Buying First 4x4

why do you want 33/35 tires? If your only going fishing, and camping, 32s are lots. heading lots Nth on 35's nobody up there or out west/central aust carry 33/35's so if you shag one you sit there and wait for oen to truck in.. Ive heard crazy prices being charged for them too.

40s are teeth rattling cars, comfort levels are = to a horse.

www.tradingpost.com.au for prices or www.redbook.com.au or buy one of them 4x4 trader books and look thru.

look out for rust, but then buying a 20+yr old car you cant expect NOT to have rust.

insurance www.tcis.com.au

$10,000 for a 40 series??? its made of gold is it?

$10k
MK/MQ/GQ patrol
60/62 series Cruiser

Thanks for that Truckster.

I was thinking about the 33/35's basically for looks and not functionality

I was looking at spending uptoi $10000 for a 40 series and get one that has been done up already and had most of the body work done to it and most other parts reco'ed or replaced, I would think this way it may be a little more expense but at the same time a bit more reliable.

The MK/MQ/GQ patrol was an idea that I have toyed with, but I like the idea of a soft/hard top on the 40, where as I have only ever seen 1 softtop patrol, do you have web site where I can get more info on the SWB patrols.


Cheers


Zam

I agree with truckster about the tyres, 33' and 35' are more for you serious offroading, and with such big tyres you would have to take into account things like much longer braking distances, mucher slower accelaration and also higher fuel consunmption. Talking about fuel consumption, one of my mates has a 40 series petrol ute, and of late around town he has been using more than 45ltrs per 100km. No, this is not a joke, so if you really want a petrol, take out an extra 10k loan to cover fuel costs. A better bet is to go for a diesel, as they use bugger all fuel when compared with the petrol, and also are much more reliable. They are also very uncomfortable, but that is typical of a leaf sprung, swb vehicle. When lifted, they can become VERY unstable due to their narrow track, so keep that in mind. The do rust readily, but fibreglass kits for them are everywhere, just add more $$. For 10k, you could get into a nice 3.3ltr turbo diesel MQ Patrol, with enough money left to do a bit of kitting out, eg softop, suspension improvements, tyres ect. The MQ is all in all a much more liveable 4x4, much more comfortable, and probably more capable than a forty. But better still, alot of good GQ patrols can be found now for under 10k, and as anyone will tell you, they're one helluva vehicle when compared to a forty or an MQ, the coilsprings and more modern engines being the biggest advantages.
Anyway, watever you choose, get out there and give it heaps!!
Tristjo.

Hope you have a kidney belt. They were good 4x4's but I would give the 2F engine a miss. Especially if it has an Aisin carby fitted. Those carby's are nothing but trouble. 2F's also tend to burn valves but you can get by that by fitting better valves, valve seats and valve springs. A FJ 40 should not be priced more than $3500. Better to go and find a BJ 40 diesel. You could pay up to $8000 for a good BJ 40. Look out for rust on these vehicles. Early model Toyotas like to rust.Cheers, Willem

Never a dull moment

These are awesome cars. The 2f motor is a little heavy on fuel but a lot nicer to drive on the road than a BJ40. They go anywhere and are very reliable, but a harsh ride. The main thing is to look out for rust, and look after them to keep the rust away. Cheap to fix as there is heaps of spare parts around - the mechanics tend to outlast the bodies on these things. HEAPS of character!

Ryan