Outer Limits 4x4 Board

Another question on buying a 4x4 vehicle................................
I've noticed alot of the vehicles I have looked at have very high K's. Is that a concern when buying a 4x4 ? I know alot of owners might live out in the country and need to travel long distances, is that more wear and tear on the motor or is that better than running around in the city? . ..
Is it a concern buying a vehicle with high k's?

It all depends on how the 4wd was driven, how well it was maintained, what sort of terrain it did the kms on (dirt roads, highway, city driving, etc)
All these options will cause different levels of wear and tear

As far as i know, i would be more inclined to buy a high km diesel that has been properly serviced, driven more highway miles than city, not stop started, always properly warmed up, than a lower mileage engine that has been abused, not serviced properly, etc.

on a diesel (i don't have much knowledge of petrols), i would expect on the bigger 4 litre plus straight six engines to have to do a pump service at 250 to 300k (1500 odd plus injectors at same time), timing belt every 100k (check the manual), and would be after proof or evidence of such. I should think that if i a higher mileage engine has had this done, has good compression, no knocking noises, and sounds tight you might get away with it. but don't quote me.

asking a well recommended diesel mechanic might be good

It does all come down to servicing though.. and it's a bit pot luck with used cars unless you know the history of it.

Although the enignes may be fine, higher km vehicles will be more prone to drivetrain wear as they have travelled further... This also comes down to the use and maintenence of the car tho...

Diesel engines are usually ok at higher kms, petrol's aren't as good.

A country car is always good, as longer trips prolong engine life compared to smaller start-stop trips.

IME

All diesel engines have a finite life time and then they tend to destroy themselves

Nissan, Toyota, Landrover - they all die - destroy a piston, throw a rod etc

I would not buy a high Km diesel and expect indefinite life out of them - depending on the nature of the driving - (city worse/ country better)
the ks vary but .....

Nissans - have seen them destroy a piston at 350,000K
Landrover - cracked block/throw rod 300,000 - 350,000K

Can't really comment with personal experience on Toyota or the others, isuzu would have to bet best as far as longevity goes

Just my opinion - I have wanted a TDi landy/rangy for a while but I can't can't justify the repair cost if something goes wrong, my V8 on LPG is 1000 times cheaper to fix and cheaper to run around town on LPG - I just don't have the range or the ability to travel really long distances in remote areas without running on ULP (even on that I have bugger all range)

What do the rest of you think

Tom

i've heard of engines self destructing before 50k too. but your right, all engines have a lifespan, the more k's the closer to that end point it is. And when a diesel goes, it tends to go expensively

this i know from experience