Patrol V Cruiser

Nugget6

I had a couple of Patrols (ZD30) - the first one (2003) was great. 50K and not one problem. The second (2005) an absolute lemon. I'm now in the process of repairing it (yet again) and trading on an Isuzu D-MAX.

When I was at Belyando Crossing (broken down again), I hitched a ride with a bloke called George Cross into the servo. I remarked that he had a "Colorado". Actually it was a Holden Rodeo - the last of that model. It actually became the D-MAX he told me. When I got home I checked the Internet and found they would be in your price range. Can also tow 3 tonne.

HTH

Malcolm

Hi Andrew.

We just paid 27k for a 1999, live axle, GXL, 8 seater, Turbo diesel with a few extra's Dual batt's, snorkel, C.B ect.. It is in pristine condition for it's year.

However it does have an aftermarket turbo - which if you buy, should research first. If you can get a factory turbo even better. (plenty of threads on aftermarket turbo's on this site)

The cruisers are very sluggish without a turbo and I wouldn't reccommend you buy one if you want to pull a trailer. Test drive one and you will see for your self.

Only advice i can offer is take your time - as i was told to on this very site and do your research. You will find a 100 series for around that price if you have patience.

We waited 3 months and then flew to Adelaide from Perth to get it.

Hope this helps a bit.

Lynz and Nath

The motors are 1HZ NON turbo lasts forever and takes forever to get anywhere.

Some have been turbo'd be very careful about them.

1HDFTE later Turbo motor as in 2002 on Best motor Toyota made and you pay for it.

Goes really well and as long as its been serviced correctly lasts as well.

PricesWell I bought a 2005 with 58000 in 2007 for $56,000

In Perths paper this morning is same model with 80,000 for $59,000

Go figure.

Look in the trader here is quite often some good vehicles.

The 4.2 Nissan is almost (sorry nissan owners) as good but very few autos.

The 4.2 Diesel Patrol is a much better vehicle that the grenade 3 ltr Z30 ever was.
if you can find a good one in your price range buy it, you'll get a better vehicle than a Tojo in the same price range.

I don't drive either so I have no bias except toward Landrovers.

Disco.

Andrew


I have had the experience in driving Patrols, Landcruisers, etc.

I have a 2000 series II 4.2 ltr TD patrol for my private vehicle. The motor is not as powerful or responsive as newer high tech engines. It is also not as economical. It is just about to click over to 195,000 kms - without any problems. The reliability of the 4.2 diesel patrol motor is well known.

At work I drive a 4.2 diesel standard Landcruiser. It is an uncomfortable vehicle and nowhere near as nice to drive as the patrol. It is also reliable and has never let me down. I drive on some pretty rough road and in remote locations. Given the choice between comfort and reliability I would take reliability anyday. This vehicle does not have a turbo.

A more upmarket Landcruiser would be obviously more comfortable. Also with a turbo it would have more power.

The 4.2 patrol and the landcruisers are both good vehicles. It will come down to what you is available in your price range.



Tjilpi

Hi Andrew

The 4.2's of both makes are more expensive to own and have insufficent power for me particularly if towing.
Many owners spend a fair bit on them bringing them up to scratch.

I'd check out the 4500 cruiser petrol , or the Patrol 4800 they are significantly quieter and easier to maintain as well, particularly in manuals.

Hi Nugget6,
reading your note I thought Nissan or someone sell brand new factory engines - so it could be a cheaper alternative if your still happy with the truck itself and its running gear is ok...better the devil you know!

Just to add my $0.02. I own a 1HZ 80 series but have a fair bit of experience with 100 series'. Firstly, you won't get a (decent) post 2000 factory TD 100 series for under $30k. They just don't exist at that price. Even the later model 80 series TDs regularly still sell for more than $25k. If your budget can stretch to $35k or so, you may be able to find a decent TD 100 series, but be aware that all factory TD 100 series have IFS. If it's a live axle, it will be a 1HZ with aftermarket turbo, so be aware. If live axle is essential then a factory TD 100 series is out of the question. You need to look at an 80 series or a troopy etc.

Now, the other option, as others have mentioned, is to go for a 1HZ diesel with an aftermarket turbo. I would seriously discourage anyone buying a 1HZ with a turbo already on it. If it's done properly, turbo 1HZs can perform well and be reasonably reliable. The problem with buying one of these is that you don't know the quality of the install (they are often backyard jobs), or how high the boost has been, and that's obviously the thing that kills these engines. I would avoid turbo 1HZs in any form because the reliability is just not there, but if you are dead set on going down this path I would buy a dead stock 1HZ and organise the turbo install yourself. And if you want it to be as reliable as possible you need to go the whole hog, buy a good quality turbo (such as Safari), get it installed by a professional with experience, keep the boost low and fit an intercooler. If you try to save pennies in the install it will end badly. There are many stories.

So if $30k is your absolute maximum your options are:
- 1HZ 100 series (naturally aspirated)
- Factory TD 80 series (the post 95 models have the updated engine)
- Troopy. These are available with 1HZ or factory TD, but I'm not sure when the TD was released or what they're selling for these days.

If a TD is absolutely essential, start your search for the newest TD 80 series you can find with the fewest kms you can find, but be prepared to travel, good ones are hard to come by. If you prefer a newer vehicle get a 1HZ 100 series and keep it stock. It might be a bit slower than you had hoped, but it will go forever and won't let you down like the patrol did.

Hope that helps.

matt