After half a million kays, how are all these
plastic fl ares and clip-on bits going to hold up?MOST RELIABLE MODERN 4WDS
Are some 4WDs just made tougher than others?
We asked Justin Malaponte from NQ Crash & 4WD Spares.
“If you are looking at vehicles at that 200,000 plus kilometres on
it, it’s still hard to go past the tried, and tested Nissan Patrol and 80
Series 4WDs,” he tells us. “Yes these new common-rail vehicles are,
more fuel effi cient, have every option available including a
microwave (well not really!) but what operates all these new
gadgets? Computers, modules and more computers. Over more
time, electrics are now starting to fail. Either from water, or just
because they are not designed to operate in the remote outback, on
the beaches of Cape York or in the Victorian High country in the snow
year in and year out. Hilux, D Max, Ranger, BT50’s & Navara’s are
fast becoming the norm for all new potential 4WD owners. I cannot
really tell you what is better or worse when it comes to higher KMs.
Each make and model has their own unique failures or problems. I
would say one thing, we get a lot less call for the D Max engines and
drivelines compared to anything else.”
BODYWORK ON HIGH-KAY 4WDS
If you’re looking at a high-kay modern 4WD, what should you be
inspecting about the bodywork to tell if it’s a lemon or not? Justin
from NQ Crash fi lls us in on what he looks for.
“When purchasing high-kay 4WDs, you have to look at just about
everything. Stress cracks in the chassis, faded headlamps ( because
they are made from plastic ) busted door handles, and internal
electrics that operate the window to move up and down and the
mirrors to move are normally the fi rst things you will see on a hard
used, unloved 4WD.” SECRETS TO HIGH-KAY SERVICING
Justin weighs in on his tips for getting the most reliable mileage out
of your modern 4WD.
“Common-rail vehicles must have a secondary fuel fi lter system
fi tted,” Justin says. “A Fuel Manager System from either Drivetech
4x4 or any other brand that provides a quality product. This will
keep water and anything nasty away from your common-rail
engine. Water will kill the internals of your common-rail engine
fuel pumps and other fuel related parts. Strict maintenance and
services are a must for these new common-rail engines. Especially
the later engines fi tted with a DPF (Diesel Particulates Filter). If
your mechanic uses the wrong grade of oil, it can easily block and
damage the DPF. Most DPF’s to replace costs thousands of dollars
to replace plus hours and hours of labour at your local mechanic.
Fuel fi lter setup and oil changes are an absolute must.”
MILLION-KAY COMMON RAILSFEATURE
WWW.4WDACTION.COM.AUInspection of late-model
common-rail vehicles
should be done carefully
in areas like inner
guards, where cracks
can formFit and fi nish of bodywork
and condition of electrics
only starts to show when
the kays start ticking over