I've had a hectic few weeks at work combined with the birth of my second daughter and hence I've been away from the board for a few weeks.
I've spent a lot of time on this board (and SOR) over the last year. I've got to know some of you (even spoken to one or two) and in the process learned a great deal about Landcruisers and their common problems. I planned to keep my 80 for the rest of its useful life but I'm afraid I have sold out..
The thing is, I had several expensive items on my 'to do' list, I also had my truck stolen (then recovered) a month or so ago - and that was playing on my mind. The government is also scrapping the tax breaks on LPG (despite promising not to) Without these breaks I'll be paying $5 a gallon - that becomes expensive when you get 11 MPG
I often drive past a 4x4 dealer close to my home and a week ago I spotted a Nissan Patrol short wheel base. The SWB is uncommon and it looked good - I stopped to take a look. Before I knew it the salesman was making me an offer for mine. The Patrol has done only 17,000 miles and is 2 years old. I only had to pay $7,000 to swap vehicles. It was too tempting.
So the Landcruiser is gone and I now drive a Patrol. So far I'm happy with it although I do miss the luxuries of the 80. What I like about the patrol is economy - being a diesel it averages 24 (US) to the gallon. It also has a switch to engage/disengage the rear anti roll bar in order to allow greater axle articulation or good on road handling. These are the stats:
Transmission: 5 speed, manual, 2H/4H/4L 4WD
Engine: Direct Injection, Turbocharged, Intercooled, 3000 cc, Diesel
Power Output: 158 bhp
Torque: 256 @ 2000
Top Speed: 99 mph
0-60 mph: 15 secs
Economy: 26.2 - 32.4 mpg (imperial)
I thought I would tell my tale rather than just disappear. I haven't found another 4x4 board that can compare to this one. The knowledge here is immense. I'm always struck by people's willingness to help and patience to explain to the less experienced (especially me with my very basic mechanical knowledge) It has been a fun place. I probably would have done more work in the afternoons had I not found SOR/iH8MUD - but then agin I would not have had as much fun. Hopefully I can stick around despite being a Nissan owner? - a lot of 4x4 issues are generic.
Cheers, Jim
I've spent a lot of time on this board (and SOR) over the last year. I've got to know some of you (even spoken to one or two) and in the process learned a great deal about Landcruisers and their common problems. I planned to keep my 80 for the rest of its useful life but I'm afraid I have sold out..
The thing is, I had several expensive items on my 'to do' list, I also had my truck stolen (then recovered) a month or so ago - and that was playing on my mind. The government is also scrapping the tax breaks on LPG (despite promising not to) Without these breaks I'll be paying $5 a gallon - that becomes expensive when you get 11 MPG
I often drive past a 4x4 dealer close to my home and a week ago I spotted a Nissan Patrol short wheel base. The SWB is uncommon and it looked good - I stopped to take a look. Before I knew it the salesman was making me an offer for mine. The Patrol has done only 17,000 miles and is 2 years old. I only had to pay $7,000 to swap vehicles. It was too tempting.
So the Landcruiser is gone and I now drive a Patrol. So far I'm happy with it although I do miss the luxuries of the 80. What I like about the patrol is economy - being a diesel it averages 24 (US) to the gallon. It also has a switch to engage/disengage the rear anti roll bar in order to allow greater axle articulation or good on road handling. These are the stats:
Transmission: 5 speed, manual, 2H/4H/4L 4WD
Engine: Direct Injection, Turbocharged, Intercooled, 3000 cc, Diesel
Power Output: 158 bhp
Torque: 256 @ 2000
Top Speed: 99 mph
0-60 mph: 15 secs
Economy: 26.2 - 32.4 mpg (imperial)
I thought I would tell my tale rather than just disappear. I haven't found another 4x4 board that can compare to this one. The knowledge here is immense. I'm always struck by people's willingness to help and patience to explain to the less experienced (especially me with my very basic mechanical knowledge) It has been a fun place. I probably would have done more work in the afternoons had I not found SOR/iH8MUD - but then agin I would not have had as much fun. Hopefully I can stick around despite being a Nissan owner? - a lot of 4x4 issues are generic.
Cheers, Jim
