Greetings (and advice?)

[Lyns and Thib]

Hello to everybody !
My girlfriend and I are planning a trip to the tip in may/june (maybe later depending on the weather)

As for that, I went around a few mechanics with my old troopy. Turns out the mechanics think it won't withstand to Old Telegraphic Track.
To be honest, it is pretty old, and the main issue is the rust. I bought it in WA and at that time didn't know much about 4x4 as it was my first one.
Although it's been (with us) around Fraser Island (and not sticking to the easy paths) and quite a few national parks on the east coast, there would apparently be quite a big amount of work to do on it (prob more than 5000$) and still, because of the rust, if I was to get pulled over by the cops, they would immobilise the car.

So I'm getting rid of it (quite sadly) and am gonna buy another 4x4.

at the moment, I've been around a few dealers for second hand 4x4's coz I don't have the budget for a brand new car.

Could you guys please tell me, between the possibilities I have, which would be the one that would fit the most to go up the tip, doing as much of the Old Telegraphic Track as possible ? All these 4x4 are around the same price, $10.000

- Nissan Pathfinder 1998 (Petrol). Best condition of what I've seen, it looks new. I sort of had a sparkle for this one.
- Jeep Grand Cherokee although I don't remember the year.
- Mitsubishi Pajero 1999. Not bad condition, but could be better.
- Mitsubishi Pajero 1993. didn't see that one, it was getting its RoadWorthy
- Suzuki Grand Vitara

You probably need more info than that I guess. unfortunately I don't have it at the moment, I need to go back to the dealers and talk more about the cars. but if you could help me narrow the list, that would be really helpful !

I would obviously spend around 1k in fitting the car with geear that would help on the journey, like a snorkel and rebreathers for example. maybe also some guard for the underbody.

Until now, I was thinking of getting the pathfinder because it is really in good condition (engine and underbody) and it also offers the most space for both of us to put a 2nd battery, a fridge and to sleep in the car.

Thanks already for your advices !

[ant]

Sad news about the Troopy - they are a great car. If the mechanics (motor, gearbox, etc) are still alright then I would suggest selling them individually as you may get a bit more for the whole package - hope this makes sense.

As for the list of cars you have provided, it would be better to be a bit more specific. For starters, I would strongly suggest a diesel car if you are looking at the telegraph track. This is mainly due to the water crossings. Petrol engines don't really like water!

Out of the list you have provided, I would suggest either of the two Mitsubishi vehicles as the better option. Again, it really does depend on the engine and the overall condition of the vehicles.

I am sure other members will also be able to assist further.

Good luck with the trip.

[Lyns and Thib]

Thanks for this first advice.
I'm gonna go back to the dealers early next week to get more info about the cars anyway.
the only thing is I can't really take a photo of the car, not sure the dealer would like it.

Good to know about the diesel/petrol fact about creek crossing.

Concerning the troopy, i'm not sure how to do that. wouldn't getting the engine out be a real struggle ? I was thinking of going to a wrecker and try to get 1000$ or more out of it.
Yeah I'm quite sad about the troopy, it's an old 75series that has given a lot over the years. and I also did quite a lot with it.
Suspension is good, tyres are good, engine is good. but the rust... seems to have got through the car too much to fix it properly. would it be on the body or the chassis, it is quite rusty.

[ant]

You should get $1000.00 from a wrecker if the engine, etc is in good order. Regarding the rust, it is usually on the body. If you have driven it a lot on the beach and not washed the car properly then it may also be on the chassis.

Also ask the car dealer if you can take some photos. I really don't think they would mind.

[Lyns and Thib]

I thought I washed it properly after Fraser Island tho. probably wasn't good enough (and actually, did go to some other NP afterwards, so it might have got rusty because of the other National Parks)
Going back to the dealers tomorrow then.
I'll take some photos so thatyou guys can see what I see. I'm still a bit afraid of buying another 4x4, not very confident.

[campdog]

Sounds lile you are in need of a Diesel GQ Partol oy a (wash my mouth out with battery acid) a 80 series Land Cruser.Definetly a better and safer and wiser way to spend your money, If you want something tough then go for the Patrop,For a little more comfort and ried and the expense of dearer parts go the cruiser.Either way you wil have a ball.
John

[ant]

Sounds lile you are in need of a Diesel GQ Partol oy a (wash my mouth out with battery acid) a 80 series Land Cruser.Definetly a better and safer and wiser way to spend your money, If you want something tough then go for the Patrop,For a little more comfort and ried and the expense of dearer parts go the cruiser.Either way you wil have a ball.
John

Campdog - nothing wrong with the GQ Patrol. Out of all the Nissan models, they are by far the better choice. I hear they go okay at Nolans too......

[Lyns and Thib]

Thanks for this advice.
The Land Cruiser is what I Have at the moment, and getting rid of because of it condition.
didn't see any Patrols or other Cruisers on the second hand market of Cairns. Maybe I missed something then ?
(PS : what is Nolan ?)

[ant]

Nolans Brook or Bridge Creek is on the OTL (Overland Telegraph Line).
This particular crossing claims more vehicles each season than any other. Campdog can give you more info........

[Lyns and Thib]

I thought it might be the name of a Creek.
Ok, I'm off to see some cars. :)

By the way, just remembered another 4x4 I went to see last week, it's a Land Rover Discovery. but it's a Petrol one.
Would that be a good 4x4 for the trip ? I'm gonna have a look at it again today.

[Nedly]

- Nissan Pathfinder 1998 (Petrol). Best condition of what I've seen, it looks new. I sort of had a sparkle for this one.
- Jeep Grand Cherokee although I don't remember the year.
- Mitsubishi Pajero 1999. Not bad condition, but could be better.
- Mitsubishi Pajero 1993. didn't see that one, it was getting its RoadWorthy
- Suzuki Grand Vitara


- Pathies are good, I have a '99 model that I was going to take to the Cape before I got the Patrol, now it's our town car.
You won't buy a snorkel for this vehicle, it's something you'll have to make yourself. Also, you can only lift them about 35mm because of the front struts. If you do get this one make sure you upgrade the suspension if it hasn't already been done.
When parked on uneven ground you may not be able to close the rear door, this is because of the monocoque construction, the whole body twists.
- Can't speak for the Paj's and Jeep.
- I had a mate that did the Cape in a Vitara, he reckons it was great. Be a little small though.

- As for the Disco, well they can be expensive to maintain, but do seem to be a good vehicle. A another mate had one and swore he'd never buy another, I think he may have got the lemon in the batch.

Out of all the above the Paj's would probably be best for spares up there, should you need any on the trip.

Hope that's of some use.

Les

[Lyns and Thib]

Hello again, thanks for all the advice until now !

I went back to the dealers today, and found some other ones too. But I've tried to reduce my choice to 4 or 5 vehicles.

I'm forgetting about the Pajero's, because I really don't trust the dealer. He's too dodgy for me to deal with.
The Grand Cherokee and the Vitara have been sold, so I won't be able to get them.

But from today, These are the ones I've reduced my choice to :
- Nissan Pathfinder 1998 -- V6 Petrol -- 135 000km -- Automatic High/Low Range -- Engine looks great and Underbody looks Good ($10500)
- Toyota LandCruiser Prado RV 1999 -- V6 Petrol -- 260 000km -- Manual High/Low Range -- Engine looks great and underbody looks Good ($10450)
- Land Rover Discovery 1998 -- V8 Petrol -- 150 000km -- Automatic High/Low Range -- Engine looks Ok and underbody same ($10000)
- Jeep Cherokee 1998 -- 2.5L TurboDiesel -- 125 000km -- Manual High/Low Range -- Engine looks great and Underbordy same ($10000)
- Also is a Nissan Patrol 4.2L TurboDiesel but I wasn't able to see it because the dealer will only receive it at the end of the week. He recons it would be a good deal (obviously for him) so I don't know much about this one yet. ($9000)

Only the Pathie and the Cherokee come with a 1 year warranty

I've taken some photos of the engines and underbody but not sure if I can post them here. I can still send them via private message otherwise.

My preference goes for the Cherokee at the moment. The LandCruiser didn't completely convince me, The Discovery I'm not sure I can rely on it for a trip to the Cape, and the Pathie was my first choice, but I might have got carried out too quickly.

I've also seen a Frontera, a FreeLander, a Cruiser 80 series, but they were either too expensive for my budget (Cruiser was $15000) or not fitted for something like the Old Telegraphic Track.

Can you please tell me what you think of these few choices ? and would it be worth waiting for the Patrol so I could see it ?

Thanks a lot for your advices ! really helpful.


Just found the online ads for 3 of the 4x4s:
Cherokee : http://www.adamsmotorgroup.com.au/used_car.2807-Jeep-Cherokee-1997
LandCruiser : http://www.foxcars.com.au/show.php?id=386&category=&make=Toyota&model=&srt=price%20ASC&p=20&submit=Search&page=1
PathFinder : http://www.nqaw.com.au/vehicles%20for%20sale.html
Hope that will be of some help for you to give me advice !

[campdog]

Nolans Brook or Bridge Creek is on the OTL (Overland Telegraph Line).
This particular crossing claims more vehicles each season than any other. Campdog can give you more info........

Love the place. I got to finish the trip and only needed a minort dry out.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k259/campdog_photos/phot005-1.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k259/campdog_photos/phot007.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k259/campdog_photos/w3.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k259/campdog_photos/100_0972.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k259/campdog_photos/100_0946.jpg

[Lyns and Thib]

Hey guys.
At the moment, I'm thinking of test driving the Prado. I also need to check if it has had its Gearbox changed.
If it doesn't convince me, then I think I'll go for the Cherokee.

Do you think those 2 vehicles could make it to the tip ? whatever one I choose ?

Any particular fact/advice I'd need to know about those 2 models ?

Here they are :
Jeep http://www.adamsmotorgroup.com.au/used_car.2807-Jeep-Cherokee-1997
LandCruiser http://www.foxcars.com.au/show.php?id=386&category=&make=Toyota&model=&srt=price%20ASC&p=20&submit=Search&page=1

Thanks again if you can give me some more advice on them !

[geoffjy]

I would be more inclined to go for the Prado rather than the Jeep. If you need parts at some point, you will find Toyota parts the easiest to come by. As far as i know there are no inherent problems with the Prado's. I am not familiar with the Jeeps though.

Since it is petrol and if you buy it, it will be worthwhile talking to your local mechanic. The reason for this is that petrol motors dont like water and if you have problems coming out of a creek crossing, you will need to spray certain things. He will be able to help with this. A tarp or bra can help prevent water getting into these crucial points providing momentum is kept up.

The newer model pertol 4'bies dont seem to have these problems.

With my old petrol hilux, i sprayed everything with a silicon based spray and i never had any problems with water but then i never went through deep water.

Hope this helps.

[Lyns and Thib]

Interesting point, thanks for that.
I was going to put a Snorkel and Diff Breathers on it. (whatever 4x4 I choose) I suppose that wouldn't do the trick completely ? still need spraying if it is a Petrol engine I guess ?
I actually heard there were 2 types of Snorkels, air snorkel and water snorkel. Is that true ?

[geoffjy]

Interesting point, thanks for that.
I was going to put a Snorkel and Diff Breathers on it. (whatever 4x4 I choose) I suppose that wouldn't do the trick completely ? still need spraying if it is a Petrol engine I guess ?
I actually heard there were 2 types of Snorkels, air snorkel and water snorkel. Is that true ?

i'm pretty sure the Prado allready comes with diff breahters as a standard as my 80 series does. Maybe lengthen them if you had the time and bring them up higher under neath the bonnet However this is not essential.

A snorkel is a worthwhile piece of equipment. While increasing the hight of the air intake it also gets it out of the dust more. A standard prado will have the the air intake inside the front guard where the tyre throws up a lot of dust. A snorkel will get cleaner air which may lead to longer engine life, better fuel econonomy and longer air filter life.

I havnt heard of air and water snorkels. I thought they were one and the same. Maybe some other members can help out here?

[Lyns and Thib]

Hi everyone.
Finally made my choice on the Prado.
I think it is the most sensible choice.
$10000 for this model, in this condition is not such a bad deal I reckon, so why not just go for it !

I will be adding to the car a snorkel, some diff breathers (if necessary as Geoff was saying), a dual battery system.
If I have the money, I might give the car more clearance or a cheaper option would be guards for the exposed parts.

Thanks for the help provided, I'll definitly stay in touch on the forum!

PS : if we can get an answer for the air/water snorkel, that'd be great !

[Cookie1]

Air snorkels are the ones that, if I have it correctly from a Nissan Dealer, are there to assist the car in getting cleaner air but are not water tight - the Nissan badges see to this - best to remove them Sikaflex then reattach the badge. Test with a heavy bag over the snorkel head - be ready to pull it off quickly if it is good otherwise it will try to suck the bag into the snorkel.

Safari Snorkels / Airtec etc etc should be water tight - depending on how they are installed once again I checked mine with the above method.

Hope this helps