Hi Renier, you will not be sorry going the Patrol route its an absolute legend of a vehicle.
I have had good experience with the two later petrol models, one in manual (4,5 - 2001 model, sold) and one in Auto (4,8 - 2005, current, with 150k km). I was initially concerned about going the auto route as, due to historical reasons (we all grew up as youngsters and experienced or heard of auto box limitations in offroad situations such as sand and mud), and manual was my first choice. The 4,5 manual was a great vehicle I probably would still have it if was not for the fact that I tow a large boat and I hunkered after more power for the long towing distances to Moz etc. I bought a 4,8 Auto and have never looked back.That tiptronic box is something exceptional, you can even drive it as a manual to some extent while in the tiptronic mode. The additional power in the 4,8 makes this a real cruiser ie no speed drop over long rises, just set the speedcruise and sit back and relax. It tows fantastically, and nothing beats it offroad.... . In the seven years I been driving the petrol model the worst failure I had was a stripped 5th gear (my fault, due to towing heavy in 5th) and a broken alternator. Servicing at home is simple - filters, plugs, oil, and hit the road. This car is bullet proof!
In fact I am so impressed with this vehicle, that should I ever decide to replace it I will probably look for same vehicle, just find the most recent year model if I can afford.
If you want to, I am sure many of us on the forum would welcome you to spend an afternoon on a little out and about to get a feel for the vehicles before finally deciding...
Good Luck with your search
heres an example of what looks like a reasonable deal (4,8 manual on gumtree)
http://www.gumtree.co.za/a-cars/strand/ ... 0229058909