Outer Limits 4x4 Board

Posted: **Mon Jul 16, 2007 7:14 pm**

girlfriend is thinking about buying a Feroza.
she likes the look of the ones with the flares not the ones that look narrow.
i think its the SX ones or something?
a mate had one a few years ago and it wasnt too bad.
all she would do with it is drive to work and the odd camping/light wheeling trip so im not too worried about off road capabilities etc...
probably just lift it 2" and some bigger tyres and thats about it.

is there anything to look out for on Ferozas?

Posted: **Mon Jul 16, 2007 9:46 pm**

A lot of stuff you can check yourself eg:

-Look underneath at the front bash plate and the sill area under the doors for dents, this will tell you if it's been used off road a lot

-Check for oil leaks underneath the engine and gearbox/ transfer case area (transfer case is bolted onto the back of the gearbox and distributes drive to the front and rear diffs) Also check around diffs for oil leaks.

-Listen for any strange noises in the engine and gearbox when driving it - make sure you rev it out in at least 1 - 2 - 3.

-Check the servicing history

-Check the exhaust manifold and see if it has been replaced yet. They crack and guaranteed if it is the original cast iron one that it will be cracked. The cast iron one has a steel heatshield over it that will hide the cracks. If the manifold is made from steel tubing then it's already got extractors fitted (a bonus!) Budget ~$500 to get the manifold replaced if it needs doing. A whistling noise when driven is an indicator of an exhaust problem.

-Check the power steering pulley is tight and doesn't wobble. The centre bolt that holds the pulley onto the pump can come loose.

- Take it off road and lock the front hubs and check the 4WD light on the dash illuminates when 4WD is engaged. Drive it around a bit and make sure the 4WD works in low range and high range. Only engage 4WD on loose dirt surfaces- don't do it on hard packed or on road or something will blow!!

-Check for any fuel smells inside the cabin (particularly on hot days.) Some plumbing inside the rear right trim panel (behind the speaker) can leak fumes into the cabin. Not a hard one to fix.

-If there's no service history and you think it's a good one then get an inspection done. Then budget at least a couple of hundred $$$ for things like a timing belt change, general service and oil change (for everything including diffs, gearbox, transfer case etc) and get the valve clearances adjusted on the engine too.

Posted: **Mon Jul 16, 2007 9:52 pm**

thanks mate

can you think of anything else?

Posted: **Mon Jul 16, 2007 10:49 pm**

j-top paj wrote:thanks mate can you think of anything else?

That wasn't me

It was quoting murcod i think from an old thread

Also, the wider ones are a "Feroza II"... it will say it on the guard. They come in like SXII and SXIII and stuff like that I think.
I'm no expert with girls cars

Posted: **Mon Jul 16, 2007 10:51 pm**

oh, thanks but, it give me a start to know what to look for

Posted: **Mon Jul 16, 2007 11:14 pm**

Make sure you really pay attention to the gearbox, any noises at all. My roza had its gearbox rebuilt 3 times.

I dont think this is a common problem, just in my situation.

Luv'd the car though

Posted: **Mon Jul 16, 2007 11:20 pm**

got any pics of it??

Posted: **Tue Jul 17, 2007 12:04 am**

Check the oil. If it's really dirty, even after a recent change, then it's prolly been pinging off its t!ts.

Make sure you run it on Premium fuel to avoid pinging and further engine damage.

The gearbox has been mentioned, but provided it's not been driven too hard, you should be fine.

Other things to check are Idler and Pitman arm bushes, ball joints, etc.

Other than that, they're pretty solid.

Posted: **Tue Jul 17, 2007 9:36 am**

watch out for gearbox transfer noises.

have a spare exhaust manifold if you really really need one.