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Re: New to this forum- Need some advice please

Posted: 07 May 2018 09:08
by graham1
Im a little confused. You say youre happy with the cruiser. So why are you looking at Patrols?

Is it a money thing in terms of selling the cruiser, and buying a patrol for less and having some cash in the bank?
Otherwise, I dont really see the point?

Re: New to this forum- Need some advice please

Posted: 07 May 2018 09:33
by TijmenvdS
I am very much pro Patrol but unless you are looking for a cheaper Solid front axle vehicle I don't think it is worth the expenditure to change a independent suspension vehicle with front and rear lockers for one with solid axles and only a rear locker. Capability wise th Patrol has more potential for upgrades but for comfort a 100 series I think with IFS suspension for long distance touring is ideal. In MY OPINION the 4.8 is a beast. It also think the cruiser 4.5 is more powerful than the Patrol's but the 4.8 tops them all. Maar n getoorde Turbo diesel van Michael Steyn is n Masjien met bullike brandstof verbruik ook. Maar dis baie moeite en geld.
:mytwocents:

Re: New to this forum- Need some advice please

Posted: 07 May 2018 10:11
by offroadbiker
My preference...

1. 4.2 Turbo diesel
2. 3.0 - with CRD motor (2014 model upwards)
3. 4.8 GL as I prefer manual
4. 4.8 GRX if you want the luxuries and auto
5. 4.5 GRX manual if you cant get a 4.8 in your budget
6. 4.2 only of you want the GQ shape

Re: New to this forum- Need some advice please

Posted: 07 May 2018 10:31
by ricster
Before I bought my Patrol I was looking at ANY vehicle that was firstly Diesel, and with minimal electronics. I narrowed it down to 2 vehicles eventually. The Patrol i currently have and a Cruiser. Both were turbo'ed 4.2 diesels, both were 1999 models and both had similar km on them. They also had very similar extras on them ( Bullbar, drawers, roof rack, spotlights etc). The deciding factor for me was the R90 000 price difference !!!!

I got so much more value for my buck with the Patrol that it wasn't a hard decision to make. Yeah look, There really is very little difference between the 2 vehicles. Cruisers have front lockers vs the articulation of a Patrol which negates the use of a front locker pretty much. Personally I would say don't fit a front locker on a Patrol, as the diffs on a Patrol are so over engineered that if you lock up the whole drive train, and you push things way over what both Cruisers and Patrols can do you are going to break something in a catastrophic way. Just look at the diameters of the side shafts between the Cruisers and the Patrol. A Cruiser can sheer that side shaft when locked up completely, but the diameter of that patrol shaft.....hmmmmm.... only bad things can happen in my opinion.

Will you get more money for your Cruiser when you want to sell it one day.... most probably.... is it w true reflection on the cars value and worth ... nope. However I bought my patrol 8 years ago, and I believe that i could get pretty damn close to what I paid for it should i sell it.(..... by the way... not going to happen....hahahaha). Generally, guys that buy Patrols, aren't looking to resell them anytime soon, and they are kept for many many years.

I love my diesel for sure, and they can make true petrolheads ( like Tinus was ) into devoted diesel smokin' nutcases.... :lol: .... But having said that, I would definitively look into a 4.8 Patrol. Why, cause that is a beast of a machine. That Auto box is epic, Fuel consumption, considering it has the aerodynamics of a brick, is pretty good for overlanding travels, and they are designed to be run in by about 500 000km.... and that is for all patrols. ok, maybe the 3.0 diesel needs a little precaution mentioned, but there are a few here that are well into their higher mileage bracket and going well !!!

Will you get what you want by switching to a Patrol.... I don't know... I love my Patrol.... she is my girlfriend..... we do nice things together..... :lol: :lol: :lol:

I would suggest joining us on a trip. Jump in with one or 2 of the guys... get a feel .... if you like..... there is a Patrol somewhere with your name on it then !!!!

Re: New to this forum- Need some advice please

Posted: 07 May 2018 15:12
by Andries Fourie
Thank you Cedric, you have so nearly summed up my current feelings

I am not looking at buying a bargain somewhere, but rather, a vehicle that was owned by the original owner, who now wants to move on

I also do not intend to buy, and then a year later, try doing that again

I am looking for a vehicle that I will be able to prep for a bit of over-landing, in which we will be able to show our two daughters as much of Southern Africa, as possible, before it is all gone :pray:

It will be a vehicle solely used for holidays, therefore, if it is the thirsty petrol models, that might have a lesser risk when buying used, and maybe less maintenance too, then that will work

So, in a nutshell, the best value for money vehicle, in the best possible condition, that is as near to 100% reliable as possible

I also appreciate the invites to join your group on a day out, it sure is nice

So, just maybe, my next post would be, to ask if there is such a member, who wishes to part from his vehicle, that would bring another family many trouble-free, km's :biggrin:

Regards

Re: New to this forum- Need some advice please

Posted: 07 May 2018 16:14
by ricster
haha.... " to ask if there is such a member, who wishes to part from his vehicle, that would bring another family many trouble-free, km's :biggrin: "Hey Tinus !!!!!.... this is your specialty...

They do come up .... I know Kroonstad isn't exactly close to the Pretoria area, but I would definitively suggest this option......
Graham ( G-Tech Motors ) is our home brew guru on Patrols especially regarding the petrol ones. He owns a patrol as well, and has looked after many many Patrols of forum members and non forum members for many years. I would suggest letting him give it a once over ( he has done this many times too ) and he will give you a straight up honest assessment of anything he sees or foresees as being a problem..... without ANY bullssssss....

Then you know when you take delivery of the 4.8 Patrol of your dreams ( cause a Cruiser isn't your dream car.....hahaha)... you know all is good.

Keep an eye out on this ( http://patrol4x4.co.za/viewforum.php?f=65 ) link from time to time.

Re: New to this forum- Need some advice please

Posted: 08 May 2018 15:53
by Andries Fourie
If this is not allowed (moderator), please remove it then

Here on this forum, I found this add

http://patrol4x4.co.za/viewtopic.php?f=65&t=7565

Unfortunately I have not spent enough time as yet to look around at these vehicles, and therefore the normal selling ranges are still unknown to me

Would this be seen as a reasonably priced vehicle?

I have read through the article, and it seems that one of the more senior members on this forum has given his thoughts on such a vehicle, that must count for a lot

This is probably close to what I might have in mind one day

Two things though

Is the km's of around 270 000 for a 2004 model reasonable? Can I expect such a vehicle to be still in fair condition (depending on how it was cared for, I understand that, but is this still close to a fairly firm vehicle?) At what point should I expect more major part failures, for instance, diff-overhaul, clutch overhaul, gearbox, or even engine? When do you normally do wheel bearings?
Is the auto gearbox as trusty as the manual box?

Does the auto box 4.8 have anything like "hill descent control"? Or do you just hold it in 1st?

Thank you again

Re: New to this forum- Need some advice please

Posted: 08 May 2018 16:37
by ricster
Price on that one.... hmmmm tricky question... The condition of it I think was very very good, had a few extras, so It is a difficult one to comment on. PieterB here on the forum bought a facelift model ( not sure of the year) for around the same price I think. Also had a few extras.... I'ts not far off in price, but you can get better bargains if you are patient.

270 000Km....is nothing in my opinion. These motors and full drive-trains are engineered to be (I use this word tentatively) abused.... Guys that own these vehicles will as s rule have the money to service the vehicle. So if there is good servicing done, this mileage is nothing.

The only weak point on any Patrol drivetrain is the difflock. But having said that like i have said before earlier... if you lock up a patrol setup and you push things over and above, something has to give.... I'd rather drive home with a broken difflock than flatbedding it home with broken sideshafts.

Gearbox ( auto) .... I cannot give an opinion as I don't know them well enough, but from what I hear... they are as strong as Zumas courage was to stay in power ..... haha. Many tow 3ton boats to Ponto do Ouro regularly without issue. Wheel bearings, are not something I have heard many guys changing. I must stop, cause I think I'm making the Patrol sound like it is unbeatable....

All I can suggest is ...have patience... It'll come....

Re: New to this forum- Need some advice please

Posted: 08 May 2018 16:48
by Peter Connan
I think R200k is on the upper limit of what I would be prepared to pay for a vehicle of this age and mileage, but it is very well kitted. Problem is, you will have to remove some of that for your stated purpose.

I think 270k km is reasonable for a 14-year-old car. That's less than 20k km per year.

Assuming the gearbox oil never over-heated, these auto boxes should last virtually for ever. No clutch overhaul is necessary on an auto, and I have never heard of anybody needing to overhaul the diffs on a Patrol unless he broke the diff lock, which generally only happens if the vacuum system fails in some way, or it is abused. The same is pretty much true for the gearbox and transfer case.

On a manual, it;s probably a good mileage to start budgeting for a clutch replacement. all the engines except the 3.0l diesel should give double this unless they have been neglected or fiddled with, but of course there's no guarantee.

I still would love to understand why you don't just keep your cruiser. Unless you are still paying for it?

Re: New to this forum- Need some advice please

Posted: 08 May 2018 16:55
by ricster