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View Full Version : Patrol RACV Pre purchase report - would you buy?



Cuppa
17th February 2011, 07:53 PM
Looking at an ex telstra 2006 Patrol cab chassis with canopy. 4.2 turbo intercooled diesel.
154,000kms $33,000 from dealer.

The dealer has just had an RACV pre-purchase check done & sent me a copy. (attached)

The RACV uses a 'traffic light' system which roughly summarised is:
Green= OK to buy.
Amber - caution repairs needed, but ok to buy if repairs carried out
Red - steer clear, don't touch it with a barge pole.

The report is only a summary & seems to have very little in it, I assume if something isn't mentioned it isn't a problem.

Would you buy this vehicle? I gotta admit the mention of gearbox noises has me pretty nervous. The dealer would fix the electrics for RWC, but I'd doubt they would be willing to rebuild the gearbox. This is a vehicle we would want to keep long term, & one that we need to feel confident about taking into remote areas.

What would a gearbox rebuild to replace bearings cost?
Is it normal for one of these gearboxes to have a bit of noise at 150,000kms?

I need to call the dealer tomorrow, so any replies before then will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks folks,
Cuppa

Woof
17th February 2011, 08:58 PM
Cuppa I don't know much about this sort of stuff, but reading the report $33k seems way over priced to me.

Finly Owner
17th February 2011, 09:39 PM
wheres YNOT

MudRunnerTD
17th February 2011, 11:06 PM
Yeah looks alright to me too. What state was it registered in? IF in doubt call the RACV and ask them about a pre-purchase "Mechanical Inspection" i thought they did compression checks and safety checks as part of an extended inspection.

Alternatively call you local Off-Road specialist mechanic tomorrow and ask how much for them to have a good look over it.

Oh Yeah....and Fark the dealer mate, you dont have to call him till your good and ready, if he wants to sell you the car and he wants his price then he will wait for you. He will tell you that all these other people are interested and all that but if you have to bring your query here then it aint set in stone and not negotiable any way. Take your time. get the right checks done to put your mind at ease.

The RACV certainly trade on doing a good service but that report does seem a little simple but it does serve a purpose. (the sellers purpose) The best advice that you can get will cost you money mate. Take it to a local off-road that knows Nissan and get them to drive it. If the dealer does not want to give you that much access to the car then you dont want buy it off him anyways mate.

my 2c

Cuppa
17th February 2011, 11:45 PM
I think I'm getting some good advice so far.
Can anyone recommend a 4wd place who would be good for a '2nd opinion'? The vehicle is in Moorabbin. We live 3 hours away in Gippsland so have no idea what's around up there.

Other than the clutch thrust bearing rattle that Plasnart refers to, how 'prone' to bearing noise are these boxes? I would appreciate more comment from other owners on this.

Dogman, I think the price is in the ballpark. Stock utes with similar age & mileage are only about $3k to $5k less. The Telstra stuff is worth $15k+ to fit, & is all stuff that I want. Seems being the last of the 4.2's is keeping the prices up?

Any other thoughts folks

Thanks
Cuppa

Clunk
17th February 2011, 11:47 PM
for 33K, I definitley get the car checked over by an independant who knows what they're looking at and I'd be getting the dealer to get any problems and noises fixed............ if they're not willing, then just walk away...... as MudRunner said f*** the dealer mate, there'll always be another ute turn up.

MudRunnerTD
17th February 2011, 11:49 PM
I'd be thinking ARB Dandenong mate, i think they trade as ARB Southern?

http://www.fixedpricecarservice.com.au/centres/vic/melbourne/dandenong/arb-southern/

give them a call mate they will set you straight i reckon, they may even know the dealer and they will certainly know the Nissan.

Sir Roofy
18th February 2011, 07:15 AM
Can understand why you want this ute,but id want more advice on the box,its telstra everybody wants em cause of there set up get the box double checked

Bigrig
18th February 2011, 07:49 AM
Yep - for $33k I'd be wanting it checked and repaired - the yard will have plenty of margin on it, so tell them you won't haggle on the price at all, so long as any mechanical issues are inspected and repaired with certs. If they aren't interested in that idea, then more than likely they already know the problems it has and how much they are to repair!

MQ MAD
18th February 2011, 09:53 AM
Dont ever ever believe a report from a yard is good
Always get an independant inspection done
Not from a recommendation from the said yard either
Theres a mob in QLD called state roads (yeah thats their name)
They do full vehicle inspections from mechanical to body and paint (even paint thickness)
Inspections cost a few hundred from memory , depending on how thorough you want
Only the person paying for the report sees it,even if its a car yard car inspected
Yep if the yard wants to see the report they have to pay for the inspection
Im sure this mob originated from VIC or NSW
Do a quick google

Ive used them a few times now and saved me many $$$
Gives you bargaining power when you know exactly what your buying

AB
18th February 2011, 09:58 AM
http://www.stateroads.com.au/

Is this it? Looks like they have a Melbourne branch too.

Cuppa
18th February 2011, 01:14 PM
Have just spoken with the RACV. I wasn't sure if they would discuss the report with me or not, seeings it was commissioned by the dealer & not by me. However no problem.
Basically they advised the same as the consensus here - get the gearbox checked out independently. The dealer is prepared to go along with this.
I have asked the dealer to send me the full Telstra service history & if we still wish to pursue it, I will get the box checked out.
Thanks for your advice folks ..... I may be back with more questions if they arise.
regards
Cuppa

PS. Aha another question already. :-)
I know I am dealing with a biased 'audience' but ........... the following is a comment made by a friend who travels extensively in the outback in his OKA based motorhome,

"Having never owned either a Toyota or a Nissan, I am as unbiased as you can get...

You have been about a bit Cuppa. You would know that if you see a NON Toyota 4x4 out there in the 'bush' it will be being driven by a tourist, not a 'local'. The next station will have a spare widget for that Troopy out the back (and know how to fit it). You want a widget for anything else, "we will get one sent up on the bus next week, if the road is open. Just hope they send the right one".

Is he right? Has anyone needed repairs in the middle of Woop Woop. Was getting parts manageable or a nightmare?

AB
18th February 2011, 01:27 PM
Yes and no and it would obviously depend on where you are etc.

Patrols are a lot more popular these days then they were back in the 80's or 90's. I would agree to the above if it was back then where there were a zillion more Landcrabs out and about then Patrols but not these days.

A hell of a lot of rural people use patrols these days!

MQ MAD
18th February 2011, 02:12 PM
Alot of the outback/cow cokies have toymotas
They had, their dad had,their granddad had
Most of the outback towns are still along these thinkin lines
If i didnt have a patrol id have a toymota
There is nothin else
As for parts pricing and delivery
Most nissan parts are cheaper than toymota stuff
(Paying for the toyota badge "again")
Delivery , well wouldnt be any longer than anything else
Its not the horse and buggy days

YNOT
18th February 2011, 02:23 PM
I agree with MQ MAD, parts deliveries will take the same time whether it's Toyota or Nissan.

Tony

MudRunnerTD
18th February 2011, 04:17 PM
I agree with MAD MQ and YNOT the parts for amTD42 will be as easy as the Toy to get. There is allot more or them around now. Lots in use in the mines over west and I'm sure even Telstra use them in the outback now don't they? ;)

Sent via tapatalk from a car park somewhere

Cuppa
18th February 2011, 04:25 PM
and I'm sure even Telstra use them in the outback now don't they? ;)



Ummmmmm ....... good point.:icon_bonk:

jaxt
18th February 2011, 04:57 PM
Ummmmmm ....... good point.:icon_bonk:

i noticed the patrols were used by telstra out at tambo...so yes I concur...
and agree with MQ MAD definitely go see stateroads well worth the money
more detailed and thorough....
check paint thicknesses in microns etc.
pressure tests etc

Cuppa
21st February 2011, 06:25 PM
I'm thinking what I write might possibly be useful to others who may consider buying an ex Telstra Patrol, as well as being a means of getting my own thoughts together.

I still haven't driven this Patrol, but have managed to obtain the vehicle's service history print out & have since spoken with someone in the service department at Kittles in Alice springs where it was regularly serviced at 5000km intervals from new in September '06 until August last year for it's 140,000km service (& a new radio!). No idea if it's been serviced since then, now has 154,000kms.
Talking to the service bloke was really worthwhile, he had only been there 6 months so didn't know this particular vehicle, BUT he did have further records to flesh out the 'one line comments' in the history printout I received.
There is no doubt the car has been used hard. Last April, at 134,000kms the record noted briefly 'Front diff crack'. Gulp! Talking to Kittles I found out that Telstra had paid $3500 for a new diff. Phew!
I was also able to confirm that all the shocks (OME) were replaced last year. No history of gearbox problems. The complete exhaust was replaced after the existing one was 'flattened' in September 08!
Lots of other smaller stuff replaced over the years, most recent being a drag link(?) air filter & top radiator hose. Wheel bearings checked/adjusted at every service.

So overall, despite it's obviously hard life, it does seem to have been pretty well serviced. I asked the bloke, a pom, only been in Alice 6 months, if he would buy an ex Telstra Patrol. His response was to tell me that prior to going there he had no idea how hard the roads & tracks up there could be on a car, but he'd take one of these regularly serviced Telstra ones over the likes of hire vehicles or others where you don't know the (lack of) service history. He also commented on having seen other Telstra Patrols up there with cracked diffs & said that sometimes they get repaired, but again confirmed that this one was replaced.

We think we'll still go for this Patrol, subject to a second opinion on the gearbox 'noise'. After phoning around I think I'll take it to 'Total Traction Drivelines' in Moorabbin. (Unless anyone here tells me not to). I spoke to Matt there & his comments about RACV pre-purchase inspections & 4x4's seemed on the money to me, & I think he knows the 4.2 Patrols well, So I reckon we'll get him to do a 'proper' 4WD pre-purchase check up for us & make our decision based on what he finds.

There that sounds like a decision doesn't it ....... well at least a step closer to a decision. :-)

Regards
Cuppa

Bigrig
21st February 2011, 06:30 PM
I'm thinking what I write might possibly be useful to others who may consider buying an ex Telstra Patrol, as well as being a means of getting my own thoughts together.

I still haven't driven this Patrol, but have managed to obtain the vehicle's service history print out & have since spoken with someone in the service department at Kittles in Alice springs where it was regularly serviced at 5000km intervals from new in September '06 until August last year for it's 140,000km service (& a new radio!). No idea if it's been serviced since then, now has 154,000kms.
Talking to the service bloke was really worthwhile, he had only been there 6 months so didn't know this particular vehicle, BUT he did have further records to flesh out the 'one line comments' in the history printout I received.
There is no doubt the car has been used hard. Last April, at 134,000kms the record noted briefly 'Front diff crack'. Gulp! Talking to Kittles I found out that Telstra had paid $3500 for a new diff. Phew!
I was also able to confirm that all the shocks (OME) were replaced last year. No history of gearbox problems. The complete exhaust was replaced after the existing one was 'flattened' in September 08!
Lots of other smaller stuff replaced over the years, most recent being a drag link(?) air filter & top radiator hose. Wheel bearings checked/adjusted at every service.

So overall, despite it's obviously hard life, it does seem to have been pretty well serviced. I asked the bloke, a pom, only been in Alice 6 months, if he would buy an ex Telstra Patrol. His response was to tell me that prior to going there he had no idea how hard the roads & tracks up there could be on a car, but he'd take one of these regularly serviced Telstra ones over the likes of hire vehicles or others where you don't know the (lack of) service history. He also commented on having seen other Telstra Patrols up there with cracked diffs & said that sometimes they get repaired, but again confirmed that this one was replaced.

We think we'll still go for this Patrol, subject to a second opinion on the gearbox 'noise'. After phoning around I think I'll take it to 'Total Traction Drivelines' in Moorabbin. (Unless anyone here tells me not to). I spoke to Matt there & his comments about RACV pre-purchase inspections & 4x4's seemed on the money to me, & I think he knows the 4.2 Patrols well, So I reckon we'll get him to do a 'proper' 4WD pre-purchase check up for us & make our decision based on what he finds.

There that sounds like a decision doesn't it ....... well at least a step closer to a decision. :-)

Regards
Cuppa

Good luck with it mate - at least you're not leaving a stone unturned in trying to get the score on it - that's all you can do at the end of the day, and if you're satisfied (which it sounds you are) then go for it ... look forward to some happy snaps when you get it!!

Clunk
21st February 2011, 08:45 PM
and don't forget to take it out for a drive!!!!!

Silver
21st February 2011, 10:18 PM
where does Telstra auction these? Go to the source?

Cuppa
21st February 2011, 10:36 PM
where does Telstra auction these? Go to the source?

Hi Silver, this is the source or at least one of them. Orix. They lease the cars to Telstra (& others). Telstra don't actually buy them. Orix leases them until 4 years old & then sells them at whatever the mileage is. As I understand it they only send the cars they think they'll have problems selling to the auctions. Certainly you wouldn't get access to the service history etc at auction. One dealer I spoke to who had a couple of ex telstra patrols claimed to have 'inside knowledge' that let him know when cars were coming up for sale from Telstra, but he was rather 'fuzzy' about his source but denied it was via the auctions. I had my doubts as to his truthfulness.

Cuppa

Silver
22nd February 2011, 08:33 AM
Just googled Orix auction - one of the first few hits was Pickles Auctions which list Orix as a source. You could always ring Orix and see what they say!

I do know that Qfleet (State Gov't) runs auctions just for dealers and others open to dealers and public. This is to maintain price for dealers I gather.

DX grunt
25th February 2011, 02:43 PM
Another option would be to ring the Telstra Depot where the car was 'based' and talk to the driver/s.

If you do manage to get hold of the driver/s you may be able to find out exactly what was replaced with it. It may have only had one driver, but if it was a 'Community Vehicle' and the drivers' attitude was 'we drove it like we stole it' - either way, then buyer beware.

Mine was based up around Broome/Kununurra in the Pilbara/Kimberly area of WA. Hot K's all the time, plenty of gravel work. Didn't get a service history from Telstra and 'trusted' the sales rep.
Paid $27K between 12-18 months ago with about 180k's on the clock.

Hope this helps a bit.

Ross
DX grunt

Cuppa
6th March 2011, 03:05 PM
Well I got the '2nd opinion' from Total Traction Drivelines. The inspection was done promptly & Matt got back to me on the phone as soon as he'd finished, & emailed me his report next working day. Pretty good I thought, & $40 cheaper than an RACV pre-purchase inspection! It was definitely worth getting the 2nd opinion. The 'gearbox bearing whine' that the RACV test picked up had Matt scratching his head. He reckons the gearbox is fine. The 2nd test picked up a number of issues that the RACV had missed. The most significant of these being a broken engine mount. Orix to their credit have agreed to fix all of the issues. Subject to a satisfactory test drive I'm expecting to be a Patrol owner next weekend. :-)

I don't think I'd bother with an RACV test again. Another thing discovered in the 2nd test was a door alarm that goes off on right hand corners. How the RACV could have missed that I don't know, unless they didn't test drive it.

A question: The steering wheel sits off centre. The 2nd test revealed that this is because the vehicle has a 2" lift & a new, but non adjustable drag link has been fitted. To be honest I'm not exactly sure what a drag link is, other than it is part of the steering. Would retaining this drag link cause any problem, other than making the steering wheel sit off centre?

regards
Cuppa

DX grunt
6th March 2011, 06:14 PM
Great news cuppa.

Please keep us informed. I'm excited that your excited. lol

Take care out there.

Ross
DX grunt

YNOT
6th March 2011, 06:24 PM
It depends how far off centre the steering is. If it's only slightly off then it probably is just from the lift. If it's a fair way off centre it could be something more serious.

The drag link is the steering arm in front of the diff, it runs between the steering box pitman arm and the left front steering knuckle.
Early GU's were subject to a recall that replaced a factory adjustable drag link with a fixed length arm. The Patrol you are looking at is probably not affected by the recall and may just have been replaced due to wear or damage. Being in front of the front diff they are easily damaged.

Tony

hekarewe
6th March 2011, 09:30 PM
@ 33K that sounds very over priced i picked up an 03 GU ST-L 3.0TD with 114000KLM on it NEVER BEEN OFF ROAD one lady owner and in as new condition inside and out for only 28K.

the fact that is ex gov/telstra i would be vary warry as it would have alot of different drivers with the attitude that its not mine so who cares. and that 154000klms would have been up on the hard way. i really wanted a 4.2 diesel but all the ones i looked at were either ex gov or mining and all showed signs of hard driving

the end of the day the choice is yours but be careful its a lot of money to invest into a vehicle

Silver
6th March 2011, 11:39 PM
I see these Telstra vehicles at ARB at Nundah (occasional customer, don't work there) before they put the box on the tray.

It seems they get a bit of work done on the running gear, ie new springs and shocks and additional fuel tank, not sure what else.

Cuppa
12th March 2011, 09:06 PM
Hey folks,
Well I've gone & done it. The 2006 ex Telstra Patrol is all mine as of this afternoon, & I think I'm pretty chuffed with it. You should probably expect a bunch of dumb questions from me in the near future when I've had a bit more of a chance to find my way around it.

Thanks for everyone's input on this thread. :smiley_thumbs_up:

regards
Cuppa

Woof
12th March 2011, 09:56 PM
Great news there Cuppa enjoy mate, oh and by the way there is no such thing as dumb questions here so ask away.

Cuppa
12th March 2011, 10:18 PM
'Just home'

AB
12th March 2011, 10:39 PM
Nice work Cuppa, that looks neat!

yeah Rossco is your new best friend...lol

No question is stupid mate, only stupidity is not asking.

Cuppa
12th March 2011, 10:43 PM
yeah Rossco is your new best friend...lol



Yeah I can see I might need to consult him on the mysteries of Telstra electricals at some point! :-)

Cuppa

Clunk
13th March 2011, 01:14 AM
nice one Cuppa, looks very tidy indeeed

DX grunt
13th March 2011, 10:23 AM
Great stuff Cuppa. Rossco will have kittens when he sees it!

My pants moved! lololol

DX grunt
13th March 2011, 10:27 AM
Hey Cuppa

Time to join the member's rig thread section..... lol

We'll have a chat on there. PS. Don't give those Rhino ladder racks away.... To buy them brand new, their worth about $500 each!

I'm so happy for you..... and me...... I've got a younger brother.... Finally. lolol

Silver
13th March 2011, 06:28 PM
nice one!!