Thanks for all the information guys. Much appreciated. Just checked the Perentie link too, excellent! I think I will watch the next auction of Perentie's and see what sort of money they fetch compared to the last auction at Minto. From what I can work out going on those auction prices you need to pay around 16K for one of the RFSV Land Rovers.
I am not sure which type of Perentie to buy yet but I think I am leaning towards a surveillance Perentie though because of the power steering and 4 wheel disk brakes. I love the Stage One but power steering, disk brakes all round as well as the economy of that great Isuzu Diesel engine are a fantastic package that is hard to beat from all accounts. Not sure if the current crop of Defenders would be as reliable and as tough in the bush as a Perentie.
Howdy,
I'd suggest doing heaps of homework, buy Barefoot Daves buyers guide, it really is excellent.
It will advise you that the RFSV have had a hard and I mean hard life, the transfer case is geared lower so slower than a normal GS or FFR for $10k cheaper buy a good FFR, buy a power steering kit from KLR for under $2k and you're way better off, oh yeah full economy on the RFSV is at least 50% more fuel usage per 100kms because of all the weight. Front disc rear drum still work very well (even my brand new Isuzu D Max has that set up)
Lots of "tricks of the trade" or "old trick for young players" etc etc
My recommendation is do your homework, even a simple GS can go from a low km excellent vehicle (rebuild or not) to a low km heap of crap for the same price - seen it plenty of times now becuase the buyer gets it wrong - even seen on forums people talking about speedo/odometer being changed and didn't realise Army do this regularly
But if you really want a RFSV go for it
anyway my 2 bobs worth
cheers
Scott