Choosing a 4wd to match my needs
Submitted: Friday, Jan 11, 2008 at 14:01
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wheelinchek
Hi, I am looking at buying my first serious 4wd to complete a series of camping and road trips within Australia. There are a lot of cars on the market, and a lot of opinions. I currently have a Nissan Xtrail, and the word is I would be fine in going to something like Frazier Island etc, but I would like to drive the
Birdsville Track, go to
the rock, I am also looking st some thing like
cape york. Potentially we would be relatively inexpirenced, and possibly travelling as a single car in some of the easier trips.
I have done a trip down the track already, and know for sure my Xtrail could not have managed any of the muddy tracks we encountered. I am looking around the $25k mark a little less and more. Plus I do want something that would midrange economical if driven day to day. I would appreciate any assistance or
information. Diesel Petrol? Nissan, Toyota, Mitsub, Ute ?
Cheers
Reply By: Kumunara (NT) - Friday, Jan 11, 2008 at 14:18
Friday, Jan 11, 2008 at 14:18
Wheelinchek
You would be surprised where your Xtrail would go. I have seen one driving on wet clay and I was surprised.
The
Birdsville Track is a dirt road - the Xtrail would do it.
The rock is all bitumen - any car would do it.
Cape York (Depends on the route)
Most makes these days are good - there is such a variety of vehicles on the market that they have to in order to be competetive.
I like my Patrol. Another person will dislike the Patrol. It is up to your own taste and what you require. I am a fairly large person and find a Patrol comfortable.
Are you going to tow? For towing I prefer a diesel.
Do you want a wagon or a ute?
For $25k you should be able to find a reasonable vehicle.
AnswerID:
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Reply By: Willem - Friday, Jan 11, 2008 at 14:21
Friday, Jan 11, 2008 at 14:21
Your Xtrail will get to
Birdsville (BVT good gravel road) and
the Rock...bitumen all the way. Fraser Island might have problems as Xtrail has low clearance and some trackes have deep ruts.
Look around for a last model diesel Toyota 80 series or Nissan GQ series or a petrol Pajero ( all late 1990's) for around $15,000 to $20,000.
Alternatively there are smaller vehicles such as Toyota 4Runner, Holden Rodeo, Holden Jackaroo(now discontinued), Nissan Pathfinder etc
Cheers
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Reply By: Crackles - Friday, Jan 11, 2008 at 17:11
Friday, Jan 11, 2008 at 17:11
A late model diesel 90 series Prado may possibly fit your bill. Quite a capable vehicle offroad for trips like the Cape but still reasonably economical & handles
well on both dirt roads & the tar. They have respectable ground clearance, a reasonable storage area and are a reliable car that spare parts can easily be sourced in remote areas.
Although others have suggested you could take your Xtrail to
places like the Cape there's no doubt when loaded up it would struggle & most likely sustain damage. Now sounds like the right time to upgrade.
Something like this
KZJ95R GXL Wagon 8st 4dr Man 5sp 4x4 3.0DT is in your price range.
In case you are not familiar this is the
90 series Landcruiser
Cheers Craig.............
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