I wanna buy a Jeep :)

[bodgie]

The WJ GC CRD is a great truck and I really do enjoy driving mine.

I'm really happy with the way mine drives but I've replaced all of the suspension components so it does. I think a lot of the wobbliness comes from old and worn rear lower control link bushes. They let the axle float around heaps when under load.

it is a little "pitchy" in comparison to other 4wds which is probably the OME dampers more than anything, overall it works well for me.

It is surprisingly comfortable offroad and on corrugations.

My standard disclaimer on an older CRD diesel is don't buy it because it will save you money on fuel. That theory can go out the window very quickly if you need to repair something as parts and labour aren't cheap.

Often you are better off buying a V8, a little more fuel is used but a lot cheaper to fix.

Drover may still have a good GC he could sell you

Jason

[fester]

The other thing that makes them floaty is the 3 link "A" frame upper rear link. Similar in principal to the Land Rover Discovery. Good for articulation, not so for handling. Not sure about the uprated rear sway bar, my 03 was still pencil thin. Front could be heavier ( don't recall) but that still doesn't counteract the loose rear.

[Shane001]

Thanks guys for your replies.

How many kms are these engines generally good for (assuming well maintained)?
Would you get 300-400K kms out of them? Models I'm looking at are around 200K.
I generally do most of my own work on my cars. This would be my first diesel but my old man is a (retired) mechanic and has worked on everything from minis to diesel trucks, the only thing he's not keen on is electronics lol!

The V8 is not an option I'm looking at, just going off factory spec, the fuel usage would be near double the Commodore, and with my right foot, I'd go bankrupt lol!

Also keen on the Diesel for towing. From what I've read this should tow my trailer pretty effortlessly and also for a lot less fuel cost.

[drover]

At 200,000km expect things to go wrong with any vehicle, the CRD is no differn't but if you do your own mechanics then shouldn't be expensive, just stay away from dealers and so called mechanics who know nothing about Mercedes.
CRD will tow anything and with due care last the distance but then you can get a lemon.
Follow the info on AJOR and you should be right.

[Shane001]

So another thought, the CRD is touching the upper limit of my budget and none available in Sydney atm (though I'm considering a train trip to Melb for one for sale there). There are plenty of V8's around well under 200K and well within my price range. I'm thinking an option is to buy a V8 model now, and then upgrade to a CRD model later. I have to buy something before June 30 and really don't want a Pajero.

Realistically what sort of mileage could I expect from the V8 around Sydney (driving normally, not thrashing it and not driving like a grandma lol)?

[chris0375]

False economy buying a v8 and swapping to a crd. If you want a crd get one. You will possibly lose money when selling. You will have to pay more stamp duty and possibly rego and rwc issues.

And issues you fix like bushes and bearings aren't worth transferring to a new vehicle.

[fester]

Buy a V8 on gas and drive it like you stole it. The difference will buy you a lot of gas as the V8's are dime a dozen and not worth much at all.