HEEELP Should I buy a GQ or a GU??

[tamel]

I'm sure this has been hashed out many many times, but I have no idea what to buy? I will soon have about $13000 to play with & desperately want a patrol but I don't know whether to go with a gq or a gu. I know both are great vehicles. I am a female (not that that matters) with 2 kids that need something comfy as far as back seats go. I have a smallish caravan that I want to tow but it will also be my daily driver. I love the tough look of the gq but the gu isn't bad either. Any help will be greatly received & appreciated.

[macca86]

That money a 3ltr gu would be the go if you find one low klm and good service history or get a tricked out 4.2turbo gq but the gu would be more comfortable

[SonOf]

With budget of 13k I would be personally looking at a GQ with a 4.2 turbo diesel for towing the van. There are some excellent buys around and for under you budget so you can add some comforts.

The GU has slightly comfy seats over the GQ but you can get a nice set of stratos or saas to replace the front seats of a GQ. Do a search on here for seats and you will get some good info. Same with what to look for, some great posts here.

Good luck with your seach

[Rickie3]

GU a lot of truck for little money, very comfy and look mint kitted up, but hey thats my opinion I own a GU LOL, seriously tho tamel, I suggest if you can to test drive both then make your mind up with what you would be more happy with, after all its your cash your spending

[tamel]

Is there really all that much difference between the two vehicles? It looks like I will get more for my $ with the gq but then I'm worried that if there are lots of extras will it have had a hard off road life? Is there anyway to tell other than dented panels? I guess when it comes down to it as long as it's a patrol I can't go too wrong can I.

[happygu]

Tamel,

I have owned both, and for my money, I would prefer the GU, as it will have airbags, and more safety equipment over the GQ.

I loved my GQ when I owned it and it was a fantastic vehicle, but I wouldnt sell my GU to get one now....

If you have never owned one, you will love either...
Mic

[Avo]

if your going tio get a GQ try really really hard to get a 4.2 td,can't say much about the petrol cause I have never had them.if you like comfort and a nice family car go the GU.we have a GQ and a GU,the Gq does all the hard stuff-play and fishing and camping,towing the camper trailer,not minding if they put truck loads of sand in it we'll vacuum it out when we get home.The gu has all the comforts of a nice family car-and I'm trying to keep it that way.I do like the way the GU handles the dirt roads.yet the GQ is such a reliable old girl so much so I couldn't sell her when we upgraded.

Not much help I know,keep asking questions about each ones faults and what to look out for,hopefully you'll get sorted.

[Matty852]

It just comes down to having a good look around and if you are willing to trade off some quality for price, I was looking around for a GQ for quite a while and managed to pick up an 88 td42 turbo inter cooled running on two inch lift for 6 grand, it was a bit rough around the edges but after a few weekends cleaning it up it and repairing some minor things it has turned out to be more than I hoped for

[growler2058]

Be warned of the "grenade" motor issues of 2000-2003 GU 3ltrs. They can be made safe with the NADS modifications.



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[threedogs]

For the money you have either a low mile early petrol Ti GU or even a 3lt ZD30, or
a 4.2 TD GQ with most mods done, bit more room in a GU

[growler2058]

Look under the vehicle for any telltale signs of off-road use or abuse. Dented fuel tank, scratches etc


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[Wizard52]

Hi

I have 2006 GU and my son a 1998 GQ- both utes and we would not swap them for anything. He will inherit my GU-hopefully in many years time, but he will still keep his GQ as he thinks it is better for lurking around Fraser.

[tamel]

Thank you to everyone for your advice & help. Can someone please explain the "grenede" motor issues & NAD mod thingy please? I thought the problems were with the 2.8 gu motors? Just thinking about going to source out a patrol is getting very exciting.

Thanks everyone, Tam

[threedogs]

best you do a search or google Chaz Yellowfoot the Guru of all things ZD30.

[happygu]

Tam,

The grenade thing is really 3 Litre Diesel specific, and especially relates to the 2000 to 2003 models, although they got better after late 2001...

All other Patrols are fairly bulletproof, but each have some specific issues of their own...2.8 Diesel has cracked head and worj injector pump issues for example

Most early 3 Litre Diesels will have detonated by now if they are going too as the problems were particularly evident before 100,000, but there are cases where they still have problems.

I have owned four and had no issues with any of them, and so have plenty of others, and it seems to be pot luck sometimes. People tried to relate the problems to our poor fuel quality, but there has been a couple that have taken theirs all around the world, with all the different fuel qualities, and they have no problems either.

Mic

[GU_Mudstar]

was in the same boat, i couldnt for the life of me find a good gq 4.2td that was in good nick, i was either too late to find one or just not looking that hard, or they really are getting harder to find em, cause ppl realize there a gem an keep em :(

Ended up settling for a GU 3.0 cause i needed a car asap for work and uni, didnt like taking bus everyday, very comfortable car, especially as a highway cruiser, but the grenade issue is very hit and miss, think of it this way, if it was a major problem, 25,000 cars fitted with the 3.0 affected and all blown a motor, im sure Nissan woulda done a massive recall to rectify the issue like any major manufacture, but because it tends to be a isolated issue, one in a couple thousands, nissan couldnt give 2 rats about us who or have experienced a engine failure... just my 2 cents

Nads should rectify the issues of high exhaust temps and some what a preventative against engine failure