$10k to spend - advice on which model?

[cynner]

Hey all,

In looking at buying my first 4x4 and have come to the conclusion that I can't go past a Patrol. From what I gather the 4.2's seem to have the best reputation for reliability, is that correct?

Should 10k find me something decent? I'd be hoping to find something with a gew goodies - lifted, bull bar, good tyres, etc... so that I don't have to spend too much modifying it down the track...

For reliability, should I avoid turbos? What about the 2.8 TD?

Thanks heaps!
Kim

[Winnie]

A GQ 4.2 turbo will see you happy for many years. At your budget you might have to wait until you can find a bargain but it will be worth it! Don't rush into it.

Trying to use Motorculture

[taslucas]

As Winnie said, don't rush into it. Have the money ready and stalk gumtree. There's a couple of good ones on there right now. If going for a TD4.2 then don't be put off by higher k's. They are a strong, long lasting engine. As for a turbo diesel 2.8, they are also a great engine but obviously lack power compared to the bigger 4.2. If it's just general driving, touring, and light offroad work your doing then a 2.8 will be sufficient. Your in Tassie right? There's a nice looking 2.8 GQ on gumtree at the moment.

[taslucas]

If you decide on a 2.8 then this looks like a pretty good buy. A lot of extras included.
http://m.gumtree.com.au/turbo-diesel...2528588&page=1

[threedogs]

Look around the rear widows as most are prone to rust in that area,
other than that go hunting

[liftlid]

you haven't mentioned if this will be your daily driver, with occasional long distance work, or a dedicated bush truck, if its going to be a daily driver you may be better off with petrol/gas as its running cost's overall will be less than a diesel. You will have crap economy off road with a petrol. But when you consider how often you use your car off road, compared to highway the petrol/gas combination is cheaper to run. The diesel's advantage is it gets consistent fuel economy (Bad) so on remote trips (desert) you have more of an idea how much fuel you need to carry. On another note if the 2.8 has all the accessories it may be a good buy as you can always swap in a 4.2 when the 2.8 engine gets tired. The 2.8 should be cheaper than the same truck with a 4.2 as its like a ute with leaf springs they are not very popular.

[taslucas]

you haven't mentioned if this will be your daily driver, with occasional long distance work, or a dedicated bush truck, if its going to be a daily driver you may be better off with petrol/gas as its running cost's overall will be less than a diesel. You will have crap economy off road with a petrol. But when you consider how often you use your car off road, compared to highway the petrol/gas combination is cheaper to run. The diesel's advantage is it gets consistent fuel economy (Bad) so on remote trips (desert) you have more of an idea how much fuel you need to carry. On another note if the 2.8 has all the accessories it may be a good buy as you can always swap in a 4.2 when the 2.8 engine gets tired. The 2.8 should be cheaper than the same truck with a 4.2 as its like a ute with leaf springs they are not very popular.

Probably a conversation for another thread, but Im not convinced on your opinions about diesels getting consistentantly bad economy???
A TB42 will have trouble getting less than 25litres per hundred ks and will use anything up to 35 litres per hundred ks. The rb30's are not much better. The way lpg pricing is going, it's not really any cheaper running it.

[Winnie]

It was definitely cheaper for me running LPG by about 20 dollars a week.

Trying to use Motorculture

[taslucas]

It was definitely cheaper for me running LPG by about 20 dollars a week.

Trying to use Motorculture

It definitely wasn't for me though. Maybe just a little bit cheaper if highway driving but no difference if you have a heavy foot. Also depends a lot on the tune and system though I guess. You were efi Winnie?

[Bob]

I have a 4.5 Dual Fuel and achieve 18Litres per 100 K's on LPG therefor Say 20 Litres @ 80c per Litre = $16 per 100 K's.
Towing Camper Van 24 Litres per 100K's = $19.20 per 100 K's
The Price of LPG in Bendigo is at present 64c per Litre