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What to look for when buying a GQ

Posted: Sat Feb 01, 2003 6:53 pm
by slowhilux
Well, im sick of the Hilux. I would need to spend too much money on it for what i need. And it only has 2 seats.

Ive allways liked the Patrols, but just never could afford one. So i am converting to the "dark side".

Im after a 1990-93 long wheelbase diesel (turbo one would be nice!), and manual too. I just need to know what to look out for when buying one. I can spot most problems with Toyotas, but Nissans are a different ballgame (being that all my cars are/have been Toyota!!).

It will be used for my work vehicle (through the week), then for the weekend toy/basher, with extended trips eventually up to the top.
I intend on keeping it for a fair while, just cos the 80 series is still to dear for its age, and, well, a well set-up Patrol will stomp on an 80 series in many areas.......

Any opinions/comments would be great!!

Thanx,
Phill

Posted: Sat Feb 01, 2003 7:40 pm
by Cheezy4x4
Welcolme :D .
Everyone has to wake up eventually. :lol: Ok things to watch out for,
Rusted rear window frame.
Cracked floor under drivers and pass feet.
Cracked head, 4.2 Petrol.
Broken engine mounts.
Body mounts punched through floor in rear.
Crack chassis around steering box.
Sincro in 2nd and 3rd gears.
Bent upper coil mount in rear.
Bent trailing arms.
There are a few others, I will add when I think of them. 8)

Posted: Sun Feb 02, 2003 12:29 pm
by slowhilux
Thanx Cheezy.....

I had heard that the petrol ones have a head/gasket problem. Im after one that hasnt had too much offroad, ie, the "one lady owner" type of car.
How strong are the diffs and CV's in them?? I know they are big things and havent heard of ppl breaking them????

Phill

Posted: Sun Feb 02, 2003 4:45 pm
by Cheezy4x4
Diffs are 1 of the tuffest straight from the factory in OZ, and CV's are also OK unless you run big rubber and front locker. I am testing bomb proof CV's for GQ's and should be on sale in about 4 weeks. :D

Posted: Sun Feb 02, 2003 5:21 pm
by slowhilux
Well thats sold me. Im seriously looking for one next week. Thanx for your help Cheezy......i cant wait to get my hands on one now :twisted:

Posted: Sun Feb 02, 2003 5:50 pm
by Cheezy4x4
Will need to change your name to Slow GQ. :lol:

Posted: Sun Feb 02, 2003 6:28 pm
by TuffRR
Hey Cheezy, i hope that wasn't one of your bombproof CV's in the front of Hayden's car last saturday! :finger:

Posted: Sun Feb 02, 2003 8:33 pm
by Cheezy4x4
No it wasnt :D But will be putting them in Haydens truck soon. :wink:

Posted: Tue Feb 04, 2003 7:06 pm
by slowhilux
LOL....Slow GQ........I love it :D

Although my nickname will be the complete opposite to what i have on the cards for it....and it WILL be a diesel :shock:

Posted: Thu Feb 13, 2003 4:19 pm
by CJ Burns Esq
So I should have read thru first before posting. Thanks also for the list. If it could be added to that'd be great. Also check out the back issue of 4WD Monthly July 2001 as it has an article on used GQ's. I finally found it.
They mention the 4.2 Diesel is the pick of the bunch.
CJ

Posted: Fri Feb 14, 2003 7:18 am
by JK
I have the 4.2 Diesel and have driven the 2.8Turbo... and can say that the 4.2 is by far the superior engine for offroad. Develops torque much lower in the rev range = rock crawling not rock hopping. :wink:

Posted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 8:06 pm
by Bingham
[quote="Cheezy4x4"]Welcolme :D .

Crack chassis around steering box.
Sincro in 2nd and 3rd gears.

any more details on these two specifically!! im interested to hear having heard a few and having mild gear selection issues

cheers bingham