Buying a 4wd for Pert-Darwin tour

I would say about 6 grand and that is sale price so I would be looking at vehicles 7-8 grand which should sell for a bout 6. absalutly dont touch the dealers coz that will add around 3 grand to the exercise and forget about warranty because after finishing with there band aid fixes if you are lucky you will wish you had just paid less and paid to get it fixed properly.
Dont forget even a well inspected vehicle can easily cost 2 grand in repairs so .......... buyer beware!!
Most vehicles will have A/t tyres I dought many will have Ht
For that price i would buy on vehicle condition above all else rather than brand, petrol or diesal or coils or leaves etc

Hi EJ

Are you related to Mick Joffe(Cartoonist) of Sydney?

There are a number of businesses in Perth who sell vehicles to backpackers or temporary tourists on a buy back arrangement and some of them may have 4x4's. Do a Google for more info.

I would go for a lighter 4x4 such as a Mitsubishi Pajero, Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder etc. $6000 should get you into a 20 year old vehicle. As Davoe says, at the dealers you will pay $3000 more as they have to make a profit to survive.

It doesnt matter if it is petrol or diesel, both fuels are readily available but diesel tends to be 10cents a litre more expensive than petrol. You will pay(at present) $1.10 - $1.80 a litre for fuel in the outback. Check out this site for latest fuel prices.

AT tyres would be a better alternative so that if you do want venture offroad (and the Gibb River Road can give you lots of punctures running highway tyres), you have a stronger tyre sidewall. You may be able to pick second hand ones up for half the price or less of new ones.

Yes Perth is a city with a population of 1.3 million. Dealers are dealers, same the world over.

You have a nice Christmas too.

Hi EJ,

As mentioned above, I'd be looking for something like a used Pajero. If you shop around your likely to pick one up with AT tyres already, if not then can get second hand ones if the budget is strapped.

This link will allow you to search private and dealer sales Oz wide, narrow to Perth metro and you'll be set. Just pick the vehicle type and price range. Hopefully this let's you get a feel for the market and what you get for your money.

AutoTrader

Merry Christmas,
Hugh

I reackon any of the mid-size 4b's should be in your list:

Ford Explorer
Landrover
Nissan Pathfinder
Holden Jackaroo
Mitsubishi Challenger
Toyota Surf (be careful - apparently these can be a nightmare, but I've never met an owner who didn't love theirs)
Even a Landcruiser or Patrol though I doubt you will see a reasonable one of those in that budget.

Hi,
have read all the replies and note that no one has mentioned any of the 4wd dual cabs, Hilux, Rodeo, Ford Courier, Mistabitchy Triton, Nissan Navara etc.
OK they can be a bit rough on the road but settle down with a bit of gear in the back, but pricewise they fit into the equation and may be a better option.

Good luck