Help deciding / buying a GU Patrol

[Sir Roofy]

I don't think any TD42 "fan boys" have been crap flinging, at least not in this thread anyway. If anything they have pointed out some of the negative points of TDs and positives of the ZD.

I agree having driven my old man's 3L heaps, i reckon they're a very nice car to drive and cruise beutifully, the only negative is you don't have much touque off boost so need to get them revving and ride the clutch in real tricky/steep off road stuff.

TDs in standard form are far from quick, but off road are great and are renowned for being reliable. Sure there are heaps of ZDs out there that haven't missed a beat but they are well renowned for catastrophic failures. Nothing wrong with informing someone of this potential issue in a balanced way.

Also agree, do your research (which is what this is all about) and test drive as many as possible then buy what you like. . .

Well spoken Rossco nothing wrong with the 3l just as you said a bit more right foot
and I find they go better on the tracks in low 4 giving you a bit more torque

[Gav72]

Awesome feedback folks,
And good to know most are down to earth and happy to help an eager novice.
This forum is helping me with my research and getting wiser, amongst other research I'm doing
keep it coming

Cheers

[Rossco]

Well spoken Rossco nothing wrong with the 3l just as you said a bit more right foot
and I find they go better on the tracks in low 4 giving you a bit more torque

Cheers Roofy, i think the 3L are a great little motor, and for what they are they go bloody well. I think i would be very happy with a 3L especially for general touring they dive very nice. It is a shame however about the reliability issues, can be a bit of a gamble and depending on the year this would be in the back of my mind. My olds GU has done over 300 thou mainly towing all over Aus through the centre & heat without a problem totally stock (until recently -only has gauges & catch can) and I'm sure there's plenty others like it. But the stories of them letting go in a big way are common. I think you're in a good position now with a well built motor and all the mods done from brand new.

[Sir Roofy]

Cheers Roofy, i think the 3L are a great little motor, and for what they are they go bloody well. I think i would be very happy with a 3L especially for general touring they dive very nice. It is a shame however about the reliability issues, can be a bit of a gamble and depending on the year this would be in the back of my mind. My olds GU has done over 300 thou mainly towing all over Aus through the centre & heat without a problem totally stock (until recently -only has gauges & catch can) and I'm sure there's plenty others like it. But the stories of them letting go in a big way are common. I think you're in a good position now with a well built motor and all the mods done from brand new.

they are good kept the other one going for 4yrs and did some big trips with her

[Rock Trol]

Hiya

I'm new and long overdue to join the 4wd game.
I'm keen on GU series 2 or 3??, 4.2L diesel .....
I've heard its probably a better option than the 3L gremlins....? perhaps not an issue...?
Looking to drive melb up the guts to through the Kimberleys gibb river rd and back nxt yr. would usually only clock up 100-150km a week around metro.
I have a few ideas, but open to any extra suggestions that cover the pro's / cons of the patrol, Other considerations, expected costs. What to look for / ask with shopping purchasing said vehicle.
Any Extras i should look to have on vehicle or should get.

Cheers

Gav

Hi Gav. The series 2 and 3 zd30's are the motors that had the highest rate of melting Pistons. The problem wasn't fixed until the crd in 2007. The problem is the engine management system doesn't control combustion that well so if you push them too hard they can over fuel. Problems with maf, eratic boost and egr also contribute but even an engine that has all these components working well can be pushed too far. In the crd the engine management is different as is the head. Crd' have a knock sensor that lets the engine cut fuel if combustion is not correct. Crd is monitored a lot more than the old di's

Are you planning to tow with it? If so, don't let the motor lug. It's better to rev the engine in lower gear than lug it in 4and5.

Most of the info above I got from someone I know in a state based road side assist organisation. The early zd30's had a much higher engine failure rate than the industry standard. They got better after 2004 but could still go bang. After the crd the failure rate dropped to pretty much the average for all manufacturers. Only Nissan would know the total number of failures but they ain't telling. There are still a lot of early zd30's out there that are still going though so it's not like they will all fail but there is definitely a design fault there that you need to consider.

[Gav72]

Hiya peoples,

Got myself an 06 4.8L petrol auto Yday - woohoo!!

[Rock Trol]

Hiya peoples,

Got myself an 06 4.8L petrol auto Yday - woohoo!!

Congratulations on the new Patrol. I have never been in a TB48 Patrol but apart from fuel consumption their reputation is very good. Even power delivery and reliability!

[the evil twin]

Hiya peoples,

Got myself an 06 4.8L petrol auto Yday - woohoo!!

Niiiice...

[BigRAWesty]

Hiya peoples,

Got myself an 06 4.8L petrol auto Yday - woohoo!!

Nice mate. Be sure to do up a build thread..