OziExplorer replied:

A mighty 'b r o a d' in depth question.

Perhaps a short description of what you are looking for/need in a 4WD.
What primary use do you want with this 4WD. Is it for towing a caravan (what size) or camper trailer around Australia, genuinely going off-road, a Toorak shopping trolley etc. etc.

Steve replied:

As you have set no parameters for any further discussion, there is nothing to better the Landcruiser standard diesel unit amongst the others you have mentioned .. manual of course is the best way to go and don't worry, my wife handles it with ease... ( i.e. the 80 series!! ) They are no small unit and anything this size needs a little time to get used to but they are very 'user friendly' and a joy to drive in the scrub and back roads in the outback.. as for dealers well you have to work that out yourself , but a low kms unit .. up to 80ks will be almost as new and good for another 400 k... with sensible use and servicing..

Rob replied:

Agree with the above - 4.2L diesel is an excellent unit. Reliable with smooth torque delivery for relaxed off roading. Certainly not the fastest on-road vehicle around but I only once ever wished for more power - on a short steep sand dune on the Robe Beach run. (Also tackled Canning, Simpson, Cape York with no dramas).

A multi-valve owner remarked to me that he thought the 24V turbo lacked low-down power when compared to the non-turbo. He had fitted an intercooler which he claimed fixed this problem.

My wife has no problem with the manual gearbox & excellent power steering. Nor did I come to think of it!

When buying - take your time - but be ready to jump on the good one.

We bought in Perth - watch out for vehicles who have spent time in the mining industry - usually basic-spec white with unusual non-functioning switches for lights etc that have been removed - avoid like the plague.

An RAC inspection can be good value. Better still to take it to a reputable 4WD specialist for a pre-purchase inspection ~$100 well spent. If the car yard objects - walk away!

Lots of standard info on this web site re set-up & accessories to look out for that you may find on a vehicle for sale.

Good luck

Rob

Salty replied:

Hi Lin,
I own an a 3 litre Pajero and I tow a 16ft Windsor Windcheater potop with it and travel at 100KPH with no problems Mine is an auto and as a retired truckie I reckon you cannot beat the auto for towing and normal use around town. Even my wife prefers to drive it insteadher Festiva but as others have stated it all depends on your requirements of a 4WD. Regards Salty.

Mike replied:

Best car would be 80 series with the 4.2L diesel with manual gearbox (mainly because size and live axles), BUT...and a big BUT...it depends what you want to do. If you have big towing needs then turbo diesel would probably be way to go.

If you are a very casual off-roader then turbo diesel prado is probably best choice. Manual remains best option because manual gearboxes usually have lower first than auto's so better of-road. Prado has independent front suspension so hasn't got ability of 80 series. I personally think 80 series beats 100 series because of a whole lot of reasons.

I've got a Landrover defender 110 2.5L turbo diesel and a Jackeroo 3.5V6 SE automatic (the wife's car) and they are completely different. The Landrovers eats the Jackeroo off-road but the Jackeroo eats the Landrover on-road. The Jackeroo is more like a car and the Landrover more agricultural! Horses for courses!

We just did a 1500 km round trip of the goldfields in the Landrover, most on dirt roads, towing a camper trailer and the Landrover comes into it's own. Down to Coles and the Jackeroo is the go! I've bogged the Jackeroo up to the axles (Limited Slip Differential + independent front wheel suspension = 1 wheel drive + limited travel !!) in places where I don't even have to put the Landrover into diff lock (I love my Landrover). We also had the new Pajero accompany us and although they are good on sand because of the diff lock they are absolutely hopeless where wheel travel is required.

Anyway, as I said horses for courses - the real question you have to ask is "what do I want a 4WD for?". There is no optimum, everything is a compromise.

Confused, good!!

Bob Y. replied:

Lin, The Bride & I have had a 90 L/C TD manual, and now have '97 multi valve manual. The later model is more refined, quieter plus cruise, and probably handles better, but if you want raw grunt, the 90 model was the way to go. I'm talking about passing triple roadtrains here. If you live in town, I'd go for the Prado TD auto. Good for shopping, school runs, and engine revs at cruise are lower than the manual. The 80 series are bigger, and more a bush vehicle, to handle rough and tough. Also they are dearer to run and register, but still good for the ladies to drive. As long as its a toyota you'll be jake. regards...
NO, I don't work for toyota....