Buying my first patrol

[LFT]

I am after some advice from experienced patrol owners. I am 90% certain I am going to buy a patrol. I have a budget of $5000 and it will be my daily driver (driver very often on road anyway). It has to have air con, that is my only must have that I can think of.

I was originally going to look for a nice MQ/MK with a fair bit of rego then look at suspension,tyres etc to use up the five grand. Since looking though I have seen quite a few GQ's for around $5000. If I buy a GQ though I will have no money for mods.

My question is this, should I buy a cheap MQ/MK and spend rest of budget on mods or do people think I will be better off buying a later model GQ and leaving mods for later on down the track?

[bogged]

I am after some advice from experienced patrol owners. I am 90% certain I am going to buy a patrol. I have a budget of $5000 and it will be my daily driver (driver very often on road anyway). It has to have air con, that is my only must have that I can think of.

I was originally going to look for a nice MQ/MK with a fair bit of rego then look at suspension,tyres etc to use up the five grand. Since looking though I have seen quite a few GQ's for around $5000. If I buy a GQ though I will have no money for mods.

My question is this, should I buy a cheap MQ/MK and spend rest of budget on mods or do people think I will be better off buying a later model GQ and leaving mods for later on down the track?

any GQ's that are $5k will be heaps of shit.
YMWV. Go the MQ/K and spend on it if its all you can afford.

Or buy the LWB Zook in trader section for $900 and spend $3k on it and have a beast.

[BIG GQ]

Not always the case Bruce (not in QLD anyway.)

LFT up here in QLD you can get GQ's that are in reasonable condition for around the $5000 but they will be petrol(perfume) powered.

IMO if this is your first 4WD then I would suggest getting a GQ and wheeling it in stock form (still a capable 4x4) for a while and learning and deciding exactly what mods you want/ho far do you want to go wiith mods. Then when the time comes you have a better platform to start from.

Just my $0.02 worth. You may also like to visit/join the Patrol forum in my signature for more info.

[bluemq]

When I was looking I couldn't find any GQ's for $5k that were worth buying, either had major problems or were in very bad condition.

Given MQ's were probably in the same condition, but they are at least $3k cheaper which gets you brand new suspension, wheels and probably a cb and a few other things.

For $5k you can build a pretty capable MQ.

Plus spares are much cheaper then GQ, you can have a whole spare truck in your backyard if you really want to for next to nothing.

The only downside to MQ's is they are rough, the interiors are ugly and the seats etc are generally fucked.

If you want a presentable car, go the GQ, if you want something as a capable offroader that wont cost you much, go the MQ.

[DR Frankenstine]

Find a really good mq/mk for up to $5000 rather than a farked $5000 gq you WILL have to spend money on

[Cossie]

But you could buy an MQ then spend 5k on mods and it still wouldnt be worth 5k.

Buy a GQ and fix it up/ modify as needed - it'll be worth more in the long run.

[BIG GQ]

Where are you LFT??????? In Brisbane I could probably get you into a manual GQ (mav)petrol shorty with good motor and body (private inspections and test drives are welcome) with sunroof, factory locker, etc. for definately $6000 (was the price 2mths ago when he talked of selling it) maybe less. I think he would still see it (I'm seeing him Saturday) and could find out.

[LFT]

Unfortunately BIG GQ I'm in NSW, a place called Agnes Banks. Thanks for the offer though really appreciate it.

[bluemq]

But you could buy an MQ then spend 5k on mods and it still wouldnt be worth 5k.

Buy a GQ and fix it up/ modify as needed - it'll be worth more in the long run.

Find me a GQ for $5k that doesnt need money spent on it to get it reliable, plus another $5k in mods to get it to a state where most 4wd'ers want.

Don't get me wrong, I'd prefer a GQ over an MQ, but on a budget, you won't get a cheap GQ that's worth keeping, or doesnt break the budget.

EDIT:

This is not an invitation to PM me about "your mate's dad who has a GQ FOR $7500".

[liftkit8]

GDAY PAL. COMES DOWN TO , RIGHT PLACE RIGHT TIME. $ 5G WONT GET MUCH GQ. $3G GETS AN MQ PLUS SOME TO THROW AT IT . I SOLD A GOOD MQ 33S 4'' LIFT UHF PLUS PLUS, 4 $3800. THERES A LITTLE INSIGHT. MAYBE SAVE 2 MORE G AND GO FOR FOR THE LATER.
SHAME CABBAGE TREE HAS GONE , CLOSE TO HOME OUT AGNES.

[bogged]

it maybe worth you saving up for another 5-6 mths and getting a good GQ.

They are worlds apart the GQ and MK. Go GQ if you can afford, but yea, if you get one for $5k, you will need to spend on it pretty much straight away

[LFT]

There's not much chance of me saving up more as I'm not working at the moment, just finished studying and I need a car for work. I'll keep my eye out for a GQ but I won't hold my breath. I think I'll end up going MQ/MK as I like the idea of having money left over to tinker with, which is what I really want to do. It will probably help me appreciate a GQ later on aswell, don't want to spoil myself too much too early on.

Back to the GQ though, was wondering what people thought of the RB30 ones? How many K's is too many? Are they any good off road compared to the bigger engines?

[BIG GQ]

http://www.autotrader.com.au/photodisplay.asp

http://www.autotrader.com.au/photodisplay.asp

http://www.autotrader.com.au/photodisplay.asp

http://www.autotrader.com.au/photodisplay.asp

http://www.autotrader.com.au/photodisplay.asp (blown head)

http://www.autotrader.com.au/photodisplay.asp

There are also a few shorties that I didn't bother to list. One of the above ones even has 3yrs warranty (although they don't mean a great deal). This was one really quick search to come up with these. Trust me spend the time searching and you will come up with a reasonable GQ for the money you are talking.

[chimpboy]

http://www.autotrader.com.au/photodisplay.asp

http://www.autotrader.com.au/photodisplay.asp

http://www.autotrader.com.au/photodisplay.asp

http://www.autotrader.com.au/photodisplay.asp

http://www.autotrader.com.au/photodisplay.asp (blown head)

http://www.autotrader.com.au/photodisplay.asp

There are also a few shorties that I didn't bother to list. One of the above ones even has 3yrs warranty (although they don't mean a great deal). This was one really quick search to come up with these. Trust me spend the time searching and you will come up with a reasonable GQ for the money you are talking.

Geez, there are some nice links there...

[bogged]

http://www.autotrader.com.au/photodisplay.asp
.

that ad is old though, it might be sold
STATE: FIRST PUBLISHED: 30 Dec 1899

[bluemq]

Those 1899 patrol's just keep going - can't kill them.

Look at the lift kit this guy has:

[bogged]

Those 1899 patrol's just keep going - can't kill them.

Look at the lift kit this guy has:

but is it diesel? and he only wants to pay $5k, he wouldnt get that one with them 44's on..

[BIG GQ]

OK farkers so I didn't check the links but do a search on that site on nissan patrol in NSW $3000-$6000 and have a look at the GQ is come up with.

[LFT]

Thanks for that BIG GQ. Thanks to everyone else for their advice too has been very helpful. I will keep looking, I haven't given up finding a GQ yet. Found a few auto GQ's aswell, they seem to be cheaper, is that because they're not very popular, no good offroad or something. Whats everyone's opinion on autos. Again thanks for eveyones help, I really appreciate it.

[bogged]

Thanks for that BIG GQ. Thanks to everyone else for their advice too has been very helpful. I will keep looking, I haven't given up finding a GQ yet. Found a few auto GQ's aswell, they seem to be cheaper, is that because they're not very popular, no good offroad or something. Whats everyone's opinion on autos. Again thanks for eveyones help, I really appreciate it.

autos shit on manuals offroad....

let the flamming begin

[chimpboy]

Thanks for that BIG GQ. Thanks to everyone else for their advice too has been very helpful. I will keep looking, I haven't given up finding a GQ yet. Found a few auto GQ's aswell, they seem to be cheaper, is that because they're not very popular, no good offroad or something. Whats everyone's opinion on autos. Again thanks for eveyones help, I really appreciate it.

autos shit on manuals offroad....

let the flamming begin

I don't think that autos are always worse that manuals offroad, although I don't personally think they are better. They definitely have an advantage in some situations, but they also have disadvantages in others.

But I would say that autos are worse everywhere else unless you're a cab driver or are missing your left leg. They are much more sluggish, have fewer gears, and have worse fuel economy. I hate driving autos as a rule, but I have to admit that in recent years I hate it less.

Jason

[turps]

Thanks for that BIG GQ. Thanks to everyone else for their advice too has been very helpful. I will keep looking, I haven't given up finding a GQ yet. Found a few auto GQ's aswell, they seem to be cheaper, is that because they're not very popular, no good offroad or something. Whats everyone's opinion on autos. Again thanks for eveyones help, I really appreciate it.

autos shit on manuals offroad....

let the flamming begin

I aint going to flame you. If it wasnt for the PTO winch I would be driving an auto now. Or atleast soon.
I was surprised at the Ateco winch challenge just the number of cars running autos. Last year I think there was only 2, this year half the field.

[matty b]

on the topic of fing a gq for 5k that dosent need money spent on it............is there ever gonna be a day when we dont have to spend money on any 4wd weather it be mods or repairs?
some dys they just seem like bottemkless money pits however we just keep on spending

[ozy1]

ill agree finding a 4by that won need monet spent on it gunna be hard, especially buying an MQ, while they are okay out of the box off road, the GQ will eat it, and having an MQ thats over 18 years old, will need even more dollars thrown at it to keep it in a road worthy state, especially now that rust is starting to take hold of them,

[bluemq]

ill agree finding a 4by that won need monet spent on it gunna be hard, especially buying an MQ, while they are okay out of the box off road, the GQ will eat it, and having an MQ thats over 18 years old, will need even more dollars thrown at it to keep it in a road worthy state, especially now that rust is starting to take hold of them,

There are still good examples out there - and mechanically they are a very easy car to work on, diagnose and repair.

Like I said before, parts are cheaper then GQ.

They may not suit everyone, but they are still a capable cheap fourbie, and good enough for what most people want.

[ozy1]

ill agree finding a 4by that won need monet spent on it gunna be hard, especially buying an MQ, while they are okay out of the box off road, the GQ will eat it, and having an MQ thats over 18 years old, will need even more dollars thrown at it to keep it in a road worthy state, especially now that rust is starting to take hold of them,

There are still good examples out there - and mechanically they are a very easy car to work on, diagnose and repair.

Like I said before, parts are cheaper then GQ.

They may not suit everyone, but they are still a capable cheap fourbie, and good enough for what most people want.

i was in no way knocking the old MQ, as i have had 2 in the past, and one of those was actually my first 4by, and the other was near stock, and used as a comp truck before i decided to upgrade to a GQ,

i can tell ya, i bought an 88 GQ SWB, for $3250, it was out of rego, had 4 rust spots in the roof, which will be easy fixed, to get it ready for rego, all that was needed was a new steering wheel, a general cleanup, as it was dirty, and the replacement of a leaking rear axel seal, so you can easily do it, i would have had it all rego'd and thierd party insured for $5000, so there are some good examples out there,

[ozy1]

ill agree finding a 4by that won need monet spent on it gunna be hard, especially buying an MQ, while they are okay out of the box off road, the GQ will eat it, and having an MQ thats over 18 years old, will need even more dollars thrown at it to keep it in a road worthy state, especially now that rust is starting to take hold of them,

There are still good examples out there - and mechanically they are a very easy car to work on, diagnose and repair.

Like I said before, parts are cheaper then GQ.

They may not suit everyone, but they are still a capable cheap fourbie, and good enough for what most people want.

i was in no way knocking the old MQ, as i have had 2 in the past, and one of those was actually my first 4by, and the other was near stock, and used as a comp truck before i decided to upgrade to a GQ,

i can tell ya, i bought an 88 GQ SWB, for $3250, it was out of rego, had 4 rust spots in the roof, which will be easy fixed, to get it ready for rego, all that was needed was a new steering wheel, a general cleanup, as it was dirty, and the replacement of a leaking rear axel seal, so you can easily do it, i would have had it all rego'd and thierd party insured for $5000, so there are some good examples out there,

[bluemq]

Fair enough - but deals like that would be few and far between.

Specially when an MQ in half decent condition still goes for at least $4k - and don't tell me they don't, cause I let at least 3 slip thru because someone else bought them before I could.

[JemmyBubbles]

No definately not there are alwayz GQ bargains to be had. Yeah things will need to be done to them as they will need to be done to the MQ you get no matter what used car you get it will have gremlims eventually..

When I was doing some roof tiling out west there was a yellow td42 (Diesel) shorty sitting at moonbi (Near Tamworth) car yard for $4500. It didn't have A/C and had drums in the rear (That could give you that MQ feeling but easily replaced with factory locker housing ). But I know you could have haggled the guy down to at least $3800. Cheaper than what you can buy an actual td42 engine from the wreckers

As far as things that were wrong with it go. It had a big Fence on the Front of it, Sagged ass-end, Urethane Bushes in the panhard rods.

To be honest the car is probably still sitting there as it is yellow, respray it if you don't like the colour....

Used cars... they don't even run out of life ?? people get sick of fixing them...

[Beastmavster]

My XLT Mav cost me $4k with factory locker (broken), aircon (still needs regassing), power steering (broken), no front bumer (thanks chimpboy) and snorkel.

With the bits and pieces it needed it would probably have cost about $6k to be regoed, but I had a little help which saved a few bucks.


Slightly over your budget but you can see my point. Getting a GQ for that money is rare but possible.

Obviously it's had a few more bucks on it to get to 33"s and lift, but that wouldnt have been strictly necessary.

Seen more LWB go for that sort of price.


Even so, nothing wrong with an MQ. I have a GQ because I couldnt find and MQ and I'm still not sure if I won or lost out on that......