MySwag.org The Off-road Camper Trailer Forum

General => General Discussion => Topic started by: BBwilly on December 22, 2013, 08:24:23 AM

Title: What 4WD for under 20k
Post by: BBwilly on December 22, 2013, 08:24:23 AM
Hi guys once again I have some more questions this is more about 4WD's we are not in a hurry with this our Ford will do us for a bit but what I would like to find out is what 4WD would you buy if you only had 10k to spend right off the bat.

Now I understand you could be buying someone else's problem and a 200k plus 4WD would need ongoing maintenance and a bit of work more so then a new unit but what would you be looking for would you buy something for say 5k and spend 5k on it etc maybe a 80 series etc what would you need to sepnd.

Brands don't worry me and I don't mind page long rambles the more info you give me cut and paste etc will only help me maybe one day I will return the favour and pull you out of a ditch.

Needs, Tug for CT as well as going where no car can go Two adults two children two small dogs maybe the extra child :-)

Sorry bit bored the wife is working over xmas so we are just doing some day trips the focus is really for the new year aims objectives so on.







Title: Re: What 4WD for under 10k
Post by: D4D on December 22, 2013, 08:29:08 AM
Pajero
Title: Re: What 4WD for under 10k
Post by: GeoffA on December 22, 2013, 08:45:48 AM
Pajero

No need to call him that...... ;D ;D
Title: Re: What 4WD for under 10k
Post by: Swannie on December 22, 2013, 09:39:05 AM
 If you have patience you could find a good quality petrol 80 series.
Swannie
Title: Re: What 4WD for under 10k
Post by: Garfish on December 22, 2013, 09:46:24 AM
Disco or jackaroo.
Title: Re: What 4WD for under 10k
Post by: Andrew_C on December 22, 2013, 10:18:12 AM
Good and cheap - is it gong to be driven by your wife daily?

90 series prado, pajero would be okay and a well maintained one would be reliable and pretty comfy.

Otherwise for a play car, gq4.2 diesel, or 80 diesel pov pack.

Cheap for parts, are not going to fall apart, can be fixed by a monkey with a paddle pop stick,

But not smooth, cheap to run or like a car to drive.
Title: Re: What 4WD for under 10k
Post by: Foo on December 22, 2013, 12:53:10 PM
GQ

Foo
Title: Re: What 4WD for under 10k
Post by: Jon on December 22, 2013, 12:57:56 PM
NM/NP Pajero, no dings underneath.
Title: Re: What 4WD for under 10k
Post by: muzza01 on December 22, 2013, 12:58:47 PM
NM/NP Pajero, no dings underneath.
X2
Title: Re: What 4WD for under 10k
Post by: BBwilly on December 22, 2013, 01:13:58 PM
Pajero

No need to call him that...... ;D ;D


lol Yep thanks for that

Good and cheap - is it gong to be driven by your wife daily?

90 series prado, pajero would be okay and a well maintained one would be reliable and pretty comfy.

Otherwise for a play car, gq4.2 diesel, or 80 diesel pov pack.

Cheap for parts, are not going to fall apart, can be fixed by a monkey with a paddle pop stick,

But not smooth, cheap to run or like a car to drive.

Na Na Na wife will learn to drive but probably only for emergency's

I am only about two traffic lights and 8mins from work no traffic when I start at 2am or when I come home midday :-) so fuel cost aren't a big one for me either.

Needs a few creature comforts but i am quite at home in anything as long as it has Aircon for real bad days, yep bit of a grease monkey and have no issues at all mucking around with stuff that needs to be done.

Title: Re: What 4WD for under 10k
Post by: BBwilly on December 22, 2013, 01:49:18 PM
Ok So lets list up what we have so far would this be the order you would go guys I am sure some of you will favourites.

Toyota 80 Series Landcruiser
Mitsubishi Pajero NP/NM
Toyota Prado
Nissan Patrol GQ
Landrover Discovery
Holden Jackaroo

Title: Re: What 4WD for under 10k
Post by: Bird on December 22, 2013, 01:53:17 PM
GQ.
then the 80. 
Title: Re: What 4WD for under 10k
Post by: noel_w on December 22, 2013, 02:29:56 PM
If going for the GQ make sure it's a 4.2D, avoid the 2.8 like the plague.
I love my GQ except for the constant feeling the motor will blow again. If it was the 4.2 I would keep it forever.


My list would go like this
GQ
80 series
Pajero
Disco
Prado if you could find one at that price
Title: Re: What 4WD for under 10k
Post by: Nomad on December 22, 2013, 04:13:53 PM
Rather than being model specific I think you need to be looking for condition of the vehicle, k's, etc and find your value that way.....
Good luck with the search

Cheers Nomad.
Title: Re: What 4WD for under 10k
Post by: BBwilly on December 22, 2013, 04:41:57 PM
Rather than being model specific I think you need to be looking for condition of the vehicle, k's, etc and find your value that way.....
Good luck with the search

Cheers Nomad.

yes your quite right Nomad and something I will keep in mind.
Title: Re: What 4WD for under 10k
Post by: Diver on December 24, 2013, 09:38:37 AM
Have a look at the 3.3 litre V6 Nissan Pathfinder.  I had the 1998 TI model that comes with aircon, ABS, dual airbags, 6 stacker CD and a few other creature comforts.  I spent another $1,000 on a Dtronics chip that gave me around 150KW.  It is genuine 4WD with high and low range and took me into some serious 4WD bush tracks and was better on the beach than many larger and heavier 4WDs.

The missus loved it around the city as it was an auto with overdrive and not truck like to drive. It is a 5 seater.

And it is rated as 2000kg towing so It had no problems at all towing a largish boat that I had.

Before I bought it 2nd hand I also looked at the 3.4 Litre Prado.  The Prado was bog standard, no ABS, Single air bag, no CD.  It was also $4,000 more expensive.  I never regretted the decision to go with the Pathy and my son bought it off me a year ago for $8,000.

You would easily get one under $10,000 and have a really nice 4WD.




Title: Re: What 4WD for under 10k
Post by: dirtpilot on December 24, 2013, 10:47:04 AM
As above, Pathfinder or Mitsubishi Challenger. The Challenger runs Triton running gear and is cheap to keep on the road. Cruisers, Patrols, Pajeros and Prado's are popular so you will pay more with higher km's. Think outside the square. Comes down to if you want petrol or diesel.
Title: Re: What 4WD for under 10k
Post by: BBwilly on December 25, 2013, 02:59:19 PM
Something that hasn't been said is a Troopy what are people thoughts on these seen one today driving back from the coast in a Sales yard just had a quick look, the wife wasn't impressed with the seats even though she didn't get to sit in them but I guess I could always have the passenger side reupholstered lol.

No idea if you could put kids seats in them, I guess you could though in some way.



Title: Re: What 4WD for under 10k
Post by: DaveR on December 25, 2013, 03:21:23 PM
Avoid at all cost the Jackaroo model with the 4JX1 3 liter Diesel Engine.
I am learning that lesson now, 2 x trips home on the tilt tray, still off the road. Got to go out tonight to pull the flywheel out, again.
The worst crime is, the car is great, loves having the CT behind, small enough for the wife to like it, yet a 6' bloke can drive it with another 6' in the back seat.
If a Jackaroo you find has a different diesel engine, grab it, great car.
The 4jx1 was the experiment in common rail diesel that went wrong and everyone has learned from.
The Pajero is a great car, but very .... Ummm...... Strange back seat for 3 kids.
Have a good look at 1 and you will see what I mean.
Title: Re: What 4WD for under 10k
Post by: BBwilly on December 26, 2013, 06:18:03 AM
Another question when it comes to 4Wd,s better being a manuel or auto petrol or diesel.

Pro's with diesel manuel torque, control.
Pro's with Auto wife can drive it the need arises (she can drive a manuel but something this size may scare her) cant think of anything else.

Now I guess I am putting together a wish list what I would liket probably wont be what I get but I can try this is an are that i should be able to get tough.



Title: Re: What 4WD for under 10k
Post by: dazzler on December 26, 2013, 08:59:38 AM

Avoid at all cost the Jackaroo model with the 4JX1 3 liter Diesel Engine.

The 4jx1 was the experiment in common rail diesel that went wrong and everyone has learned from.


Kind of sort of.

The major issue, though of course there are exceptions, is that once they were out of warranty and no longer being serviced by holden many owners did not use the EXACT correct viscosity of engine oil and this creates all sorts of problems that lead to failure.

If you can find one that has a perfect service record they are a great machine.  Finding one now will really be difficult though.  A one owner grey nomad machine would be sweet.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1)
Title: Re: What 4WD for under 10k
Post by: dazzler on December 26, 2013, 09:07:06 AM
Hi BBWilly

There is a bit of a sleeper vehicle out there that can handle high k's and is generally pretty cheap.

Have a look at the 90 series Toyota Prado RV 4cyl petrol.

This was the model from 96 to 2002.  It is a plain jane model that has the big 2.7l four cylinder in line four.  It makes its power down low better than the V6 model so while they don't make as much power what they do make is more useable. 

They generally came in white though there are a few coloured ones and they don't have the plastic trims on them like the higher spec models that are now faded and look crap.

To me they make a lot more sense than the v6 or the diesel as repairs are very easy and cost effective.  Being Toyota the quality is pretty well unbeatable and you should be able to pick up a good one for around the $8k.

Have fun.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1)
Title: Re: What 4WD for under 10k
Post by: BBwilly on December 26, 2013, 09:37:23 AM
Hi BBWilly

There is a bit of a sleeper vehicle out there that can handle high k's and is generally pretty cheap.

Have a look at the 90 series Toyota Prado RV 4cyl petrol.

This was the model from 96 to 2002.  It is a plain jane model that has the big 2.7l four cylinder in line four.  It makes its power down low better than the V6 model so while they don't make as much power what they do make is more useable. 

They generally came in white though there are a few coloured ones and they don't have the plastic trims on them like the higher spec models that are now faded and look crap.

To me they make a lot more sense than the v6 or the diesel as repairs are very easy and cost effective.  Being Toyota the quality is pretty well unbeatable and you should be able to pick up a good one for around the $8k.

Have fun.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1)



This isn't the former dazzler from Port Macquarie?
Title: Re: What 4WD for under 10k
Post by: DannyG on December 26, 2013, 09:41:36 AM
2.8 Patrol :)
Title: Re: What 4WD for under 10k
Post by: D4D on December 26, 2013, 09:44:41 AM
2.8 Patrol :)

What's the saying, 'always late in a 2.8' ;D
Title: Re: What 4WD for under 10k
Post by: DannyG on December 26, 2013, 09:47:30 AM
What's the saying, 'always late in a 2.8' ;D

LOL So they say! A young bloke who goes 4wd'ing with us has a 2.8 with a chip, increased boost and 3" exhaust and its a very drivable little motor. Revs quite a bit harder than my 4.2 and lacks the low down torque but it flys really.
Title: Re: What 4WD for under 10k
Post by: GeoffA on December 26, 2013, 11:14:51 AM
.............Revs quite a bit harder than my 4.2...........

Give it some fuel......... ;D ;D
Title: Re: What 4WD for under 10k
Post by: Beatle on December 26, 2013, 09:22:19 PM
Post 1995 80-series petrol, automatic, on LPG.  If you get post Aug-1996 you also get 3.5T tow capacity.

Check the date on the LPG system.  Check that the auto doesn't pulse at rest at idle.  Confirm valve clearances are within spec and compression is good.

My missus drove our auto 80 series daily around town no problems.  That one was stolen and torched and I bought an almost identical replacement, but manual gearbox.  She hates driving the new one and reckons they are entirely different vehicles (I don't share her view).   

These days good petrol 80s are snapped up pretty fast, so have cash ready and get up early.
Title: Re: What 4WD for under 10k
Post by: cewilson on December 29, 2013, 12:49:40 AM
I was in a similar situation a few years ago, although for us it was as a second vehicle due to my Defender.  I ended up deciding that we would get a Pajero or Prado dependant on what was the best I found.  I didn't limit it to either petrol or diesel as I figured either or would do.

We ended up getting a 90 series Prado on gas & petrol.  Looking back I would've preferred it to be straight petrol as we've had a few issues with the snorkel and gas but it wasn't a serious problem.  Maintenance issues have included a radiator, hoses etc but nothing I would consider major for the km's it has done.

We've now got over 350k on it with more than 100k put on through us.  It has surprised me where it will go even with the camper trailer on the back.  I find it can be thirsty but that can be mitigated quite a lot by the driver.  Being automatic it wants to jump out of overdrive as soon as a headwind or a slight incline arises.  But again a bit less on the throttle or an early change out of overdrive fixes that problem easy enough.

I've got some info at: www.cewilson.offroader.com (http://www.cewilson.offroader.com) if you are interested.



Cheers
Chris
Title: Re: What 4WD for under 10k
Post by: fishfinder on December 29, 2013, 06:15:53 AM
Kind of sort of.

The major issue, though of course there are exceptions, is that once they were out of warranty and no longer being serviced by holden many owners did not use the EXACT correct viscosity of engine oil and this creates all sorts of problems that lead to failure.

 


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1)

I have come across a few holden dealerships that use incorrect oil in the rodeos
Title: Re: What 4WD for under 10k
Post by: fishfinder on December 29, 2013, 06:17:26 AM
2.8 Patrol :)
the old l28 petrol they would be hitting 30 yrs old now
Title: Re: What 4WD for under 10k
Post by: GeoffA on December 29, 2013, 06:22:42 AM
.......
The major issue, though of course there are exceptions, is that once they were out of warranty and no longer being serviced by holden many owners did not use the EXACT correct viscosity of engine oil and this creates all sorts of problems that lead to failure.
.......

I remember when these were introduced. There was a lot of discussion about them needing the correct viscosity engine oil.
Good things if looked after, though.
Title: Re: What 4WD for under 10k
Post by: Brij on December 30, 2013, 05:54:11 AM
Quote
the old l28 petrol they would be hitting 30 yrs old now

I am far from a Patrol expert but i think they are referring to the diesel 2.8l that was fitted to the GUs before being replaced by the 3.0l grenade engine.

Peter
Title: Re: What 4WD for under 10k
Post by: SteveandViv on December 30, 2013, 05:59:11 AM
Pajero

There are some Gen 2 going around for that. You see lots up here and they make the grade.
Title: Re: What 4WD for under 10k
Post by: fishfinder on December 30, 2013, 06:53:05 AM
I am far from a Patrol expert but i think they are referring to the diesel 2.8l that was fitted to the GUs before being replaced by the 3.0l grenade engine.

Peter
It did come from DannyG he may also be thinking of the 2.8 diesel rodeo motor fitted into the Patrol to give it a few more k's of reliability
Title: Re: What 4WD for under 20k
Post by: BBwilly on June 02, 2014, 12:35:48 PM
Hi guys just going back to this the wife and I nearly brought a nice shiny MUX but at the eleventh hour we pulled out.

So when I started this thread I was only looking to spend say 10k now if I upgraded that to say 20k what would be the best bang for the buck.

When I look at something like Prados there is so many different bloody models is there one that's better for towing (more kg) whilst we are buying a camper to start with we may go for a work n play or something like that in the future so dot really want to limit myself just in case?

Any ideas...
Title: Re: What 4WD for under 20k
Post by: BrisVegasGolfer on June 02, 2014, 12:59:55 PM
Diesel NP Pajero or a petrol 120 Prado.    Go for the lowest kms, cleanest, unmolested example you can find.  Basically, sit outside a private school and ask the school mums if they wanna sell.
Title: Re: What 4WD for under 20k
Post by: bigred on June 02, 2014, 08:34:42 PM
 
Diesel NP Pajero or a petrol 120 Prado.    Go for the lowest kms, cleanest, unmolested example you can find.  Basically, sit outside a private school and ask the school mums if they wanna sell.

  :D
Title: Re: What 4WD for under 20k
Post by: spinyeel on June 02, 2014, 09:14:45 PM
We got our Standard 100 Series Diesel Landcruiser for $17,000,with 240K on the clock. :cheers:
Title: Re: What 4WD for under 20k
Post by: Carlisle Rogers on June 03, 2014, 08:02:46 AM
Just subscribe to 4WD Touring Australia...
We're giving away an 80 in Jan worth $80k. Problem solved!
Carlisle
Title: Re: What 4WD for under 20k
Post by: JethroT on June 03, 2014, 08:17:44 AM
We've owned both Prado's and Pajero's and now have a Pajero mainly because the Prado is dearer for an equivalent vehicle.

We find the Pajero better for towing and the Prado better for off road work.  Both enjoyable vehicles to own.  We owned an 80 series and if you are into serious off road work they are great.  Just depends on what you prefer.

Regards
Geoff

Title: Re: What 4WD for under 20k
Post by: westvic on June 03, 2014, 09:10:39 AM
Basically, sit outside a private school and ask the school mums if they wanna sell.

 :cup: that could get some interesting answers
Title: Re: What 4WD for under 20k
Post by: BBwilly on June 03, 2014, 02:38:53 PM
Just subscribe to 4WD Touring Australia...
We're giving away an 80 in Jan worth $80k. Problem solved!
Carlisle

Bloody expensive lottery ticket lo but I do need some decent rags to read on the thunderbox.

I am thinking it may have to be a landcruiser though but finding one that hasn't done the hard yards may be a bit of hurdle most I have seen have been lifted etc.
Title: Re: What 4WD for under 20k
Post by: Suncruise on June 03, 2014, 03:02:01 PM
How about a V8 100 series.

Heaps around $20K, full GXL specs and auto.

You will have no trouble pulling anything with that and will arrive in style.
Title: Re: What 4WD for under 20k
Post by: Aaron Schubert on June 03, 2014, 03:07:50 PM
You really have to consider what you want the vehicle for. A vehicle with solid axles on the front and rear will be more suited to serious 4WDing, but if you aren't into the full on rock work an IFS vehicle will be considerably more comfortable.

I would get a diesel if possible - better resale, more torque, better range and economy. You can get Pajero's for a steal; they are pretty good value. My best advice though, is be patient. It took months for me to find my cars

Aaron
Title: Re: What 4WD for under 20k
Post by: evolution on June 03, 2014, 03:11:54 PM
Lexus, sheesh some of those are cheap as chips now.
And you get a lot of bang for your buck with those.

Cheers
Evo
Title: Re: What 4WD for under 20k
Post by: oldmate on June 03, 2014, 03:14:02 PM
Bloody expensive lottery ticket lo but I do need some decent rags to read on the thunderbox.

I am thinking it may have to be a landcruiser though but finding one that hasn't done the hard yards may be a bit of hurdle most I have seen have been lifted etc.

Don't listen to him bb, there is no such thing as an 80 series worth that much  ;D ;D
Title: Re: What 4WD for under 20k
Post by: swanny on June 03, 2014, 04:39:09 PM
that includes the spt veh carrying all the spare crown wheels, cv's, and axels that they break every 2 mins....... ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: What 4WD for under 20k
Post by: BBwilly on June 03, 2014, 05:00:09 PM
that includes the spt veh carrying all the spare crown wheels, cv's, and axels that they break every 2 mins....... ;D ;D ;D ;D

THought it may come with a free Mirgae trailer.

I shouldnt have said that should I  :angel:
Title: Re: What 4WD for under 20k
Post by: oldmate on June 03, 2014, 05:19:35 PM
How about a V8 100 series.

Heaps around $20K, full GXL specs and auto.

You will have no trouble pulling anything with that and will arrive in style.

x2, i just did a search on carsales with no less than 60 came up