Buying my first patrol

[bluemq]

I am opposite to you, I would have bought a GQ if I could find one, but I ended up with a very good MQ and am happy with it.

The only thing my MQ doesnt have that a GQ has is coil springs - otherwise it's basically the same.

Plus my roof is removable which is fat

[Cokeaddict]

Good luck with the 5 grand mate. Ya wont get much for that here in sydney.

[LFT]

I won't get much of what?

[Cokeaddict]

Ya wont get much of a GQ for 5 grand is what i meant to say

[LFT]

Found a way to possibly up the budget to $6500 - $7000. Now do people think I can get a good GQ for that? I want one on gas as the extra budget will necessitate lower running costs. Although answers may be somewhat bias ( I should have asked this at the start ), do people think a GQ is a good first 4x4.

[bluemq]

Yeah you'll find one for $7500 on gas; just don't buy the first one you look at.

GQ is a very good first 4wd.

See if you can't find one with receipts for the head being reconditioned recently as that is one of the problems with that engine - and it will cost you $1200 or so to fix.

[Beastmavster]

Nissan Patrol 1988 Manual, regd 8/2006, drives good, $4950, AG-25-AV. DL-17632. SHAK Motors LAKEMBA 02-9750 2562.




gee that was so farkun hard to find a regoed GQ in Sydney for $5k

[Beastmavster]

There's about 6 more up to the $6k mark and that's without looking for Ford Mavericks, or looking at central coast/newcastle/wollongong.

Best thing to do get out there and see why they want $1k more for the $6k ones. If it's faded paint and a few shopping trolley dents that really doesnt matter to an offroader. Nor does stuffed tyres or suspension.

[LFT]

The reason I asked in the first place was that I found quite a few GQ's for around $5k. It's not hard at all to find them but most people were of the consensus that if they were $5k then they must be crap. As it will be my first 4x4 I wanted advice from "experienced" people as I do not want to go and spend $5-$6k on something, use up my budget then something go wrong with the car mechanically. I understand something going wrong is always a possibility, but I would rather it be a possibility than a probability.

[Beastmavster]

Mechanically these things are pretty bulletproof with the exception of potential head damage (moreso on LPG) and moreso the RB30 but it's much cheaper and easier to replace.

If the oil looks clean and the water looks clean (without being "brand new clean" then you're probably on a winner.

Other than that, nothing specific really - rust in floor and saggy hinges. They're all slow and clunky to shift gear too....


If you really want to get an NRMA test so they compression test it and stuff go for it, alhtought they'll be picky and recommend you not get it (they do that with any old car).

You'll learn more about the car from the look on the sellers face when you suggest getting it checked by the NRMA than you would by actually getting it checked by them....


A better option is if he'll let you take it to a garage for a check (after all should need this for a blue slip). Just dont let him take it to his mate down the road.

[bluemq]

The reason I asked in the first place was that I found quite a few GQ's for around $5k. It's not hard at all to find them but most people were of the consensus that if they were $5k then they must be crap. As it will be my first 4x4 I wanted advice from "experienced" people as I do not want to go and spend $5-$6k on something, use up my budget then something go wrong with the car mechanically. I understand something going wrong is always a possibility, but I would rather it be a possibility than a probability.

Yeah but that's just it - you have set yourself a budget and you gotta expect something to fuck up - it always does.

If you spend your whole budget on the car it doesnt leave much room for error.

For $7500 I think you will be fine - but just be prepared to have to fix something.

Better to be safe then sorry - worst case you will have $2500 leftover to spend on mods.

[Patroldude]

Like I said in my PM - my mates old man has his advertised on his lawn for $6500 on dual fuel with about 12k or so worth of mechanical receipts including the LPG, block and head, suspension, mags, tires etc etc etc I know he will go to $5k but its a Maverick LWB n robably not what you looking for - only mechanical fault is its leaking front diff... probably weld it up again.

Pleanty of bargains - but for $6500 you could get a wicked MK - SOA with 35's or something - if you were to do it yourself (plenty of board memebrs would offer help) then it would be even cheaper....

I am biased as I love cheap parts and ease of repair if needed along with toplessness....

Mk

[LFT]

Sorry Patroldude but I don't know what PM you're refering to.