Buying A 2011 GU with 120,000km - what to look out for

[skiman]

Hey guys

I'm looking at buying my first patrol. Request some advice about what I should be looking out for with a turbo diesel at this age.

Got any tips or advice that might prevent an unwanted surprise in my shed in a couple weeks? Would appreciate any insights before I send the nrma mobile bloke over to do his inspection.

Cheers!

[TPC]

I think like with any vehicle but more so with these is service records to show it has been regularly serviced.

[the evil twin]

Regular servicing
Fuel Pump Leaks
Intercooler Leaks
Coolant Leaks
Manifold Gasket Leaks (thanks Kev)
Swivel Hub Leaks
Oil weep from drivers side front of block
80 KPH death wobble

2011 and 120 K sounds like an ex-Lease Vehicle to me

[threedogs]

X 2 on the coolant leak, hard to spot as well, look underneath for signs of off road use.
An oily intercooler will mean its leaking, but warranty should cover that .
History,,,, history,,,,, history, make sure your book is stamped and check
what has been changed under any recalls

[TPC]

Regular servicing
Fuel Pump Leaks
Intercooler Leaks
Coolant Leaks
Swivel Hub Leaks
Oil weep from drivers side front of block
80 KPH death wobble

2011 and 120 K sounds like an ex-Lease Vehicle to me

Just curious, what is the 80 KPH death wobble?

[kevin07]

Regular servicing
Fuel Pump Leaks
Intercooler Leaks
Coolant Leaks
Swivel Hub Leaks
Oil weep from drivers side front of block
80 KPH death wobble

2011 and 120 K sounds like an ex-Lease Vehicle to me

manifold gasket and find out who the previous owner was it will be in the log book also check the servicing and actually who has been servicing it if it doesnt have this move on to the next one

[the evil twin]

Just curious, what is the 80 KPH death wobble?

Steering vibrations at 80 KPH...

[TPC]

Steering vibrations at 80 KPH...

What is the common cause?

[threedogs]

What is the common cause?

a number of fixes but most believe its a bushes issue
and only use OE bushes

[the evil twin]

What is the common cause?
Tyres
Rims
Swivel Hub Bearings
Wheel Bearings
Castor
Panhard Bushes
Control Arm Bushes
Steering Damper
Lifts
Bent diff
Ball Joints
etc
etc

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/search.php?searchid=5292389

[skiman]

Thanks for the replies guys. The plot has thickened somewhat...

I got the loan approval this afternoon and have now proceeded to do a vehicle check - omgwtf have i found? "repairable write off due to flood damage". Unless im reading something completely wrong? Can you cast your eyes over this report and tell me whether i should run in the opposite direction? There is plenty in here that is not matching up with things the seller has told me.

Carhistory Report link to PDF (http://www.ipanoramic.com.au/temp/CarHistoryReport.pdf)

1. Odometer history

Seller says he has full log books and servicing history (i didnt check them at the time unfortunately, so my bad). When a vehicle gets serviced, does the service centre report odometer history? Because on this report, I see a big 2 year gap between 2013 and 2015, of 50,000km.

2. Reported insurance claims

I dont understand the advice in this section of the report.

a. It says "there were no reported claims for this VIN".
b. Then it says there were claims against this rego plate that "may" have been on this vehicle??

There are some pretty damn big claims in there between 2013 and 2014. $24517, $39092.

3. Car sales history

It only shows 1 sale in 2011?

4. Written off check

a. FEB 2014 VIC, economical repairable write off, storm flood, other.
b. JUN 2014 QLD, Inspected, written off

Can someone please explain what the hell that means?

First sale was listed for a "Large Fleet" in 2011.

From what im gathering (and please correct me if im wrong) - A large fleet in Victoria bought the vehicle in 2011. Fleet owns the vehicle till DEC 2012, where it gets serviced every 2 months or 10,000km. Something happens in 2013, there is a $24517 insurance claim in JAN. Car is repaired, continues to be driven by someone till SEP2013 where there is another claim for a windscreen. Car continues to be driven till JAN 2014 where there is a $39092 insurance claim. In FEB 2014, the car is written off. Between FEB and JUN 2014, someone from QLD buys it, repairs it, has it re-inspected (?) and re-registered with current number plate. He either sells it to current owner, or moves it to NSW for on-sale and profit (or he was ignorant of the write-off himself and now wants to wash his hands of it).

As much as i love the car and want to buy it, my gut is telling me to run the other way. I get the feeling that the seller isnt being totally honest with me :( No matter how good it looked, or how well it seemed to drive, I dont think i can afford the risk of the engine shitting itself in a couple months time. Or am i being too paranoid?

If i did buy the car, I would want to change the plates to NSW. Which means a blue slip roadworthy, where they would probably see the write off from another state, and then tell me I cant register it here?

HELP!! :-|

[skiman]

For some reason, my response has gone to a moderator before it can be posted here? Was that because i put a link in there?

[Hodge]

Another possible check, is if by chance you have a Scangauge or equivalent, so you can plug it in and check for any codes or pending codes on the car.

[skiman]

Thanks for the replies guys. The plot has thickened somewhat...

I got the loan approval this afternoon and have now proceeded to do a vehicle check - omgwtf have i found? "repairable write off due to flood damage". Unless im reading something completely wrong? Can you cast your eyes over this report and tell me whether i should run in the opposite direction? There is plenty in here that is not matching up with things the seller has told me.

Had a link to the report posted here, but maybe im not allowed to post them?

1. Odometer history

Seller says he has full log books and servicing history (i didnt check them at the time unfortunately, so my bad). When a vehicle gets serviced, does the service centre report odometer history? Because on this report, I see a big 2 year gap between 2013 and 2015, of 50,000km.

2. Reported insurance claims

I dont understand the advice in this section of the report.

a. It says "there were no reported claims for this VIN".
b. Then it says there were claims against this rego plate that "may" have been on this vehicle??

There are some pretty damn big claims in there between 2013 and 2014. $24517, $39092.

3. Car sales history

It only shows 1 sale in 2011?

4. Written off check

a. FEB 2014 VIC, economical repairable write off, storm flood, other.
b. JUN 2014 QLD, Inspected, written off

Can someone please explain what the hell that means?

First sale was listed for a "Large Fleet" in 2011.

From what im gathering (and please correct me if im wrong) - A large fleet in Victoria bought the vehicle in 2011. Fleet owns the vehicle till DEC 2012, where it gets serviced every 2 months or 10,000km. Something happens in 2013, there is a $24517 insurance claim in JAN. Car is repaired, continues to be driven by someone till SEP2013 where there is another claim for a windscreen. Car continues to be driven till JAN 2014 where there is a $39092 insurance claim. In FEB 2014, the car is written off. Between FEB and JUN 2014, someone from QLD buys it, repairs it, has it re-inspected (?) and re-registered with current number plate. He either sells it to current owner, or moves it to NSW for on-sale and profit (or he was ignorant of the write-off himself and now wants to wash his hands of it).

As much as i love the car and want to buy it, my gut is telling me to run the other way. I get the feeling that the seller isnt being totally honest with me :( No matter how good it looked, or how well it seemed to drive, I dont think i can afford the risk of the engine failing in a couple months time. Or am i being too paranoid?

If i did buy the car, I would want to change the plates to NSW. Which means a blue slip roadworthy, where they would probably see the write off from another state, and then tell me I cant register it here?

HELP!! :-|



REPORTED INSURANCE CLAIMS
Insurance claims reported

There were no known insurance claims returned for VIN: JN1TESY61A0413666.

The below claims were matched to the registration number and make of this vehicle. This vehicle may previously have held this registration number, or the claims may relate to a vehicle which previously held this registration number.

Date of claim 21/09/2012 12:00:00 AM
Claim amount $ 62
Claim type description UC Unclassified
Vehicle make NISSAN
Vehicle model PATROL
Year Registration
number LEWIE5
Registration state

Date of claim 25/01/2013 12:00:00 AM
Claim amount $ 24517
Claim type description UC Unclassified
Vehicle make NISSAN
Vehicle model PATROL
Year Registration
number LEWIE5
Registration state

Date of claim 21/09/2013 12:00:00 AM
Claim amount $ 184
Claim type description GL Glass
/ Windscreen
Vehicle make NISSAN
Vehicle model PATROL
Year Registration
number LEWIE5
Registration state

Date of claim 11/01/2014 12:00:00 AM
Claim amount $ 39092
Claim type description UC Unclassified
Vehicle make NISSAN
Vehicle model PATROL
Year Registration
number LEWIE5
Registration state



WRITTEN OFF CHECK
Written off status reported

PPSR has reported that this vehicle has been writtenoff.

Writtenoff
Storm, Flood, Other Writtenoff
Date recorded 02 Jun 2014
State recorded QLD
Type Inspected

Writtenoff
Storm, Flood, Other Writtenoff
Date recorded 04 Feb 2014
State recorded VIC
Type Economic Repairable Writeoff

CarHistory notes:
Writtenoff
information is sourced via the PPSR. Refer to the PPSR Certificate below.

[growler2058]

Service history, service history, service history, especially in the early KM's Its vital for longevity that the oils n filters have been changed at the specified intervals

[growler2058]

QLD Floods?
Id be running from that one mate

[Rock Trol]

Run........run away!

[AB]

As much as you'll hate hearing this, walk away and keep looking.

Count your lucky stars you did that check.

It could of course be fine but with that history of known ride off flood damage I wouldn't be buying it.

[skiman]

Thanks guys.. yeh I hate hearing it but im going to take your advice. :( You know how it is when you set your heart on something that seems perfect. Wasted a Friday driving into Sydney to look at this too. Grrrr..

Oh well, better off having spent $36 than $36,000 and regretting it. The search continues.

[Cuppa]

Yep, if you have doubts, particularly about what you’ve been told by the seller vs what you’ve discovered........ walk away. Plenty more available.

Re. NRMA check. May be ok, bt I had an RACV check done on my Patrol before buying. It wasn’t worth the paper it was written on. The inspector was obviously unfamiliar with Patrols & reported a major problem with the gearbox. On advise from others I paid a 4wd transmission specialist $100 to check it out. Their report was that there was no problem at all. I suspect the RACV inspector wasn’t aware of the low rev transmission growl common to the TD42 & some other diesel 4wds.

On the basis of my experience I’d suggest you have a 4wd specialist do the pre-sale check. Find one near the seller & if the seller is not willing to take the car to them, walk away again. Our check didn’y just find the gearbox was fine, they found a number of other issues which the seller then fixed. The cost of the check saved me around 800 to 1000 in fixes including a replacement fuel tank which was leaking.

[NissanGQ4.2]

For some reason, my response has gone to a moderator before it can be posted here? Was that because i put a link in there?

Unfortunately yes, your post was moderated because of the link and you not having more than 25 posts, I have just approved the link

[skiman]

Thanks mate, i understand.

[the evil twin]

Thanks guys.. yeh I hate hearing it but im going to take your advice. :( You know how it is when you set your heart on something that seems perfect. Wasted a Friday driving into Sydney to look at this too. Grrrr..

Oh well, better off having spent $36 than $36,000 and regretting it. The search continues.

Great decision, mate.
As I said, smelt like a lease vehicle right from the start then add to that a repairable write off equals piece of shyte

[Rocket55]

Skiman, I've got a 2010 GU7 with 58,xxx km sitting out the front that I need to sell. Send me a PM if your interested. Plenty of picks of it in my build. Link in my signature.

[skiman]

As of Friday night, I am now the (very) proud owner of Rocket55's awesome 2010 Patrol. Very impressed with how well you looked after that truck Rod. :D

[Rocket55]

Pleasure Skiman. It's not that often when the stars align like they did. I feel the Patrol is in very good hands and you will look after it like it deserves. It's a great bus and if it wasn't for the increased towing capacity I am after I wouldn't have been selling it. I was setting it up for a keeper!

[Rocket55]

Generally I picked up all my bits and pieces, like the ones I left on the back seat for you from Garry at Nizzbits. He's on this forum somewhere and also on the P4x4 forum, provides great door to door service uses only genuine parts and is cheaper than buying through the stealers.

[skiman]

Sweet, cheers mate. I have his site bookmarked and will be hitting him up very shortly ;-)

[threedogs]

Hey Skiman need a pic in his new home, what are your plans for the new patrol??

[Hodge]

Sounds like it all worked out perfectly for both of you. Good stuff. :bigthumbup:

[skiman]

Yeh, as Rod said, it was fate! :cheers:

Will get some pics happening soon and start my own build thread.

Immediate plans are to redo some of the cool mods Rod had in it and tweak some of them to suit my needs. Just need to wait for all this damn rain to clear away from Newcastle!!

In no specific order, here's a wishlist that somehow grows at a faster rate than my pay cheque allows, lol.

OME 2" Lift
2.75" exhaust (undecided between Beaudesert and Redback)
Steinbauer chip
Mudski's EGT block and Dawes kit
EGT and Pyro Gauges
USB mounts
Ipad, phone and GPS mounts
Sunglass panel rocker switches
Lighting solution (LED light bar and some spotties)
Roof rack (thinking Tradesman oval alloy full length)
Rear single tyre carrier bar
Stereo/ GPS/ reversing camera
Cargo barrier
etc

Just the usual stuff. LMAO!

Am thoroughly enjoying researching this stuff and dreaming up the perfect patrol. Just need to make sure I dont procrastinate on selling my current Jeep (http://i.imgur.com/2OhWqVr.jpg) so i can afford this stuff!

[threedogs]

If making an off road style tourer, could I suggest you look at 3" flexi coils.
Sits like 2" and flexes like 3".
Also not sure if it has a snorkle or not good peace of mind for river crossings.
Window tint is often over looked.
3 Rhino racks and an awning is very usefull at camp or just a 1hr stop
somewhere for a cool drink or a cuppa.
Pillar pod keeps the top of your dash clear and depending can house up to 3 gauges.
Looking forward to your pics

[skiman]

If making an off road style tourer, could I suggest you look at 3" flexi coils.
Sits like 2" and flexes like 3".
Also not sure if it has a snorkle or not good peace of mind for river crossings.
Window tint is often over looked.
3 Rhino racks and an awning is very usefull at camp or just a 1hr stop
somewhere for a cool drink or a cuppa.
Pillar pod keeps the top of your dash clear and depending can house up to 3 gauges.
Looking forward to your pics

Cheers 3 dogs... thats pretty much where i'd like to aim - off road touring/ camping/ 4wd'ing. Never considered (or heard of) 3" flexi coils. What are they? Can you post a link with something specific please mate? Im not keen to spend excessive amounts on lifting and generally want to follow the advice that things get expensive above 2" and 2" is plenty to get me most places in Oz. But if there's a justifiable reason/gain for a 3" flexi, id love to hear it :)

Already have snorkel and tint and had the pillar pod in mind too (just forgot to add it to the list, lol). And an awning!

Cheers mate

[threedogs]

2" lift with the STD LSD will see you go most places,
add in a front locker and you have the complete package LOL
Dont forget breathers for diffs, auto and transfer case

[Rocket55]

It has a rear diff breather Skiman, it exits view a mini fuel filter after looping up and over the windscreen washer motor thus creating an air lock if you do sink it. The other breathers are in the standard place in the left hand front inner guard.

[skiman]

Yeh, I recall you showing me those mate. Cheers.