you should get a nissan patrol for that price .. i went to trade in my nissan '95 tray back with turbo, long range tank, spotties etc. and the car yard was only willing to give me $4000 so you should find a really nice one for 10k

hope you find what your after

there is a lot around for that price range, but be careful with some of the cheaper ones as they could have been swimming

Daz there are a lot out there at that price but depends what you need/want it for. Best thing is to make a decision and then look around.... If you don't find anything then look for your second choice etc. I won't get into the toyota V nissan V mitsi argument as the choise will be yours. But I would recommend a Toyota lol

Cheers,

David

Yeah, I really want a 4WD that is capable (which almost limits it to landy/patrol). It needs to be able to tow a boat up to 2 tonne. Do long distance (up to 1500km) regional trips & most importantly, be reliable.

Seems I'm asking for a lot given the price bracket.

I am sure you will find something. Neighbour has a late version 60 series cruiser (Diesel) that hardly gets used apart from 4 trips north each year that he paid $7K for it 4 years ago and he hasn't had any issues. No doubt there would be a few older toyota/nissans out there that would suit what you want. You just gotta get lucky and find one of the good ones.
Cheers,
David

its a 2.8 diesal with a safari turbo fitted has all the fruit cb spotties etc - i think he wants a prado soon so pm me if ya interested mate i think its done under 200k - great economical vehicle and we tow a 5.3 m plate alli with it no worries

I sold my last car- a 2.8L Hilux diesel dual cab ute for just under 10K. It was a top car, very good off road and towed ok but had it's limits. That's why we sold it, it could have towed the caravan but would have complained a bit on the hills. We replaced with a 3.0L turbo Navara and haven't looked back.
But for a 4WD with room for the dog and moderate towing capacity the Hilux gets my tick. Plus it's a more economical for the 99% of the time you're not towing. Aftermarket turbo's can also be added for under 2K but be aware that there might be further expensive drive train mods needed if going down this route.

I know that budget is important but I think that you are buying a money pit looking to spend that little on a 4wd and wanting to do serious towing trips with it. FOr a beach basher to chase tailor etc then yes probably not a problem, but I would want a little more reliability if taking family etc north with a boat that size.

A well looked after post 2002 troll would be my pick as a value for money car in the 3lt diesel. Keep your eye open both locally and interstate and you would get one with under 150,000km for under $20000 and that should get you a lot of trouble free towing just make sure it has a very full service history. Pre 2002 are a massive risk and your 10000 will become 20,000 very quickly on the 3lt. IN the 10000 price range i would think that you might pickup a 2.8lt patrol with under 200,000km. Motor is OK but certainly no spare power at all but will tow 2 tonne.

One car you might look for is the 2.7lt diesel nissan terrano. I had one and did a heap of 4wding and towed my tinny all over qld. Had a mate do the cape in one as well and handled it no worries. SHould come in under 10000km by now as they were not hugely popular back then.

Know of a 94 80 Series Base model 4.2 Diesel 320K on clock in really good nick for $9800 in Perth

Brad

see if you can get an ex mine car in good condition?

I know that sounds like an oxymoron, but they do exist!

just buy the wife a car mate, cheaper to run etc and use the patrol for everything. Heaps of great cars around for under 10k that will cost bugger all to run and service.

I have just decided to move into a new Navara so my 96 Disco will be available shortly. It is a 2.5L TD Series 1. Tows 3 tonne from memory (I would have to check) but does it steadily, rather than quickly at that weight. I used to get my 1.8 tonne Chivers around with it dead easily. 100km/h easily once your there. It has done 172000km. It is worth somewhere around $7500. I get 820km from 72L economy wise without a load.

Hello. For their price and for the fact that they actually have a dual range transfer case, you should be able pick up a fairly good suzi for that sort of coin. I've got an estate 4 door 97 model and it has been absolutley faultless and it has also taken me many times to Quobba/Gnaraloo and back without lettin me down. Ray

snaked lol!

Should have the new one in 2 weeks, but by Xmas is all I am hoping for. Depends on availability. I will post up when it is ready to roll.

i just went through the same thing myself an ended up buying a mitsubishi challenger for 8.5k. alot of people will disagree and say get a cruiser or patrol, but for what i wanted it for, it does the job just fine. mind you i would love an 80series cruiser, but i just can afford to run it and for under 10k, you looking at something with fairly high kms and not too flash condition.

my challenger gets me on and off the beach, tows our boat easily (4.35m decked out bream boat) and there is plenty of room for my dog (quite a large dog too) in the back.

just another option

Just got word that I am looking at March 2010 for delivery of the new Navara

Keep on looking folks, it may be a while before the Disco is up and ready to go.

get a hilux strongenst car out a good 88-2000 model is tough as nailsand cheap

Well we finally purchased the run around vehicle.

Ended up getting a GQ Patrol ST LWB. TB42 with 202,000kms. Service history, A1 motor, straight body, wide wheels with good tyres, bull bar & spotlights.

Took it offroad - like most patrols... very good offroad vehicles.

Thanks for all your input.

Post some pics later this week.

you are going to start a war.....

cruiser- nissan debate once again...ha ha

ive got " nissan recovery vehicle " stuckon the tray of my landcruiser for a reason