Offroad-Express

Gday all,
Getting sick of the 3Y Surf's petrol consumption on our commute to work and a mate is getting great consumption out of his 3.1td swb Trooper. Reckon a Mu would suit me an the missis better and I like the way they look more too but does anyone have any info on stuff to look out for when buying them? Same deal as the Surf, it's mostly going to be a tough practical vehicle that will spend most of it's life on the road as the FJ deals with off-road duties. I'd like a manual but they all seem to be auto, are the autos ok? The other main thing I was interested in was if there was much to choose between the 2.8 and the 3.1, the earlier 2.8 trucks are more in our price range of 4-5k but we'd try and stretch to a 3.1 if it was worth it.
Steve I've pmed you about this too but I guess answering here would share the info in case other people are interested. Found an earlier post from you saying good things about the 2.8 and read loads of good reports on the interwibbly but any more info anyone has would be great.
Cheers in advance, should see all you local chaps at the Sheffield MudPlug as we live just across the road.

Hi, The 2.8's are certainly better value for money - you can pick them up starting around $2-2.5k on trademe.

Things to look for? - get the engine checked by a reputable diesel mech... there are 5-speeds a-plenty in the 2.8's, so stick to your guns and find one... although the Autos are ok in these... if you do buy an auto have that checked, but generally if it changes smoothly and doesn't surge or feel like its slipping then its probably going to do what you want.

Check the CV boots are not split, CVs in the MU are an issue as they are weaker than the Bighorn ones and have a reputation for blowing offroad or when lifted.

2.8's are great reliable engines... 3.1's are more powerful but more prone to going 'pop'... 130,000km's and the turbos are lunched in the 3.1's and they are not rebuildable... the 2.8's turbo would last forever but could be rebuilt if it needed to be...

Check the rear springs for bends near the front mount... if its had a hard life they tend to show in the first 100mm of spring from the mount... they ALL sit bum-low, but I have springs to fix that. Factory springs are quite harsh, the aftermarket ones are a little softer, but you probably will want new rear shocks as well... they go very soft.

All I can think of at the mo, any more questions just ask

Steve

That's great thanks Steve, wouldn't mind an auto really but as the fuel consumption is important I don't like the idea of the auto wasting fuel and power. Haven't seen any for anywhere near as cheap as you're saying though, 4k seems to be about bottom dollar on trademe at the moment. I want a decent one that's just been a town car if possible and like I say it's not going to see any hard off-road use so it's not important to try and find one with any mods.
It's good to know the 2.8 is the one to go for, I'll check all the stuff you suggest, any suggestions on a good diesel mechanic to get the engine checked by?
Cheers,
Greg.