Hi everyone

My name is Steve and I'm from Bathurst NSW, looking at getting into 4wd driving and currently looking for my first 4wd vehicle.
I wont be doing any hardcore rock climbing just want something to get me around the dirt tracks and maybe the odd water crossing.
My budget is about $30000 and I'm looking at either purchasing a diesel/petrol GU 2001 to 2009 Nissan Patrol or a 100 series diesel/petrol 2001 to 2007 Toyota Landcrusier, most Patrols I've looked at are the 3.0L version which I've been informed to keep away from so that really does narrows the field down and the Toyota's are a bit pricey especially the turbo diesels.
Everyone says when it comes to the Patrol try and get one with a 4.2TD but the prices being asked is just over the top for a vehicle of that age and honestly I'm not prepared to pay that much for such an old vehicle that I'm going to throw around in the bush.
I would like to go thru a dealer for my purchase as I would like to trade in my current vehicle but I have noticed some better buys thru private and hence would need to go thru the hassle to sell my vehicle privately which frankly I just don't have the time to do due to my work.
I know this is a Nissan forum but I do need to ask the question, which would be the better buy, Patrol or cruiser, I'm a bit put off by the patrol due to reading about some of the problems they have compared to the cruiser which is pretty much trouble free, look forward to your thoughts..

Welcome mate.
That's a nice budget and should be able to pick up something quite nice.

Yes Nissan had issues with the 3Ltr engines, but this issues were resolved around the 06/07 years with a change of engine design.
But any 3ltr will benefit from what's called NADS, it gives you greater control over the engine. Have a search threw the engine and drive line section, Its covered very well..

As you have been informed the TD42 engine is the one to get, and if you look around you do find well priced gu wagons. Pretty sure there is one on this forum atm.

You are also correct in thinking your replies will be one sided... Lol There are plenty of converted Toyota drivers here to. But don't be fooled into thinking Toyota's are problem free.. Far from the truth..

The biggest thing with buying any second hand car is to study the history.

Anyway jump in and enjoy the ride of the purchase which ever way you go.

Cheers

Really it's just the early diesels that had the problems with the 3 Ltrs.
There are NADS that can be done to protect these earlier models.
Most here have the 3ltr.

Welcome mate, surely the best forum on the net. If you need it, you can get it, if you want to know it, just ask it.
If you want to find it, go to the search bar for a universe of information.
Enjoy the sights and sounds of the greatest show on earth.

I read about the NADS kit but quite frankly I don't want to rely on a mod to keep my vehicles engine from exploding. What is the petrol version patrol like, I have read they are thirsty and that's to be expected due to the size and weight of the vehicle but whats the reliability like, with good servicing when would a engine rebuild be roughly due?

As said, from 07 onwards the engines are as reliable as any other.
But to get the most from em NADS are a good investment.

The petrol line up are good engines. The 4.8 is the pick here as its far advanced over the 4.2 And 4.5 models.
But be repaired for high usage figures.. They are thirsty.. Best I've read is 18L/100.. And that's the 4.8..

But the 4.2 And 4.5 are based around the same block, so very reliable.
Not sure if the 4.8 is the ssame base, but again has proven very reliable.

Welcome to the forum mate

Welcome to the forum mate, feel free to ask any questions.

Hello and welcome to the forum, jump in
anytime and enjoy

hi and welcome to the forum a great mob of people here and a lot of very usefull information
best wishes with your patrolling
stephen

Gday mate welcome aboard