Outer Limits 4x4 Board

Hey guys just looking into buying a 4wd wagon.

Just wondering what preference would be best suited out of a GU 4.5L and a 2.8td
Im not towing anything, just mainly beach and offroad on the weekends (car is not going to be a daily driven)
So which is going to be the most reliable once modified (wheels, suspension)
And efficient etc(4.5 on gas/ petrol)
I am just trying to keep the purchase of the 4wd under 14k at the mosti dont mind if its standard
Thanks

Id probably go the 4.5 just because it will have more usable power whilst 4x4. But up the beach i could imagine then 4.5 been pretty sluggish.
From what i've seen the 2.8 lags doing the steep hill climb stuff unless they have been tweaked.

No doubt there will be very mixed opinions in this subject.

Have you driven both a 2.8TD and a 4.5 petrol? The test drive made the decision for me.

No problems with the 4.5 on the beach. Cheaper to run than a diesel (if you plan on servicing it) and even cheaper again on LPG (I pay $13/100km + $200 twice a year for servicing). Plenty of power to turn big tyres.

Fundamentally I think diesels are more reliable via lack of moving parts, but mainted reasonably I doubt you'd have any huge issues with a petrol (ANY used car is a risk). If something does go bang, and petrol will be much cheaper to fix or replace than a diesel. Call Nissan and ask for the price of a diesel injector pump

mate i would go the 4.5. my little bro has one on gas with 100mm lift and is turning 36 extreme treckers and loves it.
he drives it hard and has only had to replace clutch and change to manual front hubs (had car 2yrs)
just thinking if everyone says to stand clear of the 3l because it is too small shurly the 2.8 is worse

But remember the 2.8 is 6 cylinder not 4. I reckon go the 4.5, Because i just spoke to my mate and asked him whet he like and doesn't like. The only thing for him was the auto let him down a bit. They get hot quick. (Just put a bigger cooler on)

What do the rest of you guys with manuals think of these. Do they have plenty of power.

there is only a handful of 2.8's that make it past 200k, there are people out there that defend them but I have helped pull a few out for mates and unfortunately the probs they face are usually expensive to fix. IMO they are let down by their cooling systems which get neglected over the years. The TB4.5 will last well if serviced but valve seats will receed on LPG without flashlube. Rear mains tend to leak and 5th gear can get noisy.
Mine is a manual 4.5 and I find it adequate to tow the boat and use as my daily.
I run it on unleaded most of the time coz I dont feel its all that thirsty at 19L / 100 but LPG is good when racking up the freeway kays.

i have a 4.5l manual (petrol/gas), i couldn't be happier with it the only things i did was change the auto hubs to manual hubs and got an 80l auxiliary tank so i had a better fuel capacity around 850klm range on they highway.

definatly 4.5,

2.8 couldnt pull themselves with standard tyres:)

try and get one on gas, there is a few nice Ti top of range early Gus around your price range, nice vehicle I would go that personally

im a diesel man, but for what you want, i.e not a daily but good fun on the weekends, go the 4.5. good power, tough motors.

for daily driver i wouldnt buy either but for a toiy the only thing letting the 4.5 down is ecconomy and toys dont see as many k's so its less of an issue.