Help buying a Patrol

[DanziM]

Hi everyone. First poster here. Really keen for some thoughts and ideas on an older patrol from around 2003-07. These will be within my budget and specifically after a diesel. Is there anything I should avoid or be wary of?

I am coming from a new grand Vitara which I am selling to purchase a patrol. Just love the shape and style of them so taking the plunge! Intend on rigging it up for a cape trip and to the territory.

Any guidance and assistance much appreciated. Cheers

[MB]

Welcome aboard mate !
Best to give a rough budget +/- $5k so top folk here can help advise for your upcoming adventures:-)

[DanziM]

Ahhh of course sorry. Nothing above 20k hence looking around for 03-07 models. Could stretch maybe a little more but would rather have $$ in the bag for improvements and maintenance. Cheers

[MB]

My apologies mate, should have added earlier; are you after a family sized wagon or will a good ol ute suffice ;-) ?

[DanziM]

Ahhh I really am a rookie first poster! Wagon only...never been keen on the utes. Cheers

[MB]

Others will hopefully advise also mate but I would personally be looking back a year or two for a low km say 2000-2002 GU TD4.2T wagon for your 20k price range. Our family wagon is 2001 of same and nearing 400,000kms with nothing but basic services :-) Honestly do have mates up FNQ&NT who are still running TD4.2&T donks to near 1,000,000kms well serviced, no BS :-) !

[dom14]

Is there anything I should avoid or be wary of?

Yes. ZD30 it is. Run the other way when come across a one.

[mudnut]

RD28T Other than some having head or heating problems, cracking cam gear, harmonic balancer key shearing off and pump wear and tear, they are a slow, but reliable engine.

TB45 petrol are thirsty but reliable.

TB48 really thirsty but powerful and reliable. A forum member had the head modified for better air and exhaust flow and is really happy with the result.

TD42 the best of the bunch.

[dom14]

RD28T Other than some having head or heating problems, cracking cam gear, harmonic balancer key shearing off and pump wear and tear, they are a slow, but reliable engine.

TB45 petrol are thirsty but reliable.

TB48 really thirsty but powerful and reliable. A forum member had the head modified for better air and exhaust flow and is really happy with the result.

TD42 the best of the bunch.

Some guys are claiming to get 100km/18L from TB45 on highway.
If that's correct, it is not too far off RB30 economy, and I would definitely retire RB30 in favour of TB45.
Put TB45 on sequential LPG injection and the economy should get even better.

What do you reckon? Is there any truth in the above TB45 claim?

[UncleFrosty]

Some guys are claiming to get 100km/18L from TB45 on highway.

Should be achievable @dom14.
My TB45E gets 4-4.5k/litre on PULP on highway with the dual fuel tuning and dire need of some work/tuning.
TD42T stock ute (unloaded) gets 7's regularly. (FYI @DanziM, that's not 1/4 mile time)
It depends on your budget and how much you'll use it.
If cash is tight up front, then petrols are far cheaper to buy, but probably cost more in juice in the long run. Vice-versa for diesels.
Check auctions (esp receivership ones) if you're prepared to take the risk.