looking for new truck

Hi
Uppy

Wondered what happened to you.

The Series II GU patrols which was the first with the 3Lt is generally considered the Grenade. From series 3 onwards Nissan claimed it was fixed, although there are reports of issues with these and series 4's.

The series 2 was about 2001 to end 2002,

I have noticed in recent years the number of reprots of engines going bang have seemed to drop off, I wonder if this means that those that were going to go bang have alrerady done so.

I have had 2 3lts, a Series 3 and currently a series 6 and Like many people have had no problems.

Alan

Hi Uppy,

I'll leave the Patrol stuff to the owners (I have a GQ but not your GU's you're asking about).

I'd stay clear of Jeeps. I have a Jeep Wrangler (JK 2 door) which is my fun car for around town and day trips to Goolwa etc. Great car and love it but not a car I would bush bash around. My theory is based on cost and supply of parts.

Jeep are very expensive for anything you want done. The diesel is also a complicated (Italian engine) piece of machinery and expensive (mine is the diesel). Not something you would want to own long term or give a hard life to. Parts and labour at Jeep are just ridiculous. Until they get their head around this they will always be a minor car supplier in Australia IMHO.

The other problem is they have 'different' parts meaning orders need to happen from USA which means long time delays. Two example going on right now for me and friends:
1. flat batter in my car. Jeep quoted $690. Got it elsewhere for $380
2. Friend has a Cherokee with a failed computer. 10 weeks to order in from USA to then install and burn it out again (another part was actually the problem). Another 10 weeks to order in two news computers. In total they have not seen their car for 5 months (other delays also).

Not a situation to be in when your in the bush or have a trip planned. Anyway my opinion is to stick with your Patrols. Other will know better but I'm fairly sure the engine issues were resolved around series 3 onwards so no problems there if they fit into your budget.

Try the post about 13 post down from here (or click here)



:)

I think you are lowering your sights if you are considering a Jeep.
If they were as good as some people say, then there would be a lot more of them around.
As said above, there own parts shouldn't destroy the computer.
Much earlier one, the square model, used to have trouble with the steering box completely breaking off the chassis. apparently the cause of many crashes in the US of A. Also seen the box break off in here in Melbourne.

I hope the build quality and reliability has improved. Some people swear by them, others, at them.

Go and look at the build quality of the 2door Dodge V10, appalling build quality. Same company.

Ross M

Hi there Uppy, I have had 2 patrols a 2004 and a 2008, both with no problems and no complaints., I have recently upgraded to a New model Mazda BT50. The reason I didnt trade up to a new Patrol is that IMHO they are now old hat. Whilst they are still a very capable off roader, they have been overtaken in the power, comfort, ride and technology stakes. The new Mazda's and Fords and soon to be release Colorado's are as big as a Patrol with heaps more power and torque 147 /470 to 118 /350, far better on Juice, I am currently getting 10l per 100km around town compared to 13l per 100km for the Patrol and have all the modern technology and the ride and comfort you would expect of a non 4wd sedan.They even come with a rear diff locker. And comparable on price around 50k for a dual cab ute compared to mid 50's for the Patrol.
Worth consideration

Hi Uppy,

I've a 2010 GU tray back which I bought 2nd hand last year (previously had a 100 series wagon). So far I'm vary happy with it.

It's only done a couple of longer runs - one heavily loaded up to the gulf fishing and one a lightly loaded out to Birdsville and around there (Innaminka etc). Not the most economical vehicle in the 3lt TD's at approx 12-13 lt/100 and then up to 15-17ish when loaded and towing. However they are a big vehicle. The running gear has the reputation of being very sturdy and since I didn't want independent front suspension and I wanted something that was relatively common (ie able to be fixed/plenty of parts etc) that had good fuel range (the utes have 175 lt of fuel std). I was really only left with the patrol or the cruiser and the patrol won out on price. I'm also hoping that the bugs have been ironed out of that motor.

Hope this is some use.

Cheers Nip

G'day Uppy,

I am possibly a little biased here but will beat Robin in by a wisker I'm sure. Don't look any further than the 4.8 auto for a very capable vehicle. OK it has a reasonable thirst but it earns that in my opinion.

Kind regards

I have a 4.2L diesel patrol trayback and am very happy with it.

If you like Patrols then forget the later 3L models they still go bang, go for a late model 4.2.
I carry a heavy trayback camper and tyre/jerrys on the roof and get around 15L/100K's. It improves when the camper is off but I dont have accurate figures for that though I think it probably heads towards 14L/100K's.
The worst fuel usage I have achieved is 17L/100K's and we do a full mix of offroad and highway travel.

Heya Uppy,

From what i remember you need to seat a lot of people.
I dont think you can go too wrong with a late model 3litre auto diesel patrol.
They chew a little more fuel than the manual version but seem to be hanging in there, (engine-wise).
The auto makes it a very easy vehicle to drive.
It would be heaps cheaper on fuel than your (school bus) mate.
You may remember me from our meeting at Bolivar Caravan Park in Adelaide a while back.

Regards,
The AXE MURDERER.

Check out post 95570 might be a good 4.2 GU there for you!! Michael