4WD Choices ($15k - $20k)

Hi Guys,

I had a bit of a search on the forums already and got a few ideas, but wanted to throw this out for any up to date info.

I'm looking to pickup a second hand 4WD around $15k - $20k, i'm planning on using it predominately for getting down to a few beach fishing spots, within the next couple of years I want to get my first boat as well - so ideally something that could also tow a 5 - 6m glass boat.

I don't really want one with an open tray on the back, the car won't always be garaged and i'd prefer not to have to empty everything out of a tray that I don't want stolen constantly.

At the moment i'm looking at 2003~ model Landcrusier Prado and Pajero. The Pajero's seem to be a bit cheaper with lower Kms from initial looks.

Also, given the vehicle has been serviced regularly and on schedule - what kind of Km's should I be considering and what could I reasonably expect out of a 4WD. And is a used 4WD thats only ever seen the city something good to look at?

Any buying tips, model suggestions are welcome and appreciated.

Cheers,

Deano


Fisher Kid's picture

Posts: 358

Date Joined: 16/10/12

Nissan patrol, have a look at

Tue, 2013-07-02 17:03

Nissan patrol, have a look at pickles auctions, I think that's what its called. We bought one from vic or SA im not sure and had it trucked over, was in good nick with a lift and snorkel etc. 16-20k ish I think, couple years ago. It was a diesel.

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Fishing and catching are two different things. But i want to learn how to catch.

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Get onto

Tue, 2013-07-02 17:29

 Facebook group...dreamer's hill k town...some tidy 4wds on there in your price range

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Date Joined: 03/03/10

dreamers hill

Tue, 2013-07-02 18:12

do they still have those stupid restrictions on haw many times you can put your car or boat on dreamers I left 18 months ago I thought it was a stupid shire decision

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GQ turbo diesel. 

Tue, 2013-07-02 17:33

GQ turbo diesel.  Unbreakable!

 

shonky's picture

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Date Joined: 22/04/12

+1

Tue, 2013-07-02 18:35

+ 1 for the Nissan pootrol, you should be able to pick up a 2003-2005 model for that sort of cash and it will go anywhere. A little bit sluggish with a load on but they just keep going and going and they are roomy inside with a range of about 900ks

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This habit is getting expensive!

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Date Joined: 06/05/12

 IMO everything is ok, just

Tue, 2013-07-02 20:07

 IMO everything is ok, just get a  vehicle that has been well looked after. Ive had them all and they all have their benefits and faults , Patrols, Landcruisers, Suzukis, Mazdas Hilux etc  Im about to get my next one ,am thinking Hilux, Rodeo, Ranger, Triton or similiair. I will be looking for a vehicle that doesnt loook like it has been on the beach and with low kms. The price will be relative with the brand reputation.eg Hilux, Landcruisers, Patrols you will pay more I flick them quickly when the time is right.

quadfisher's picture

Posts: 1146

Date Joined: 28/09/10

4x4 or hairdresser chariot?

Tue, 2013-07-02 22:45

Most 4x4s will go offroad , up dunes , along beaches, hell some softroader will

even leave the school carpark and venture into the unknown wilds of a gravel road!

but not that many will last a long time doing it, I know I speak for rig, myself and others in that

if you want a tough , dependable, easy to repair yourself 4wd that will tow ok, 4wd great, and outlast

yourself , go a gq td42 series 2 1995 -98 or early gu 4.2, the real good gqs can be had for 10-12 grand, 4k for a turbo

and a couple of sheckkles left for goodies ( lift kit, tyres etc.), you will have a beast for 20.

My gq has 419,000kms on it ( all original drivetrain) , runs like a clock, no blow by , hoping to turbo it soon,

still has great paint , nice interior, find a 4wd from the lists above in top nick with that many kms

 

 

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quadfisher

quadfisher's picture

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Date Joined: 28/09/10

419,000,kms ------581000 to go!

Tue, 2013-07-02 22:49

gq

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quadfisher

Posts: 2925

Date Joined: 27/12/06

patrol

Wed, 2013-07-03 06:49

Ha ha nice one quaddie, mine is also an RX 4.2D (95)

I just got mine serviced on friday by a mechanic (usually do it myself) got all my diff, gearbox oils replaced drives like new at 330k.

I have had mine for 11 years and in that time have replaced the alternator, radiator, front whel bearings and reconned the injectors and just the regular servicing which is pretty easy for most. Very good reliability considering some of the tracks it has been down, even sherbert caved in an bought one lol.

15-20k might get you the next model up GU 4.2d pretty much the same bus

Justo82's picture

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 Yeah, for the money you

Tue, 2013-07-02 23:26

 Yeah, for the money you can't go past a diesel poo.  

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Date Joined: 02/01/10

Here's my missus' 4.2 turbo

Wed, 2013-07-03 08:29

Here's my missus' 4.2 turbo Patrol

Sorry, not for sale 

Pulls our 6.5m Signature very easy.  Only problem is it has a small fuel tank, about 80 litres. 

Still, I reckon is probably one of the toughest 4wd ever made!

 

 

 

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Date Joined: 18/01/12

the one behind yours looks

Wed, 2013-07-03 09:10

the one behind yours looks like MY missus 4.2 turbo, one of the BEST 4wd's ever made. And it Is for sale :-)

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 Give a man a mask, and he'll show you his true face...

 

 

The older you get the more you realize that no one has a f++king clue what they're doing.

Everyone's just winging it.

 

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Nope, I never touched your

Wed, 2013-07-03 09:40

Nope, I never touched your missus! 

 

Actually it is a LCruiser petrol model belonging to fishwrecked member "Brynner"

 

Splashback's picture

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Date Joined: 25/06/12

4.2 patrol for sure

Wed, 2013-07-03 10:08

You should be able to get yourself a good 4.2diesel gu if you hunt around. I have a diesel gq with the auto and a supercharger. Bit of a lift and muddies and it goes anywhere. Fast. Am doing a gearbox upgrade soon and good to go for another 400,000 kays..... I have been hammering the poor old thing...

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Splashback's picture

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Date Joined: 25/06/12

Landcruisers

Wed, 2013-07-03 10:10

If you are looking at cruisers, look for the 105 series diesel. Looks like the 100 series but has the full diff in the front and not the ifs setup. That's if you want to get into a bit more hardcore 4wding. My mate had to get lockers too keep up to the patrol but...:)

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tim-o's picture

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Always liked Prados but we

Wed, 2013-07-03 10:48

Always liked Prados but we got a Hilux and stuck a conopy on it. No need for loadun up roof racks for campin gear, keeps everything locked, secure and out of the elements and fits in the carport with lifted suspension

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I am, as I've said, merely competent. But in an age of incompetence, that makes me extraordinary.

grantarctic1's picture

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Date Joined: 03/03/11

This one looks OK

Wed, 2013-07-03 11:54

This one looks ok , if i had the money i would grab it for myself .

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/bayswater/cars-vans-utes/100-series-landcruiser-/1022871099

 

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Thanks for all the feedback

Wed, 2013-07-03 12:35

Thanks for all the feedback guys - seems the Patrol is the overwhelming vehicle of choice.

 

I'll keep hunting. It's going to be a battle to convince the lady into a Patrol, i know shes going to be wanting some mod-cons. I'm sure she'll forgive me :)

 

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Date Joined: 23/04/13

I'm seeing a heap of 4cyl

Wed, 2013-07-03 16:28

I'm seeing a heap of 4cyl 3.0L models around - what is the deal with these patrols? Still good? Just lose a bit of grunt? And what about the 4.8L GU III?

Something like these?

http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Nissan-Patrol-2002/SSE-AD-2187702/?Cr=6

http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Nissan-Patrol-2002/SSE-AD-2180637/?Cr=0

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Stay away from the 3.0L

Wed, 2013-07-03 17:04

Stay away from the 3.0L unless LATE model...  Many many many patrols with this engine have blown up!!!!

Stay with 4.2L or go the diesel landcruiser next choice.

 

Or for something different... the V8 Jeep Laredo.. from say 2003 on... Extemely comfy vehicle with heaps of grunt...

She is a petrol... but is very good on fuel for a V8... Comes with all the luxuries also and will slip in under your budget..

Pickup a nice low kms one for 10-15k

damo6230's picture

Posts: 2029

Date Joined: 07/06/08

Pajero

Wed, 2013-07-03 17:48

Nothing wrong with the Pajero and very capable vehicle
Has good tow capacity and comfortable to drive
Strong drive train and good off road.
The sports shift is the ducks nuts :)
Take one for a drive

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Date Joined: 12/05/12

You asked for it

Wed, 2013-07-03 20:39

 How come all these Nissans need all this extra fruit to help them run the dirt...go Toyota straight out the box straight to work...o and you don't need all the add ons to make it to 300k's...tight lines boys

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Date Joined: 20/06/08

Prado

Thu, 2013-07-04 09:41

 Tha patrol is a great recommendation but if you are looking for a bit more car park friendly or wife friendly you can't go past a late model 95 series prado.  Mine's a bit older (98) but is a great car, brother has a 01 diesel and it just keeps on going and my mate has a 99 petrol with 480k on the clock and still going strong. Won't have the pulling power of the patrol but easily tows a 6m Ali boat. I like the petrol model (3.4 v6) but must admit it's pretty thirsty - apart from that I can't fault it. Wal

Dale's picture

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 Saw a GU Patrol today for

Thu, 2013-07-04 19:18

 Saw a GU Patrol today for 12k on the road side, it was somewhere between Perth airport and Busselton, can't for the life of me remember where though. Somewhere from Brealey drv, Tonkin Hwy, Roe Hwy, the Freeway South, Forrest Hwy, Old Coast Rd...yada yada yada. 

Cheers

Dale

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"Just because you are a Character, Doesn't mean you have Character."

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 Another thing to remember,

Wed, 2013-07-10 07:48

 Another thing to remember, make sure whatever you get is rated at towing 3 ton minimum...

down the track, you may want to upgrade your boat...