A sad day sold my Patrol and buying a 200 series - NOT !!!!! GO Chevy?

If you like Patrols, why don't your just wait for the new model which is soon to be released. It has been discussed on other posts on this forum.

As for the imported Yank trucks, how will you go for getting spare parts and support with no local dealer support ?

Alternatively, you could check out one of the companies that already imports the Yank trucks and converts them to RHD.

Dont give up on your Nissan,i have a 91 model gq patrol fitted with a 6.5 litre Chevy diesel conversion done by Linquip in Gympie(no longer trading)had a lot of dramas at the start fuel consumption,overheating but after a lot of reseaching got on top of it all and the vehicle performs real well.Towing a 3 tonne+ caravan with the vehicle loaded grossing about 6 tonne i get close to 15 litres to the 100 klm depending on headwinds,aircon etc.There is a mob in WA who do the conversions they are called Brunswick Diesels and i have spoken to them on a few issues and they are very helpfull.All the best,steer clear off the yank tanks they are not what they are crancked up to be!

Interesting question.

I had Landies 110's and 130's and did a lot of bush miles.
Cabs were cramped (I'm 6'3") and highway power when overtaking and fully loaded was something you wrote away for and then waited for reply.

I wanted a tray for slide on camper so looked at Toy 75 and had a good laugh after I found out what they were asking for such a crude uncomfortable device. Patrol tray 4.2 nice roomy and comfy but old engine didn't excite me.

So I went for F250 new in January 2006. This was the last on the Brazilian imports. I put a OME 50mm suspension and slightly taller tyres plus a programmable chip in it.
This has been the best all round vehicle I have ever had.

Superb comfort on highway, surprisingly good in 4WD stuff, (I'm talking real 4wd not the graded dirt roads that a lot of people think is 4WD)
I wanted soft springs so put airbags on the back, I carry a 1 ton weight without noticing it. It will tow 4 tons up hill and still overtake Toyotas.

This being a Jap focused forum, a lot of people bag anything that has a non Jap badge so I expect a few rants claiming I'm mad or lying or both.

I have since driven extensively a Ram with the Cummins 6 and also GMC pickup. They are very similar to the Ford. After all they compete for the same customers in the same market. Ram with Cummins is an excellent combination.

As for the myth that only Jap stuff is reliable and has parts back up. it's just that a myth. The only issues I have had were a transfer case selector (fixed under warranty) and a wire to the water in fuel sensor chewed by a rat. That one took a while to find and fix but in fairness it wasn't Ford's fault.
There are several people who import parts and you can buy direct from the states often much cheaper than what a similar Toyota part would cost you.

Would I buy a similar vehicle? Absolutely! Power and comfort is in another league.

Your best bet would be to drive (extended drive say a weekend) these vehicles, you may find that, Jap is not all it's cracked up to be.

The US stuff has come along way in the last 20 years! If a F250 or similar was sold here for US type price. (An F250 starts at about low 30's US$) or about $40 Australian that would make for an interesting discusssion at the Toyota dealer when they are asking $60 for a poverty pack 75 tray.

Enjoy the research, you're in for some revelations.

Gone Troppo,
Gee it's 5 hours since your post and no response mmmm interesting. Come on you toyota/nissan lovers where's your support. The Japcrap isn't as good as it used to be!!! They are rolling over to make a cheaper vehicle at an inflated price

Regards..............Jeff
PS I own a HZJ 78 and love it.!!!

I have imported a GMC Sierra 3500HD Dually Crew Cab Duramax 6.6 2007 Classic SLT .. boy thats a mouth full .. am just shipping a Suncoast Allison Stage V, BD Turbo and a few other things to bring it up to 550hp. I have still all the contacts, also in the US and could not be happier with the vehicle. Awesome power and comfort, cheaper parts than JapCars and I also have a Tech II for full diagnostics.
If you want more info email me gmd At 4sail.name
good luck
gmd

Thanks to all for the feedback, I have been getting more and more serious about a GMC or F250 the more I consider the options.

Toyota 200 - Rebook price $98,750 and only 560Kg capacity
Nissan patrol 2011 going to independent suspension, same or smaller motor?
GMC 2008 low Ks 360+Hp 3.5tonne capacity around $100K :-)

Although I have done some serious 4WD I generally avoid troublesome situations if they can be avoided, I like to tow my 6m tinnie with 150Hp and camp gear where ever I go, the slide on or trayback camper setup appeals to us and it all seems to be adding up to a small truck.