GU patrol - 3.0td reliability?

[mnemonix]

I've got a mate desperate to get himself another fourby.
It's intended to be a tourer, with trips to the cape, across the simpson etc planned.
While at home it will be a daily driver, used to tow the boat and do weekly trips on the beach.
His only prerequisite is that it must be a larger engine capacity, turbo diesel.

He's got a hard-on for a '03 3.0 Diesel intercooled turbo patrol wagon with ~170k on the clock (~$20k).
What is the engine in these like? Reliability? Thirsty?
I know sfa about Nissans and don't want to see a family bloke draw the short straw with the lemon of the bunch.

I'm trolling the bible as I type.
Thoughts?

[of4x4]

Like all diesels, it depends how they've been maintained....

HOWEVER....

The 3.0 TD before about 2004 had all sorts of issues with melting pistons. They have the nick name "grenade". The jury is still out on the later models.

the 3.0 is thirsty as it's a small engine in a 2.5t truck. expect between 11 to 15l/100 depending on your right foot and mods.

A 4.2l turbo will give you similar (or better) mileage, and much better reliability. It's an old generation engine, but some have been known to run well past 500,000kms.

IMO, if your looking at early to mid 2000 models, go the 4.2l diesel. The 3.0 is like playing Russian Roulette.

[Singo17]

I've got a mate desperate to get himself another fourby.
It's intended to be a tourer, with trips to the cape, across the simpson etc planned.
While at home it will be a daily driver, used to tow the boat and do weekly trips on the beach.
His only prerequisite is that it must be a larger engine capacity, turbo diesel.

He's got a hard-on for a '03 3.0 Diesel intercooled turbo patrol wagon with ~170k on the clock (~$20k).
What is the engine in these like? Reliability? Thirsty?
I know sfa about Nissans and don't want to see a family bloke draw the short straw with the lemon of the bunch.

I'm trolling the bible as I type.
Thoughts?

Find out if it has already had engine work, and if so what?

Main issues and I really can't give you a specific set of years as I have read of people having problems up to 05' giving that and a lot that do fail are between 100k-200k most 06 and up won't be in that range, so who knows. People talk of the CRD being probably the fixed model, again this isn't firm and probably yet to be proven.

Cracked and holed pistons, caused by over fueling which is usually the Mass Air Flow sensor sending incorrect information to the engine management system. Caused build up of heat leads to failure of the piston or cracked head.

Turbo's failing.

There have been lots sold, there are more failures than I would consider acceptable, however for the majority they are reliable. They have plenty of power once over around 1200rpm, this can be improved on with an aftermarket chip.

They use around 10-11L per 100Km in stock form, this rises to around 12.5-14l depending on mods to the truck. Under heavy loads I have seen around 16-17l depending on the speed of travel. The CRD uses more fuel the Di is the earlier ZD30 but also the one with the most problems to date. Expect between 80k - 150K for the clutch, though mine got 165K before replacement.

Touring etc they are absolutely fine, they tow well. Would I buy another one, probably not, but dependent on its service history and work completed I would consider it for the tasks your friend wants to do. If its had its motor replaced, or had the 5th Gear done I would actually be more inclined to have a decent look at it. If its had no major repairs then your friend might be inheriting some. Ask the owner if there any mods done to the engine, blocked EGR etc. This may prolong the life of the motor.

Mine is currently sitting on the front lawn with a dead engine, 00' GUII @ 165K, I am not fixing or keeping that engine for what its worth, again you may take it as bias on my behalf, it served me well and was enjoyable to drive up to the point it went puffing billy and sounded like a sick Volkswagen.

[of4x4]

Here's a few links to give you some ideas.....

http://www.outerlimits4x4.com/viewtopic ... 5&t=163155" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.outerlimits4x4.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=12281" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.outerlimits4x4.com/viewtopic ... 5&t=110557" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

A case of Buyer Beware. That said, there are heaps of them on the road and they haven't all gone bang (yet). Just a large proportion of them seem to.