Good first/small 4x4?
Submitted: Sunday, Jun 07, 2015 at 22:14
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Vicky R
Hi all,
I'm in the market for my first car with off-road capabilities. I only recently have my licence, but I have done some beach driving and 'bush-bashing' in my Mum's Landcruiser workmate and went okay. I'm not needing anything too flash, so I have a reasonable budget of about $8,000.
Basically what I'm needing is a good onroad car that is able to handle itself in beach and other off-road situations. I will have to use it to drive to work, school, driving family members, etc on weekdays so it needs to go
well on road. However on the weekend I'd like to be able to go to
the beach with my dogs or my mates, and then on holidays do some camping. So nothing too serious but something that can handle these sort of conditions!
I have been looking at the Suzuki models such as the Sierra, Vitara and Jimny, as
well as the Toyota RAV4, all 90's or early 2000s models, to give you a sort of idea, not fussed by manual/auto. I like the Sierra but apparently they don't go too
well on-road, and they don't have a lot of backseat or boot space.
Just wanted to know what some of your more experienced 4x4 drivers thought. :)
Thanks for your help,
Vic
Reply By: Dingojim - Monday, Jun 08, 2015 at 11:19
Monday, Jun 08, 2015 at 11:19
We have a 2011 Suzuki Jimny, aka Chook Chaser, that follows us around on a trailer. I will admit that they are on the small side but when it comes to a bit of bush bashing they are real nut busters. We have taken ours, and this will upset a few on the
forum, where Tojos, Pajeros, Jackalose,etc did not make it. An early model Nissan was the only one which was still behind us when we got to Ruby Gap via the back way. Their lack of weight means losing traction occasionally and with the narrow tyres they do not perform
well in sand but other than that and a dray like
suspension system They are a real offroader. When I was researching vehicles to suit our needs I came across an article where a remote NW Qld mail contractor had used one for many years, clocking up over 65k clicks and had only replaced the front steering tie rod ends in all that time, no other repairs. This vehicle had never seen a sealed road. Ours has one bad habit, it's a magnet for grasshoppers which keeps my insurance company on the ball. Now I'll duck for cover while the big guns loose off.
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Reply By: Fab72 - Friday, Jun 12, 2015 at 06:08
Friday, Jun 12, 2015 at 06:08
Hello Vicky,
Check out the Pajero "io". It's about the size of a 4 door Rav4. Plenty around that are cheap with low kms. They drive like a car on road, but off road they are a little weapon. 1.8 or 2.0 4 cylinder .. go the 2.0 ZR if you can find one.
Basically they run a Lancer engine with Triton running gear making them very reliable. I've had
mine for some 5 years now and have been across the Simpson, along
Googs track, through Dangalli conservation park, numerous trips through the Flinders, Saunders
Gorge and Bendelbly ranges. Next year I hope to take on the
Canning Stock Route.
Don't be mistaken thinking "Oh Pajero, I don't want one that big". It's not. They are NOT a
grey import, just weren't very popular at the time because of their rugged-ness that people didn't like in smaller 4x4's. I guess hairdressers prefer Rav 4's.
The five door is the way to go (3 door is a bit small) which means you get the rear LSD, and they all have Mitsi's famous Super Select locking centre diff.
Check out a small clip of
mine on the attached link. Plenty of info on the
forum too.
Mitsi Pajero io ..... love that car.
My Pajero io taking on Big RedPajero io forum (still sold in Brazil, Europe and UK as a Pinin, TR4 and Montero)
Fab.
AnswerID:
555842
Follow Up By: Fab72 - Friday, Jun 12, 2015 at 06:22
Friday, Jun 12, 2015 at 06:22
See here for some examples of Pajero io's for sale.
My recommendation would be to get the 2.0L engine.
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Follow Up By: Fab72 - Friday, Jun 12, 2015 at 06:26
Friday, Jun 12, 2015 at 06:26
Try again with the links (it's 5am here!)
Car SalesGumby Tree
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