Purchase 4x4 to tow off road camper trailer

Submitted: Thursday, Feb 14, 2013 at 08:36
ThreadID: 100538 Views:3318 Replies:6 FollowUps:7
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Hi All

I am looking to puchase a 4x4 but cannot afford a new one. Main use will be for camping trips around victoria high country but look to go interstate in the future. We will be towing an off road camper trailer at full weight of approx 800kg and our budget for the car is around $15,000-$20,000.

Just after some opinions on what Make, model, acessories etc shoulkd i be looking at Are some 4x4's better for towing, engine size, petrol / diesel or any other advice is more than welcome.

Thanks
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Reply By: Member - Bruce C (NSW) - Thursday, Feb 14, 2013 at 09:09

Thursday, Feb 14, 2013 at 09:09
Hi Glen,

If you go for a Landcruiser or a Patrol they will last you for years and years. They are the toughest out there.

However there are many makes and models which will do the job you require.

My personal opinion is look at the latest model Cruiser or Patrol with the lowest kilometres you can find in your budget specs.

Test drive every thing to see if you like the feel of each brand and you will quickly find the one you like. Then it is a matter of finding the right one for you.

I bought a very nice 2003 Cruiser V8 petrol for $22.5K. There are more out there.
Don’t be phased by the petrol versus diesel debate. I have had both and either are good and all fuels out in the backblocks are dear.

The economy is slowing and it is a buyers market so do not be in a rush to part with your cash.

For the money you mention I would think you could expect to be looking at something around the year 2000 or a year or two each way for the right one.

Accessories???. A good steel winch compatible bull bar is a must if you get out in the country as a kangaroo can do some horrendous damage if you hit one at speed. A UHF is a pretty handy piece of kit as well especially if in a group.

That's my advice, see how you go.

Cheers, Bruce.
At home and at ease on a track that I know not and
restless and lost on a track that I know. HL.

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Follow Up By: Member - Bruce C (NSW) - Thursday, Feb 14, 2013 at 09:14

Thursday, Feb 14, 2013 at 09:14
I should have added that in the cruisers the auto gearbox is best for towing.
No clutch wear and is easier on the left foot. The cruiser auto boxes have an enviable reputation for reliability and strength.

I cannpt speak re Patrol auto boxes as I do not know but there are many owners of Patrols here who can give good advice in that area.
Bruce.
At home and at ease on a track that I know not and
restless and lost on a track that I know. HL.

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Reply By: member - mazcan - Thursday, Feb 14, 2013 at 09:22

Thursday, Feb 14, 2013 at 09:22
hi glen
there are lots of very good s/hand pajero's out there for that money and just as good very reliable and great on fuel consumption as compared to L cruisers and will go and tow 8oo kg trailers anywhere doesn't have to be a l/c to get you there some blokes are so set in there ideas when it comes to choice and some of them have never owned any other brands
cheers
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Follow Up By: escapesilv - Thursday, Feb 14, 2013 at 18:11

Thursday, Feb 14, 2013 at 18:11
Second Gloen's comment, The Pajero is very understated, and is between the very best 4X4 in Australia.

Cheers and good luck in your search.

Rob
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Reply By: nootsa200873 - Thursday, Feb 14, 2013 at 09:40

Thursday, Feb 14, 2013 at 09:40
Glenn, what awesome timing! I have just yesterday finished my search for exactly what you are looking for. We just picked up a 2001 100 Series Landcruiser. Petrol/LPG, ARB bar, winch and sidesteps. $17000, and ready to go. By far the toughest and best value for money vehicle you could get. There are plenty around,so look hard and long. Don't rush into it and do plenty of research. The only other advice I can give you is do not compromise on quality. In my opinion, you only have two choices, patrol or Landcruiser! I've seen all the others, and the truth is that they don't cut the mustard mate. Best of luck, Chris.
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Reply By: Member - Oldbaz. NSW. - Thursday, Feb 14, 2013 at 09:51

Thursday, Feb 14, 2013 at 09:51
G'day Glen, This is a very biased opinion..but how does a 2003 V6 Auto Jackaroo with
only 125k, good tyres, reg & 2 year warranty, cruise control, 7 seats,full log book
service history, tow & nudge bar......all for $10k sound??.
You wont buy a better proper 4wd wagon for the money..& have $10k left for toys &
fuel. It's on Ebay,at a Sydney dealer. No association, just a satisfied Jack owner.
cheers......oldbaz.
AnswerID: 504713

Follow Up By: Bazooka - Thursday, Feb 14, 2013 at 16:47

Thursday, Feb 14, 2013 at 16:47
Yep I'd buy it in a flash except I have one! Absolutely incredible value and a lovely car to drive.
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Follow Up By: fisherPete - Thursday, Feb 14, 2013 at 22:27

Thursday, Feb 14, 2013 at 22:27
We have three jacks in our drive way and the oldest son has one as well, built by Isuzu, my last one was A 98 SE brought with 101000 in 07 just sold with 205000k , total repairs over 5 years $1500.
The Jack v6 has been known to cover well over 400000ks if well serviced. Only known fault with the petriol v6 is the sliding pin in the back brakes seize if driven thru a lot of Mud.
I replaced my old Jack with and immaculate man 03 v6 with 120000ks, Which I picked up for $12000. Just replaced the orinigal rear brake pads.
Stay away from the troublsome 3lt diesel Jack.
Cheers Pete
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Follow Up By: gbc - Friday, Feb 15, 2013 at 13:59

Friday, Feb 15, 2013 at 13:59
Speaking of isuzu, that money will get you a 4 y.o. colorado. Cheap second hand and nothing to break on them.
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Reply By: Glenn M4 - Thursday, Feb 14, 2013 at 13:35

Thursday, Feb 14, 2013 at 13:35
Thanks for all of your input and advice. I have a friend who just bought a patrol and are very happy with it. I have always owned a Toyota so more inclined to go with them. What about Hilux dual cab, or is a cruiser the better option?
AnswerID: 504730

Follow Up By: Glenn M4 - Thursday, Feb 14, 2013 at 13:43

Thursday, Feb 14, 2013 at 13:43
Sorry, also forgot to ask. My wife cannot drive a manual so is there much performance difference between auto or manual in either patrol or cruiser or just a matter of preference?
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Follow Up By: Member - Bruce C (NSW) - Thursday, Feb 14, 2013 at 15:50

Thursday, Feb 14, 2013 at 15:50
The differences are negligible these days as autos have become more efficient over the years.

In the Land Cruiser the ride comfort is better in the auto and the boxes are stronger in the auto anyway.

Two of my nephews had Hiluxes, one is a Toyota mechanic. He now owns a Prado.The Hiluxes were OK but they certainly weren't Landcruisers.

I am biased so take my advice for what it is worth, go the Cruiser 100 series. You won’t be sorry you did. But then I am biased.

Cheers, Bruce.
At home and at ease on a track that I know not and
restless and lost on a track that I know. HL.

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Reply By: Batt's - Thursday, Feb 14, 2013 at 22:25

Thursday, Feb 14, 2013 at 22:25
The landcruisers and patrols will both be great tow vehicles but would your wife be happy driving one or would she rather something smaller prado,pajero or a twin cab will it be an around the town car I know my wife wouldn't take my patrol into shopping centres .most of the 4x4 are quite capable of towing 800kg easy. I think any turbo diesel 4 or 6 cylinder would be good option for fuel economy and power and range. A petrol will be quite thirsty especially towing and in the high country. eg I had a 2.5ltr turbo diesel towing 1.4t at 100kph 16lph but my 4.2ltr 6cylinder petrol towing the same thing same speed got 26lph. You will need a trailer brake installed I would add some polyair bags or air bellows to the rear to support the load because of all the extra gear you will be carrying in the rear of the car when towing.
AnswerID: 504777

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