What to buy?

Oh Oooooo. Dangerous thread this one...

In my opinion and my opinion only, you would, if you spent a month or two looking would find a very nicely tricked up GQ patrol 7 seater with all the bells and whilstles for under 15k. My old man just picked one up for $8,200 with locker, bfg all terrains, 2 inch susp, winch, snorkel, bar, tow bar, electric brakes, turbo timer and aftermarket garrett turbo fitted from new (and recently rebuilt) with 185,000 k's on it. They are out there and are....in my opinion....one of the most reliable rigs out there. If you got one around there, you could spend the rest on a very loooooooooooooongggggggggg break getting to know the vehicle.

Cheers,

Vicar.

Whilst I really appreciate your sentiments, perhaps you may need to look at the cost of purchasing the unit you propose. Depending how often you intend to go away you may consider hiring a bus to take the boys (and girls?).
First off the licence for the bus and then the insurance before you even turn a wheel probable cost $2,000. How will you get to work when you are not driving Scouts? Unless you are a masochist driving a big 4X4 in the city is sheer hell. I have a Range Rover for touring the countryside but a Lancer for running around town Five litres per km V ten kms justifies the two vehicles
If you are determined I say "Good on you and I wish you well.
Brian

Here ya go, the perfect vehicle for you, i know this vehicle well (not mine a mates)
Heres a link to it
4.2 PATROL WAGON

Baz.

you want to go "to places not on the map"

if its not on a map it doesnt exist

This has been discussed several times in the last few days. If you go back through the threads you will find it
Cheers Pete

Hey Jaussie.

Backpacker tour companies have been transporting people in a Troopy with a trailer full of camping gear for as long as I can remember (15 years +), A pre 10/99 HZJ 75 model will be within your budget and do the job just fine.

I have used a troopy 9 seats + driver to do 2 day Kakadu tours to 10 day Kimberly tours with a 3/4 roof rack and a tradesman type trailer for 15 years with minimal problems.

Hope this Helps.
Cheers Steve.