So, the question that comes up a lot. I've read a fair bit of history through the threads, but it seems that not all my questions are answered. Hoping for some advice, or at least thoughts to help me make my mind up.
Background first, then the questions.
We are a two car family, second car gets used infrequently (most days we drive to work together). Second car currently Subaru Impreza for a variety of reasons that I won't go into. Currently gets used for skiing (ex
Canberra) 9-10 times a year, plus builder's car on weekends (renovating house), pulling trailer a bit, and occasional town trip when the other car is otherwise occupied.
The other half would like something with a bit more capability. Whilst the Suby goes skiing OK, it's really only good for 3 people once some ski gear is in it. And while it has OK traction uphill, the braking etc on snow or ice is pretty poor. So something bigger and a bit more capable would be nice.
We'd also like to see a bit of Australia, starting with some of the dirt roads that start out back of
Canberra and head into the Snowies, and maybe graduating to something more interesting at a later date.
So we are looking for something that will go skiing OK, reliable, carry a few people, pull a trailer, go OK on dirt roads, and be a bit more capable for a future trip that may or may not eventuate. And something that holds its value would be good too. Price range low 20K.
I'm down to a handful of options - LC100 4.2D around 2000-2002, Prado 3.0TD about 2002-2004, or an older LC TD. I have something against a Nissan or a Mitsubishi, nothing scientific just a general bias. I could reconsider that, but I'd need a good argument they were a lot better, not "just as good." I know, no accounting for taste :-)
So, I see that the LC 4.2 has 96kw, has enough grunt to tow but not to tow fast up hills or the like. But a lot of the complaints are from people towing a lot of weight. How do people find these driving with just people + some gear, rather than a really full load? I get the impression that they're sluggish but liveable - would that be fair?
The Prado is reputed to be better on the open road (so say people I've talked to), but actually also has 96kw. Brother in law had a surf, so far as I can tell the Prado is a newer and rebranded surf. Again, for the right argument I'd get one, but I don't see a great benefit over the LC at this point.
The TD is a great idea, but seems to be hens teeth. When they are advertised they are expensive or old - and I gather that they weren't imported 96-00, which would be in my price range if they existed.
I'm thinking the LC105 4.2D would be the go. For some reason I like the
barn doors too - is there a reason people don't seem to like them? I'm guessing I could add a turbo/intercooler kit for around $4K if it turned out that I really didn't like the performance.
Any comments on this so far would be appreciated.
Next, the questions, mostly related to the difference in price I should look to for a vehicle with or without the features I describe:
1. I see them with the narrow steel wheels. I hear these don't go so good on the road. a) Is this true, and b) what does it cost to get something more appropriate to road/dirt work? What would I pay extra for a vehicle already with them? c) What would be more appropriate?
2.
Winches, bull bars,
snorkel. What are these worth extra, and how much would I probably pay extra to get one with v's without?
3. Roof carrier, tow bar. Same questions
4. Spare wheel on the rear door - swing arm? What do they cost?
I'm trying to get a general picture of whether I'm better getting something like this:
2002 LC105 120kms at a dealer - $23K
http://carpoint.com.au/used-car/TOYOTA/LANDCRUISER/ACT/csn5635361.aspx?State=ACT
v's this
1999 LC105 250kms private - $26K but lots of bits
http://carpoint.com.au/used-car/TOYOTA/LANDCRUISER/ACT/csn5511127.aspx?State=ACT
It feels to me that I am better with the former - newer, fewer kms - and then add what bits I need as they come up. The private one has lots of bits, but only some of them are really needed for what I want to do (towbar, bullbar, maybe winch, maybe roof carrier).
Am I a lot better to buy one that is kitted out, or is the gear i need about the same cost as the price difference - in which case I can buy it when I need it?