Hi and decisions decisions decisions

[ISA.13B]

Hey all.

So much info on here. AWESOME!.

Anyway, I currently have no Patrol, but are actively searching. I PROMISE!!

I have had a 4wd before (some of you might say that is debatable - LOL)
It was a 2006 Ford Courier dual cab V6 4wd auto.
Power, comfort and inexpensive to buy, but without spending a wad of cash was by no means capable of what I wanted to do, nor did I want to wreck it trying as it was just too tidy. I used to go wheeling with a mate in his twin locked TD 35'd 80 series cruiser, but he's since sold that and now owns a new D22 navara 4wd. ;-)

So, here I am, 4wd-less. I've been tossing up between pre-97 hiluxs (always late in a 2.8), 80 series landcruisers (overpriced) and GQ or GU patrols.
I was exclusively looking for diesel, more than likely turbo and ideally TD42T.

Now though, after actually weighing up what I want/need/and will actually use I am firmly searching for a GQ with TD42T, or GU (unsure on engine at this stage).

The reasons I've personally decided I want a Patrol over a hilux or Cruiser are:

Hilux - like riding a board - leafs both ends.... OK if you're young, and your wife loves getting dirty.
Cruiser - overpriced I think compared to Patrols, sure they're great, but you pay for the badge with these bad boys.

I have been looking at a 2003 GUIII with the ZD30 DI in it at a dealer in Sydney, but after researching I'm scared of all the hype I've read about the early ZD30's being unreliable if they're not looked after, the CRD ZD30s are out of my price range (which is $15k BTW, so that rules out TD42 GUs too.

Because it will only be a weekend errand car, and sometimes weekend camping/wheeling trips I have opened the search up to include TB45s and 48s.
Money goes further it seems when you talk petrol. So for my money I'd end up with the comfort of a GU, and some mods too it seems.

I hadn't considered the early GUs with the 2.8 in them, as I was told they were gutless, however their issues don't seem to be as widespread as the DI ZD30s are.

I'd be more than willing to hear anyones thoughts on what I've said above.... and please correct me if I'm wrong too.

Cheers and thanks for welcoming me..... (embarrassing if I get told to go away now hey) LOL

Nick.

PS: just read through what I've typed above, and what I was trying to say without saying it was "somebody tell me what to do and find me a truck!"

[ISA.13B]

Wow, sorry that post was so long..... I had a lot in my head after reading info all day. LOL

[Stropp]

Welcome to the forum mate, the gq td42t will suit you perfectly and for that sort of money you should get one with a good setup, take your time and find the right one for you.

[ISA.13B]

Thanks Stropp.

I'm thinking the wife will "enjoy" a GU's interior and creature comforts more than a GQ hey.
She's not too keen on camping etc. so I need all the help I can get to convince her to come.

GQs were my first choice though, I don't think they can be beaten for looking tough anyway.

Drivelines are basically the same between the two models though hey. So ride quality is more dependant on suspension choice and driveline condition I guess.

I'm also actually looking forward to being able to work on my own vehicle again. I had Mazda rotarys before selling up a few years ago, so you know I was under the bonnet of that every other weekend. The Courier was too good to mess with, and the wife's car is a near new Cruze, so I dare not touch that.

Cheers.

[MudRunnerTD]

I would buy a GUIII with a TB48 injected motor and Auto. If you can find a Ti model with the 4.8 your wife will enjoy the experience for sure. Fuel cost is not that big a deal if your not driving it every day. It won't be ideal for long distance outback touring but you specifically rule that out so the GU4.8 it would be for me.

[Avo]

welcome to the forum..enjoy the info and hopefully soon enough the joys of a patrol

[cgm]

I would buy a GUIII with a TB48 injected motor and Auto. If you can find a Ti model with the 4.8 your wife will enjoy the experience for sure. Fuel cost is not that big a deal if your not driving it every day. It won't be ideal for long distance outback touring but you specifically rule that out so the GU4.8 it would be for me.

That's exactly where I want to end up one day, for all the mentioned reasons. Fuel use will be high, but if you're not doing a lot of kms each year then who cares? The engines are great and have heaps of power without any mods or stuffing around.

[MEGOMONSTER]

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.

[AB]

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

[ISA.13B]

Thanks guys.

You are spot on Mudrunner.... it'll be lucky to see 10,000km a year I'd say, probably even less. 7 month baby at home and all, might get me divorced if I go out wheeling every weekend. LOL

I think I just want a TD because they sound rad, and I've had experience with turbos before, but if I'm honest with myself, I'd be better off spending my money on a petrol with less kms, that is possibly newer and with more mods than the same model diesel.