I’m a POME leaving London at the request of my Aussie wife (did not take much persuading). After watching Bush Tucker Man and other various Outback programs, I want to try some proper bush bashing and compare it to the urban jungle driving we have in London.
The specifications on the models of the 4x4 in the Australia market place are very different to the versions we get in the UK and I would like some advice. It would be easy to read the new car brochures and buy a brand new 4x4 but, that’s just a little bit too much of a luxury and the thought of sending a new $60K car down to the panel beaters after a brush with a eucalyptus tree, would probably end up with me in the divorce courts.
I want to get a 4x4 that is dedicated to bush use but, it will still need to travel to and from the play areas via normal roads. It does not have to compromise as a normal everyday car as
well.
I want to start off with weekend/week long trips in Victoria, as I will be based in
Melbourne. So the vehicle should be suitable for conditions found in this area. I will probably venture into the lower part of NSW and the eastern edge of SA as
well. I will be joining a local club before I go and play in the dirt and be starting off with some
tag along tours.
The vehicle needs to transport my wife and myself and it would be handy if it could also take along the expected visiting overseas friends, look for a cheap holiday, for long weekends and fishing trips. My wife would also point out that the need for a baby
seat within the next 18 months as
well (is there something she is planning I wonder?).
The “best 4x4xfar” in the UK is the Land Rover Defender, mainly due to the huge market in specialised after sales equipment and the narrow size of the off-road tacks available. It appears after much research that the Toyota LC or TC and Nissan Patrol are the main beast of burden to go for when playing in the Aussie outback.
Having owned both Toyota and Nissan “cars” before, my preference would be for a Toyota vehicle based on past reliability and after sales service. Is this the same in Oz?
Budget will be about $20K for the vehicle and another $5K for equipment and modification, in the first year. If I can find one ready to play in the dirt with suitable equipment, so much the better but, I would like to have the fun of swearing at installation instructions and grazing fingers whilst adding the essential big-boys-toys, which lets face it, are half the fun.
Please keep in mind that the vehicle’s capabilities and equipment levels need only cover a beginners needs for short(ish) trips in areas where help is probably not going to be too far away. The
HF radio, EPIRB and Kimberly Kamper will probably not be needed for the first 12-18 months of playing and learning. At least not until I have the confidence to push the exploring a littler deeper into the Australia wilds and know that I can rough it living off grubs, snakes and warm Victoria Bitter, when the fridge packs up.
Key items I would be looking to add: extra water and fuel tanks, CB/
UHF Radio, recovery & tyre repair gear as detailed on this site, up-rated shocks and springs (dependent on vehicle), winch, GPS, fridge/pantry/cooking setup and
snorkel.
My questions are:
- Toyota v Nissan, which manufacture to go for?
- Which model and engine type to go for?
- What are people thoughts on a Toyota TC 3 or 5
seat and then customising the back end to a pantry, storage or even sleeping area?
- Is there a recognised 4x4 driving accreditation? I’ve done the Marine ICCC and Day Skipper courses and I’m wondering if there is anything similar setup for the outback?
I’m sure I’ll have more questions and my thanks in advance to any
feedback. I’m sure any
feedback will probably lead to more specific questions.
Thanks,
Glyn