How high is high?

Thanks Merce.
Obviously a loaded preference, but still a valid opinion....How would the patrol be a better 4wd? What advantages would it have? Im torn!

Thanks

Cruisers are usually 20 to 30 percent dearer than a Patrol of the same age. I am a toyota man but I would recommend a Patrol for your needs. They also have a stronger drive line than a 60 0r 80 series
Cheers Pete

Thanks fellow South African!
I guess Im a bit nervous about buying a car with 300,000 on the clock, lots of posts mention that some 4wd's only wear in around that point.
What about shocks & suspension? Any clues I should look for that will indicate nearing end of life?

Neilo

If I were you I would definitely look at a country area.

I am biased, but in general the GQ Nissan diesel is just about unbreakable. It does have some flaws but they are minor irritants.

I saw an ad locally(OK 130km from my place)for a 1997 GQ Nissan diesel for sale for $14,000 with only 190,000km on the clock. If you have a good look around you may find such vehicles and their prices range from $7,500 to $15,000. With cash in hand you always have bargaining power.

When you have found a likely vehicle the best thing is to take it to the relevant Automobile Assocoiation and ask for a mechanical report. Might cost you $100 or so but it will be worth it. Then you would know what needs to be done and what your expectations will be as to its suitability.

You may email me through my website if you need more info on anything relating to 4x4...:-)

Cheers

Except rust in the roof sill, be wary of this as most have it.

Thanks Davo_60
I had assumed to buy around the 7-8k mark and fix up with around 2-3k. Are you suggesting some parts should be replaced anyway? (If they havent been done so recently?) What other issues should I look for?

Neilo

My experience only:

Rust is a big issue with the 60's (don't know a lot about GQ's except that they are a very good vehicle). Need to check roof, gutters, doors, pillars etc. I would recommend you take someone with you who knows a bit about these vehicles as it is easy to buy a vehicle that has been patched up.

5-6k will buy you an excellent 60. No need to pay more unless almost everything mechanically has been replaced or rebuilt in the past couple of years and they can prove this.

I paid 5k for a very low km vehicle in immaculate condition but I have still need to do the following things: Alternator, radiator flush and new water pump, rebuild turbo, injector service, brakes, new hoses belts fuel lines etc + full service of all other areas (wheel bearings etc). These may not all be necessary but give general peace of mind and reliability.

It is advisable to try and find a vehicle with a sound engine and drivetrain as rebuilds in these areas will blow cost way out. I also prefer to buy privately.

I think Davo hit it.

60's are magnets for rust, and if they dont have rust, they are full of bog if they can find anything for the bog to stick to.

why not look for a car already decked out ?

Thanks guys. Great info!
Would be nice to find a decked out car.... but they seem quite rare! Sure the more extras that come with it the better, but I guess I have to comprimise cost of adding stuff vs cost of fixing stuff....

Neilo

if your budget is $10k to buy, fix and setup then good luck ;)

Lucky guy! But I 'spose having the knowhow & confidence helps spot the bargains...
I have the patients and just a bit of cash, so Im hopeful!
Thanks.

Good advice about the RACV Barnsey. Now I just need to find a trustworthy 4wd mech. Can anyone reccomend any in the St Kilda Vic. area?

I am planning to custom make a fold down door/drawer system for sleeping with a double mattress. Any on got good info or advice on this ?

Neilo

Neilo,

Kitting out your vehicle to live in is half the fun of travelling!!! There are many differing approaches, largely depending on the extent to which you want to live in the vehicle, use a tent, a camper trailer, etc. We aim to carry everything in/on the vehicle and tow nothing, which I suspect is your aim too. After 15 years, our Troopy has reached a kind of stable evolutionary plateau. You might get a few ideas from it. There's 1 interior picture in our "member details" here, but I'd suggest visit
autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/troopyoz/
where you'll find a comprehensive listing of our design objectives (see "Travel setups" in the "Files" section) and in the "Photos" section you'll find detailed photos of our rig in the "Taltech2002" folder. Also in the Files section, check out "Rear setups", a huge file giving lots of pictures of many peoples' internal setups, lots of ideas. You'll need to sign on (free) to this Yahoo site, but it's well worth it. It is a bit more specific than the ExplorOz forum but you'd get a lot of useful feedback there if you asked for it.

I can't comment on which vehicle would be most suitable for your needs, beyond saying that if I was starting again, I would start with a Troopy.

HTH

John

Ooops - that link should read

autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/troopyoz/

John

Neilo, you could try removing the backseat and make a false floor so you can fit some storgae under the mattress. The boot on the GQ is relatively flat but under the rear seats isn't flat so that would have to be levelled out with some ply board etc. The GQ isn't the best for this sort of thing due to smaller interior, it will be OK but the troopy is the best one for this.

Barnesy