Shopping for the new 4WD

Submitted: Tuesday, Mar 08, 2005 at 22:20
ThreadID: 21065 Views:2137 Replies:7 FollowUps:1
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Hi All,

Im shopping for a Landcruiser to replace my Hilux surf. The surf has a 3.0 litre turbo diesel, free wheeling hubs, bull bar, sidesteps, Auto Trans, lift kit and fold down tray at the back. Basically, Im looking for the same car, but in the Landcruiser range with the bigger (4.2) motor.

The catch? I only have $30k to spend and with my experience in the hilux surf, am definitely sold on the toyotas.

I have seen quite a few 100 series stds (about $32K with 87K on clock) but they are all manual, and have the barn doors at the back, skinny tyres, no steps and no bar work. I really like having the use of the tray, as it is a good table to work on when camping, fishing etc. Im thinking it may be better (more cost effective) to look at a good 80 series TD and fit free wheeling hubs to it. Any suggestions?

Also, is there really a big difference between the std and turbo diesel engines off road?

I do a lot of soft sand beach driving, and gravel tracks in the SW of WA.

Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks.
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Reply By: The Rambler - Tuesday, Mar 08, 2005 at 22:40

Tuesday, Mar 08, 2005 at 22:40
Jrryan
Buy a troopy--you will never regret it asit must be the best camping vehicle around.
AnswerID: 101640

Reply By: The Explorer - Tuesday, Mar 08, 2005 at 22:54

Tuesday, Mar 08, 2005 at 22:54
Hello - no expert on the subject but there will be no benefit gained by just fitting free wheeling hubs to a constant 4wd - you will need to change the centre differential set up as well...otherwise everything keeps turning anyway..all you’ve done is removed the drive to the front wheels…it can be done but more $$. My suggestion would be to forget about that idea and spend money on more important things (adding a turbo?). There are a few converted "tray back" 100's at my work - no idea how much they go for second hand though. Also skinny tyres work OK on sand – just reduce the pressure (just like you have to with “fat” tyres)..though wider tyres do provide better ride on the road so good investment in this regard.
Cheers
Greg
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AnswerID: 101646

Reply By: Truckster (Vic) - Tuesday, Mar 08, 2005 at 23:09

Tuesday, Mar 08, 2005 at 23:09
I have seen quite a few 100 series stds (about $32K with 87K on clock) but they are all manual, and have the barn doors at the back, skinny tyres, no steps and no bar work."

So you want a fullhouse one for $30k in auto, what colour, brand of tires and radios would you like?
AnswerID: 101650

Reply By: BenSpoon - Wednesday, Mar 09, 2005 at 15:55

Wednesday, Mar 09, 2005 at 15:55
80 series factory turbo-diesel. Just read half the replies on the forum and you'll see how popular they are. 80 series is lighter than 100, more 2nd hand accessories available, generally cheaper aftermarket bits, a bigger following of net-based supporters...

AnswerID: 101770

Reply By: muzzimbidgie - Wednesday, Mar 09, 2005 at 15:57

Wednesday, Mar 09, 2005 at 15:57
You can't have your cake and eat it too!

I would say you should be looking for a good T/D 80 series wagon, don't worry about the free wheeling hubs, leave it as Toyota made it. You may not find one with an auto box, or a fold down tray on the back, but that's life.

AnswerID: 101771

Follow Up By: muzzimbidgie - Wednesday, Mar 09, 2005 at 16:03

Wednesday, Mar 09, 2005 at 16:03
Also, don't let others fool you into thinking that skinny tyres are no good. That's absolute rubbish. They work well in sand, I have used them on an old landcruiser ute for many years, and I went up all the beaches that everyone else did.
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FollowupID: 359594

Reply By: Member - Phil G (SA) - Wednesday, Mar 09, 2005 at 16:04

Wednesday, Mar 09, 2005 at 16:04
Standard 79series traytop 2000/2001 go for about $30,000. Even get a tray and FWH.

Unfortunately you'll pay a lot more for the factory TD version. - Here they go for $40+k at Govt auction.

Cheers
Phil

AnswerID: 101774

Reply By: Davoe - Wednesday, Mar 09, 2005 at 21:31

Wednesday, Mar 09, 2005 at 21:31
as far as barn doors go check out march issue of 4wd monthkly it has a foldup table featured - you open the barn door and the table folds down dead simple I made mine for stuff all after seeing that. cheapest way to go with that type of budget would be an 80 standard in good nick and fit a turbo. Mine cost 15k (no turbo) with all the barwork 2 spares etc etc plenty of change left over to set it up. Forget the 100s too big too heavy
AnswerID: 101833

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