Site Search
Print Page Setup Profile Login
You have 4 items in your shopping cart
Section Image

Vehicle Choice.

Submitted: Sunday, Jul 26, 2009 at 19:39

Benno77

Article Overview - Buying a 4WD
This article focuses on the major considerations when choosing a 4WD vehicle for the purpose of travelling and camping. View Full Article...
Id like to start a thread to assist people when purchasing a new or second hand 4wd. Please post in some info about the vehicle you drive, the types of applications you use it for and its best & worst points. And please refrain from getting into slagging matches about whats the best 4wd. Just talk about experiences you have had with your 4wd. I'll start with mine. I own a 2005 GU Nissan Patrol ST. It was standard when I bought it and I am slowly turning it into a touring beast. Its been a great truck so far and I've done a few good trips. The approach and ramp over angles at standard hight are pretty good but the departure angle is not as good so a 2 inch lift is on the shopping list. Traction is great, the rear LSD works a treat and havent had too many problems in the mud even wit A/T tyres. Its also the wifes shopping trolley and although its road manors aren't as good as the Mitsu challenger I used to drive she hasn't got too many complaints. The turbo lag is a bit anoying sometimes. I tow a trailer when we camp (too many children) and for light towing I have no problems although I think if I was to tow anything too heavy i'd be looking for more ponies.
Advertisement
ThreadID: 71002 Replies: 9
Views: 1427 FollowUps: 15
This Thread has been Archived
Thread Summary
Thread Watch Back To Forum Alert Moderator FAQ
AnswerID: 376321   Submitted: Sunday, Jul 26, 2009 at 19:48

Voxson replied:

Benno,

Probably be good if you mentioned the engine and gearbox to give people that warm fuzzy feeling.
From your mention of turbo lag i am guessing it is a 3litre diesel with a manual box?

Cheers.
Modified
Click Image to Enlarge
.
Reply 1 of 9
FollowupID: 643700   Submitted: Sunday, Jul 26, 2009 at 20:12

Benno77 posted:

Yep that would help. And your pretty close its a 3L TD auto
FollowUp 1 of 5
FollowupID: 643701   Submitted: Sunday, Jul 26, 2009 at 20:18

ctaplin posted:

Voxson,

Things must have got tough in Modbury Heights for you to go from a fancy Nissan GU Series 4 to a poverty pack L/Cruiser with a breathless non turbo 1HZ... But I guess you are after reliability after years of driving ZD30 turbo diesels, looking in the mirror waiting for a smoke screen???
FollowUp 2 of 5
FollowupID: 643710   Submitted: Sunday, Jul 26, 2009 at 20:43

Benno77 posted:

I'm still waiting for the smoke screen. My work vehicle on the other hand (100 series N/A diesel LC) does have continual relliabilty problems with fuel delivery, driveline lash back and isn't quite as capable off road. Thats why I bought the Patrol. Thats just the experiences I have had. The LC has other good points. Its a bit better on road but the majority of our fleet at work which has been traditionally Land Cruisers and Hiluxes are getting replaced with Patrols. They find they are getting better value for money and despite having been given a bad reputation by a few models the 3L td Patrols are proving to be more durable whilst Toyota's reputation as an off road vehicle seems to be steadily declining.
FollowUp 3 of 5
FollowupID: 643834   Submitted: Monday, Jul 27, 2009 at 16:30

Voxson posted:

Nice comment Mr ctaplin.

The econ downturn has really punished me and i have had to downgrade to a cruiser with no options but i could afford it to have air cond and pwr steer.

You guys which work on Gove bleep ula are lucky i guess because the money there is endless which allows you to keep your Birdwood Antique.

Do they hire road bikes in Nhulunbuy because i am getting withdrawls.


Benno, surprising to here of your reliablity issues,,, maybe i will upgrade my RAA cover.

Modified
Click Image to Enlarge
.
FollowUp 4 of 5
FollowupID: 643880   Submitted: Monday, Jul 27, 2009 at 19:32

ctaplin posted:

Due to the economic times I've had to hang onto my late 2002 vehicle rather than get a new one and have now nearly clocked up 135,000km. Had I bought a Nissan with a ZD30 donk, it would almost certainly have a hole in a piston by then!!!

How does it feel to cross over and drive a Toyota after almost 15 years of being a proud Nissan man?

The best you will be able hire on the motorbike scene here is a scooter and we only have 30km of bitumen road, so it's not a good place to own a road bike. Make me wonder why I see guys with Hayabusa's & Blackbirds when there is now where to use them here!
FollowUp 5 of 5
AnswerID: 376325   Submitted: Sunday, Jul 26, 2009 at 20:06

Atta Boy Luther replied:

I own a 1998 HZJ75 toyota troopy . It was standard when i bought it and i am slowly turning it into a rust bucket . Its been an good truck so far but my back aches from the trips . The approach and ramp over angles at standard hight are pretty good but the departure angle is hopeless so a new rear bumper bar is on the shopping list . Traction is alright, the rear LSD sucks and been too scared to go in the mud even wit A/T tyres. The wife hates it and says she would rather drive the corolla so now i cannot grog on because she refuses to drive it . The naturally exasperated 1HZ lack of power is driving me up the wall . I never tow anything because i would be in second gear up every hill . cheers .
Reply 2 of 9
AnswerID: 376328   Submitted: Sunday, Jul 26, 2009 at 20:17

Brian Purdue replied:

Benno, there are people who have Range Rovers and people who do not.
If you really need a "truck" try a Canter four wheel drive.
All else is second rate.
Kind regards
Brian
Reply 3 of 9
FollowupID: 643704   Submitted: Sunday, Jul 26, 2009 at 20:20

Benno77 posted:

Yep like I said experience not opinion!!!!
FollowUp 1 of 2
FollowupID: 643708   Submitted: Sunday, Jul 26, 2009 at 20:32

Members Paul and Melissa (VIC) posted:

Dont worry Benno,this one wont be the last either!
1 of my 3 girls!
Click Image to Enlarge
Cheers Paul

FollowUp 2 of 2
AnswerID: 376330   Submitted: Sunday, Jul 26, 2009 at 20:31

Brian Purdue replied:

Benno,
My first four wheel drive was a short wheel base Land Rover 1949 model. Yes, they told me that there was no such model imported to WA. I sold it to a RAAF bloke for $50. because it would not start. He put in a fuse and drove it away.
Next was a SWB Land Rover followed by a Toyota L.C. then a tray back Toyota. Then a Suzuki LJ50 which would go ANYWHERE but was so small as to be almost useless except for ovenight camping.
Then a 2 door Range Rover with long range tanks.
Then a Patrol.
Next was a Range Rover Vogue SE.
Experience? Opinion? Yes, you are right. Been there done that.
Kind regards
brian
Reply 4 of 9
FollowupID: 643714   Submitted: Sunday, Jul 26, 2009 at 21:13

Benno77 posted:

Horses for courses anyway. I test drove a Range Rover Vougue when I was shopping for the Patrol. It was a nice classy bit of gear. It ran airbag suspension which made me feel like I was driving a boat and I felt like I was going to fall out of it when I drove round corners. Apart from that I thought it was a great car. I also tested a new Land Rover Defender which I thought was the _Affordable_Storage_Drawers.aspx 4wd I have ever driven in standard form. However the build quality was appauling and the drivers seat was that badly positioned I actually had to wind the window down to steer it around left hand corners. For me the Nissan was just a good mix of everything I wanted. Sure it wouldn't suit everyone but theres plenty of them on the road so bellieve it or not there actually is a world outside Range Rover.
FollowUp 1 of 4
FollowupID: 643729   Submitted: Sunday, Jul 26, 2009 at 23:36

disco driver posted:

Benno,
From your reply to Brian it appears that all you want are opinions that agree with yours.
Brian drove a Patrol and then bought a Range Rover because it suited his purposes.
What's wrong with that???
You have a Patrol for the same reason (It suits you)

That doesn't mean that it should suit everyone.

In a long working life I had no say in what vehicle I drove, they were issued to me by my employer. I have driven most Toyota Landcruiser models , Hilux models, Patrol 4.2 diesel utes both leaf and coil sprung, Daihatsu, Ford Courier, Mazda, Rodeo, Triton and Navara utes. I even drove a Landrover series3 diesel ute and 2 and 4 stroke Suzuki's.
All of them did a reasonable job of what I needed to use them for at the time.

Now my personal transport is a Series 3 Landrover petrol tray back, it does exactly what I need it to ............ Nothing more and nothing less!
SWMBO drives a DiscoveryTD5, it too does all we ask of it.

So my choice of vehicles at the moment are 1981 Landrover ute and 1999 Discovery TD5 because they do all I ask of them.
It may change if my requirements change in the future.

That does not make my choices invalid, just different to yours.


Disco.
FollowUp 2 of 4
FollowupID: 643758   Submitted: Monday, Jul 27, 2009 at 09:09

Brian Purdue posted:

Benno,
I have a fair sort of a gut on me too. Try adjusting the seat and you would have better control. The seats in the RR quite commodious and I have seen many men (and women) of the larger size driving them.
Maybe your real problem is "Don't confuse me with facts. I have made up my mind".
You started the post seeking opinions. If you do not like them don't ask.
Kind regards
Brin
FollowUp 3 of 4
FollowupID: 643843   Submitted: Monday, Jul 27, 2009 at 16:55

Member - Graham H (QLD) posted:

I had a 2003 3.0 TD Patrol and a STL at that.
We thought it was OK till we took a 2005 100ser TD over the same piece of rough road we had driven up to look at the Cruiser.

For comparison there is none The Patrol is a truck and rides like one.
The Cruiser is a much more comfortable vehicle to drive especially towing over long distances.
It is at least one gear better on the hills and has more go off the mark as well.
especially with a chip and a big drainpipe exhaust.
The fuel consumption is not much worse for the size of the motor and my wife just said the other day after 20,000k of touring, "Im really glad we arent doing this in the Patrol"
You asked for opinions , well thats ours.


Our new home away from home
Click Image to Enlarge
Another Kiwi that flew the coop

FollowUp 4 of 4
Activities Index
45min Spyder Roadster Thrill Ride 45min Spyder Roadster Thrill Ride
Gold Coast - QLD
What better way to get the adrenaline pumping than on the back of a 1000cc 106BHP powersport monster
Ultimate Day in Pamper Paradise Ultimate Day in Pamper Paradise
Cairns and Tropical North QLD - QLD
An all day event that includes a full range of our most popular and unique spa treatments.
Grand Blue Mountains - All Inclusive! (224) Grand Blue Mountains - All Inclusive! (224)
Sydney - NSW
Experience spectacular scenery, wildlife, plant life and fresh mountain air.
Awegasmic Whitsundays 6 days/5 nights DORM Awegasmic Whitsundays 6 days/5 nights DORM
The Whitsundays - QLD
Whitsunday Island holiday package including coach and vessel transfers, backpacker accommodation at
Book Now - Things To Do
AnswerID: 376335   Submitted: Sunday, Jul 26, 2009 at 21:12

Hairs & Fysh (NSW) replied:

About 20 years ago I bought a 85 Hilux Xtra cab SR5 2.4 petrol.
at the time there was only the two of us plus two Ridge Backs. A great little truck. fantastic on short little runs and day trips.
After a long absence from 4 wheel driving about 5 old years ago we got our second 4by, 91 LC 80 series See my Profile
More pictures of the old girl :)
She does everything I ask of her and more. through the week she is a taxi/work truck and on weekends she is a tug for the horse float and camper or just getting the kids to sport or used for short trips. we're Very happy her :)

Last seen near the Malara Fire Trail 01 2009 EO Northern NSW/SE QLD Gathering
Click Image to Enlarge
Jon
Which witch wished which wicked wish?

Don’t Take Life Too Seriously; You Won’t Get Out Alive
Reply 5 of 9
FollowupID: 643848   Submitted: Monday, Jul 27, 2009 at 17:22

jarz85 posted:

Nice photos/video... will be buying an 80 series in a month or two :)
FollowUp 1 of 2
FollowupID: 643866   Submitted: Monday, Jul 27, 2009 at 18:43

Hairs & Fysh (NSW) posted:

Cheers,
She's a work in progress and quite capable off road. Not that I take her to the extreme.
Still got a few things to get for her yet,
Airbags, Low coolant alarm, Rear wheel carrier, I'll probably end up making one.
Lockers, Another battery under the bonnet, Suspension upgrade, Not higher, just beef it up a bit. All this when the funds become available :))
And I don't get to take her off road often enough :(



Last seen near the Malara Fire Trail 01 2009 EO Northern NSW/SE QLD Gathering
Click Image to Enlarge
Jon
Which witch wished which wicked wish?

Don’t Take Life Too Seriously; You Won’t Get Out Alive
FollowUp 2 of 2
AnswerID: 376337   Submitted: Sunday, Jul 26, 2009 at 21:36

Scott C (Coolum - QLD) replied:

Hi Benno

Currently have a 2002 Landcruiser 105 1HZ auto in GLX trim. Bought it new to set up for touring and weekend trips.

Has the usual after market stuff (see my profile ) for the list. Without a doubt the best thing I did was chopping it and turning it into a duel cab. I now have a very capable tourer that can carry the family along with everything needed for a trip away.

Only issue is a shutter that happens in overdrive at around 80km, seem to be a common problem with the 1HZ auto's. Love to hear a fix if anyone has come up with one.

Cheers Scott

Noosa North Shore 2008
Click Image to Enlarge
02 landcruiser HZJ105 Dual Cab Ute
Reply 6 of 9
AnswerID: 380179   Submitted: Sunday, Aug 23, 2009 at 19:12

Bertis Chew replied:

Am keen to purchase a 4WD to tow a van around Australia.
Have a friend who is a diesel mechanic and he advises that I seriously consider a Nissan Patrol petrol over a Toyota landcruiser. He doesn't dislike Toyota's but feels that Nissans are better value all round.
I have no particular allegience to either vehicle but my friend says that the Nissans post 2004 are particularly robust in the gearbox and drive train and the petrol engine (4.8L) has more power than the diesals, both Nissan and Toyota.
Also, the extra cost a person would pay for the Toyota is not value for money.
Could anyone with some mechanical knowledge and unbiased views provide me with some advice please. Regards, Rob
Reply 7 of 9
FollowupID: 647812   Submitted: Tuesday, Aug 25, 2009 at 20:00

Benno77 posted:

If you get a chance have a look under both a LC and a patrol and compare the driveline componants. The difference in the engineering is evident. The Patrol is built big and robust. However if your going to tow don't even bother with the 3.0td. Its reliability problems are long gone but it just doesn't have all that much power. I havent driven the 4.8 petrol but have heard there a very thirsty motor. I own a 3.0td patrol and drive a couple of different LC at work, a 6 cyl diesle 100 series and a 4.5 TD V8 Ute. If I was towing a van the V8 cruiser would be hard to pass up. It has power everywhere and just seems to pull effortlessly in every gear. You can get real lazy driving one of these. However our compny has a large fleet of them and is having problems with oil consumption and the price is a killer. New patrol $60,000. New 200 series LC $80,000+. Seriously how many people do you know that can afford 80 grand for a bush basher?
FollowUp 1 of 2
FollowupID: 647839   Submitted: Tuesday, Aug 25, 2009 at 22:00

Robin Miller posted:

Hi Bertis

What do you need to know about the 4800's , they consume about 10% more fuel than the V8 Cruiser equivalent , apart from that everything else is positive, especially if you get the manual (available up to 2005) which until the recent 200 remains the most capable vehicle for that purpose.

Even the recent posts I have made about comparing the current 4800 with both 200 series shows that the 4800 is much better value for money at some 21,000 below the petrol cruiser.

Wether or not its also better depends on what values one puts on things about a car thats important for them.
My own values rate 4wding ability high and here the Patrol is equal if not the winner, but other values clearly make the 200 a winner.
Survivor -Top Crossing Hut Trk
Click Image to Enlarge
Robin Miller
FollowUp 2 of 2
AnswerID: 380484   Submitted: Tuesday, Aug 25, 2009 at 21:28

Louie the fly (SA) replied:

1992 Toyota 4Runner 2.8D no turbo, 5 speed.

Good points

Cheap - cost me $6.5K 2 years ago
Hilux running gear - cheap & easy to maintain. Oil change every 5000km is cheap. All up service = 6L oil & filter, about $60. Air filter & fuel filters about $22 each
Comfy car with AC, power steering, long range tank, kaymar wheel carrier
Light, comfy seats, compact but roomy enough for our "older" teenagers
economical
good on tyres
damn good brakes
easy to drive - my daughter drives it to school in the city

Iffy things

A bit under powered so I fitted extractors and big exhaust - better low and mid range power
IFS is a bit weak for serious offroading
limited room for fitting accessories like radios

Bad points

Fuel pump leaks at top (slack mechanic/owner)
Some of the electrics are tricky but easy to fix if you know a good auto sparky

The worst thing that has happened since I've had it is a leaking diff seal on both fron & rear diffs. Both on RHS as well.

I've done the following: Spotties on the front bumper, Fitted UHF, Made a swing out dual jerry can holder, MP3 player. Going to build an overhead console. Stay tuned for that one.

We don't use it much for 4WDing but we've been to Fraser Island, Flinders Ranges, Coorong, Little Dip CP and used it on the back roads around home. It's a very capable 4WD. Planning to go to Googs Track & Gawler Ranges, Border Track, Little Desert, plus a few other places. It won't let me down. There's a pic on my profile page.

Louie





Click Image to Enlarge
There is a fine line between fishing and just standing on the shore like an idiot.
Reply 8 of 9
AnswerID: 380586   Submitted: Wednesday, Aug 26, 2009 at 19:37

Benno77 replied:

Just put a set of Old Man Emu shocks & springs with 2 inches of lift in the rear of my Patrol. I actually only got half way through installing the full lift kit and got called into work but found that the more agressive stance has changed the geometry of the suspension and the steering is now more responsive on road than before. I'll finish the full lift but if I loose the responsiveness that I gained with only the rear lift I will take the front springs back out because front end clearence has never been an issue I just kept getting hooked up on the tow bar whilst off roading. My accidental finding has made the Patrol a fair bit more pleasnt on the road. Which has never been the Patrols strong point.
Reply 9 of 9

 Page Sponsors

WAECO Pacific Pty Ltd WAECO Pacific Pty Ltd Premium Listing
Portable refrigeration provider WAECO, is celebrating 10 years in Australia in 2009. Established in high-technology headquarters in Germany 35 years ago, WAECO has developed a wide range of mobile technology for people on the move.
1 JOHN DUNCAN COURT   VARSITY LAKES, QLD, 4227
Phone: 1800 21 21 21
More info | Website | Driving Directions
ExplorOz ExplorOz
Become a Member of ExplorOz; buy or sell in Trader; buy Maps, Books, DVDs, camping accessories, and ExplorOz wheel covers, shirts, hats and stubby holders from the ExplorOz Shop; and book Activities &Tours or buy someone a gift certificate from our Activities section. Become an ExplorOz Member for just $60 in your first year, and $40 when you renew.
PO BOX 967  HILLARYS, WA, 6923
Phone: (08) 9403 3737
More info | Website