Is the Grand really a Aussie 4WD?

[zzkazu]

Been looking at the Grand to replace our old R50 pathy that's done almost 300K including 80K through rivers/creeks/dunes on a 12 month 4WD trip around Australia.

I want to do it again sometime but I'm concerned the Grand isn't really designed for such a trip. A couple of things that come to mind; availability of spare parts, the battery is under the drivers seat (No good if the seals leak); and the spare tyre isnt a real spare..

thoughts?

[dan-cj7]

Careful mate, you're poking a stick at a pit bull.

[WJeep]

In my honest opinion, I would feel 'safer' in a Cruiser or Patrol.

I'm sure most Grands would do it without issue, however just the knowledge that every man and his dog mechanic would know the two major brands would just give me a warm and fuzzy feeling over a Jeep.

With that being said though...I reckon it would be more comfy in the Grand.

[drj33p]

Originally Posted by New2Jeep

In my honest opinion, I would feel 'safer' in a Cruiser or Patrol.

I'm sure most Grands would do it without issue, however just the knowledge that every man and his dog mechanic would know the two major brands would just give me a warm and fuzzy feeling over a Jeep.

With that being said though...I reckon it would be more comfy in the Grand.

I wouldn't be to shaw about that, if you out there in a new 200 LC and it goes up the creek as some have done the tow bill will be the same, to the nearest dealership.

[mikehzz]

Originally Posted by zzkazu

Been looking at the Grand to replace our old R50 pathy that's done almost 300K including 80K through rivers/creeks/dunes on a 12 month 4WD trip around Australia.

I want to do it again sometime but I'm concerned the Grand isn't really designed for such a trip. A couple of things that come to mind; availability of spare parts, the battery is under the drivers seat (No good if the seals leak); and the spare tyre isnt a real spare..

thoughts?

I did that, traded my R50 Pathy on a 2004 diesel Grand 18 mths ago. I have done the Flinders Ranges and the Birdsville Track on 2 separate trips since...about 4-5000 kms each trip. It hasn't let me down and uses less fuel and is more powerful with more goodies like cruise etc. Not as comfortable as the Nissan seats and there is little space for your left foot. I wanted to try one so I did. Reliability worries are for pussies. Mike
ps my spare is real and the battery is under the bonnet?

[Richo]

Mike, the 04 is a fairly different thing to the new grands. It sounds like you have had a good experience, no doubt others have too.

zzkazu, I guess you can modify anything to be suitable..... rear tyre carrier, extra battery mount/holder, long range tanks. All of these things would have to be one off fabricated though, at a fair cost probably.

But as nice as they may be to drive, it sort of sounds like you already have doubts.

I've said it before, but I dont believe grands are tested for Australian conditions before each new model is launched (feel free anyone to jump in here and correct me if I'm wrong). They are winter tested in US and Europe AFAIK and off road tested on 'suitable' test tracks in US. But 10,000kms of corrugations, washaways and potholes?

As far as parts availability etc..... do a search and check out how many people on here have had to wait for parts from Singapore and Europe for late model cherokees, wranglers and grands. (let alone getting parts in Alice, or NW WA) Of course, finding a mech in the middle of no-where who is trained or has experience/knowledge (or a diagnostic computer) on them is another thing too. Sure, as someone else said, try fixing a new 200series LC out there...... but chances are it will have been seen/done before, seeing as there are probably 200 cruisers and patrols out touring to every Jeep.

My opinion is based on all the above i guess.

Oh, and I have a patrol for touring too, before you ask. For these reasons. Oh, and its the old 4.2 that will run forever, not the 3.0 diesel hand grenade with a loose pin.

[WJeep]

Originally Posted by mikehzz

Reliability worries are for pussies. Mike
ps my spare is real and the battery is under the bonnet?

Fair one mate, but considering I've had to replace my engine in the Grand at a considerable cost, I am happy to claim the title of pussy.

I was lucky it was near home (in Melbourne back then) but it has created some level of distrust in Grand for me.