Originally Posted by
Barefoot Dave
G'Day Robbo, thought I would post this reply here and not in a PM for others with questions and situations like yours.
Mate, Go for it!
I am a big fan of the Perentie in all styles. Have owned a Surveillance and a Carryall (wagon). Got an offer on both and passed them on to enthusiasts. Currently have an '85 110 wagon with Isuzu and LT95 box. Not a Perentie, butnear enought to being the same and too good a price to let pass.
Still looking out for another Camo LR.
The Perentie Spec 110 is as near to bullet proof as any factory LR made except an armoured car! No the axles aren't unbreakable, get Maxi drive bits if you need that.
They do NOT need constant maintenance or break down regularly. the few breakages that I have seen were after very heavy use (abuse?). I drove them aroung the Gulf of Carp and Cape york for near on 10 years and never inflicted more damage than bush pin stipes. The most damage I saw was when a numpty hit a washout at speed and tore the Drivers front hub off. He got a smack!
Drive it like a LR, service it with good oils and filters every 10 000ks or 2 years and you will hand the keys over to your grandkids!
There is a good reason that, for a vehicle bought with an intended service life of 10-15 years, that they will still be in the ADF for near 30 years.
There are sales in SA and Vic often. Work out your transport costs and add that to your final budget. There are a few people who have driven their new purchase for days to get home. If you are going to do that, I strongly reccomend that you give it a full service and carry spare belts and pipes. Conduct regular checks during the trip and bring it back to life gently.
A Cargo with winch should set you back about $8500 incl fees from the auction. Then you have transport or travel/ spares costs.
I know that it is expensive to travel, but more expensive to buy a dud. Grays often show the best photos of the worst vehicle. I have seen cars that looked great in photos but in the flesh had full depth rust in the firewall and doors! approx $5000 of repairs needed.
Give my Buyers Guide a good read and take our time buying. If you can't get to the auction, ask a mate or AULRO person if they can get some detail photos for you.
I hope this helps.
Dave