Buying a GU Coil-Cab

[coxy321]

Hi all. It's time for me to sell up the two MK's (and parts), and start afresh with a newer car, so we can tackle the cape in comfort. I've decided I want a GU (just looks better that the GQ), coil suspension, with either turbo diesel, or possibly intercooled turbo.

As I've mainly concentrated on the M-series patrols the last few years, I've basically got no idea as to when there were spec changes, or when Nissan fixed factory problems etc. etc. So basically I'm after you guys to advise me of what dates the "better" cars were made, what year, what model, what sort of kms to stay under, and so-on.

My budget is up to around a total $25k mark, but keep in mind that there'll have to be a canopy made up, fridge, bull-bar, winch etc. all put on as well.

I'm a bit confused cause i've been looking around, and have seen some 99 models with all the gear, big tyres, snorkel, bullbar, under 100kms etc. for $16k, yet i see others that are only 2001 models that sell for over $25k, bare as a bone, 100kms, and an alloy tray!!! Whats going on there???!!

Sorry to annoy everyone with such a bone-head question, but i have to ask ($25k is a lot of money!).

Cheers - Coxy

[coxy321]

Any ideas or tips guys?? Come on, take a minute and give me a hand here!!!

[benhl]

mate - i too am looking at the GU options and also have limited funds. So far this is what I'd be chasing if i were you. (obviously depending on needs)

GU II or GU III - Coils all round (either ute or wagon)
4.2 TD minimum, possibly 4.2TDi if i can find one in $$ range(Mmmmm)
3-5" lift
35-37" tyres (considering light comp work)
then the usual other things

New info today!! - GU Shorty - looking into this (probably an NZ import) Look very sexy!!

To keep price down i'll be hitting the wreckers looking for a rear ended wagon (for bob or Xcab cut down) or ute with rear damage as i'd be looking at a custom comp short tray anyway if i went ute.

For my info, does anyone know if you can import a wrecked vehicle (read wrecker GU Shorty) and fix it up in Australia??

[suzi_on_46s]

have you got any pics of the gu shorty?

[benhl]

there are some links in the GU bible in the Nissan forum under GU shorty

[bogged]

Sorry to annoy everyone with such a bone-head question, but i have to ask ($25k is a lot of money!).

Sadly its not enough for a good GU Ute. unless its a miracle deal, and I did say a GOOD example..

YMMV

[Tiny]

Sorry to annoy everyone with such a bone-head question, but i have to ask ($25k is a lot of money!).

Sadly its not enough for a good GU Ute. unless its a miracle deal, and I did say a GOOD example..

YMMV

aggree, I got sick of tryuing to sell mine privatly, 99 TD with intercooler, had some good gear on it, but dealer bought it for almost 25K!!!!!! had an offer for $30K but the guys finance fell through and I needed the cash at that point in time

like most rigs, if you want a lift and tyres, look at getting one done allready as they will be similarily priced as the stuff with nothing.

if you want coil all round make sure you look for an ST or make sure if it a DX that it is COIL ALL ROUND!!!!! technically speaking coil cab means coil under the cab, leaf under the tray

beware of ex telstra and mine vehicles, there are pleanty of GU utes from the brisbane austions, but most of them are ex thrashmobiles.

[GQ TROL]

benhl,
I may have read your post wrong, but if you're looking at a shorty GU then you're limited to the 3.0l diesel (intercooled) engine....not available with the TD42 unfortunately unless you're keen on doing an engine swap?

And if you're trying to find a wrecked GU over here, regardless of wagon or ute, I doubt you'll find one. They're very rarely wrecked and parted out.

[coxy321]

Thanks for all of the input guys. Here's a few i've found that caught my eye:

http://carpoint.ninemsn.com.au/DesktopD ... carpointau

http://carpoint.ninemsn.com.au/DesktopD ... carpointau

http://carpoint.ninemsn.com.au/DesktopD ... carpointau

http://carpoint.ninemsn.com.au/DesktopD ... carpointau

http://carpoint.ninemsn.com.au/DesktopD ... carpointau

I'd preffer an extra-cab (two seats, heaps of room), mainly cause there's less panels to damage, and more room to carry stuff. Pitty there's not a whole heap of them around. Wagons worry me with panel damage. And you can't lay the seats back in a ute. So i'm a bit tight as far as choice goes.

Maybe i should get a dual cab hilux........

There's a nice GQ in there too.

Coxy

[RoldIT]

The last one looks the goods (as long as it's been looked after).

[benhl]

The last one looks the goods (as long as it's been looked after).

AGREED

[Hutch]

Check out this site to get an idea of values http://www.redbookasiapacific.com/au/


Most dealers use that site to keep up with values. Hit enter on the "For private Research" side (right), then used car icon top left side, then search for nissan/patrol/year model.

For your money (24k less extras) you may be looking at a 2000 coil cab. Not a bad rig if I do say so myself (u see I got the same model ) mind u I paid 36k for it 3.5 years ago.
My Rig http://forums.overlander.com.au/viewtopic.php?t=28674

This link should take u straight there, but if not follow instructions above
http://www.redbookasiapacific.com/au/ve ... y=NISS00BB

[MattGU]

Don't automatically dimiss ex fleet vehicles, I picked up a ex Qld Rail GU (dx 4 coil ute) with 80 000 kms last year for themoney you are talking about. Only came with bar and lights but meant I could fit the extras I wanted. Had an up to date service manual all performed at the local nissan dealership. Sure there are plenty of flogged ex-fleet but who says the privately owned ones haven't been beat on. I have a friend who buys a top of the line Prado every 2 years and takes it to Fraser and Cape York (we have to drag it a couple of places to get it up the Cape) then brings them back has them detailed and gets top dollar for them. Good luck with your search, gu's are great fun.

Matt

[coxy321]

I made a call into the local Nissan dealership, and was told that the vehicle described below is on the market, for the right person.

Late 1997 GQ RX Wagon, 4.2TD, OME 2" Lift, Brand new 32" Cooper STT (5), ARB Steel Winch bar, snorkel, dual batteries - 140,000kms, white, clean as a whistle.

The car is owned by one of the managers' wife, and is used as a point A to point B car, has had VERY little offroad use.

I've had a look on the net to get a round about price, but how much do you guys reckon its worth???

Cheers - Coxy

PS. Hope you all had a great Christmas!!!

[jav]

i paid 36k for my 99 coil cab with 70 000 km on the clock, but it had a tipper tray and hydro crane. make sure you put a earth strap to chassie, other wise the hand brake cable tends to melt, not cheap for a new one.

[thunder]

http://carpoint.ninemsn.com.au/DesktopD ... carpointau

this one is different..it say its petrol not diesel

[bogged]

http://carpoint.ninemsn.com.au/DesktopD ... carpointau

this one is different..it say its petrol not diesel

screen says turbo diesel

[coxy321]

It says in the vehicle description that its got twin diesel fuel tanks. They've probly clicked on the wrong fuel type when putting the add in. I've noticed quite a few little stuff ups like that on carpoint.