: 29180

Reply By: Mick - Tuesday, Aug 26, 2003 at 15:14

Tuesday, Aug 26, 2003 at 15:14
My old GQ shortie had 500K on it and i thrashed the living crap out of it, a mate has one with 650K + on it now and still goes fine. it all depends on wether its been serviced regularly.
Long highway ks will not kill it, driving down to the shops every day will.
AnswerID: 29210

Reply By: kezza - Tuesday, Aug 26, 2003 at 21:23

Tuesday, Aug 26, 2003 at 21:23
Ive seen people spend $20,000 on a 1991 Petrol 80 series landcruiser with 160,000ks recently - I know what Id be buying. You cant go wrong even if you gotta spent 3-6 grand on it.
kes
AnswerID: 29259

Sponsored Links