Buying my first 4wd - 96 Jackaroo?

Submitted: Friday, Jul 17, 2009 at 16:33

ThreadID: 70747 Views:3757 Replies:4 FollowUps:10

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jarz85

Hi just me again, today I saw a 96 Jackaroo with 190,000kms for $6999. Manual/petrol engine, seemed clean inside and out with bullbar etc.

Timing chain is probably due and I will get it inspected and whatever needs to be done will be done before I buy it, any advice?

Thanks, Rick

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Reply By: tim_c - Friday, Jul 17, 2009 at 16:49

Friday, Jul 17, 2009 at 16:49

Should have plenty of life left in it if it's been looked after... I recently sold my '95 Jackaroo (man, petrol) with 396,000km on it and the most significant work I'd done was to replace the timing belt (allow a full day for that one!).

I found it a very good vehicle overall and I'd seriously consider buying another one. It was a very comfortable tourer and capable off road (thanks to very good rear axle articulation and very good lo-range) but it wasn't the quickest thing around town without flogging it. I towed my brother's small van (750kg) a little bit too and while it felt very sure/stable, it started to struggle a bit in terms of power (I'd hate to think what it would be like towing the max allowable 2,250kg!).

Generally, I used to use around 14.5L/100km in the city, down as low as 12.0L/100km on the highway (not towing). The biggest drawback was that touring range was restricted with only 85L tank, and the ground clearance wasn't great under the front.

At that sort of mileage, you might want to see if the clutch has been replaced because otherwise it could come out of your pocket shortly. Hydraulic lifters (tappets) can make a bit of noise, particularly on start up, but it shouldn't cause problems (different brands of engine oil seemed to reduce it in mine).

AnswerID: 374951

Follow Up By: jarz85 - Friday, Jul 17, 2009 at 16:59

Friday, Jul 17, 2009 at 16:59

Hey Tim, yes I only had a quick look today on the way to pick my girlfriend up from town, it seemed nice - but there is no books >< Im able to contact the last owner I wanted, but will def get my local mechanic to give a really big look over, anything that needs to be done Ill get done - and it has a fairly good warranty, going by the book at least

FollowupID: 642252

Follow Up By: tim_c - Friday, Jul 17, 2009 at 18:04

Friday, Jul 17, 2009 at 18:04

Ah, very importantly: what did SHE think?! :)

Yeah, get a trusted mechanic to look over it and discuss with you. A warranty might be peace of mind, but ideally you don't want to need the warranty - it's always a hassle to have to take things back, even when you're not paying the bill!

Check all the fluids and make sure they are correct colours (and check after it's been running a bit too - they might just have been changed for the sale, for the first time in XXX months/years...ever?!) Check condition of belts, hoses, etc. in engine bay might give you indication if car has been well looked after and regularly serviced.

If it's got no books, I'd recommend changing all fluids, oils, etc. and filters immediately after you buy it, then you know these things are done (be careful with the drain & filler plugs on g'box & transfer case as they only go into aluminium and can be stripped if you do them up too tight). Change all the hoses & belts too if they are questionable. If sludge comes out when you drain the engine oil (or it's dirty), you might also consider an oil flush.

FollowupID: 642254

Follow Up By: Madfisher - Friday, Jul 17, 2009 at 19:22

Friday, Jul 17, 2009 at 19:22

The only thing I would add is try and drive a couple, Jacks seem to vary a lot in their performance depending on how they have been looked after. Also take a man 3.5 for a run, The diff is chalk and cheese.When I took my currant 3.5 for a test drive I jumped on the throttle on a dirt road in 2nd and it when into a power slide. lol
But some 3.5s where oil burners(due to blocked drain back holes usually)
Good luck Pete

FollowupID: 642255

Reply By: paulnsw - Friday, Jul 17, 2009 at 22:11

Friday, Jul 17, 2009 at 22:11

way over priced
dont expect to buy spares
parts are a complete nightmare and when you can get them prices are disgusting.
Look around for something like a s/h mainline vehicle Mitsubishi Triton, Nissan in petrol only, Rodeo but parts and parts prices again are nightmarish, Toyota only had dogs in that period.

AnswerID: 374997

Follow Up By: jarz85 - Friday, Jul 17, 2009 at 23:31

Friday, Jul 17, 2009 at 23:31

Oh, I thought it was an ok price - goes to show what i know haha. The next month or 2 will be interesting for me as I will try and sell my car, hopefully should get about $14000 for it then I will work out what 4wd to go for.

I just dont want to spent all my money on my first 4wd and then not have enough money to go anywhere, hence why a lower priced car I get a couple years out of would be ok.

FollowupID: 642280

Follow Up By: Member - Amy G (SA) - Saturday, Jul 18, 2009 at 08:44

Saturday, Jul 18, 2009 at 08:44

Why not look at the 80-series? They second series was '95 to '98 and the vehicles are well proven and reliable. Parts are easy to come by and not too expensive (even from Toyota, who are often cheaper than the aftermarket suppliers). If you look after them they will go for a long, long, long time. Just look at the way they have held their value- a well-cared-for 80 series is worth it! Yes they get snapped up early, but there is a reason why!

FollowupID: 642298

Follow Up By: Madfisher - Saturday, Jul 18, 2009 at 17:29

Saturday, Jul 18, 2009 at 17:29

Paul you obviously dont own a Jack, otherwise you would not make such an uninformed comment. Yes prices for spares are dear, about 20% more then Toyota on average. But they are so reliable they very rarely need parts.
In 46000ks I have relaced the timing belt, inlet manifold gasket and a maf total cost less then $1000 including labour.
I guess that is a dealer retail price, but try finding a Prado similar age and ks for similar price.
Pete

FollowupID: 642354

Reply By: Member - Oldbaz. NSW. - Saturday, Jul 18, 2009 at 09:32

Saturday, Jul 18, 2009 at 09:32

I must agree with Paul, too much $$ for age. Try this one in comparison...
2002 5Sp Man, 7 seater, white, 163k, XJU 624, Bullbar, very good BFG A/ts,
Original Logbooks, Service History...Asking $10k...offer them $9k. Now the bad bit..its in Sydney, but doesnt cost much to fly there, arrange for inspection to
be done before you go...Homebush Autos Ph. 97643555. I have no
affiliation ..its on eBay......gotta be a far better deal......oldbaz.

AnswerID: 375021

Follow Up By: Madfisher - Saturday, Jul 18, 2009 at 17:34

Saturday, Jul 18, 2009 at 17:34

Gotta agree Baz that is a better deal. What site is it on, just curious.
Cheers Pete

FollowupID: 642356

Reply By: Madfisher - Sunday, Jul 19, 2009 at 12:51

Sunday, Jul 19, 2009 at 12:51

Rick if I remember rightly you are in SA. I had a look on the car sales wedsite for NSW ans SA. Sa seems to be two to three thousand dollars dearer then the eastern states. Going by that I reckon that Jack is about on the money if it is in very good condition with extras. The other thing is their was only a handfull for sale over their, where as their is heaps for sale over here. With two people its only a long days drive back.
Cheers Pete

AnswerID: 375171

Follow Up By: jarz85 - Sunday, Jul 19, 2009 at 20:04

Sunday, Jul 19, 2009 at 20:04

Yea for sure, I wont be selling my car for about 2 months as I'm working 60 hour weeks for the next 9-10 weeks (stupid school being back from holidays) and I will plan to take the whole next school holidays off to look for a 4wd.

If that means either flying, or hiring a car one way to check out the other states 4wds then that is fine. Happy to spend $1000 on travel to save $3000 on a car.

Also, I want a fairly good 4wd and I dont think you can get one for under $10000, so I reckon I will budget about $15000, only prob then is I wont have much spare cash left over to set it up and go on a trip!

FollowupID: 642490

Follow Up By: Madfisher - Sunday, Jul 19, 2009 at 21:53

Sunday, Jul 19, 2009 at 21:53

Mickey mouse 02 or 03(last of the line) with less then 100000ks are bringing $12000 to $15000 over here. We paid $14000 For wifes 03 Jackaroo Nullarbor(special edition with monteray extras) with 76000ks,come with nudge bar, t/bar, lugage barrier , steps and wool seat covers. Mind you we tuffed the nudge and putan ECB b/bar and spotties on.It also came with near new Cooper atrs on it as well. The only neg was they had towed a van, but it was immaculate inside and out.
Good luck Pete

FollowupID: 642517

Follow Up By: jarz85 - Sunday, Jul 19, 2009 at 23:53

Sunday, Jul 19, 2009 at 23:53

Ok I'm going to stop looking for a month or so just to get my bearings. I REALLY like the GU Patrols, will stay away from the 2.8s - prob wont settle for anything other than a 4.5L pref manual diesel - only downer is they are pushing $20,000 fora good one and thats outta my range for now.

Others I noticed was 2002-2004 Cherokee Laredos, not sure what they are like. But my main goal is to start off lightly and build it up so a <150,000km well looked after 4wd is what im going to go for.

FollowupID: 642532

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