3.0 or 2.8

[lets go]

I cant make up my mind... Im going around OZ in about 10 months with the family. I know a td4.2 would be the ideal choice but once everything is perchased our funding doesn't allow it. $20000 is our limit so its the 3.0 or the 2.8 , I've heard all the stories about the 3lt but untill reading some stories on this site I thought the 2.8 were a slow but strong motor. I've also known 2 people that own 3lt's for nearly 10 years and they have never skipped a beat..
Please give me your thoughts
thanks

[macca86]

I have a 3ltr and love it goes well 20 000 limit I'd get a 2003 or newer gu for that price should be great. or buy a gq 4.2 td and put the rest of the cash to mods and camping gear.

[lets go]

I took a 02 3lt for a drive for $16000 exelent order drove well, snorkel, winch bar, 2" lift, turbo timer. what are your thoughts???
also found one today on the side of the road to many k's for my liking but it was evidence that a 3lt can go the distance it had 421000ks and still going strong

[macca86]

for example mine when I bought it was a 2000 model with 03 model motor 158000 km on the truck 128000 on the motor came with steel bullbar(winch bar) uhf cb arials cd player spotties steel side steps rear draws tow ball clean and tidy was a dx as I don't like carpet in myt 4wds but came with cruise air con power steer 12 stack cd I got it for 20 000 almost a year ago. I would try find 03 or newer to be clear of the grenade era. or find a cheap gu with blown motor and spend the extra and put a 4.2 in it.

[lets go]

the only 03 I can find under $20k look like they have had a hard life.
Was there a consistant amount kms the 3lt used to blow at, was there a certain amount kms they did before you knew it wasn't a lemon ?
Because they way Im starting to think is any 4x4 I buy that is 10yrs old Im running the risk of buying a miss used about to blow motor?????

[Benno7]

I would buy a 2.8 over a 3ltr. I think people under rate the 2.8 a few mods and they are great. Just dont compare it against a td42.

[lets go]

Thats what I originaly thought till reading some posts on here.

I would buy a 2.8 over a 3ltr. I think people under rate the 2.8 a few mods and they are great. Just dont compare it against a td42.

[jman69]

I drive a 2.8 , only my first 4x4 but i love it. On a trip form Adelaide to Ballarat loaded with family and luggage it drove like a dream.

[macca86]

my room mate loved his 2.8 gu I've never drove one but let him drive my 3 ltr and he liked it too just need to keep the engines in the peak torque and power band. good luck out there test drive both and see what you like then make your purchase

[outbackjack]

Also depends on if you want auto or manual.

I would look at a 3 litre anything from 2000. Either buy one at 6k with blown engine and rebuild it, or find one that has an engine replaced already.

If it was me and was going to do a big trip, I would buy one with a blown engine, replace it with a new one or recoed. Brand new engine is around 7k. I am about to move to the territory, so my old girl is getting a brand new engine etc. Will cost me about 15k, but I am replacing everything with new. New engine, injector pump, turbo, alt and starter etc etc. Even going to the extreme buying and installing new timing chain, tensioners etc, a lot of people wouldnt go that far. Just using the old one. I am also installing a Extreme Valve body for the trannie.

I am also finsihing of the NADS install. So hoping that I will not have any troubles in the next several years.

Before looking at replacing my engine I did consider a model upgrade, but for around the 20 to 25k mark, I couldnt find too much with less the 180 to 200kms. So I would still be up for some repair cost somewhere.