GU buying advice

[DUDELUX]

Hey guys.
We are looking at replacing the tired family bus Pajero with something a bit newer and more reliable.
I was thinking either a Prado or GU.
We had a GQ a few years ago, and ever since we got rid of it, shes wanted to get a GU.
Its gboing to be mainly a family bus, but will be used on the beach, I have the Lux for the rocks and fun stuff.

We have looked at a couple online, and they look ok, but thats from pictures only. We are going car hunting next week.

Im just posting here as the search wasnt working for me, and I couldnt find any info in the 1st 11pages on Nissan Tech.
Basically, Im after a list of things to look at, check out, look for on a GU in the caryards.

We have a budget of around 10-11g to spend.
I dont want her to have a diesel, as her driving style will kill an oiler in no time, so petrol it is, dual fuel preferably.
Must have at least 7 seats, and it seems as though the GUs are 7seaters, which works good.
Not fusssed about lift, barwork, as that can happen later down the track.
From looking at what is available in our price range, year models around 98-03, but really just need something reliable.

I already know about the stock alloy rims working wheel nuts loose, but is there anything else I should be aware of when looking at GUs??

What year models to avoid, what are the usual faults, etc??

I dont know much about Pootrols, so please help me.

[Skegbudley]

As long as you steer clear of the 2000 - 2002 ZD30s you will be alright.
You should be able to get a 4500 petrol with your budget although it will be at the bottom end of the range price wise.

Feel free to jump onto patrol4x4.com and ask questions there as well.

[stumpyGU]

Only ST and Ti models have 7 seats, and I'm not 100% sure that the DX models come with petrols, so you maybe limited to those variants.

Having owned a 1998 4.5l GU ST, I can say that they're probably what you're after. They are sluggish, but for general beach work and around town duties, will suit pretty well. I had mine on gas and got about 350-400 kms from 95l useable. They are pretty reliable, I had 200k kms on mine with nothing spent besides regular maintenance, and it was still in great nick when I sold it.

As Skeg said, hop on Patrol4x4 and have a prowl.

[5inchgq]

Mate they are everywhere.... http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid= ... =1&theater" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; Get Mrs D to check this out.... unless you have gotten with the times and joined FB.