Looking at buying a GQ

[Captain Datto]

Hey guys,

Done a bit of a search and answered a few of my questions, but still got a few.

Looking at spending about $4000-$7000. Looking at 88-91 LWB diesels, will settle for the right dual fuel though. Don't want anything crazy yet, just looking for something that can get me camping, hunting and a few easier tracks. Will probably start modding later on, but not just yet.

Obviously these are starting to get up in kms in this price range. Obviously it'll be on a case by case basis, but what sort of kms should I start getting worried at? Is there much life left in a TD42 after 370,000 kms? Can't afford to buy one only to have to tear the engine down in a few months time.

I've read a few things about the bodies cracking in various places, being new to fourbies is this a common problem with all makes? Anything that can't be fixed by MIGing it up?

Probably forgoten something, but I'll post up later when I remember.

[badger]

cracking on nissans is common, usually a sign of a harder life (city trucks generally dont crack) just weld it up or plate n weld.

td42 can do well over 500k if treated right.
mine has 340 on it and has been turbod since new, its still got original compression specs etc, did need a new pump last year tho.

petrols i think usually crack the head b4 they will die, especially duel fuel ones. other than a few head issues they last well too.

the rest of the driveline should go around the clock bar a few seals n bearings

[Captain Datto]

Any signs a TD42 will show that it's on it's last legs? Or nothing other than a comp test?

What about the RB30s? As gutless as everyone makes them out to be? For the price of slapper VLs these days I imagine an EFI conversion wouldn't be too expensive, but are they any good off road without a turbo?

[bogged]

http://www.gqpatrol.com/buyingagq.htm

IMWO you wont get a good 4.2 for under $8k. They are out there, you may find one, but depends what sort of hurry your in to buy...

is there much life after 400,000 - all depends on the history.. many have done 500-600+k klms but again, they wre treated spot on from new. Others have thrown turbos on at them klms, so cant be all bad. every car is different, and buying used is a lottery...

good luck.