trying to convince my wife that a Pinz is a good purchase.

[Leglander]

Good morning to all I've been considering a pinzgauer purchase for some time now. I've been on the fence, trying to decide between a Jeep Rubicon and a pinzgauer. I got into a discussion this morning with my wife over purchasing Pinzgauer. And while I was trying to stay objective and practical and based my observations on technical data, my wife is getting upset and was voicing her concerns with the purchase of a 40 year old vehicle as well as any unforeseen mechanical issues.

I guess my question to the forum members is... has any of the forum members had any reoccurring mechanical issues with their Pinzgauer? For example, having to replace multiple transmissions or transfer cases? Recurring engine issues? Reoccurring electrical problems? Etc etc.

Any information that the form might have in helping me and my wife make an educated purchase would be greatly appreciated also if there are any forum members in Illinois that could contact me that would also be great.

[TechMOGogy]

She doesn't know what she is talking about!
Pinz are fun, reliable, need no work and can do 90 mph all day long
In all seriousness, they are very well built but like any older vehicle (think VW bus) they need regular upkeep and maintenance beyond todays modern cars. Plus your not going to take it to the local dealer to get it serviced.
You won't find a ton of posts about failed diffs and tranny's but then most current owners are not putting insane miles on their trucks and do regular checkup and maintenance.
Good luck with your search

[Jimm391730]

The only recurring problems that I've had were due to improper repairs in the first place. Of course these vehicles need regular maintenance, and at that age things gradually fail and need replacing but then should be good for many more decades to come. I probably average about $2-300 a year in actual repairs; I've spent many times that in upgrades and customization!

If you need an ultimately reliable vehicle that is quiet, fuel efficient, and fast highway capable (especially as a daily driver) then a Pinz may not be the best choice. If you want a very fun weekend vehicle and are not going to be fazed by the (occasional) repair cost then a Pinz fits the bill (pardon the pun).

[krick3tt]

I have had a pinz for ten years and as has been said, the regular maintenance is key. Occasional repairs on a 40+ YO vehicle are going to happen.
Change the oil regularly, listen for weird sounds after getting air...(really..., don't get air, it's foolish)
These machines are somewhat noisy and don't sound like the usual vehicles that most people are used to. They are fun, and do generate lots of onlooker interest.
I have had no reoccurring problems, each one is new and different and you will find lots of advice on this forum on how to look for and fix just about anything that happens.
I know sometimes the major person in your life will throw in logic and attempt to be reasonable. You are fortunate to have such a person in your life, but really, life is short and you gotta do what floats your boat. I am fortunate in that my favorite person tells me to do whatever I can afford.
Good luck in your search.

Happy trails

[Leglander]

Thanks for the input so far. I hope more folks chime in on this post. The more info I have the better my chances are in winning over my wife.

I'm really hoping to get a 710m. there's just something about the wind blowing thru the hair in my beard with the top and windshield down and the doors off is very appealing to me.

[krick3tt]

By the way...I do have one for sale at this time. Check classified for 73 Pinzgauer

[Leglander]

I actually did see your post krick3tt. Would it be the pinz that you have as your profile pic? I think I'm still ar least 12months away from the purchase. Just trying to gather intel for the wife.

[krick3tt]

Yes

[undysworld]

Have you driven one? I'd urge you to get a ride/drive under your belt before you go too far on convincing the wife. Take the wife with you for the ride.

Excluding the obvious "neat old vehicle" factor, Pinzgauers are probably about as bad on-road as they are wonderful off-road. Don't get me wrong, I love my Pinz. But you make certain sacrifices in creature comforts in order to gain capability. Not everybody appreciates the ratio of the two. When we vacationed to Colorado and decided it was prudent to take a chase vehicle (I'd only owned the Pinz for several months then), my wife graciously volunteered to drive the Toyota - up until the only route was a rock-strewn forest road. (Then guess who got to pilot the Previa?)

Great trucks, yes. Meant for everybody, no.

I'd also mention that when comparing repair or maintenance jobs, a Pinz takes more time than a comparable job on many other vehicles. Just getting the hood open will show you that.

[Texas710]

I am going to be honest here, depends on if the wife is going to be using it a lot. also, depends on the girl.

These things are wonderful vehicles, very sturdy, not prone to failure with appropriate usage and upkeep. They should be able to smoke most all jeeps that have not undergone serious upgrades, the ground clearance alone sold me on these trucks. You should be somewhat mechanically inclined, as your oil/fluid changes, including hydraulics will most likely be done on your own. BUT...

They are loud, like wear ear protection while driving over about 20 mph loud. They can smell since you are sitting over the engine and an exhaust that is routed out to the side of the truck. Not an issue unless you want to open a window. You can mitigate most of this stuff, just preference.

So, if the wife is going to be a weekend warrior with you, you might want to consider if she likes the smell and noise of a 1970's military truck? We all do, so kind of a biased group. I would suggest finding someone locally and seeing if you could ride around with them to get a feel for it. They are fun, but if your wife is wanting a jeep to run around town in, jeep might be the way to go...

[krick3tt]

Definitely listen to the last two posts. I had a Mog so transitioning to a pinz was not a problem and I knew what to expect with the old military vehicle philosophy.
...still there are (dis)comfort issues that your wife may not wish to tolerate. You may be traveling a lot on your own.

[GenevaPinz]

I wouild agree with the above except that I would not qualify them as "bad on-road", at least for city driving: My 710M (with radial tires) is quite lively, quick off trafic lights and turns on a dime.
On the other hand, parallel parking does build up upper body strength... and for highway driving, slow and loud are the first adjectives that spring to mind.
Oh, and getting in and out of the front of the truck is more difficult than it looks (high, few places to grab and plenty of places to hit your head or a limb...)

[krick3tt]

It would appear so, but...we are really not trying to talk you out of getting a pinz,.... just try before you buy is all.

[cowetadirtfarmer]

My wife convinced me to buy our pinz!!

[TechMOGogy]

My wife just rolls her eyes and walks away if I start talking trucks (or any vehicle for that matter)