Delving into the 4WD scene

Hi all,

My name is Richard and I'm looking to purchase a second hand 4WD. I've been around 4WD's my whole life and am also a qualified mechanic. I enjoy the great outdoors, a spot of fishing and exploring new places. I figure a 4WD will allow me the freedom to explore some awesome parts of Australia.

I'm leaning towards a GQ patrol at this point. Any advice you guys could offer would be great. I'm tossing up at the moment between petrol and diesel. My 4WD won't be a daily driver (to train station only), will be used for small runs on weekends and longer 4WD trips away. What are the benefits of diesel compared to petrol? Is there anything else I need to know about the GQ? What about similar alternatives? As I won't be doing a lot of daily driving, is a petrol motor a sensible option? (I'm thinking the TB42E engine).

Thanks heaps guys for your response!

Welcome to the forum mate.

You certainly ask the big debate questions where everyone has their own opinion. Loads of info both on the forum and the web in general on Petrol v diesel and also on GU V GQ. It comes down to use and personal preference.

Go and drive both types and buy what you think suits you the best I suppose. Each have pro's and con's, but GU's are a bit more comfortable in my mind.

Enjoy.

Richard,

I'm sure you have your own opinion already, being a mechanic. People tend to gravitate to what they know.

I'm a diesel fan. Many a buyer has fallen for the cheaper petrol vehicle trap, then discovered it loves a drink. You might get away with it though, being a weekender. Petrols have heaps of power, and made easily. Best way is to suit your fuel type to the style of driving you intend to do (remote travel, lots of water, mud etc). Some fuels are more suited than others. Many a magazine has also done a comparison article/video.

The only thing I'll say about the gu/gq decision: I went gu because of the family (comfort) . If it was me, I'd go for a more basic 4wd. Less to go wrong. Even my 98 gu is now an old vehicle, and as I fix each problem I wonder what is next.

Welcome to the forum Richard. As others have said there is plenty of choice and you need whats best for you.

Welcome to the forum and a can of worms :) my honest opinion is a gq petrol even tho it will cost for fuel and later you can easily convert to diesel if you want.

G'day Richard welcome to the forum mate.

In my opinion for exploring go for the older version, less things that can go wrong,
and diesel cause it has much better range on tank.

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

G'day mate welcome aboard

Welcome to the forum Richard, hope you find your perfect Drive,
I would go a diesel with long range tanks and turboed if possible
as diesel is everywhere.
If towing look at the early GU 4.5s oodles of power but thirsty when pushed
Driven sedately fuel is bearable at maybe 18/100 k

Welcome to the forum mate

welcome aboard Richard, having both a TB42E auto and a TD42 manual. I have to say that I prefer to drive the TB42E, just because it's easier to use as a daily driver being an auto (I'm lazy), it's thirsty at an average of 20l/100km but it seems to do that no matter how I drive or where I drive (apart from sand driving where it uses noticeably more). The TD42 is a bit of a slug in comparison, using approx 14-16l/100km, so good for the longer drives. I still haven't really worked out what my preference is for offroading, there are pro's and cons to both vehicles ................. I don't think you'd regret buying either one, the TB42 is thirsty but is cheaper to buy, cheaper to maintain and fuel is cheaper. The TD42 is more expensive to buy, more expensive to maintain and fuel is more expensive but your are having to fill up less.

Now I've just made your hunt a little harder, happy hunting lol

G'day and welcome to the forum.

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.

Welcome to the forum, lots of useful information on here as well as a wealth of knowledge from it's members.