Outer Limits 4x4 Board

After selling the trusty MQ, we are now looking to purchase a new Patrol. At the moment we are thinking a GU, probably around 2000 model, and either 3.0 or 4.5L diesel.

Is there much difference between the DX and ST models. Apart from lack of power windows, and vinyl rather than carpet, are there any reasons not to go for a DX?

Thanks
Skivvia

there is no 4.5l diesel
dx is 5 seat

I just purchased a '99 4.2 Turbo Diesel ST and am VERY happy with it. The ST's have there good and bad points I think. You just can't jump in with muddy boots and clothes or chuck the wet muddy dog in the back and hose it out later if you have the ST, but then again I love the power windows and the feeling like your driving a car with, the velour interior.

When I bought mine I was open minded with with preference to ST or DX. It was just whatever came up at the right price. You will naturally pay a bit more for a ST, but it has a car like, instead of truck feel to it. It's a personal preference really. You just have to look after the ST's a bit more, and you can be a bit rougher and get away with it with the DX because they are so much easier to clean.

I personally wouldn't touch a 3.0 litre diesel around the 2000-2001 range. I did a LOT of research before buying my 4.2TD and the failure rates of the 3.0 litres especially around this era is a very big and real problem and not a something you want hanging in the back of your mind. Do a search around the different 4x4 forums and you will see for yourself.

A guy at work had his 2001 fail on him and it cost him nearly 8 grand to get back on the road. Now only 3 months later the variable vane turbo has destructed itself and the metal particles from that have made there way through the intercooler and into the freshly rebuilt motor. So he is up for big money again. He is going to fix it then F@$k it off. Cut his losses and get out he reckons. The later models do seem to be better but time will tell I suppose. Remeber they are only a 4 cylinder working hard to push alone 2.5 tonnes or more.

The petrols both 4.5 and 4.8 seem to be good but thirsty. If it is not on gas you would wack it on straight away. The 4.8's are more powerful than the 4.5's but use less fuel, but you do pay a bit more for them initially because they are in the newer models.

I wouldn't hesitate to buy another 4.2TD ST.

Im still waitn to see it phil

Those rear armrest in the STs are mighty handy for holding your tinnies, but i don't care cause I am always in the driving seat of my DX, unless i've had too many tinnies...

HARMZ wrote:Those rear armrest in the STs are mighty handy for holding your tinnies...

and awesome if you have kids....

the glasses holders

map lights

flares

nice rims

arm rests

carpet can be a pain but $30 on those rubber mats from super sh#t are majic....

as said 7 seats if contraception not a big thing in your life

comfort comfort comfort... a car not a tractor

not sure on post 04 but prob in mine is seats a bit to light in colour and start to look scrappy but $100 in seat covers protects and looks ths goods..

if possible get an st for re-sale if nothing else and just spend a few hundred making protecting it.....

while elect windows are a "yuppy additon" they are great when working..

I have a DX with ST seats in it, best of both worlds

I went from a Ti GQ to the DX GU so it was a bit of a change with no electric windows ans vinyl interior instead of carpet. It is a bit noisier but then the diesel with snorkel is noisier than the petrol GQ any way. The velour seats are just as easy to keep clean as the vinyl seats but more comfortable.

Mine doesn't have any flares or sidesteps (bogged I will take those steps) and is a little on the plain side but that doesn't worry me as i don't feel as bad when I put another dent in it.

Don't touch the 2000-02 Model 3 litres! They have a nasty habbit of engine failure. They are not called the "Hand Grenade" for nothing.

Go the 4.2. Proven reliability.

Also the DX doesn't come with a ridiculously oversized cd player, so you get two DIN spaces, which can house a normal sized cd player, the standard pocket or remove the pocket to fit a CB/UHF, some gauges or whatever...

HARMZ wrote:Also the DX doesn't come with a ridiculously oversized cd player, so you get two DIN spaces, which can house a normal sized cd player, the standard pocket or remove the pocket to fit a CB/UHF, some gauges or whatever...

also I don't have a passenger side air bag so will be converting that dead space to an extra glovebox soon

DX,

Can hose out,

Less parts to get snagged and ripped off,

Easier to clean,

cheaper,

plenty of space for more extras,

Comes with or with out flares depending on which model-year,

3L d, 4.2d or 4.2td engines choices again depending on year.

Thanks for all the advice.

Had read about problems to the 3L, but didn't realise they were that bad. I think that has ruled them off our list.

Sounds like a DX is the way for us to go unless there is a good deal on an ST.

4Speed, do you know which model-years of the DX come with flares?

And I read somewhere that the 4.2TD came out in about April 2000, is this correct?

Also, has anyone had experience adding power window to the DX?
(yes I am soft and like opening windows on the other side of in the car).

Dunno how much this helps but mine has flares, power mirrors,
and centre console, no turbo. '99 model DX, about mid year.
they came out with turbo about August I think.
Central locking too. Love the vinyl, easy to clean out, sheepskin seat
covers so seats all good, threw radio away and fitted cd, mp3, wma
player with extra speakers, and fitted a roof console for cb, uhf etc.
Wouldn't go power stuff and carpet- but this is my opinion only,
love the power windows on wifes car-get in trouble for playing with
them, I'm worse than the kids, lol
Will fit other glove box in spare space soon also.
Jok

Recently noticed another difference between the DXs and STs, the STs have the vertical members surrounding door windows blacked using some type of adhesisve, I saw this on my mates and originallty though it was something he or the previous owver had done,now this does look good, but why didn't they do it on the DXs, gonna have to get me some.