obvious place for the post...
Car has died.
I am thinking of getting a patrol 4.2 turbo ute or 4.2 landcruiser wagon/ute with around 200,000km orso.... 
keeping price down
Does anyone know if timing chains or anything like that needs doing on these cars post 200 000 kms
been cruising google but cant find what im after.
groan dam cars.
Waiting4wind is right into cars. Black Rexys though, not sure about 4x4s.
[edit] duh, just realised that a WRX is technically a 4x4
Check out the offroad 80s forums ,
those guys are really into their 4wds, bloody helpfull lot too!!
What year (or years) car are you looking for?
A commercially used vehicle may drive anywhere from 20k to 50k a year. If so you are looking at anything from 4 to 10 years old. If you narrow it down a bit I can check at work about service schedules.
JB
My friend has a landcruiser wagon on petrol/gas, fat wheels, not too much rust - good kiting wagon! let me know if your keen - its on gumtree $3500. pm for details
gday jaybee
Im looking at anything from 1996 to 2004 (keeping commercials in mind).
Which covers old 4.2 technology with and without turbos and new generation ones as well in both landcruiser and patrol.
Hoping a couple hundred thousand kms will keep the price at the low (lowest
) end of the spectrum. So forth with questioning upcoming problems due to mileage.
Eg I have spotted a 96 80 series with 180,000 (not sure whats wrong with it yet),
otherwise standards/troopys in the 100 series around 2000 to 2004
and same year with the dx patrol utes
Cheers for checking but dont get caught skiving off at work! dont want to be banned from checking the wind now!
also cheers cassa,
will stay in touch with that site.
Off to the salt mine, wheres my pick, cant take kite to work wont fit in mrs car and there might be wind. AAAAAAAAAAAARrrrrrrrrrrrgggghhh
Wotzy77,
Before I say anything I need to clarify that I know nothing about how cars work, but I know a few people that do ;-)
According to the mechanics here....
The timing chains are not considered to be part of any particular service. Unless the chain is loose (and you will hear it rattle) generally it does not need changing.
If you are looking at an auto, take a look at the transmission dipstick. If the oil is Black, run away as fast as your legs will carry you (It shoudl be red).
Check the engine oil and make sure it is not milky. Also check it does not blow white smoke (gasket issues)
They reckon at 200-250k's most commercial operators will consider engine rebuilds, so you might need to do the same depending on how many kms you plan on doing.
Otherwise - listen for a smooth idle, check the clutch (if the owner is not there, put on the handbrake and drive the car - it should stall straight away, if the owner is there find a steep hill and floor it from a stop. The engine should not rev up disproportionate to the speed).
Look for a vehicle with regular services etc etc.
The mechanics were also telling me something about a Long Weight that you need to have every time you get a car serviced, but I dont trust them ;-)
JB
best method of buying good cheap cars is to find a service history. If you find the book with every service stamped at garage X, Y or Z then you'll know its likely to have been serviced properly and thus maintained.
If it starts and drives well your almost there.
Best cars i've ever had have had a service history and receipts etc. I even rang the original owner of a car once and asked him what he used it for. He was happy to tell me the full story.
Then ask the seller "Would you drive your family to Darwin in it tomorrow?"
Hey wotzy77,
Well the timing chains does need replacing at those km If it is a belt driven timing, if its chain driven it will be okay. The radiator will need to be pressure tested for leaks and hose clamps checked. being diesel the fuel filter will need to be checked from any water contamination in fuel so be weary of this issue. If the car is all city use and oil changed regulary then if will be 80% ok.
Regards
Walt.
keeping price down if they have done any work the gearboxes snap just after 100,00kms, otherwise they go for 300,000+km thirstier than 80 series and heavier on a beach
Buyer beware of the cars your looking at!
How much $$ are you willing to spend?
Remember that the Patrol deisel engines 2000 - 2006 (either turbo or non turbo) are prone to premature engine failure. This is a common problem that Nissan will not own up to. The issue revolves around the vehicle being driven up steep inclines. the sump oil retracts to the rear and the pump cannot scavenge enough oil to properly lubricate the top, resulting in the engine losing service life. There is also some oil cavitation in the sump, resulting in the same issue.
BTW the non turbo diesels are very slow.
What do you intend to use the car for?
If your looking at a 4WD, your best bet is to buy one that is not modified and hasn't seen much dirt. Have a really good look under the body for scrapes. Check the steering arm boots for sand or mud. Even the best detailers can't be bothered getting in there. Service books are vital as well.
Timing belts have to be changed and if it's not and it's past due, factor that in. It must be done straight away!
Have you considered a Prado?
But again, it's hard to tell without knowing what your intentions are and how much cash you've got to spend.
I'm a car nut, can point you in the right direction.
How much money do have have to play with?
How much are you spending on fuel at the moment?
Lastly, any manufacturer you prefer?
Cheers
Holy **, what a response!!!
Thanks every one!!! Some interesting points all round as far as I can tell.
I will try to answer some of the points raised.
Why,
- I need to tow a jetski (groan all haters please begin your tirades they will be entertaining!)
-Id like to be able to get on beaches (sand weapon)
-Id like to get up north and camp 1500kms without stress (reliability)
-I need to get to work each day, 20 mins
-dont mind driving like gpa
Right money
Im a 3rd year adult apprentice and dont earn enough/ alot. ...nor play with my toys enough to warrant it... so feel free to tell me im dreaming!!!
...5000 plus 15000 loan, unless i get some serious arguement that says borrow more I would rather not borrow at all.
When surfing I can spend alot on feul easy 150 a week probably more some weeks
Prefer toyota although heard 100 series arnt as good as could of been, but heard some good things about 4.2 TD nissans (the newer utes)
Dont like independant front suspension coz they act like bulldozers in the sand that ive experienced. (Prado?)
Anything I would like quality/service history wise very quickly rises out of my price bracket so i am gonna have to compromise just depends how much i through at it.
New boards and stringy sails needed too you know
eg 100 series standard wagon 113000 kms for 22999 (apparently was advertised under impression that it was 213000kms, appears to be an ex service vehicle coz they missed some concrete or road base or something under the rim, probably not regularly serviced, too late to save?
cos you wont even know its there when towing. 
^^^agreed
there are quite a few nissan fans out there, I keep hearing about how great there gear boxs are and motor cheaper.
fyi a rebuilt diesel LC motor will cost about 10 K at least I am told!!!!
fark.
I am now the proud new owner of a very neat patrol, 1994 gq ute with coil springs and sweet running motor etc. 240k km
10 K
Thanks to the people posting,
I will be sure to winge if it breaks down!!!!
