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. :D ;)

[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.

[4bye4]

Yes. ZD30 it is. Run the other way when come across a one. :D ;)

Just turned up 234,000k in mine with no problems. That includes long fast touring runs in 30 deg plus temps, stop start in City, towing a camp trailer and off road fun days in mud, sand and rocks with 4x4 club. Just sayin.

[happygu]

Yes. ZD30 it is. Run the other way when come across a one. :D ;)

Here is my take ... I have previously owned a 4.2 Diesel with aftermarket turbo for over 12 years, and except for the slight temperature rise when pushed hard and associated panic that went along with it, it never had any money spent on it other than an injector rebuild/reset and dyno as a precaution and it never let us down.

I have had 4 x GU 3 Litre Di's now .... and never had any trouble with any of them and I definitely get out there and use mine for what it is intended for, and they have also never had any money spent on them at all, except for regular servicing.

My advice would be to try and get a CRD in the 3 Litre Di's, as they have most of the issues sorted and have no more troubles than any other brand, if you are using it for a family bus as well as 4wheeling.

If it is just a bush truck, then grab a 4.2 if you can, as they are unstoppable.

There are numerous stories of the early 3 litre Di's failing regularly - even up to 2005, albeit much less regularly with the later models, so there are some that are gun shy when it comes to these motors.

This makes it a tough decision, as there are numerous naysayers out there.

On the flip side, I personally know of a 2000 Model - untouched with over 400,000 klms, and my old 2003 model was up to 270,000 klms when I last asked about it a year ago, and I know of others that were told their motors were cactus and needed to be replaced, to pull them down after they had replaced them to find out it was only a minor problem originally, but due to the sheer numbers of the early failures, the instant diagnosis was "it must be terminal"

I am not planning on getting rid of mine anytime soon - it is paid for, and I know I can pick up another CRD motor if i ever need one for less than 4K, as they just don't move that fast

[DanziM]

Thanks everyone so far for your comments. It is really hard to find a TD42 under 300k km and I am worried about that.

From what I have read here 2005 and onwards are ok for a td30 which are much easier to come by. The wagon will be setup as my touring vehicle for weekend trips up here in the north.

I am happy to buy something with 200k km on it...however would like to know if there is anything in the engine that shows signs it's close to being done. I mean surely a looked after td30 can easily run for over 300k km.

Thanks so far guys...massive help