Buying Y61 that has been used for towing

[GarryMartin]

First things first, *very* new member (yay!) from Worcester and not yet Y61 owner, so please be gentle as I'm sure this will be the first of many posts begging for information and help...

I've just started looking for a 2003/04/05 SVE trim (auto or manual) Y61. One of the vehicles I'm interested in has definitely been used for the last couple of years to tow a horsebox. Is there anything an untrained but competent person (I can follow instructions but don't have an engineering background) should be looking for in relation to faults/strain on the vehicle from towing?

I'll get MVI UK to do an inspection before I actually buy anything, but I'd rather not pay out £150 every time I'm interested in a vehicle if there's a few simple things I can look out for as warning signs.

Is it just crunching in 5th gear that I should be testing, or is there anything else?

Cheers, Garry

 

[SPARKIEDOO]

WELCOME TO THE MAD HOOSE :lol

LOTS OF INFO HERE TO HELP YOU :augie

YOU WONT GO WRONG HERE :thumbs

 

[makeitfit]

Mechanically it wouldn't have known there was a trailer behind it. Front swivels can be a pain if they've corroded, so look for oil leaks near the front hubs.
So I'd be far more careful about rot. Check wheel arches and sills.
If you're brave enough, read this post for what can be lurking http://www.nissan4x4ownersclub.com/forum/showthread.php?t=12915
Good hunting :thumbs

 

[jims-terrano]

Welcome aboard:thumb2

As said don't worry about towing, I'd be more concerned with a trol without a towbar:augie.

Think rot's a big problem but shouldn't be too much of an issue with a newer model.

 

[GarryMartin]

So I'd be far more careful about rot. Check wheel arches and sills.

So I'll preface this question with the observation that I'm much more at home with technology and much less at home with engineering, but more than willing and able to learn and great at following advice and instructions.

Now that's out of the way, what's the best way to go about checking for rot and are there any particular areas other than the arches and sills that are prone to corrosion on the Y61?

Think rot's a big problem but shouldn't be too much of an issue with a newer model.

I'd looked at even later models, but the 2003/04/05 models seem to be the best value and obviously drop in at the lower VED rate than the post 23rd March 2006 gotcha where tax jumps a couple of hundred quid plus! ouch!

If you're brave enough, read this post for what can be lurking

You just had to give me that link didn't you? ;-) Not only is it 32 pages long, but there are some pictures worthy of a horror movie in there. You did warn me. I just thought maybe I *was* brave enough. Obviously not!

 

[Flying Torquewrench]

Welcome to my life with a Patrol!!

Don't be fooled by those pictures, the car was previously owned by a farmer on the East coast. So salty mud sticking everywhere leading to a 'little' bit of corrosion.

However having said that, we have got another member who also has corrosion on the rear chassis rails!

Personally I would not get rid of the Patrol unless the money pit becomes to deep. It towes 3000kg around with relative ease, and it is a damn comfy car.

Good luck with hunting and read the forum carefully.

 

[Thomas-the-Terrano2]

i had a zd 3.0 tdi y61, was trouble, had engine rebuilt cracked pistons

think i bought someone elses trouble, as you often do, as found more bodges
the deeper I looked.

The early zd's were known for trouble though if you look 2004 onshould fair
bettter as by then the engine was in terranos too and the problems seem
to have cleared up.

Its a great engine when its good, but expensive to repair, also things like
the 'stat are a pita at bottom of block not on top like the old 2.7 tdi.

open heart surgery typically has double the repair time compared to the
older engine.

Have heard of old trolls towing mini diggers where back end has sagged but
cant see a horse box creating such issues. mine towed 1700 kg caravan like
wasnt there.

have a look thru the troll section should find some gems of info,

 

[spinna]

Welcome aboard:thumb2