Family getaway and towing vehicle recommendations

 Hi guys.

"She who must be obeyed" reckons I've been a good lad. Lol

So she wants to buy me a 4WD which we can use for family trips and also to tow the boat. Was using her Murano to tow... lol

 

Requirements:

7 seats (we're only a family of 3 but extra seats would be great if other family members want to come along)

Preferbly diesel.

Can tow around 2500-3000KG.  My boat & trailer doesn't weigh that much but I'd like the extra capacity, just in case I upgrade to a larger boat in future.

 

Budget is only about $20K.  Have pretty much narrowed it down to Pajero and Pathfinder.  I know I can get used Patrols and Cruisers for the budget, but they'll be quite old models?

 

Recommendations please, especially if you've owned the models mentioned.

 

Thanks!

 

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Jackfrost80's picture

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My only advice to to buy

Sat, 2017-01-07 20:17

My only advice to to buy something quick before she changes her mind... if she hasn't already

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I've had a Navara STX

Sat, 2017-01-07 20:45

I've had a Navara STX auto.....which is the same running gear and basically the same car as the Pathfinder you would prob be looking at for that price. (although mine was ofcourse duel Cab ute) Great car good 4 x 4, reliable but for towing above 1.5T ...forget it !

I had the Auto and as far as towing it was useless. huge design fault as the torque converter only locked in fifth. (WTF were they thinking ????) (5 sp auto) Which means you have to tow in fifth to try to get the torque converter to lock or fourth with the TC unlocked ...... but the motor literally does not have the grunt to tow in fifth with a decent boat behind.

Have never had a pajero diesel but have only heard pretty good things about them.

I now have a Colorado RG and is perfect for my size boat.

Dale's picture

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Sat, 2017-01-07 20:44

 I like the Pajeros, generally you can get more for your buck as Mitsubishi saw they had to do that to keep up. I really recommend the 3.2 Turbo diesels, but they are still a tad pricey.

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Ashen's picture

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Righto

Sat, 2017-01-07 21:01

 Thanks guys.   

D_d_001, based on your previous experience with the Navara/Pathy I think I'll steer clear of them.  If it can't comfortably tow 1500kg, then it's no use to me.

 

Dale, the Pajero 3.2 has been getting great reviews. The only thing that concerns me is that NS series Pajeros (around my budget) have issues called DPF? I think the NT series have no such issues but costs a few Ks more...

 

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FWIW most of the DPF issues

Sun, 2017-01-08 08:51

FWIW most of the DPF issues (with any diesel that has one) will be from the owner driving short trips to work every day. take the car for a decent drive once a week, let it do it's burn and you will generally have no probs.

Also I looked at the LC v8 scenario before getting my current car.
Everyone is in a diff situation but for me it didn't add up. (I really needed a ute) but also the fuel usage is insane ...especially towing. (I do 10,000km per year towing)
Do the sums especially if you are using the car as a daily.

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How far

Sun, 2017-01-08 17:18

 What would you consider a decent drive?   My work is about 20 mins from home.  I work 6-7 days a week now so mileage will add up every week.  Is that often/far enough?   Or do I need to go for an hour+ drive non-stop once a week or so?

 

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All DPF's will have different

Sun, 2017-01-08 21:30

All vehicles with DPF's will have slightly different parameters for a burn.

Google the pajero you are interested in to find out for sure but most vehicles will be something like....minimum 2000RPM / 80kmph or overdrive gear and hold parameters for 15 - 20 mins. (once parameters are met..computer then will usually inject a bit of diesel into the exhaust to burn the crap away)

I have the Colorado (no DPF) but also as family runaround diesel mondeo (with DPF) have never had a problem with it and never even know when it does a burn.

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Will research on DPF

Sun, 2017-01-08 21:51

Thanks mate

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 I had a NS turbo diesel

Mon, 2017-01-09 19:31

 I had a NS turbo diesel Pajero, 07 model. Great car, pulled a 2.2T boat ok and never had a DPF issue, pretty sure that was when they went Series 2 and they upgraded the power to 147kw. I'm looking at another one again, 2 mates have gone back to them after Prado's, 200 series and Ford Territory.

good bang for your buck.

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Swompa's picture

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 I have a ST Navara (manual,

Sat, 2017-01-07 21:18

 I have a ST Navara (manual, diesel with 2.5l engine) and per above would question its ability to tow 3t safely...

I hired a Mitsubishi Paj a few years back, and treated it like a hire car and was very impressed.

Like the tritons, good bang for buck and the warranty is good...

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For 20k you could get a GU

Sun, 2017-01-08 00:32

For 20k you could get a GU patrol with TD42T & most of the mods you need for offroad & touring & perhaps towing if you're lucky already done. 80 & 100 series cruisers would be well within budget to. Yes they are older but parts are easy to find & the range of aftermarket parts for them is phenomenal. 500,000km or more out of the nissan TD42T or toyota 1HD-FTE. They are in high demand so you have to get in on them quick but with a little patience you will find one of those motors with a decent body & plenty of the work already done for you. 

 

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Ashen You won't get a 1hdfte

Sun, 2017-01-08 06:05

Ashen

 You won't get a 1hdfte  in a 100 series for less than 25k and if you do,find one it will have more than 400k on the clock. A good one will start about 30k  with  about 230k on the clock for an 02 model..

For what you want you could get a newer diesel only or the petrol v8 for less than 20k with every thing you need 

the diesel is slow but the petrol is thirsty so choose your poison there...

i recently sold my 79 duel cab because I want driving it enough and still wanted a 4x4 to bash around in and towing.

i wanted  something a bit older, I didn't care about scratching and getting dirt inside and fit the family..  I ended up with  a 100 Series v8  with 200k on the clock with leather seats sat Nav sunroof and a few other options   that had been well looked after for just over 15 k.... I had it a week before the mrs claimed it .. now I have to find myself a 70 series 

And I am pretty sure they are 3 tone towing capacity too 

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Decisions decisions..

Sun, 2017-01-08 07:03

 Gyprock,  how was the economy on your (your wife's) 100 series v8?  I will also be using it as a daily car.  

I'm not a speedster so not fussed about quarter mile speeds. Lol

And yes, I'm thinking the same as you.  Don't care about getting dirt inside and throwing fishing gear around. It is after all, an adventurer vehicle. 

 

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 Ashen I'm Pretty sure around

Sun, 2017-01-08 09:36

 Ashen I'm Pretty sure around town in uses about 20lt/100ks so if you drive a lot And far it adds up.

I think she uses about 180 a fortnight to fill it 120lt tank approx..

they are a tough heavy car good for towing and perfect off-road 

ive had a Colorado previously but wouldn't buy another after owning a few cruisers

the bonus with the rear seats in the 100 is you can take the rear seats out easily and put them back in when you need them too

 

I'd definitely rather the hdfte tho if you can stretch your budget 

if your in no rush keep looking over a few months and you will find a good deal 

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7 seat requirement

Sun, 2017-01-08 08:44

Have a really good think about the 7 seat requirement Ashen. When my missus bought her Kluger it HAD to have 7 seats - we have used 6 seats twice in 4 years. If you can go back to having 5 seats then you can look at the dual cab utes. Like D_d_001 I have an RG Colorado and it tows my 23ft boat with ease. 

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A good point about the 7 seater

Sun, 2017-01-08 09:03

many years ago I had a landrover disco 7 seater. Used the back seats only a handful of times (really back seats just take up a lot of space when not being sat in....eski...(with beer!) and other gear could go in. )

like I've said Of course everyone has their priorities but I use the ute part absolutely countless times and wouldn't be without it. for those rare times you need the 7 seater you need to really think about wether it is worth it

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 I've had my 09 NT Pajero DID

Sun, 2017-01-08 13:07

 I've had my 09 NT Pajero DID VRX for 4 plus years now.

No major issues and I've put on 80k kms on it. Towed well and is surprisingly good off-road. Has a rear diff lock as Standard, but never needed it.

I plan to sell it later in the year for mid 20s (has all the fruit; arb bar, snorkel, lift kit, new AT tyres, VHF, rear shelves)

 

 

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Thanks

Sun, 2017-01-08 17:14

 Thanks for all the advice guys!  A lot to digest. Lol

Some of you are correct about the 7 seater requirement.  I'm buying it for my own enjoyment.  Most family members have a license and good cars so if they want to come along on family trips, they can drive themselves! Haha

Will narrow down a few models and post up for more recommendations and advice.

 

Stay tuned!  

 

Btw JF80,  she won't change her mind. She promised the car as an early birthday present.  My birthday isn't for a few months so I have time to look for a good car.  

 

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Ashen's picture

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Weight

Sun, 2017-01-08 17:28

 Rather than start a new topic, I'll continue with this one.

 

Does anyone know the BMT (boat, motor, trailer) weight of a 23-24ft Voyager Marquis?  If you've owned one or currently have one, what vehicle did you tow it with?

 

 

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Voyager

Sun, 2017-01-08 18:40

 You know that voyager on gumtree is calling your name!

When I was shopping before the last boat, a voyager that I looked at had paperwork showing the all up weight with fuel and water on the trailer of 2400kg.

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Thanks Michael

Sun, 2017-01-08 18:50

 Hahaha, yeah! I've been eyeing that Marquis for a few months now.  The seller has been trying to sell it for 3 months I think, at the same price.   Have asked about the weight and he doesn't know.  But he tows it with a SWB Patrol petrol.   Have seen another Marquis where the owner towed it with a NS Pajero, not sure if petrol or diesel.  The BMT of 2400kg is nearly the limit of most medium utes and 4WD...

 

If I had a capable tow vehicle already, I would've brought that Marquis home already!!

 

 

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Tim's picture

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Paj

Sun, 2017-01-08 20:05

Got an NW VRX Pajero and its been great. They will tow 3t so would cover your needs.
Car is the missus daily driver and she loves it. I just use it for the boat.
She gets great economy around town too generally running at about 9l/100km
 

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And Ashen

Mon, 2017-01-09 08:09

When you finally get there - Cook the Dhu any way you like it - LOL!!!!

IMO a Paj is basically designed in Japan for Japan. Great under 200k's but after that problem start. Due (Dhu- LOL) to their crush cars over 200km. The one we had was fantastic until it reached that stage, because in Japan cars are crushed after 200k. Basically bombed it and got a Cruiser instead, which I know it out of that budget. But even a old cruiser will last you better than a Paj.
7 seats??? As Zoom said the back seats are "dickie" seats and I wouldn't recommend them. Packing seven people in, then you need a trailer for all the luggage.
In your price range their is heaps of duel cabs etc that would fill the bill. Stick the other family in the tray and if you have a prang they will fly out :-0!! Totally illegal offcourse so seriously only joking.

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My 100 series v8 gets

Mon, 2017-01-09 09:37

My 100 series v8 gets 20lt/100 kms unloaded hook up the boat or my tool trailer and watch the needle go south. Find a well looked after diesel with a good service history.

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05 3.2td Pajero

Mon, 2017-01-09 11:17

I have the 3.2TD Pajero - 2005 model.
breaked towing etc all the fruit is perfect.

if you were looking for one around this year let me know :) as I have a wedding/house/kid incoming and looking at down-grading to sedan.

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Why downgrade?

Mon, 2017-01-09 17:34

 Hi mate.  

Why sedan?  To be honest, I would be keeping the Pajero.  I have a young daughter and it is so much easy to put her in/take her out of my wife's Murano SUV than my Maxima sedan!  You will also have more space to put the pram and nappy bags, spare kid clothes etc.   Been there and still going through there!! Haha

 

Seriously, re-consider keeping the Pajero instead of changing to  a sedan..

 

 

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Cheers

Mon, 2017-01-09 19:53

 Thanks for the heads up, Lewis.  

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If you save up some more

Mon, 2017-01-09 13:15

try to find a 100 series with turbo diesel.mines a 2004 ,auto, done 130k kms in it since.... just drove back from kalbarri, so you can compare fuel usage I drove from my place in Perth to Geraldton , 4 adults and cargo area loaded , towing trailer with big quad bike , big esky load and a lot gear, used 55 litres for 430 kms and sat on 100-105 all the way and overtook easily  when needed to .

When towing boat 6.4 m Ali loaded with 250 lt fuel, gear etc , I use around 45lt for 250 km round trip to Lancelin and back.

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100 series tc will be too pricy

Mon, 2017-01-09 13:27

Try and find a nice NT model Pajero. They don't have the dpf drama. Alternatively the NP model Pajero uses a direct inject motor which are good but noisy.

Mine's 20 years old and still going good.

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Great stuff!

Mon, 2017-01-09 18:02

 You guys have been really amazing taking the time to post up your thoughts and experiences on various vehicles! 

 

Have also spoken to some friends about this and a couple of them memtioned that I should buy a V8 4WD for weekends/towing and also a smaller car for daily driving.  IMO, this is false economy because by the time you add up servicing, rego and insurance for 2 cars, you might as well just have the 4WD and use it daily too.  Am I correct in saying that?

 

In regards to utes, I don't really like them to be honest.  The only one I really like is the Ford Wildtrack.  Looks great IMO!  Out of my budget though.

 

So have rounded up to the following models:

 

Pajero 3.2TD 2010 or later models.  2500-3000kg towing

Patrol 4.2L diesel or 4.8L Petrol.  3500 towing

Cruiser Diesel (100 series).  3500kg towing

BMW X5 3L diesel or 4.4L petrol. 2700kg towing

 

Shopping around now... lol

 

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I'm sure Andy will let you

Mon, 2017-01-09 19:25

I'm sure Andy will let you borrow his wildtrack !

Seriously if that's what you have rounded to, I would go the pajero.

There's no doubt the LC 100 series are a great unit but unless you are towing 3T very regularly it's just overkill unless you have money to burn. Like I keep saying everyones different but ....come on 20l/100km around town ????? 30+l / 100km when towing? no need for it.

I use a bit under 14l/100km towing 2 Tonne fully loaded ute.

and yep just get one car....one rego, one insurance etc.etc

Ashen's picture

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Yeah

Mon, 2017-01-09 19:51

 Most people reckon the Paj 3.2 is the one to go for, to suit my needs.  Just doing a bit more research on Pajero DPF issues.

Second choice would probably be the X5.  Good daily car with enough grunt for towing.

 

The big v8 are only third options.. lol

 

As for Andy letting me borrow his truck.... no problem there, I named him FW member of the month some time ago! Hahaha

 

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Prado?

Tue, 2017-01-10 13:40

 If you can live with the 2500kg towing limit, look at a Prado.  Plenty of examples from 2004 and earlier that should fit the budget.  Lots of them came with seven seats.  Very reliable, probably better offroad than the Pajero, maybe not quite as good on road.  Heaps of aftermarket accessories available.

My personal choice from your list (based on my own experiences) would be the 100 series.  Lots of late '90's or early 2000's petrol models around.  Yes they do use a lot more fuel than the diesels, but unless you are doing huge km's each year i.e. more than 30,000, the initial price difference will offset the fuel costs for quite a few years.  They are bullet proof engines.

 

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100 series

Mon, 2017-01-09 20:54

FWIW 2006 100 series Sahara 1hdfte 146000 k on the clock . 15l per hundred towing either the van or boat sitting between 100-110 . Nothing on the back I've done 1200k on one set of tanks ( 141 litres of diesel ) . 1992 ( my baby )  75 series ute 185000k does 1300k on 170 l of diesel unloaded sitting on 100 , towing on 100 a shade over 1000k on a tank. Gotta love the cruisers :)

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no offence meant to the

Tue, 2017-01-10 09:19

no offence meant to the cruiser drivers by what I said. There's no doubt that your sahara 1hdfte is one fantastic car but OP might be looking around for a while to find one for $20k.

:)

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200 series Saraha twin turbo

Tue, 2017-01-10 12:51

 My old employer's wife drives a 2012 Sahara. Twin turbo.  Never been off-road, used as a mums taxi. Very low Ks. Optioned to the max!  Way out of my price range but might ask if I can buy it and pay back in installments!  Lol

 

 

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haha yep see if "she who

Tue, 2017-01-10 13:02

haha yep

see if "she who must be obeyed" will go for $20K

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installments

Ashen's picture

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Lol

Tue, 2017-01-10 17:37

 Was only joking mate.  When I/we want something, we save up and buy according to budget and what we saved.   Theres an old saying "better to go to bed hungry than wake up with a debt!".  So true!

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Go the Pajero

Tue, 2017-01-10 07:33

 the cost of servicing BMW or if anything needs fixing is phenomenal! Plus finding parts for it if you are away somewhere will be difficult .

 

 

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X 2 mate - wife had an X5

Tue, 2017-01-10 08:57

X 2 mate
- wife had an X5 for work, servicing aside they rip through tyres - 2 new back tyres 800 each! - had that car for 40,000km and was happy to see the @ rse end of it drive off into the sunset!

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 WOW. Some of you guys really

Tue, 2017-01-10 15:57

 WOW. Some of you guys really need to look at buying cars over east. Heaps of 100 & 105 turbo diesels for less than 20k. Even over here they pop up fairly regularly. My mate bought his 1HZ 105 series two weeks ago for 17k & it's close to mint original condition with 230k on the clock. He sold his 100 series 1HDFTE with 310k on the clock, 4"lift, ARB winch bar, warn winch, arb roof rack, custom rear bar, light bar, lightforce HID spots, water tank etc for 22k. The bargains are there, you just need to look. Pajero is ok but as mentioned they are time bombs after 200k.

 

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Disagree

Thu, 2017-01-12 21:24

 Disagree Shimka.
While HDJ100's some come and go at $25K they are a rarity unless obviously tricked up and appear flogged like your description which would put off most genuine buyers straight away.
I do know where there is one now though, a little untidy but sound for about $22 but anyone waiting for that price will be waiting quite a while.

The HZ105 can be bought here in WA for $10K upwards also but are not even a comparison as goes a daily driver/family/tow wagon as a HDJ will tow a 3 tonne boat and likely still pull away from a 1HZ, without exaggeration, while using much the same fuel.

The HZ will last forever, but it also takes forever to get anywhere.
I follow that market pretty closely, in fact I just got back from driving to Northam where I bought a rolled HDJ100 to take the drive train from for a project.
Even Statutory Writeoff HDJ100 are fetching $10-$15K at auction, rediculous but true.
Might start a thread in a month or two as my new tow vehicle, for those interested

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 That's your opinion & it's

Thu, 2017-01-12 21:38

 That's your opinion & it's no skin off my nose. Describing my mates 100 as "flogged" though is rather inaccurate, to say the least. It was his pride & joy for 6yrs until he decided he wanted a new toy to do up. We used to give him crap because he babied it everywhere & wouldn't tackle the same terrain we would in our 4x4's for fear of damaging it. Had the usual scratches from tight tracks, but zero, rust, a gorgeous interior & the driveline was strong & meticulously maintained. I guess you just missed a bargain....

For sure do the build thread. I for one would be interested to see what you do to it.

 

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not quite what I wrote

Thu, 2017-01-12 22:11

I didnt describe it as flogged, I said the description makes it sound like it would be or at least that was my intention
The people who mostly pay bigger bucks for the HDJ's want them for touring and they, like me would see 4" lift and not imagine a careful sunday driver.

They picture  that car bashing its way up the powerline track up to the windows in mud, or with seawater splashing up the backdoors trying to pull a dinghy up the beach etc.

Those, like it or not, are the ones propping up the value of the HDJ's along with a growing demand from people fitting Gturbos, chips etcnot quite what I wrote

I will do a thread, though it wont be for a month or 2, still gathering the bits together.

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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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 Fair enough, that's your

Thu, 2017-01-12 23:07

 Fair enough, that's your interpretation of that kind of description. From that same description I hear of a vehicle that may have been thrashed but has an equal chance of being somebodys pride & joy that they have built & maintained meticulously over a number of years. Sure it may have a few scraps & dents (after all, it is a 4x4) but the mechanicals might be spot on & a hell of a lot better than stock. It's usually not hard to tell how it's been treated by looking at a few photos of the vehicle & if the photos aren't enough then it's easy to tell by doing a bit of research & an inspection of key areas of the vehichle in person. Meeting the owner is also going to give you a good idea of how the vehicle has been treated. I look for certain phrases in ads, like "Goes hard" or 'Unstoppable beast". They are dead give aways of a car that's hard a hard life. I suppose it's a matter of wether you can be bothered going through the crap to find the gold or not. 

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 Love the 80/100 series

Tue, 2017-01-10 16:21

 Love the 80/100 series cruisers as stated bulletproof might chew the juice though , just had a quick squizz on gumtree seems to be a shed load of earlier tidy GXL prados with around 200ks around the 15 mark . You can get the aftermarket dins with gps and reverse camera etc . That leaves 5k in the skyrocket for more important things for the boat or another toy , a bike maybe 

 
Found one for ya , 184k’s it’s only a baby .. asking 14.5k offer him 13 
 
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Ooohh sexy!

Tue, 2017-01-10 17:35

 How about this one.  V8 4.7L but with gas as well!

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/glendalough/cars-vans-utes/2003-toyota-landcruiser-uzj100r-gxl-white-5-speed-manual-wagon/1132235227

No Prado for me!  

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Another thing to consider

Tue, 2017-01-10 17:51

 Ok, heres another thing for me to consider.   I have a bro in law that comes to Perth 4-6 times a year for contract work (he lives interstate).  He usually hires a car whenever he's in Perth, anywhere from 5-7 days each time.

 

Anyway, have had a chat to him and he reckons I should buy a beast of a 4WD (big V6 or V8 etc) and use it as a weekend/tow car.  For daily driving, I should keep my current car. Whenever he's in Perth, he'll use one of the cars instead of hiring a car.  So with the money saved from car hire etc, that can go towards the upkeep of my current car.  Win win situation, I think....??

So maybe the above is the best solution.  Buy a Cruiser or Patrol with a big motor thats in good condition.  Proven vehicles, 7 seats for when I need it, 3500kg towing, heaps of add-on toys available! Lol 

 

 

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z00m's picture

Posts: 1086

Date Joined: 10/05/14

Buy what you want

Tue, 2017-01-10 20:36

What's the worst that can happen? You sell it and buy what you needed instead?

"If one learns from others, but does not think, one will be bewildered. If, on the other hand, one thinks but does not learn from others, one will be in peril." 

Posts: 5981

Date Joined: 17/06/10

I did it my way

Tue, 2017-01-10 20:38

Bought a Nissan gq had it checked out for major problems (none) went around this good country of ours and it is still pulling my boat today. By todays standards it is a piece of old agricultural machinery but it is still reliable and effective in what it does.
I can take it on the beach or down a track Burke and Wills would not contemplate and not risk a lot of investment or break of bits of plastic like a lot of new 4 X 4s are made of

Posts: 465

Date Joined: 06/02/14

 This. I got my TD42 GQ 353k

Tue, 2017-01-10 23:55

 This. I got my TD42 GQ 353k on the clock, SFA rust, suspension already set up for towing, electric brakes, longe range tank, roof rack, awning, driving lights, uhf etc for $6000. Will go anywhere anything new will & won't cost me & arm & a leg if anything gets busted. I like no complicated electronics to. Less to go wrong & easy to fix on the side of the road barring major driveline failure. I still get 1200km out of 147lt tank country & 1000km city. The downside is it kinda like being in a brick compared to a new vehicle :-) I like it though

 

Posts: 311

Date Joined: 13/12/12

Always had a soft spot for

Thu, 2017-01-12 21:35

Always had a soft spot for the GQ's - still see a few real schmick ones getting around.

Bulletproof drivelines and still look like a real four wheel drive - with a big lift and 35's they're an unstoppable beast.

And that's coming from a T/D 100 Series owner 

Ashen's picture

Posts: 1042

Date Joined: 22/03/13

"Banging head against wall*

Wed, 2017-01-11 07:34

 A lot of different experiences from people which is good.  Wanted to hear of peoples experiences and recommendations hence why I started this topic. Lol

 

Shimka,  my work van is a manual Ford Transit T350 Turbo Diesel. That my friend, is a BRICK!!

 

 

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bradz's picture

Posts: 693

Date Joined: 29/10/07

Pathfinder

Wed, 2017-01-11 09:19

The diesel pathfinder is a good car and can tow 3000kg. But dont discount the 4 litre v6 petrol auto.. My neighbour has one and it is a great car. Fuel usage with mixed driving will be around 13 - 15 l/100km. Open roads not towing, about 11l/100km, and towing will be around 20 to 22l/100km with a 2 tonne boat. About the same as I get with my 120 series petrol prado (which I love), but you can get a 2005 model with 140,000km for around $12,000. 

Great boot space and is a 7 seater.

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Oldbull's picture

Posts: 179

Date Joined: 21/09/15

check tow hitches

Thu, 2017-01-12 11:40

 I have a 2006 100 series TD 1htfe cruiser and love it.  Check the tow hitch though.  Mine is stamped 2250KG. May vary depending on brand of tow hitch.  Mine is genuine Toyota. Tow balls are generally rated at 2500kg.

I get around 11/12 litres per 100k not towing in bush  highway at 100-110kph

15-16 /100k towing a 1500kg camper trailer or boat

13/100k not towing in city

although mine is diesel another thing to remember about deisel v petrol is both servicing and fuel prices.  Rarely see diesel around here for less than $1.35.  ULP is mostly about 20c a litre cheaper (not today though.................).  Service costs on diesel generally more expensive than petrol and initial purchase price probably $5-10K more.

Oldbull's picture

Posts: 179

Date Joined: 21/09/15

 Ashen,  tell the wife to

Thu, 2017-01-12 12:32

 Ashen,  tell the wife to sell the Murano, buy her a hyundia or corolla and put the money to a 100 series TD cruiser.  You know you want to.

Ashen's picture

Posts: 1042

Date Joined: 22/03/13

We wont go there!

Thu, 2017-01-12 17:32

 Or I'll end up with a poxy Rav4 and my Penguin Huntress gets downgraded to an inflatable kayak! Haha

 

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Ashen's picture

Posts: 1042

Date Joined: 22/03/13

Petrol vs Diesel

Thu, 2017-01-12 17:38

Oldbull,  I've been thinking about the difference in fuel usage and cost of servicing etc.

 

Yes, Diesels tend to be more economical to run and fuel prices these days are similiar between 95RON and Diesel.  

 

Now, if you take into account the purchase cost difference between a diesel and petrol, like you mentioned theres a 5-10k in price difference. Thats a lot of fuel!  Add in the cost difference of servicing and it would seem the Petrol version will be the one to go for...but thats just me. 

 

FWIW, I have been servicing my own cars for a number of years and only take it into the dealership once every few years for a complete check to make sure everything ia as it should be.  So far so good!   However, cars have been petrol.   Have never owned or serviced diesel cars.

 

Anyway, the list is down to 2 models with different engine options:

 

Pajero NT 3.2 TD or NS/NT 3.8 Mivec

LC 100 series 4.2 Diesel or 4.7 Petrol

 

I'll get there soon... lol

 

 

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Posts: 5806

Date Joined: 18/01/12

 True about the purchase

Thu, 2017-01-12 22:02

 True about the purchase price difference, but there probably is no more stark a comparison than the 100 series.
There was about a $10k difference when new.

But now you can buy a 100 series 6/V8 petrol for about $8k upwards, but a TD is rarely below $27K and up to $45K with low k's, stupid but the market is king...

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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.

 

Posts: 465

Date Joined: 06/02/14

Too many variable to

Thu, 2017-01-12 23:32

Too many variable to calculate. ULP prices fluctuate wildly while diesel prices usually remain fairly consistant by comparision. TD42 will cost a fraction more to rebuild than a TB42 but will last more than twice the miles if looked after properly. TD42 has solid cut timing gears (no chain) so lower maintenance costs than the TB42 that needs the timing chain done every 100k or so (I don't know the number so I just put an average for petrol motors). That's about $1000 a pop for a new timing chain for people that can't do it themselves. I think people are better off choosing a motor that has the characteristics they want. I wanted bulletproof reliability that I can fix myself, I don't tow heavy loads & don't care that it's slow so I don't need the power of a petrol or turbo, so I got the TD42 (NA) & am happy with that. The next bloke might have 2500kg of tub he wants to haul around with the rig loaded to the gills with family & gear & might not be as strapped for cash as I am so an LS might be the better choice for him. Horses for courses.

 

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Date Joined: 25/05/12

 I don't know if it's your

Fri, 2017-01-13 17:35

 I don't know if it's your kind of car but there is also a landcruiser troop carrier might suit your needs 

Also if your worried about fuel usage in the 100 series  and your wife drives less than you swap cars with her to get to work and just take the 100 when you want it.. she might claim it so beware.. 

 

Posts: 465

Date Joined: 06/02/14

I know it's not in your final

Thu, 2017-01-12 20:41

I know it's not in your final two but there's an 01 GU Patrol TD42T (factory turbo) with 298k on the clock for sale atm on FB (Buy & Sell Anything 4x4 Perth) for $23k. A little on the expensive side for a GU of it's age but it looks like a very well looked after car & has most of the mods you might want done: 2"OME lift, bullbar, driving lights, safari snorkel, dvd player, reverse camera, 3" Manta exhaust & UHF. That motor should be good for at least 200k more & the rest of the GU driveline is near on bulletproof. Throw a roof rack & awning on it & you have yourself a weapon wether you want to take family trip, tow the boat, go on a boys weekend or just want to go get into some serious mud on the weekend.

Ashen's picture

Posts: 1042

Date Joined: 22/03/13

Cheers

Thu, 2017-01-12 21:00

 Thanks for the heads up, mate.  I generally don't like to buy cars/boats etc that have been "done up".  I prefer to buy in stock/factory form and then add and change things to suit my tastes.  I know it costs more money to add things than to buy with all the options already done, but I find satisfaction in completing "projects". It might not be as sensible but that's how I like to do things...

 

Appreciate you looking at cars for me though! 

 

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Posts: 465

Date Joined: 06/02/14

 All good. I understand that,

Thu, 2017-01-12 21:17

 All good. I understand that, I'm much the same way myself. I always find myself fixing other peoples work so prefer doing things myself so I know it's right the first time. I saw it before while I was trolling for GQ parts so figured I might as well let you know.

Ashen's picture

Posts: 1042

Date Joined: 22/03/13

Lol

Thu, 2017-01-12 22:37

 What's the go with some "Beefed up" Patrols showing stickers that say  "Landcruiser recovery vehicle" or something like that??

 

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A fish in the hand is worth 10 in the water!

Posts: 465

Date Joined: 06/02/14

 Same deal as the cruiser

Thu, 2017-01-12 22:54

 Same deal as the cruiser owners that have "Patrol Recovery Vehicle" stickers. Much like a person is either Ford or Holden. Most 4x4 people though can appreciate a good example of the opposite side.

Krusty's picture

Posts: 714

Date Joined: 27/11/15

 Don't want to highjack this

Fri, 2017-01-13 18:33

 Don't want to highjack this thread but if anyone knows or is selling a HDJ79 ute with the 1hdfte I'm looking for one.!

There is a few on the market over east but if there is one available over here I would prefer that.

Hoping to get one with 200,000km or less and would prefer the RV.

Just thought I would throw it out there 

Thanks

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My fishing spots are so secret........... even the fish don't know where they are !!

Posts: 875

Date Joined: 30/12/09

Go east krusty as I've been

Fri, 2017-01-13 18:42

Go east krusty as I've been looking for one as well and I don't need anymore competition. 

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Krusty's picture

Posts: 714

Date Joined: 27/11/15

 HahahaYea there is not a lot

Fri, 2017-01-13 20:11

 Hahaha

Yea there is not a lot to choose from, as soon as I read your looking for one as well ..... a voice in my head said "shit" !!

There is a low km one in Vic Park with a canopy which is ok. Needs a couple of things fixing and it's had a bit of spray painting done on the cab which I'm a bit weary about.

If a 10 year old vehicle has been looked after why does the cab need a repaint ? 

My 75 series is 25 years old and the cab paint is still fine (or would be after a bit of a cut and polish)

Hopefully a couple turn up soon and we will both be happy ...... until then, back off LOL

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My fishing spots are so secret........... even the fish don't know where they are !!

Posts: 875

Date Joined: 30/12/09

 Haha mine is 22 years old

Fri, 2017-01-13 21:41

 Haha mine is 22 years old with 450000 on the clock. Just drove it to Port Hedland and didn't miss a beat. The beauty about them is that they are all nuts and bolts. When one part rusts just unbolt and get a good second hand one. Mines got a bit of rust coming through but I'm not to concerned. Happy hunting. 

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 Get busy living, or get busy dying!