Hiya, I've been lurking in the forums for a while now. Been doing penance in the UK for the last 6 years and for my sins am bringing a pommie missus back down under to live.
We're gonna need a vehicle.
I'm looking for advice.
Primarily used by 2 people + all camping/touring equipment.
Able to carry at least 4 on occasion.
Ability to tow a 15 foot runabout (future wish list) on rarer occasions (unlikely to be doing long distance touring with it).
Capable 4wd, but it will be our primary vehicle, mainly urban driving so it needs to be economical to run.
We're going to be landing in
Perth initially (My family is there).
Diesel. Prefer Automatic but will sacrifice that want if needs be.
Air-conditioned. Power steering. Electric anything else an advantage.
Side steps would be a big advantage, the missus is a short-arse.
Bar work for protection.
Roof that’s capable of having a Roof top tent on it.
Other needs.
Fridge/Freezer (Was thinking of the Waeco drawer fridge to make good use of space -
http://www.fridgeshop.com/Default.asp?id=278&category=1).
Lighting/fan/charging camera batteries/phones/laptop. (thinking dual battery setup at first, and maybe invest in solar backup for the longer trips when we’re feeling flush again after buying this lot ;-) Will need a big inverter for my laptop but that’s worth a separate post.
Compressor, winch, strap, other tools.
Emergency communications (HF I’m thinking).
I’ve got GPS already (PDA based, bloody essential here in the UK)
Camping/touring is likely to usually be long weekends away regularly (say 10 times a year) and 1-3 long trips a year (2-4 weeks at a time). We’re going to be doing the “big one” sooner rather than later so it should be capable of that.
Total budget for vehicle and equipment is about $30,000.
Vehicle should be under 10 years old. It should be good for another 10 years.
Personal stuff and cooking equipment etc is separate to this budget. Figuring another few $K on that lot. That will include 4x4 recovery and technique courses for the missus and me.
On the list are Pajero's (not seen an Auto for sale in Oz but they are everywhere here in the UK). Landcruiser, Patrol, Toyota Surf (more economical I'm thinking). No make/model's are being ruled out yet.
We've yet to go and drive any yet as we're flying from London tonight so the looking will start in earnest next week. I don't mind flying east to find the right vehicle but would need to do some setup before driving it back West to complete kitting it out.
So, whadya reackon?
What else should I be thinking about?
Should be back online early in the week to
check out the responses.
Cheers guys. Looking forward to reading your responses.