Gday guys. May or may not be in the market for a new 4by soon depending on what happens with the old one. I have narrowed the field down to 4 main candidates.
1. Toyota Landcruiser FJ40
2. Toyota Landcruiser FJ60
3. (Replacement) Nissan Patrol/Ford Maverick GQ. (Leaning towards LWB again).
4. Toyota Landcruiser 80 series.
If I indeed find myself buying a new rig, I will most definately be taking out a loan (probably no more that 9 or 10k).
I am probably leaning to the FJ40 as i could get one that looks a treat for between 5-7k and they come in softtop. This would just be a car ide have for a year or two while i saved up a bit more for an 80 series.
I like the FJ60, dont know much about it. Ok to look at, bit boring tho (Just my opinion). Saw some shots of the interior and they looked a bit dated for my liking. Would probably rather hold out for a cheaper GQ.
Having said that, if i got another GQ i would probably have it for a while and so i would rather get one with all the bells and whistles (which obviously cost a bit extra). Also which model GQ has
the bench seat at the front and
well i guess a bench
seat in the rear with space underneath the back seats? That was an awesome setup and i had my amps under the rear seats.
The penultimate 4by right now which is 'loosely speaking' in my budget, is the 80 series cruiser (not landy :P). I dont know how they compare to the GQ performancewise (onroad and off) so this is where I was hoping you would clue me in. Also, in terms of comfort and gadgets and gizmos (80 series vs GQ. Ive seen a 90' 80 series for near $9000 which i could do but im thinkinh i should hold out for a later model.
O
yea Duel fuel (LPG/Petrol) is a prerequisite. (Just so I can afford to keep it on the road!!).
So thats where i stand, my theory is,
1. Get a cheap, fun 4b (FJ40 softop.. .unless there are certain drawbacks that make it a bad idea) in the shortterm, maybe a year or two tops while i save for the uber GQ/80 series.
2. Get a cheaper GQ, get an early model 80 series at a steal, or borrow more than I really want to and get an awesome 80 (unless the GQ makes for a better alround 4by.
Thanks a bunch guys, your experience is always appreciated.
Cheers,
Anand.