BUYING A 4WD

Yes, stay away from the Freelander, it's not just the head gaskets... transmission problems too. Expensive!

Go the Pathfinder..If you are talking about current model. Get it with the TDi of course, if you want fuel economy. You will have a 7 seater 4x4 that is nice to drive on the road (with adequate performance), but can take off road, tow 3 tonnes, and get 8L per 100km on the highway with a combined cycle of 10L/100km.

Can we get some more details on your requirements:
- how many people will you carry etc.

I'm not sure if the Subie will do much beach work due to the lower ground clearance.

You've listed a ute whilst all the others are wagons. Any reason for that?

I think the Pathy is the biggest (in terms of phycial size) of the lot so that'll have a bearing. THe Suzi, Hyundai and Kia are close to the same size but won't carry more then 5 people comfortably.

Yeah stay away from the Freeloader. Their reputation is shocking in your price range.

Most jap vehicles are very reliable. One thing I will point out is that the sportage is a death trap in a accident. Diesels use less fuel, but cost more to service and they MUST BE serviced. Also big money for fuel pumps or engine rebuilds.
The vitaras are economical and reliable, but a bit small for family use
Cheers Pete

Prado!!!

My personal choice would be the pathfinder, I am not a fan of the look of the vehicle but it stands well in front of your other choices. My only real concern with the Nissan is the warranty. A friend of mine was recently declined warranty from nissan which in any ones opinion was a clear cut case, although it may have just been the particular dealer in WA with a really bad attitude and rude to boot. For reliability, I couldnt go past the suzuki, and Suzuki have fantastic backup support and I personaly have dealt with Suzuki on a warranty job for a bike I bought and the service was second to none.

Your budget ?
Vehicle loadings ?
Will you tow anything ?
Inexpensive repairs ? Is it April 1 already ?

I know the die-hard Patrol & Cruiser fans will turn up their noses but the Series II Discovery is good value for money. You can find a good one around the 2000 model for under $20k.
I'me on my second one, the first was a Series 1 petrol (wouldn't recommend that) but now have a Series II TD5 & it is a great vehicle.
Cheers
Jason

Hi TravelRock

From those you listed , the pathfinder stands out to me.

Did own a 1989 model once, they were 2-door with the earlier 2.4lt petrol engine, well under 10k now.

A very easy to live and reasonably capable wagon.

Most of the others are a little fragile for me , and I have experienced them all except Isuzu.

Gday Travelrock,
For mine, go the Triton, however ensure it's a Turbo Diesel.
It should have all the boxes ticked for you however it's economy against one of the smaller vehicles will be greater.
It will have the extra clearance that others have mentioned as well as more than enough grunt to get you out of the conditions that you note as driving in.
Additionally, it will allow you to expand your driving range beyond that of the the soft-roaders that you have listed (ie. kia, hyundai etc.), if you decide to pursue this lifestyle further.
All the best in your search,
Benno