Update to APIA ? AAMI saga and choice of replacement tug

Submitted: Monday, Apr 11, 2011 at 10:29
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After 2 weeks from my car catching fire,and AAMI saying the money is being put into your account.And things not happening because staff are off for the day so a multi national company can't operate.
THE MONEY WAS FINALLY IN MY ACCOUNT on Friday night
I was tossing up between a 1998 100 series Toyota LandCruiser on Petrol
And a 2000 Nissan Patrol 3.0 turbo diesel.
Both capable of towing my Roadstar & LEGALLY TOO lol
After doing alot of research and asking alot of questions i came to the decision that I buy the Patrol
My reasons where the 100 series on petrol would pass everything except a petrol bowser lol
The 3.0 Patrol had alot of engine problems with the 2000 /2001 models but after asking some questions of the car yard that had it for sale I found that the Patrol had it's engine replace in 2004, so although the Patrol saye's 270K on the clock its really only done156K with the newer long motor,had a full service history and receipts for everything ever done to it
It also had a duel battery system,roof cage,all panels are straight and the inside seats upholstery floor etc where defiantly not of a car 11 years old.So all in all a well looked after 4x4
Did a deal with the owner of Quality used car at Smithfield Andrew
Who i might add is very helpful and not pushy.Kept the car for me till the money came thru .On my word over the phone with no deposit
Only a short drive back to the van park and one on Sunday to Elizabeth and back but drives nice and i feel comfortable in it and more importantly so does Barbara lol
Now to have a break controller & Anderson plug fitted.Then a uhf etc lol been a draining last few weeks
Warren
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Reply By: Member - Bruce C (NSW) - Monday, Apr 11, 2011 at 11:08

Monday, Apr 11, 2011 at 11:08
Hi Warren,

Glad to hear they finally came through for you.

From every thing I have read I would advise you steer clear of the 3 litre turbo patrol. 4.2 patrol and 4.5 Cruiser is fine.

Patrol or Landcruiser, you can't go wrong. Petrol is OK but if you can get one that is already running on gas so much the better. It is cheaper that way and you will start saving money straight off and there are many out there from what i have seen recently. Always looking as I am dreaming of updating my 80 series.

Both the Landcruiser and the Patrol are thirsty devils on petrol but both are brilliant motors,
just that the 3 litre turbo diesels Patrols are not called hand grenades for no good reason. Many people have had a good run out of them and just as many have not. The same motor in the Navara was OK but seems a little light for the patrol.
Mate I would not believe anything a car salesman tells me. They are trying to get their hands on your money so that colours whatever they say.

I am biased as I am a Landcruiser man through and through. I used to own a 4.5 petrol 97 model 80 on gas and I thought it was brilliant. Economy on gas was as good if not better than the diesels. Cents per kilometre that is.
Diesel approx 24 cents per K where as Gas was 22 cents per kilometre given current pricing. If gas is half the price of diesel then it is line ball.

Robin Miller has had a good run out of his Patrols as well and swears by them. They are V8 petrols so might be a bit thirstier than the 6 cyls around town.
Can't recall if he has one on gas or not???

The 105 Landcruiser has a tow capacity of 3.5 tonne and I think the Patrols would be the same.

Good luck with your searching, hope you find a goodun.

Cheers, Bruce.

At home and at ease on a track that I know not and
restless and lost on a track that I know. HL.

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Follow Up By: Member - Bruce C (NSW) - Monday, Apr 11, 2011 at 11:16

Monday, Apr 11, 2011 at 11:16
Yep did it again, didn't finish reading your post before answering. See you have already bought the 3 litre. Best of luck.
At home and at ease on a track that I know not and
restless and lost on a track that I know. HL.

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Follow Up By: Shaver - Tuesday, Apr 12, 2011 at 09:14

Tuesday, Apr 12, 2011 at 09:14
Since when has Robyns's Patrol been a V8. Toyota's are V8's !
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Follow Up By: Member - Bruce C (NSW) - Tuesday, Apr 12, 2011 at 13:41

Tuesday, Apr 12, 2011 at 13:41
Hi Shaver,

As far as I know Nissan made a 4.8 litre V8. Which beats Landcruiser .. sorry to say. LOL I know that for sure as I was talking to a guy from West Ausie a couple of years ago and he was hauling a pretty big van, one of the largest I have seen used for touring. He said he had to get the 4.8 V8 Nissan Patrol as the Landcruiser tow capacity was not big enough for his rig.

And Robin, I think, does not have a Patrol ............... he has 2 patrols.
So that makes him doubly the expert here on Patrols.

Now I am pretty sure Robin said his were V8 Patrols but I might have got that wrong. It would not be the first time I was wrong and it certainly won't be the last time I can assure you. LOL

Are you out there Robin ??? Please enlighten us. LOL.

Cheers, Bruce.
At home and at ease on a track that I know not and
restless and lost on a track that I know. HL.

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Follow Up By: garrycol - Tuesday, Apr 12, 2011 at 15:01

Tuesday, Apr 12, 2011 at 15:01
The Nissan 4.8 is a 6 cylinder not a V8
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Follow Up By: Member - Bruce C (NSW) - Tuesday, Apr 12, 2011 at 15:32

Tuesday, Apr 12, 2011 at 15:32
Thank you Garry.

Shows how much I know about Patrols. = Zilch
I assumed the Patrol 4.8 was a V8 as the Landcruiser V8 is a 4.7
At home and at ease on a track that I know not and
restless and lost on a track that I know. HL.

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Follow Up By: Shaver - Tuesday, Apr 12, 2011 at 15:46

Tuesday, Apr 12, 2011 at 15:46
Bruce C

Well your are right the Nissan has got the bigger engine 4.8 6cyl to 4.7 V8, not much difference mate. But you should get your figures right ref power, Nissan 180kw 400nm, Toyota 202kw 410nm. The Toyota has VVTI which gives it more ooomph ! If the Nissan could pull the big van you are talking about then so would the Toyota. As garrycol has said Nissan don't have a Patrol in Aust with a V8, but there is one overseas in a newer model with a big V8 which will be here in 2012 I believe. This will be a paralell model. For Toyota to compete they will probably go for one of their newer V8's rather than fit the Lexus motor as they have done in the States.
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Follow Up By: Member - Bruce C (NSW) - Wednesday, Apr 13, 2011 at 12:31

Wednesday, Apr 13, 2011 at 12:31
Thanks Shaver,

I was not aware of the specs on either vehicle so I have learnt something new today. When did toyota start using VVTI on the V8 Petrol???

I have been thinking of updating from the 80 1HD FT to the 100 V8 petrol post late 2002 if I can but I still have a long way to go in understanding that engine.

Don't know if I am talking about frying pans or fires so to speak. I have spent a heap of dough on this 1HD FT and I think I might be giving the best of it to someone else if I part with it. The other thing is I would have to consider gas on any petrol vehicle I get and with the future of gas under a small cloud out there on the horizon I am thinking better the devil I know.

Thanks again for the info. It's all grist for the mill.

Cheers, Bruce.
At home and at ease on a track that I know not and
restless and lost on a track that I know. HL.

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Follow Up By: Shaver - Wednesday, Apr 13, 2011 at 14:01

Wednesday, Apr 13, 2011 at 14:01
Bruce C

If I was you I would keep your 80 T/D. They are a good vehicle, have good ground clearence & are a better vehicle as such with their fixed axle than the independent front end on the 100's which sag in the front from new. VVTI came in with the 200 Series. The 100 Series V8 is heavier on Petrol than the 200 which is more streamlined & a much more refined vehicle to drive. There a very few vehicles that are as quiet to drive as the 200, & that includes cars, they are a credit to Toyota (& probably Lexus) in their suppresson of outside noise in the cabin. Every person that rides in one will comment after a couple of minutes as to the subdued cabin & that included me when I rode in a friends & subsequently bought one ! My fondest memories though are from my 60 Series T/D Sahara which was bullit proof. Cheers !
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Follow Up By: Member - Bruce C (NSW) - Wednesday, Apr 13, 2011 at 16:36

Wednesday, Apr 13, 2011 at 16:36
Hi Shaver,

That is what everybody tells me but very few have backdated certainly none that I know.

You are no doubt right but as I am like everybody else I will probably act in haste and repent at leisure. Can't teach an old dog new tricks.

Can't see myself getting into a 200 series for a few years yet till they come down to my price. LOL

Anyhow Shaver I hear what you are saying and will more than likely follow your advice. It's running about 70 keep to 30 change atm so we will see how things pan out. The other thing is all the additions I have put on it which will take weeks to fit to any upgrade.

On another note I have heard that someone changed the front end on a 100 series to a solid axle but I would imagine that is a little involved. I could do it but whether I would want to is another matter. (currently doing an LH drive to RH drive conversion on Bros motorhome with him so we are capable of many things)

I do very little off roading but having said that you should see the track into my place sometimes. LOL

Thanks again for the info.
Cheers, Bruce.
At home and at ease on a track that I know not and
restless and lost on a track that I know. HL.

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Follow Up By: Shaver - Thursday, Apr 14, 2011 at 08:33

Thursday, Apr 14, 2011 at 08:33
Last Post on the subject Bruce. The earlier 100's have solid front diffs & greater ground clearance, but no T/D I believe !
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Follow Up By: Member - Bruce C (NSW) - Thursday, Apr 14, 2011 at 08:56

Thursday, Apr 14, 2011 at 08:56
Shaver,

response not required.

The 105 in standard and GXL were solid axles and the 100 gxl and above were IFS.

As far as I know both the V8 petrol and definitely the 1HD FTE were only available in the 100 s. Only in the IFS apparently. that is why the comment about changing the front end....from IFS to solid axle. I know someone has done it I just cannot remember where I saw the write up.

Cheers, Bruce.
At home and at ease on a track that I know not and
restless and lost on a track that I know. HL.

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Reply By: garrycol - Monday, Apr 11, 2011 at 11:14

Monday, Apr 11, 2011 at 11:14
Of all the vehicles to choose the one that should have been on the bottom of the list should have been a 3 litre patrol - it is the engine not the vehicle.

Irrespective whether the engine has been replaced or not you will have expensive problems later - not a matter of if but when.

However as long as you know the risks then that is your choice. I hope you have no issues and enjoy the vehicle.

I would put an exhaust gas temp gauge in it and go on the Patrol forum to see what temp you Must keep it below.

Good luck

Garry
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Follow Up By: Nutta - Monday, Apr 11, 2011 at 21:45

Monday, Apr 11, 2011 at 21:45
I have to disagree with the 'if but when' statement.

You're saying that every 3.0l patrol on the road will grenade eventually!?

Thats alot of patrols, bloody ridiculous.
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Follow Up By: garrycol - Monday, Apr 11, 2011 at 22:13

Monday, Apr 11, 2011 at 22:13
By all means put your head in the sand.
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Follow Up By: Member - Christopher P (NSW) - Tuesday, Apr 12, 2011 at 07:45

Tuesday, Apr 12, 2011 at 07:45
a tip with the 3 litre patrols, don't let it over heat, that causes cracks in the pistons, and diesel to get into it and errode/ eat the ally around the crown and that causes then to detonate. getting new pistons before this happens will help longevity. not many mechanics will work on these motors due to them being a PITA.

i spoke to a mate who is a mechanic and he has rebuilt his motor and replaced pistons after said detonation. so if you can upgrade the cooling system to a bigger radiator then that will reduce the chance of it over heating somewhat marginally,
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Follow Up By: Member Brian (Gold Coast) - Tuesday, Apr 12, 2011 at 07:58

Tuesday, Apr 12, 2011 at 07:58
Second Garry's comments re the EGT guage. And the Patrol forum.

The EGT is really important in a turbo'd diesel IMHO. Personally I would not own one without an EGT.

And remember to watch the engine temp fall to an acceptable temp before switching off the engine. Very important.

Lastly, congrats on the purchase and enjoy your Patrol mate. Let's hope it gives you years of enjoyment. The 3.0L has it's problems, but keep a close eye on it, follow advice from the Patrol forum and your mechanic, and you should not have too many issues.

Cheers

Brian


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