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4WD - decisions decisions

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CoffeeKing

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I know there is a thread about "cars to own or desire" but I'm looking at a 4WD.

I have an old feroza (91 model) and seen better days, thinking of an upgrade to a larger model and brand.

Previously owned 2 pathfinders (ST) and Prado (01 model) moving from city to country makes you want to go places, currently in one of those spots where 4WD is the go.

Prefer petrol (diesel too expensive) Landcruiser and Patrol to big right now, selection limited here but could get one from the city if I drive down.

Checking out the Nissan Navara ST, open to suggestions on who, if anyone, is driving what type of 4WD and why?

CK
 
It depends on what your going to do with it Coffee King.

I have a 98 Hilux dual Cab Ute, a most practical 4WD IMO, I'm selling it too

I'd say a Toyota or Nissan is the only way to go. They make the best 4WD's IMO. There's plenty of aftermarket accesories for all models too.

Don't pass up a diesel, especially if it's a new model truck, If the diesel has common rail injection be prepared to use approx 1/3 fuel less on most trips, compared to petrol trucks. Diesels are less complicated then petrol engines too, alot less plugs, electricals, wires etc.
 
ahh feroza, i used to have a feroza II but totalled it and upgraded to a brand new mazda 3....

just get an escalade or hummer, petrols cheap atm supposedly
 
I know Nissan had some big issues with engine reliability in the last few years with both the diesel Navara & Patrol, I believe that the Gen3 (update) Navara has come good.

The Prado is a great vehicle but has a prehistoric chasis and an entirely new model is on the way shortly.

Stay way way clear of anything coming out of the USA, you only ever buy American once and will never forget the experience.

My favourite would have to be the Landrover Discovery. Proven in every way and looks great. Very good value for money as is the VW Touareg.

Smart money is on a Japanese SUV (preferably built in the Asia region and not Spain,Mexico........), Toyota Rav4 or Honda Crv the way to go.

enjoy
 
CK - So the big question is what will you use it for? This will be the determining factor in what you purchase.

The bigger cars like the Patrol and Landcruiser are great for towing and in rough terrain, but very heavy in the sand. They are also better on the dirt than on bitumen, bit like driving a truck with more noise and a poor turning circle.

I've got the Mitsubishi Pajero and just love it. Slightly smaller than the above which suits me more and very comfortable on the road especially for long trips. Obviously I went for this 4WD for the distance I cover, so road comfortability and quietness were important for me. But it is also very competent off road as well. I've had the last few models and have been very happy with it.

We also have a Nissan Navara. Not comfortable on long trips as it is a really rough ride and only go for something like this is you will use it for work otherwise I would not recommend it.

Nissan Xtrail is a great All Wheel Drive, but you would not want to take any AWD into anything challenging, but a great little car if you want something smaller. I believe the Ford Territory is also good in this class, but it one of the few that I have not yet driven.


Other things to consider is the price of servicing - something like the Jeep is incredibly expensive, so worth looking into it.

I do agree with Pat, don't dismiss the diesel, the cars do operate very ecomically on it. My last piece of advice is that if you are buying second hand make sure you know the cars history. Many times cars are quickly sent to the city for sale if they have been swimming in salt water. Every year I see many a 4WD get swamped in the high tides. It is common knowledge in the country that these vehicles get sent for resale asap.

But definately seek the car that will suit you needs and the conditions you will be driving in.
Happy shopping
 
CoffeeKing said:
refer petrol (diesel too expensive)
Click to expand...
Not sure about prices near you but for me petrol is about $1.42, diesel about $1.75 which makes diesel the cheaper option for fuel costs since you need less of it to go the same distance.
 
Thanks folks...

"Not sure about prices near you but for me petrol is about $1.42, diesel about $1.75 "

Don't really look at this, think it's around $1.75 for PET - $1.98 for DIE but that will not be a factor as am prepared to enjoy the quality time and worrying about fuel cost could start the syndrome " to expensive too run " if you know what I mean.

"what will you use it for?" Generally accessing spots that your normal car can't, beaches and fishing area's - most of these are tracks and sandy stuff - hopefully no hill climbing and rock hopping.
Comfort would also be a factor as "getting there" could take some hours so that would be welcome.

Roomy would be good, to carry the stuff you have on trips without squashing

Looked at the Navara as it had height but was the 4dr trayback type, which means a canopy and less room for stuff.
On the other hand Prado's and Jeeps ( jeeps not sure of ) have the folding rear seats ( only 2 of us ) so lots more room, and the long range tank can be a blessing...

Long distance driving - I love it, Short distance to "that perfect spot" love that 2, maybe a trip to the city of Perth for some test drives is due...

and "white_goodman" - "hummer" now your talking - yeh baby yeah,
I would if I could, but I can't, so I shan't (only in me dreams)

Oh yea - not towing anything with it... when I get to the "grey nomad" stage of travel it will be a WINNABAGO
 
OK2 said:
The Prado is a great vehicle
Click to expand...

This is what I have and would never have anything else.Excellent reliability, plenty of power (must be an inter cooled model) and feels like driving a car, they are that comfortable.

Wouldn't touch a Pajero for all the tea in China.

Stay clear of Land Rover, Range Rover i.m.o.

American as has been said a big no no.especially Jeep Cherokee, and Ford Explorer.
 
CoffeeKing said:
Don't really look at this, think it's around $1.75 for PET - $1.98 for DIE but that will not be a factor as am prepared to enjoy the quality time and worrying about fuel cost could start the syndrome " to expensive too run " if you know what I mean.
Click to expand...
Bit confused now since you mentioned diesel being expensive in the first post.

Anyway, not to worry, my point was just that diesel works out cheaper for the fuel than petrol (since you need less of it) even if the price per litre is higher.
 
Coffee King.

If anything, get a Toyota.

Prados are good, but Ute's are more convenient.
As long as you got some good rubber, suspension and a hand winch, your truck will take you anywhere... So I'd recommend saving $3k just for this.
If you plan to do some km's on corrugated roads good suspension is worth its weight in gold.
 
cant go past an ole HJ60 cruiser with a chevvy 350 tied in with a turbo 700 haw haw haw go the petrol heads i say
 
Well decision time came and went - thanks to the replies here and after some research (sounds familiar) and some test drives and some long hard thinkings came home with a new patrol 3.0 TD 5pd.
Wasn't looking this big at first but once you drive a few models and brands and worked out what we wanted to do in it (plus what you can carry comfortably) Got a better than expected trade-in, so happy now and the trips begin...

But don't think I'll be doing what this guy is...

 
Congrat's on your trusty new steed. Good truck, but I like the 79 series cruiser better.
So your a Datto guy, you'll have to have a go at the Yota drivers now.

Nice vid, love it. There's a massive dune called 'big red near the, I suppose you'd call it 'entry', to the Simpson desert. Anyway not as big, but you'll need plenty of momentum and about 16psi in your tyres.

Take a look at this site and maybe the magazine for some good reading
http://www.4wdmonthly.com.au/
 
Time to ignite this thread -

Anyone here with a turbo diesel?? Now I know I am one of only 5 women on here (unless your acting as a guy J Wabbit...)

Thus the maths suggests that the members are in excess males.

Could you inform of any specifications you made to your 4WD for serious work. Which branded parts are relilable, tank size upgrade, etc..... Muddies, lift diff 5" (etc

Thank you boys
 

I have had a good number of Pajeros, diesel turbo, never gave me any problems.

I no longer have 4wds, so am not up to speed with them but I have heard that Nissan Patrol Turbo diesel are to be avoided as they eventually blow up.

Google Townsville Bulletin Nissan Patrol and you may find an article on the Nissan.

gg
 
I had a Nissan Terrano 3L petrol . Was a little bit heavy but very good off road and through rivers provided you had the right tyres (like any 4WD).
I choose Nissan mainly due to the non issue of a cam belt , timing chain for me is far more reliable.
4WD H ratio performed in all areas except for rivers where it was safer to use 4WD L . Our 4WD outings included friends with Toyota Surf's , Pajero's , Mu's and my Terrano .
Found the Pajero to be good off road at lower speeds however back on road it had far too much body roll.
My mates Toyota surf seemed to struggle with traction on steep inclines but was good allround. Nice and high off the ground for river crossings. My terrano was far too low in some circumstances but it was fun to watch the wife shrivel into a little ball when water started flowing over the bonnet.
I was very impressed with the Mu , a mate changed his suspension and took this thing places I would never dream of unless there was a crane to come to the rescue.
Diesels are good for economy , but I found I could thrash mine more offroad and know I had spare power to get me out of the crap.

I swear by Nissans even sedans , there are engine issues if you don't change the oil filter since they are overhead oil feed to the cam . Some mechanics have suggested that you drill the feed holes out to 1/8th (0.125 thou) , I thought that was too excessive and only doubled the size of mine to 1/25 th (0.039 thou) or 1mm.

No longer own the Terrano , was a little sad parting with it.
 

Cannot help with any mods as only just bought the car, did put a snorkel on it
as the patrols air intake is situated from left front guard, snorkel gets the cleaner air...

Try this link http://www.patrol4x4.com/forum/ it's a patrol forum
but may give you some answers to what you need to do
and depending on your area just Google 4wd clubs.
 
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