Picking a Vehicle

[chrisj1982]

Alright guys the time has come for me to finally pull my finger out and purchase a 4WD and im torn between 3 choices for my first vehicle, so would love some feedback from Myswaggers.

Having never done any 4x4 driving i'm looking for something entry level, easy to drive, cheap, easy to repair myself for the most part. Prefer Automatic, Non Diesel and have around $5-6K to spend. Looking to do the Big lap in the next year or so and with my CT build just getting off the ground I'd like to get some experience in a 4WD sooner rather then later.

I have been looking on many car sale sites, ebay, carsguide, tradingpost ect and have come up with the list of 3 that i would prefer unless im persuaded otherwise.

1990's Nissan Patrol / Ford Maverick GQ
1990's Toyota Landcruiser 80 Series
1990's Mitsubishi Pajero GLX

Whatever choice i go with must be able to handle mass amounts of offroad driving, will need to have enough power to haul a 700Kg + loaded CT and a 5-6ft Tinny loaded on the roof.

So what do you guys and gals think?? Help a newby out!!

[noel_w]

I would be looking for a diesel 4.2 GQ patrol. They are virtually unstoppable and have been proven workhorses for years. Myself I have a 2.8TD 95GQ because I bought it knowing it's history with only 80000 on the clock and at the right price, now around 230,000 with virtually nothing spent on it so far other than normal maintenance. I know the 2.8TD are not known for their longevity but mine seems to be going ok so far but if I had the choice I would be looking at the 4.2D. If you prefer the petrol then I hope you have long pockets 'cause they love a drink. Long live the GQ 

[WilSurf]

GQ x2

[Bird]

Having never done any 4x4 driving i'm looking for something entry level,
- easy to drive,
- cheap,
- easy to repair myself for the most part.
- Prefer Automatic,
- Non Diesel
- have around $5-6K to spend.
- - 1990's Nissan Patrol / Ford Maverick GQ
- - 1990's Toyota Landcruiser 80 Series
- - 1990's Mitsubishi Pajero GLX

You want petrol, so not sure why anyone is recommending diesel. Having said that petrol is poison expensive to run.

Out of the 3 in Petrol, I'd go 80 then GQ...
-- GQ can be had for $3000 in petrol, the Petrol donk is gettin on now, and has cracking head issues.
-- 80 is a lot more expensive to buy.  Darren MC had one of the Petrol 80 series with 220rwkw That would be nice...
-- Know nothin about the Paj.

In Diesel, I'd go GQ, 80, then Paj.
-- The GQ does not come in Auto except for Grey import Safari's, so thats out the window + is dead slow without a turbo. But has the most bulletproof donk out there.
-- The 80 series has the issues with mains but they are easily changed these days, most workshops can do them for couple hunge. Comes in auto too.
-- Paj I dont know much about either but have a respectable following.


So for me the 80 series it is.

[Mace]

Any of them!!

When you are looking for an older vehicle it usually comes down to whats the best condition vehicle you can find out there for the money you have to spend.

I went looking for a vehicle with a similar price tag  late last year.

Looked at multiple vehicles, mid to late 90's Paj, early to mid 90's Pat/criusers, late 90's dual cabs, etc.  Spent time in yards in Melb & Sydney and hours on carsales.

Nearly went 4 a 96 Paj on gas in Sydney, 180.000 km, but then found a 96 2600 Rodeo d/c on gas with winch/2 way/canopy/roofbars/sunraysias/spots/tow hitch/air con/ less that 200k/ full service record every 5000k in my local town for $7k.  Couldnt pay the guy quick enough. Its been great so far, except 4 the rattle in the passenger side A frame!!!  The dog loves the back seat too, the kids have left home so fits the bill perfectly.

Happy hunting, and remember, allways offer $2k less than the asking price!!

[meimarocu]

GQx3

Ian.

[Prado BB]

Having owned a GQ for many years, I have to recommend this vehicle.  Be aware tho, the 4.2 petrol head issues occur at 200k like clockwork. They are ok on fuel in stock form 16-18lt/100km, but up size tyres, add bar work etc and you will be lucky to see 22lt/100km, usually around the 26lt!!.  They will take a beating off road all day every day and ask for more.  Some common issues (besides the head that I mentioned):
- rust around the roof gutters, and door seals
- power steering pump leaks
- steering wobble at 80km
Not bad really

I would recommend keeping it stock if you intend on towing to keep the fuel bill down.

I miss mine :'(

[achjimmy]

Any of them!!

When you are looking for an older vehicle it usually comes down to whats the best condition vehicle you can find out there for the money you have to spend.

I went looking for a vehicle with a similar price tag  late last year.

Looked at multiple vehicles, mid to late 90's Paj, early to mid 90's Pat/criusers, late 90's dual cabs, etc.  Spent time in yards in Melb & Sydney and hours on carsales.

Nearly went 4 a 96 Paj on gas in Sydney, 180.000 km, but then found a 96 2600 Rodeo d/c on gas with winch/2 way/canopy/roofbars/sunraysias/spots/tow hitch/air con/ less that 200k/ full service record every 5000k in my local town for $7k.  Couldnt pay the guy quick enough. Its been great so far, except 4 the rattle in the passenger side A frame!!!  The dog loves the back seat too, the kids have left home so fits the bill perfectly.

Happy hunting, and remember, allways offer $2k less than the asking price!!

For your budget this is the best advice. I have also been looking for a $7k max vechile for my son. I only want a dual cab but some of the things that have come up. There was a dealer selling a 97 petrol Prado with bulbar, suspension, cb, awning, rack, wheel carrier with 175k for $7k! Guy on the Pajero forum had early 90's maverick shorty with everything for similar  money.
They Would be prefect. Just get to know the brands and what there problems are and go from there. The older Pajeros are great buying also, especially the 3litre.

[britts]

80 then gq parts are easy to get hold of anywhere

[Bird]

Some common issues (besides the head that I mentioned):
http://www.gqpatrol.com/buyingagq.htm

Fixed

[TroyE]

I've got an 88 GQ TB42 with a carby, yep she's thirsty, but will go anywhere I want to I've had a new head put on at 330k ( about $1300 for the head and gaskets etc DIY) mine has had a duel cab chop ( insured for $ 15k) but in standard form, is in the 3-6k mark, but very hard to get in an auto if at all. so if your dead set on an auto you might have to look at the LC or paj.
I've not had a paj.  but did have an early triton duel cab, and was a great vehicle, my father in law has had 3 paj's, all v6's and loved them (now has a ford tertiary) and wish's he still had his last paj, it had factory rear diff lock with the 3.5L, and was a really good all rounder, he use to tow 2.5T trailer sailor up to harvey bay from brissy and back a couple of times a year, said it did it with out issue.

troy