Buying a Cruiser/Patrol, opinions please

G'day Bill, depending on where you are, I would have thought you would have been spoilt for choice with Troopy's up to $30K, if you don't like electronics, get one with the 1HZ diesel 4.2 litre motor. These are seriously everywhere, and in particularly large numbers in the bush. Keep looking, you will find a good one. Cheers, Kanga.

Bill,
I share your inclination re the modern high performance engines however the Prado engine does seem to have a good track record and many owners suggest that the later versions of the Patrol 3L have largely fixed the 'hand grenade problem' if you drive them sensibly.

Your profile does not give much insight to your situation. Are you mechanically inclined and able to do some work for yourself? My reason for asking is that there is a big difference in getting a vehicle that is ready to go and one that is basically sound and with some thorough checking and fixing will become a good tourer. For $30k I would be looking for a basically sound vehicle but expecting to spend some time and money putting it into top condition. The older models built in the 90s generally prior to all the electronics, are not all that expensive to give a new lease on life and make good tourers if you are not expecting high performance.

There are still good 80 series around if you look hard but they will need some work. The GQ Patrol is getting a bit long in the tooth but again makes a good vehicle when brought up to scratch. There are 105 series in your price range but you will have to look carefully to get a good one and it will need work to ensure it is up to scratch for the travel you suggest.

We have a 100 series for touring and towing and is a great vehicle but when we planned an extended trip into remote areas with no towing and a need for off the ground sleeping I purchased a standard 1995 1Hz Troopy that had seen a lot of work but was sound. I rebuilt most of it myself, upgraded the suspension, fitted it out for remote travel and ended up with a vehicle that has given us great service, highly reliable and cost in the order of $20k all up. I would do it again. It is an option you may consider. That way I knew the vehicle very well and had no doubts about the condition of all the major systems.

Good luck with your project. Take yor time and avoid rushing into something.

cheers

QUOTE "I'm an old school thinker and have trouble accepting these new 3L electronic diesel turbo"

Mate these engines have been around for over 10 years... don't know when you will class them as old.

Electronics are very reliable and most who think they aren't have never had one... my mates next door neighbors cousins sister knew this guy who's brothers friend had on that failed Blah Blah Blah.

There are many things that can stop a non electronic engine too.

Really the new electronic ones are no different then the old skool versions, most people adapted well from pen, paper and calculators to computers with very little effort.

When was the last time something with electronics in it failed in your life.

Now time for the Knockers to come out.

Electronics is not the problem bill, modern electronics are very rel;iable. But the modern common rail motor can not handle any water or dirt in the fuel. Cracked heads are another problem mainly with 4 cylinder diesels, and it now appears they all do it if they have and alloy head. But a 4.2td Patrol or similar cruiser is very hard to beat. We also have far more issues with modern diesels then petrols. The d4d I picked up from Toyota today needed a new ecu, but that was a first and done under warranty. Last week it was a 3l Patrol that refused to start. This turned out to be crook fuel but a $9000 repair bill.
You will not go far wrong with any 100 series.
Cheers Pete

Hi Bill

It may be that you are fixated onto a diesel - but if not then there is what I have proven to be a better option - cars like my 4800 patrols.

We have done all those trips and even just completed the hardest , the Madigan line.

The lack of fuss , higher reliability , more power and stronger coil sprung live axle chasis means these cars are pretty much unbeatable , but you have to accept 30% higher fuel costs.

The electronics in these cars is at a much lower level and simpler than modern diesels and $30k will give you a range of buying options for 2001 - 2005 models.

My brother has just gone down the path of maxing out an 80 series TD and ended up with a great car but significantly slower and little better on fuel than our manual 4800.

Indeed suspectibility to water in fuel , critcal adjustments , complex systems make me wonder if the TD's haven't had there day where performance and reliability count.

As an example of what I mean fuel pumps and injectors are vital to modern TD's and petrol cars.

I carry a spare fuel pump at $79 - see if you can get one for a TD at under $3000.

Bill,
I would look at a late 80 series TD and be prepared if necessary to do up the gearbox/ transfer case /clutch/radiator/engine.

Mate did that with a Petrol GQ Patrol, bought the vehicle for $4.5K and spent around $15k on the above replacements plus LPG, did his own paint job.

Vehicle looks great and will last until he goes to the hear after.

Peter