GU What to buy ??

[vignalem]

Advice Needed (3.0 TD ???)

I am about to buy a Patrol of some description as have had a MQ shorty for years with no real dramas.

I can afford a late model ie. 2003 GU but don't know what option to go for. I like the idea of the 3.0 but have heard all the stories about the earlier models. It will be used mainly as a commuter with about 10% sand offroad and the occasional longer trip. The other decision is manual or auto.
Are the later model donks improved ?

I am about to head to the city and grab one so any advice is welcomed.

Poss

[familybus]

goodluck dude! i posted almost the same post as this a few days ago and bugger all positive feedback! needless to say i ended up talkin to a bloke who has one and has owned it for a while and went and bought a GU according to what he suggested! i ended up buying a 98 mad GU manual 2.8 and stepping out of my GQ and into this has been the best thing ive ever done! its not super fast and powerfull but in my books its worth every cent we payed for it! bloody beutifull to drive and great on fuel yet enough power to have fun in!

[gqmad]

save your money and buy the 4.2 dude. Much better engine and tried and tested. resale is a lot easier on the 4.2
On the other hand i have come across a few people that love their 3 lt Gu but have come across more people that have not been satisfied with the lack of torque. mind you these people do you the machine for offroad work.

[krimnl]

i own a 4.2TD GU and love the power , if i ned more i can intercool it and put plenty more boost and fuel in ect.
the problem i see with the 3ltr is that it is almost at its limits so if you decide you want more then your limited.

either way the GU is a nice thing to drive and handles the bush very well.

one problem is that when you damage it the cost is much more than a GQ

[Patrolguy]

Mate, I own a 2000 3.0TDi auto wagon ST. Fuel economy is great 12L/100Km's, power is ok but will be better when I fit a TUNIT for around $1350 in the near future. Removed the main muffler and left the resonator - fixed the low end power problems. Now has 102000Km's on the dial and going great.

Anyway as long as you get a patrol it will be a tuff truck!!

Patrolguy.

[CHOWIE]

I have a 2002 3.0L manual ST. I love it. I use it for everyday commuting, extended trips and day trips 4wding with mates. It does everything i ask of it with great fuel economy, comfort and safety. I have done a month trip to the cape tackling all the hard tracks as well as a highway trip to Victoria and back from Brisbane.
My missus has a small mitsubishi lancer. Having said that we never drive her car the patrol is just so much more comfortable. The fuel economy isn't really all that much different if you are driving on the highway or aroud town ( i get about 1050km-1100km out of 127litres). I change the oil myself every 5000km's and get it serviced every 10,000km's. I don't ring it's neck every where i go but i don't nurse it either so far i have done 67,000km's in it without 1 ounce of trouble. I have fitted a 2/34 mandrel bent exhaust TJM suspension, Snorkel, bullbar and dual batteries all of wich has turned it into a fantastic all round vehicle. I can't commenton the 4.2 as i have never had one. I have read the negative comments about the 3.0L, but in my opinion if you buy a later model one that has been looked after you will have no trouble. Don't be put off they are a fantastically capable truck.
Cheers Andrew

[roverrat]

My two bobs is buy a 4.2 TD wagon.

Can carry five people comfortably.
Extremely capable with a few mods.
Is at home as much on the blacktop as in the scrub.

Economy leaves a little to be desired however yet will get that with a 2.5 tonne rig.

[alki]

Another vote for 3.0 lt.
2002 model with 96000km and very happy with it

[bogged]

save your money and buy the 4.2 dude. Much better engine and tried and tested. resale is a lot easier on the 4.2
On the other hand i have come across a few people that love their 3 lt Gu but have come across more people that have not been satisfied with the lack of torque. mind you these people do you the machine for offroad work.

yup well put.

[gqmad]

nah mate go for the 4.2.
you would get a much better resale value on the 4.2 then the 3.0
My old man has the 4.2 and with minor mods like a 3 inch exhaust and a 1 pound boost, he is as happy as pig in shit

[Bingham]

having just been enquiring similarly and looked through all bibles..........

ive decided for my boss that hes buying me the turbo 4.2 wagon ...... and extra couple of litres fuel is cheap then major repairs down the track and while allot seem to be very happy with the 3 i am yet to see somewon that has a 3 actually giving their trucks a hiding and making it home.. they seem to be more the choice for the soft offroader.... not saying this is bad thing.... whatever floats your boat..........

the prob being the 4.2 wagons seem very hard to come by while there is a plague of 3l's around and again the resale of them is pretty average......

I have already teed up fourby's marooka for a tought dog kit and 33's and Custom offroad kunda park to do a tune on the biggirl having talked with some very happy customers after taking stocko's in and herbs out.... bluey down there is the man...
= a middle of the range reliable truck for work and play with good resale even at high km's...... and it will whistle

that was my verdict anyway

[alki]

i am yet to see somewon that has a 3 actually giving their trucks a hiding and making it home.. they seem to be more the choice for the soft offroader.... not saying this is bad thing.... whatever floats your boat..........

I invite you to come 4wdriving with me and tell me if I give it "enough hiding".It has never let me down and always came home.
For those that know Sydney tracks,I have done Mt Walker (couple of times)Unimog hill,Cabage tree lane(while it was open),Power lines near Zig-Zag(many,many times)Drove through a boghole near Bunglebory few times(avatar photo)drove down Eli creek when it was flowing down the beach,and latest Sympson and Tanami deserts-Broome-Perth-Sydney.

[dkne5]

just my 2 cents worth,go the 3 litre,I have a 2002 gu(55000k).do mainly touring(closest city 1500k's away)It's never missed a beat and returns economy of 10.5L/100k.Each to there own I spose.Happy hunting.

[vignalem]

thanks for the feedback gents

What about the manual or auto debate.


Poss

[dkne5]

Don't know much about the auto's,mines a manual.The only thing i've been advised to do with the manual is c/o the existing oil to BP EASYSHIFT OIL.Been told original oils too thin.Anybody heard of this.Hope all these little bits of info help in your search for the right nissan.

Cheers.

[patrolmad]

Go the 3.0 and save yourself a packet of cash whether buying new or used. The only time worth considering a 4.2 is if you are doing a bulk amount of very heavy towing. Having owned both I can't see the value in the 4.2 at $7,000 more.

[Cossie]

what were the reported problems with the early 3.0s? and what years were affected?