my bloody cars...I wish I could have just a bike

[doglegdon]

Austin, you have my complete sympathy mate, especially with your Shogun, over here they are Prajero's. On a trip last year to Cebu city, about 180kms away, (my 1997 LWB auto), the oil pump decided to "retire", 'clank, clank, clank' then "WTF? Oh cr@p!" Resulted in being towed 140kms to the nearest Mitsubishi garage, who were unbelieveably sympathetic and put me onto a bloke, who rustled me up a reconditioned engine for about UKP 1300. I was very very lucky, they fitted it for a song and the "new" engine turned out to be much better than the orginal.
I hope everything turns out okay for you.

[Wee Jack]

Unfortunately, the improved performance, refinement & reduced emissions in a modern diesel comes at the expense of reliability & cost of repairs - give me a clattery old mechanical injected diesel anyday!!!.

There speaks a man of experience !! that's the main reason I got rid of my Landrover TD5 and bought an older TDi - less complicated 'lectrickery and a good old fashoined "lift" fuel pump !!!!. But the chassis is getting a bit moth eaten - when it's beyond reasonable repair , I'm going to rebuild it on to a galvy chassis because I love the mill so much.

[Austin]

This is 2001 Shogun with the newer 3.2 DiD engine, and an auto box. The car has done only 125,000 miles. I always thought these engines really took the mileage well, especially with an auto box as they are dificult to thrash. I paid £5K for it, which at the time seemd like a good price, now I am not so sure.

It has been to a Diesel specialist - Wilkinson's in Preston, who have given the new pump needed diagnosis. But I might take it to "Diesel Bob" in Ribchester (who has a good website) for a second opinion after I have had a chat to Wilkinson's when I pick it up. I did phone Diesel Bob who said the pumps on these are known to have problems with the speed sensor (which would cause the symptoms I have) but that if it has gone it usually knackers the whole pump and it needs to be replaced.

I think its time to sell and cut my losses.

I think I fancy a late Freelander 1. Quite a lot of car for the money, and most of the quality issues seem to have been ironed out and plenty big enough and off-road capable for what I need.

[BobA]

Personaly i still rate the vx/landcruser Td as one, if not the best all round and most reliable 4x4 5 door.

I'd strongly agree with that.

My Sis' had one of these (a 4.2 TD) and it was used on the road and around the farm.

It was really refined on the road, 100% reliable, but fairly thrirsty.

As a working vehicle it was excellent. I used it to pull a Transit van out of a drainage ditch, and a large drum of armoured cable out of a stream that a mini digger couldn't even budge.

If your budget can stretch to one of these, I'm sure you won't be disappointed. They're used by the UN all over the world.


Bob

[StumpyFingers]

One thing I would like to add is check the timing.
Years ago an acquaintance had problems with the engine start knocking and making noises, it turned out the belt had worn and was slipping.

[Austin]

I am pretty sure the 3.2 engine has a timing chain. Can't see that slipping and the engine still running.

[pdsquire]

Alternatively:



Sheer quality.

[Austin]

Alternatively:



Sheer quality.

is that a Mercedes G-Wagen? If so I looked at one of those about 5 years ago that was going very cheap. Decided against mainly on the single figure MPG

[BobA]

Alternatively:



Sheer quality.

Is that a greenhouse with wheels on it?

[pdsquire]

is that a Mercedes G-Wagen? If so I looked at one of those about 5 years ago that was going very cheap. Decided against mainly on the single figure MPG

Keep away from the 300E unless you own an oil well and the 500E's astounding ability is exceeded only by the astonishing fuel consumption.

But the 5 cyl 300D and 4cyl 230 will go on forever. I've got the same 2.3 engine in my 26yo saloon. 177,000 miles, runs like new and flies through the emissions test every year. I'll admit that though the G-wagen is second to none off-road, before 1990 you don't get much in creature comforts. Real trouble is they are becoming collectable so you'd struggle to get value for money.

If I were in the market for a vehicle like this, I'd always go Toyota. The whole of South America can't be wrong.