Thread: One to possibly steer clear of

I'd have to say the BMW based engine options in NZ puts me off. Low volume numbers and overseas parts will never result in affordable maintenance... Anybody driven a 5cyl diesel VW touareg? One of the most reliable engines in the world, with good maintenance they are known to go for a million KM or more - In the northern hemisphere where supply chain availability and popularity means cheaper parts. Here, what you see is a very well thought out and designed engine prone to fuel dilution, cylinder head failure and exhaust manifold cracks. Nobody buying a sub 10K family wagon is ready to pull out the cash for a fresh cylinder head at short notice.... But a good one will go forever.

Now if they had chosen to bolt in a Mercedes OM606 engine with full mechanical fuel system, I'd be much more interested. Without a doubt the most bulletproof diesel engine in a passenger car the world over.

Originally Posted by Mintie

I'm not usually one to go for the norm.

No shit!

Originally Posted by Jhon

Lada Niva!

there was one on TM for ages and ages down Lewis pass ways. Never sold I think. it was used by the local towing company. He claimed the FIAT engine was reliable and never found someone who refused a tow!

Yeah interestingly enough , I have owned a Grenadier for about 3 months now and have loved every second of it.

Coming out in the dark to see my truck every morning on the way to work, It still makes me smile.

Compared to a 79/76 Series (And I have driven and owned both) , The Grenadier blows them out of the water for comfort.

Sure , the grenadier definitely has some of that "Wank" Factor but that's pretty much what it's designed for - Defender Owners will tell you that anyway.

I've had it three months and done 15,000kms , Not a single issue that couldn't be solved.

My only complaint would be that being European , comes with inflated european servicing costs , which was $1799 from Armstrongs. That did sting more than a little.

That being said , the prices seem to be more realistic for the New Zealand Market now.

I Purchased mine , a top spec Fieldmaster , Second hand with 19k on the clock , and it cost me just shy of 90k - In my eyes the same price as a 76 or new Prado with similar trim , it's a no brainer.

The Grenadier is extremely capable and is a joy to drive off road. Sure , It's a bit sluggish with it's undertuned BMW engine , but if you want Torque and a Towing platform , it's a dream.

Happy as to show anyone the truck who wants to prove me otherwise.

Honestly , Buying a fresh-off-the-factory-room floor vehicle is always going to have it's teething issues. That might be copium sure but the Grenadier has the workings of a great 4x4.

I've just installed a Roof Platform and Rooftop tent with the ideals of a South Island Overlanf Mission over the christmas break , which leads me on to my next point ;

KIDS

Having been *this* Close to buying a 76 before my Grenadier popped up , I can't stress enough how fucking stupid the safety rating is on the 76. As a Father of 2 and Husband of 1 , It does track through your mind about the lack of safety features and curtain airbags on the 76.

Sure, I could buy a Prado , but then I'd look like I was dropping the kids to soccer.

Ok , Ramble over , here are some quick pros and cons :

- Pros
- Looks Great
- Extremely Capable
- Beyond Comfortable on the open road (Especially if you get the heated seats like i do)
- Way more 4x4 Gizmos than you'll ever need
- Relatively Simply set out , and very straight forward to drive

-Cons
- Expensive compared to it's contemporaries
- Can Feel a little sluggish if not used to the way it drives , but still faster than a V8 Cruiser.
- Expensive to run around town , even more expensive if you don't disable the Auto-Off
- Any Warning Lights give you the shits but if you have more than 3 brain cells you can sort 99% of these out.
- Servicing Only in AKL , WLG , CHCH and DUN is a bit of a guts ache for someone Taupo Based like me.

I think a large portion of this discontent with the Grenadier is people going into them with a large portion of their personal capital emotionally invested ; I'd be pissed if I spent the same and had issues. Luckily It's a company vehicle for me so a bit more easy to grin and bare it.
When you're spending 140k or so on a vehicle , you want it to be perfect. But also , if you're spending 140k on a vehicle that is brand new to market and expecting no issues you're a fool.

INEOS had the design philosophy behind these trucks down pat and have delivered a great product that has some teething issues , like anything. Armstrongs has and Always will charge an Arm and a Leg , that comes with the territory.

I love my Gren , and If anyone wants to check it out around the CNI they're more than welcome to have a look prior to buying it.

Went right up to the top of Tukino on a very slushy day no issues.

I Generally drive to my hunting area and then Don the boots , so Not too worried about Extreme 4x4.

Well said and great to hear from someone with actual experience instead of all the usual conjecture.

Buying one*** , it's not for sale!