Lookin at a BJ73, any clues?

If it's got a turbo make sure it is the turbo motor as the 3.4 turbo had different internals a std motor with a turbo on this 3.4 is bad news. My mates has 400K on the clock and it's never been opened however it does blow a little smoke now. They aren't a real power beast but pretty torquey

Thanks Howsey, no its not a turbo engine, cheers

Hi Snowgoose

We had one one of early ones (purchased second hand). Good dual purpose vehicle (ie family car plus 4wd ability). It was manual (I don't know if they came with auto). We also had the problem with it rusting out under the windscreen - quite expensive to replace, but we had it done when at panel beaters for other work, as he really didn't want to put it back together in such bad condition. It had caught on fire (most likely a wire coming loose in the after market radio), and was heading for doom when passers-by sacrificed their beer to save our car.

I don't recall what kms - but well short of the 300k, it started overheating (the radiator had been repaired and/or replaced a few times). Usual thermostat removal and replacement didn't completely solve the problem. It was loosing a just a bit of water, but no sign of where and pressure test was fine. Mechanic thought it may be a hairline fracture in the head, and added a couple of bottles of that cold-weld stuff and it was fine after that. We eventually traded it in on a new Cruiser ute, which has now done much more than 300 kms in the 12 years since then.

The only real drawback was it was too short to set up for sleeping, so we had to take a tent. The single side doors were a bit of a disadvantage with a family - the kids used to go in and out the window. It would have been awkward to strap a baby in a baby seat.

Motherhen

Hey Motherhen

Cheers for the advice, most appreciated.

Man it sounds like you had nothin but grief hey? Sorry to hear bout the fire, thats a worry.

Yeah agree that two doors are a pain, but given that its not gonna be a daily runner, it prolly wont be too much of a hassle...I hope. Damn shame about not being able to sleep in back, I had visions of me in the car and the boys in their tents...mmm, may have to conside a troopie.

More worried now about this hole in the windscreen frame, any ideas on cost to repair?

I guess the thing thats attracted me to it is the fuel economy, bulletproof construction and the price. After forkin out cash for a new xr6 for the mrs, my wallet is gettin a bit thin :-(.

I spose for an extra 2k I could get a later model bravo/courier on lpg, but just dont have the extra at the minute, so it may as well be 50k away lol

cheers guys, any other thoughts?

Cheers Motherhen, I'm gonna go and hava look tomorrow and report back, thanks or the info.

I see you are in Wickham, how is it? I'm guessing temps are mild up that way at the minute, better than being stuck here in chilly Perth :-(