small car 4x4 help

agree

go to your local library and read through all their 4wd magazines

even some of the small 4wd that don't have a transfer case (low and high gears) are still quite capable enough for what most people - want to do beach driving and some basic bush driving

traction control can help to make up for the lack of high/low gearing whilst some after-market wheels and suspension can help with ground clearance

Willem has posted a true and noble reply here, one to which I also ascribe. You would be well served noting his considered response.

Also the Pajero IO. It also having a dual range transfer case, could be classed similarly to the exclusive list of vehicles mentioned by Willem and so eloquently ascribed to by Bonz.

Clarifying a bit...

Kia Sportage up to 2002
Suzuki Sierra/Vitara/Grand Vitara up to 2005
Pajero IO

And a bit bigger...
Hyundai Terracan
Kia Sorento
Pajero up to early 2000's or so (solid rear axle)

Note:
Kia Sportage/Hyundai Tuscon from 2004 on are softroaders.
New Suzuki Grand Vitara are full independent rear and front suspensions and sit a bit close to the ground.
CRV/Tribute/Escape/X-Trail/Rav-4/Freelander/Territory/Adventra/BMW's/Mazda CX x/Subarus are all softroaders (list not totally inclusive)

G'day Gary

You have been quiet of late. Wondered if you were still around. Do you still drive the modified Kia?

Happy festive season to you.

Cheers

Hi Gary - I thought you were heading for Qld - do you still have the Sportage and did you put the larger engine in it?

Regards
Mike

Moved to sunny Townsville...

Places I had been staying haven't had good internet connection, and then my little pocket of the inner city has been hampered by having a pair-gain amp on line so no broadband until recently.

Interesting drive up from Melbourne...who said you couldn't load a 12'x6'x7' furniture trailer on your own in 38-42 degree heat, tow the two tonne trailer behind a two litre vehicle 2700km into a strong northerly and 40 degree heat (even if I was doing 5000rpm in second gear around Dubbo for two hours). **Ahem** "Character building" ROTFLMAO

Looking at getting into the mining industry up here middle of next year, presently nursing in TSV hospital.

Waiting for my first cyclone

Yes I still drive it, and yes I still have the engine/transmission/transfer to go in it. Only difference is I will be buying some locking diffs for the front and rear of the Kia from Grecce (US are not the only ones with aftermarket parts industries...)

Neither will tow anything in or through the rough. Think a bit bigger...

Terios is also a softroader, and really only up to a bit of beach work

Jimny and Terios are not suitable for real off road or off track stuff unless you areprtepared to spend some money on modifications to thje suspension.

If you are prepared to buy an older model vehicle than go for a Suzuki Sierra. I crossed the Simpson Desert with one, north south, in 1987. I think they stopped making them in the late 1990's and went on the make the Vitara and more luxurious Zooks.

Go to my website below and then click on 4x4 and then click on The Spinifex Trail for a read on the Suzuki on the desert.

Cheers

The Sierra will go just about anywhere - probably more places that a standard LC/Patrol but it's not the most comfortable on road and, certainly, will not tow anything. We have a "family" Sierra and will not be selling it :)

Mike Harding

I had a naturally aspirated Rocky and have a for a little bit longer (it's just sold) a Toyota Blizzard (same as Diahatsu Scat) and both are awesome and scary offroad, they tend to want to roll over in real hard core but are capable of doing the real ruff stuff if you get them locked and lifted and learn how to drive them. Not so good onroad though. Turbo in the Rocky may make it a little nicer on road???? with a camper in tow. Crawler gears available for the Rocky if you get real serious. Mine was 3" body lift 2" spring lift, 33' rubber fitted under and was next on the shopping list when wife got pregnant with no.1 bub and we traded it for the 4 door "family friendly" Jackeroo. Point the Rocky at a tree and it would try very hard to climb it.

COuld do a lot worse than a rocky off road. New vehicle....Jeep Wrangler would have to be on the list for sure.

Cheers, Trevor.