4x4 Advice!
Submitted by Bruce on Tue, 2016-01-05 08:39
Morning fellas,
Currently looking to buy a 4x4 for purely offroad use. Looking to spend about 7k and was wondering what peoples choices would be. It will be my second vehicle so not really worried about fuel efficiency etc... Must have high/low range. Don't really mind 3 or 5 door either. Used mostly on the beach and through the dunes, and maybe on holidays up the coast!
On my hit-list are:
- Suzuki vitara's
- Kia sorento ~ 2004/5
- Jeep cherokee ~2001ish V8
- Landrover Discovery ~ 1999 V8
So basically, what would you be looking at for that budget?
Thanks boys!
Shimka
Posts: 465
Date Joined: 06/02/14
None of those would be a good
None of those would be a good choice IMO. The first two are toys, not serious 4x4's & the second two are probably best known for breakdowns & big repair bills. For $7000 you should be able to find a half decent GQ Patrol. Get one that has the 4.2lt diesel.
Wes F
Posts: 1060
Date Joined: 07/01/12
100%
Almost bullet proof. Had a wagon for 15 odd years. Not a speed beast but got to go many places between Esperance and NT. had 450000 on the clock when I finished with it and not 1 serious break down.
Old fishermen never die they just smell that way.
dodgy
Posts: 4563
Date Joined: 01/02/10
Second vote for the gq. 7
Second vote for the gq. 7 will see you moving into cheaper 80 series as well.
Does anyone know where the love of god goes, when the waves turn the minutes to hours?
unhurry
Posts: 236
Date Joined: 23/10/12
dihatsu
Dihatsu Rocky, 1995 model upwards; if you can find one, you will not break it
Mulie
Posts: 546
Date Joined: 20/02/11
Cruiser
You can get a pretty good turbo diesel 60 series for that coin with all the fruit. I've had a GQ ute (4.2) and it was good, but not many left. I've also had a 1998 V8 Disco 1. This was a great car, when it was running. I currently have a series 2 Disco td5. 300,000 kms on the clock and can't fault it. Unstoppable off road and good on fuel. Have never had to let my tyres down below 20psi or lock the rear diff. You do have to sort through the crap to find a decent one. I would like to apologise to Uncle at this point, for taking the piss about his Disco ☺ a couple of years ago. My mate has a Pajero that seems to go alright also.
Mulie
D_d_001
Posts: 1522
Date Joined: 09/03/13
It does seem that most that
It does seem that most that give crap to the discoverys have never had one.
I had one for 8 years V8 99 model. that thing got a hammering.. towed my boat up and down the coast countless times. beach launches of a 6.1m boat.
I had many small things go wrong with it. (door locks, plastic bits breaking, power windows, ignition locks sticky etc etc) was a long list lol... but only small things.
in the 8ish years I had it not one break down. the most major thing I did was replace radiator after it started to get warmer than usual when towing....(2ish ton)
the running gear is as tough as they come.
Also alloy panels are great when using on the beach. (like I said I used it for beach launches up to it's knees at times. It replaced a LC 60 series that rusted out because of the beach work.
not a spot of rust in the LR when I sold it.
Mulie
Posts: 546
Date Joined: 20/02/11
Yep
I tend to agree. Although I've found my D2 to be massively better than my D1. Bmw made 720 design changes when they took over and it shows.
Mulie
Shimka
Posts: 465
Date Joined: 06/02/14
I guess I'm not like most
I guess I'm not like most then because I had a 98 disco V8 & it was a POS. Axles & transmission are weak, rear main seal will be stuffed on 9/10 used ones & they cost a small fortune in fuel to run. I'm glad you guys like them & got good ones but that's the exception, not the rule. Jump on any 4x4 forum or read some reviews & you will soon find out what they are usually like.
450-500 thou out of the patrol 4.2lt diesel is about average if you do your maintenance. I had 380 thou on my GQ when I sold it & it was still going strong. My mates 4.2 in his GU has 550 thou on it with no sign of quitting anytime soon. Oil & filters changed every 5000km with good oil & they will go for donkeys. As for the rest of a GQ driveline, you won't find any complaints about them anywhere. They just don't break, end of story.
D_d_001
Posts: 1522
Date Joined: 09/03/13
I know you said end of story
I know you said end of story but hope I'm allowed to reply.
didn't want to get into best 4x4 discussion just
Really saying don't discount the disco cos it can sometimes be good value.
No doubt the 60 series and GQ are fantastic 4x4 but all a trade off. My 60 series was fantastic 4x4 but shit to drive on long distance uncomfortable/noisy etc.
loved the car but more than happy to get rid of it with a new ...at the time...family.
guess the OP has to add up if he wants to be 4x4ing to the extreme in a fantastic 4x4 or taking the family up the coast on holidays with a car that is relatively competent driving along the beach, has perhaps done 1/3 of the kms has a stereo aircon for the kids etc.
sometimes more is not THE best 4x4.... many things to consider.
Shimka
Posts: 465
Date Joined: 06/02/14
Haha, of course your allowed
Haha, of course your allowed to reply, everyone is entitled to their opinion. Hell, your entitled to tell me you think I'm a complete muppet if you want ;-)
The OP did state he wants it "for purely offroad use" rather than hauling the family around though. I do agree the a stock Patrol or Cruiser isn't the most comfortable beast on a long haul but a few basic & reasonably cheap mods can easily fix that.
As you say, it really depends on what an individual requires but in "purely offroad" terms while staying road legal, nothing beats the Patrol or Cruiser IMO.
jighead
Posts: 718
Date Joined: 03/02/12
GQ
Another vote for the GQ. They are tough as nails and very capable off road.
Swompa
Posts: 3786
Date Joined: 14/10/12
Should easily pickup a SWB GQ
Should easily pickup a SWB GQ Patrol for that. Absolutely unstoppable off-road.
I did a $WD training course in mine. Where X-trails and a Land Rover got bogged, I didn't even need to let air out of my tyres.
Bruce
Posts: 527
Date Joined: 11/04/12
Appreciate it
Thanks for the replies, got me thinking now!
I guess I like the vitara and the sorento because they are common around the 150k km mark, and the Disco and jeep around 200k km mark.
How many km is reasonable for the Patrols? Ive seen some 60 Series cruisers with 450k km + which is a lot IMO!
Ashen
Posts: 1042
Date Joined: 22/03/13
A few years ago, there was a
A few years ago, there was a Ford Falcon that apparently did 1,000,000 kms..
A fish in the hand is worth 10 in the water!
Shimka
Posts: 465
Date Joined: 06/02/14
Will have been a taxi. They
Will have been a taxi. They keep the engine running most of the time so avoids much of the wear at start up. Actually very common for taxi's to do 750+ thou before a rebuild/new engine.
60 & 80 series both awesome 4x4's to. If you want a serious dedicated offroad vehicle you can't go past a patrol or cruiser. Anything else is just going to get left behind in a broken heap or need a patrol or cruiser to snatch/winch it out of trouble
Wannafish
Posts: 158
Date Joined: 20/05/12
I would also recommend the
I would also recommend the 60! My current one is an 88 HJ61 with the factory TD. It cost me $3300 about 6 months ago, and is fantastic on the beach. My previous one was a 83 hj60 (diesel non turbo) that cost me $500 - also great on the beach.... Both cars have about 480000 k's on them, and are still driving great!!
DTrain
Posts: 486
Date Joined: 10/02/12
If your not worried about the
If your not worried about the petrol bill, then there are a few 4.5L GU patrols around for about that much money.
They are a reliable engine, have plenty of power and are pretty comfy on the inside. The drawback is they will chew through petrol like there's no tommorow. 20L per 100kms is pretty normal for them but it might be higher with bigger tyres on.
Here's one for 7k, the 35" tyres might be a bit of overkill, but the previous owner has spent a bit of money adding roof rack, led bars, winch, stereo system etc. http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/quinns-rocks/cars-vans-utes/nissan-patrol-gu/1098794864
Shimka
Posts: 465
Date Joined: 06/02/14
Plenty 4.2 GQ's on gumtree
Plenty 4.2 GQ's on gumtree right now in your price range (or less) & even a couple of not to bad GU's if you can spring an extra grand or so. Beware of bubbling paint, that's rust under there. Pay particular attention to the edges of the roof on any patrol, they are well known to rust there.
linoc
Posts: 96
Date Joined: 21/11/15
Re: 4x4 Advice
Low K Patrol with a bit of warranty
www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/kenwick/cars-vans-utes/2002-nissan-patrol-wagon-st-manual-engine-needs-attention-/1098728842
One that's had a bit spent on it
www.gumtree.com.au/s-cars-vans-utes/mandurah-bunbury/carbodytype-wagon/carmake-nissan/carmileageinkms-__200000/carmodel-nissan_patrol/drivetrain-4x4/registered-y/c18320l3008023r500
Toyo's
Low K's, odd price, negotiable, reckons he needs a ute for work
www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/south-perth/cars-vans-utes/landcrusier-80-series/1099652468
Dosn't say hoow many k's but looks tidy & on LPG
www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/stratton/cars-vans-utes/1989-toyota-landcruiser-wagon/1099792420
Low K Pathfinders (I've had an 03 TI for ~7yrs, eats sand with the right tyres, bit of lush with leather seats, sunroof, elec's windows, a/c etc etc, never had a prob with any of it, would need a lift kit if going real rough, unfortunatly they never held value which is a win for anyone buying them today)
www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/yangebup/cars-vans-utes/nissan-pathfinder-ti-2000/1096060042
www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/quinns-rocks/cars-vans-utes/2004-nissan-pathfinder-wagon/1097730922
Lots of Rovers to choose from with <200ks
www.gumtree.com.au/s-cars-vans-utes/mandurah-bunbury/carbodytype-wagon/carmake-landrover/carmileageinkms-__200000/drivetrain-4x4/registered-y/c18320l3008023r500
Bruce
Posts: 527
Date Joined: 11/04/12
Cheers for doing a bit of
Cheers for doing a bit of research for me fellas ^
So go my eye on some patrols now, but still am curious about the Suzuki Jimny! Could probably fit it in the boot of a Patrol, but I've heard they do quite well through the soft stuff because they are so light. Obviously not very spacious for those holidays but keen to hear what people think.
www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/canning-vale/cars-vans-utes/2000-suzuki-jimny/1099890311
Has pretty much everything I'd need in it- look like A/T tyres, bull bar, tow bar, roof rack with awning, snorkel...
Ashen
Posts: 1042
Date Joined: 22/03/13
Hilux Surf
Have you considered a Hilux Surf? I have a few friends that own them (import models) and are very happy. The 3L diesel version seems to be the most popular and tough as! I've been on a few trips in them to Jurien Bay etc and they seem quite capable.
A fish in the hand is worth 10 in the water!
Shimka
Posts: 465
Date Joined: 06/02/14
They are pretty good until
They are pretty good until something goes wrong that requires new parts. Then they are a PITA because they are imports as you mentioned & new parts can be very difficult to get hold of. The Forerunner is the model made for Australia & new parts are easy to come by so I'd be buying a Forerunner if you had a choice between the two.
On the positive side you could easily buy two Surfs for $7000 so you could have one to use & one as parts. They are pretty capable, especially on the sand & the 3lt diesel is a fairly dependable engine if you treat it good. It's just when something major does go wrong that you might run into problems.
linoc
Posts: 96
Date Joined: 21/11/15
Loved the 4runner, espec
Loved the 4runner, espec being able to lay the back seat down for a full length bed, without bending knees, but there too old for me now, if Toyota (or others) released the same wagon style again with modern cons I'd buy one. However I said the same about the EH through to HZ wagon, won't happen.
Early reviews compared the new Fortuner as the modern 4runner, what a joke...
Thought about buying an old 4runner and retoring it with mod cons, would cost a fortune, time & money.
Swompa
Posts: 3786
Date Joined: 14/10/12
A mate of mine had a Suzuki
A mate of mine had a Suzuki Sierra followed by a Vitara. Both very capable off road. Eco Beach up in Broome used to use the Sierras as their beach wagons as they are light and just keep going.
I have always had Nissans, two SWB patrols and a Navara. If I had room I wouldn't have sold my last Shorty GQ.
Paully
Posts: 3246
Date Joined: 15/08/09
80 series
Auto diesel would be my choice for that sort of $.
Ricko19
Posts: 52
Date Joined: 27/05/14
Pajero 2006
I've got a 2006 Pajero gls, petrol, sucks the juice but I can't fault it apart from that , never had an issue, no plastic breaking or things to replace. Had it from 12 months old, tow a 1.5 tonne boat (with gear and fuel), regularly beach launch and retrieve, wash it once a month, no rust or issues yet, mind you now I've said that I will probably get some...
Jim
Posts: 1321
Date Joined: 05/05/06
Ive had a rocky and a 4runner
Ive had a rocky and a 4runner and loved them. Still got the 4runner 408000km and going strong (touch wood)
Bend over
lachieH
Posts: 1126
Date Joined: 02/03/13
Nissan
Just whatever you do, don't get a Jeep. They are so problematic that it's not funny. I reckon a Nissan patrol or Navara are good
Fishing the swan for bream, it's just an obsession
Krusty
Posts: 714
Date Joined: 27/11/15
Jeeps are good
for carrying sharks around though !!
My fishing spots are so secret........... even the fish don't know where they are !!
Anyfishwilldo (not verified)
Posts: 23
Date Joined: 01/01/70
I've always been a patrol
I've always been a patrol fan as they r so cheap to turn into a serious off roader .. only patrol to consider is the td42 and gu 4800. If u get a td42 get one with a turbo already fitted as ur looking at 7k str8 up to fit. The 4800 has plenty of power but loves the fuel.
Or get a fun machine suzuki Sierra with a 3.8l commodore motor
tadpole
Posts: 387
Date Joined: 28/01/13
Another vote for the GQ.
Another vote for the GQ. I've got a 92 4.2 litre on petrol and gas, been going strong for me for 10 years now. It's done 470000 kms, replaced the cylinder head about 10000 kays ago, but the 4.2 petrol is renowned for blowing heads so I wasn't surprised. In hindsight, I would've got the diesel but can hardly fault a car I bought to get me through for 5 years but keeps on going strong. So many aftermarket replacement parts its not funny so general repairs are pretty cheap. Getting some rust around the rear window frames and wheel arches but I'm not going to bother getting that repaired now
out wide
Posts: 1535
Date Joined: 30/12/08
One of my vehicles is a 92 gu
One of my vehicles is a 92 gu T ute. 635000ks and still excellent to drive. Cruses along at 125ks all day no worries
KingToby
Posts: 49
Date Joined: 26/10/15
Cruiser Vs Patrol by the sounds of it.
I'd be looking for a Patrol if it was me.
I've upgraded 4 times in the last 15years and havn't had many problems with any of them. Now driveing a 2010 GU with all the fruit and love getting out in the bush
Untill you have the courage to loose sight of land You will never know the terror of been forever lost at sea.
t bone
Posts: 351
Date Joined: 20/04/14
had a few
Ive got a suzuki sierra that i have put the vitara engine in and that thing goes any where i want it and then some. But no good for anything long distance. I've got a GU patrol with the 4.5ltr petrol im selling, and that thing was also amazing offroad. It was reliable and would do long trips with ease, but as said before, the enjoy a drink as much as any of us :) For that sort of price your looking, i would be looking at a Diesel GQ patrol for sure. they have the best of both worlds, and easy to get gear for if you do manage to break something :)