Fresh Imports - Utes

I've been thinking about upgrading from my current 1997 Subaru Forester to a Ute. I've narrowed it down to 3 vehicles.

- Toyota Hilux Surf 1996 diesel 3L.
- Toyota Landcruiser Prado 90 Series.
- Nissan Patrol Diesel Y61 (hard to find one within my budget)
- Or say screw it all and go back to a Subaru Forester.

I don't prefer the Subaru option simply because there have been times I've driven few hours to a hunting spot only to walk few more hours to what seemed accessible with a proper 4x4. Its like a condom, you'd rather have it and not use it, than need it but not have it.

Having said all that, my budget is around $12.5k and whilst there are some good looking fresh imports on Trademe what really bugs me is the low millage they have on the clock.
From 1996 and diesel engine yet some of these fresh imports have 100,000kms to 150,000kms on the clock, I find it hard to believe yet they are AA Certified.

Am I being paranoid or my reasons to be suspicious aren't ludicrous ? Enlighten me....

Japan imports mite be low ks but will have idled in traffic for f;:kin hrs

Plus they all had the easiest speedos to tamper

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Petros_mk

I've been thinking about upgrading from my current 1997 Subaru Forester to a Ute. I've narrowed it down to 3 vehicles.

- Toyota Hilux Surf 1996 diesel 3L.
- Toyota Landcruiser Prado 90 Series.
- Nissan Patrol Diesel Y61 (hard to find one within my budget)
- Or say screw it all and go back to a Subaru Forester.

I don't prefer the Subaru option simply because there have been times I've driven few hours to a hunting spot only to walk few more hours to what seemed accessible with a proper 4x4. Its like a condom, you'd rather have it and not use it, than need it but not have it.

Having said all that, my budget is around $12.5k and whilst there are some good looking fresh imports on Trademe what really bugs me is the low millage they have on the clock.
From 1996 and diesel engine yet some of these fresh imports have 100,000kms to 150,000kms on the clock, I find it hard to believe yet they are AA Certified.

Am I being paranoid or my reasons to be suspicious aren't ludicrous ? Enlighten me....

---

I do believe there are a lot of garage ornaments in Japan but easy to understand especialy if you try driving a Toyota Landcruiser Prado in Tokyo traffic!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by longrange308

Japan imports mite be low ks but will have idled in traffic for f;:kin hrs

---

this

yes

I bought a Jap import - base model Volvo V50 station wagon - obviously a 'rep special'.
Bought at 100K kms - gone to 108K kms in my care of 13 months ownership.
From what I can glean, vehicles in Japan are required by law to be de-registered and sold off or disposed of, when 10 years old or approaching 100K kms.
I'm very happy with my little runabout - seems solid as (Volvos usually are, as they share some componentry with the HCV models).
Whatever's in your price bracket that'll do the job, I'd say go for it.

I'd be wary of anything with a ZD30 in it

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Tommy

I'd be wary of anything with a ZD30 in it

---

Yup, 3l nissan diesels are notorious

Yep now take that motor from the D22, and put it in a much heavier patrol. I know aussies say the patrol ZD30s were different and very reliable, but I still wouldn't grab one. It's a big whale of a truck, needs a big motor working easier as opposed to a smaller motor working hard. There's only two motors worth having in the Y61 and that's the legendary TD42T which was discontinued early, and the TB48 which is bulletproof and a real powerhouse but drinks like a sailor on leave.

Prado would be my pick over surf for sheer comfort.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Pointer

Yep now take that motor from the D22, and put it in a much heavier patrol. I know aussies say the patrol ZD30s were different and very reliable, but I still wouldn't grab one

---

They're so reliable, these exist hehehehe Nissan Patrol V8 Engine Conversion using the LS Series V8 -ZD30 Manual they must be moving a few to be able to sell all that so cheap.

Yeah thats a common conversion. Good fun

Cheers boys for confirming my suspicion re the KMs on fresh imports.... seems like a good way for dealership to pump up prices.

Pointer, I agree on the comfort side of things with the prado over a surf, from what I see the downside with prado is the full time 4wd so I'm not sure how much impact that has on fuel consumption (all else being equal).
On a totally other side of the spectrum, one weird thing I noticed with the Surf is the Used Car Safety Rating is horrible with the Surf, much of the reading I've done seems to suggest surfs are a death trap. Soft of like a nuclear plant, its amazing until something goes wrong. Not sure if this holds true with the Surf's safety or what I read is exaggeration.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by 7x64

Yup, 3l nissan diesels are notorious

---

Thanks for that, I did consider going for a 2.8L/3L patrol simply for the price point. That'll have to be scratched of the list now.

Suzuki? Isuzu?

So long as your ute can do this

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgIxlxiqvdM

Petrol, all wheel drive on the pardons is no buggy. You should get about 12 l/100 kms city cycle an 10 on trips for the 3 litre diesel . Mine is a 120, a 97 will be a 100 series


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Dicko

Petrol, all wheel drive on the pardons is no buggy. You should get about 12 l/100 kms city cycle an 10 on trips for the 3 litre diesel . Mine is a 120, a 97 will be a 100 series


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

---

That's good, that's the rate at what my Subaru drinks petrol too. Reason 1 I don't drive it daily in Auckland traffic.

I have a 1996 Surf, 3.0 litre diesel auto with the 1KZ engine (turbo). Overall it's been an outstanding vehicle. It has sufficient power to do everything I ask of it and generally speaking it's solid and infinitely reliable. It's getting up in kms now but the good thing is I can pretty much repair most things myself and getting parts never really seems to be an issue.

I've heard stories about their poor accident ratings and I don't doubt it to be true. These vehicles are 4WD's and are set up for that awkward combination of off-road use while still being able to handle sealed roads. Just as you don't take your Lamborghini out to spotlight rabbits around the back blocks around Alexandra, so too you shouldn't expect your Surf to take a hair-pin corner at 100 km/hr. I've found that you need to watch the corners. I certainly don't drive like a Nana, but I do respect the limitations of the cornering ability and I've been drumming it into my 16 year old son that these vehicles will bite you if you enter a corner too fast. All of that said, they're just like any vehicle - as safe as the driver.

Would I have another one? Damn right I would. They're everything I want in a 4WD.

My surf just ticked over 300kms and was in need of its second head (my fault - needed a new radiator ages ago).

Sold it cheap a month ago now missing it. Really cant beat them other than the head issue but every truck has issues, the surf just less?

Chris

I've had a faultless run from our diesel 06 Mitsubishi pajero, getting close to 300k now with nothing but regular servicing. Can usually average around 10l/100k with plenty of power and room and comfort. I think they have the best transmission of all 4wds with the super select transmission, 2wd most of the time, open centre diff 4wd (or awd in Subaru talk) on gravel roads or in the rain and high or low diff locked 4wd for anything funkier. When the time comes I will definitely get a newer one.

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

Vx 80series landcruiser mum got it with 150 on it, now I've got it and it's 365... Had to replace the head cause the old man ran it dry and blew it to bits. No other issues, air con has packed a sad but that's a luxury. No turbo... Bloody slug but she gets there.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Brakelie

I've had a faultless run from our diesel 06 Mitsubishi pajero, getting close to 300k now with nothing but regular servicing. Can usually average around 10l/100k with plenty of power and room and comfort. I think they have the best transmission of all 4wds with the super select transmission, 2wd most of the time, open centre diff 4wd (or awd in Subaru talk) on gravel roads or in the rain and high or low diff locked 4wd for anything funkier. When the time comes I will definitely get a newer one.

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

---

I like that transfer case idea more vehicles should do it.

Sent from my SM-G390Y using Tapatalk

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by 223nut

Vx 80series landcruiser mum got it with 150 on it, now I've got it and it's 365... Had to replace the head cause the old man ran it dry and blew it to bits. No other issues, air con has packed a sad but that's a luxury. No turbo... Bloody slug but she gets there.

---

Mine was far from a slug but cost me more than purchase price(16k) in 2 years mantanance[emoji24]

Sent from my SM-G390Y using Tapatalk

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by veitnamcam

Mine was far from a slug but cost me more than purchase price(16k) in 2 years mantanance[emoji24]

Sent from my SM-G390Y using Tapatalk

---

Ouch. Turbo? Have heard they weren't really designed to have one and the ones that go 'kaput' have a one and usually a few other mods. The bosses has been bored out a bit, 4inch exhaust, turbo, 4speed auto (I only got L, 2nd and D).. (I stopped listening bout then) got 300 on it. Goes like the clappers!!!

Yea most 80s are turbo.

Sent from my SM-G390Y using Tapatalk

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by veitnamcam

I like that transfer case idea more vehicles should do it.

Sent from my SM-G390Y using Tapatalk

---

Its a shame only the top end Tritons have it or I'd be buying one of the Glx-r's, they're exceptionally well priced new. You can change between 2wd and 4wd at anything up to 100kph too. I should mention don't go near a petrol pajero, they're bloody hungry, a work colleague has one and he'd be lucky to get 15l/100k unloaded, add a trailer and it's just exponentially worse.

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by veitnamcam

Yea most 80s are turbo.

Sent from my SM-G390Y using Tapatalk

---

I got one of the rare ones... Any idea how hard it is to find hinges for the 3/4 barn door (found one at the wreckers and almost took the whole back half home)

Geez @Brakelie I thought mine was bad at 7.5km/l (diesel) (that is with mud tyres and a heavy hoof :yaeh am not durnk:)

My experience is that dealer purchased AA warranties aren't always that useful.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by 223nut

Ouch. Turbo? Have heard they weren't really designed to have one and the ones that go 'kaput' have a one and usually a few other mods. The bosses has been bored out a bit, 4inch exhaust, turbo, 4speed auto (I only got L, 2nd and D).. (I stopped listening bout then) got 300 on it. Goes like the clappers!!!

---

Factory turbo = 1HD-T or 1HD-FT(24 valve) = mostly fine except for some with BEB issues

Factory n/a = 1HZ = with added turbo = enjoy melting holes in your pistons


Also none of the vehicles in the OP are utes, technically (although the Patrol *could* be)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by gimp

Also none of the vehicles in the OP are utes, technically (although the Patrol *could* be)

---

fair enough

doesn't matter Pete, I have a gas set and grinders, bring whatever you buy around my place afterwards, we can make it into a ute.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Pointer

doesn't matter Pete, I have a gas set and grinders, bring whatever you buy around my place afterwards, we can make it into a ute.

---

Bring him a lada and see how much gas he can use

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by 223nut

Bring him a lada and see how much gas he can use

---

Belive it or not I have thought about the Nivas...

If I were to move back to Macedonia for an extended holiday that will be my go to car to get around the mountains, then I'd park it up in the garage so it waits until I'm back again.

I family friend that lives over there has one that he bought for peanuts, converted it to LPG and goes where he needs to. He still runs the cassette radio too.

Lada are awesome, mate had one when we were learning to drive, sideways into more than one fencepost :O_O: snapped posts and not even a dint. 'made in the USSR' stamped all over it added to the character

Mate had one, I loved the label on the inside of the glove box explaining the ratios of kerosene to petrol or white spirits that it would run on :) great wagon. With welded diffs it would climb walls

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Pointer

Mate had one, I loved the label on the inside of the glove box explaining the ratios of kerosene to petrol or white spirits that it would run on :) great wagon. With welded diffs it would climb walls

---

Yea that is neat with the old stuff but nowdays there is no way you would be intentionaly mixing stuff with the cost of Kero/White spirits !

Yeah clearly from the Soviet era when petrol was cheaper than the tin it came in!

They distill whole mountains of fruit right across the soviets, I wouldn't be surprised if they mixed some of that either.

A typical comrade dooms-day prepping for the cold winter months
Attachment 71488
Old man, distilling barrels, and pigeons in the background bring back very old memories.

Your dad looks different in that photo :D