which 4 x 4

IMHO If looking around '90, Go the Jack. Slightly bigger inside, newer tech motor (than the competition) at that time, very reliable/serviceable/capable/durable and well priced. Basically the same model is still on sale now.Regds

Bill

Find yourself a good 60 series Diesel Landcruiser. You can't go wrong.
Cheers, Willem
Never a dull moment

I'm up north and have a 60 series diesel can't beat it also toyota parts available everywhere even on old ones, buy something which has a bit of age on it and parts might not be available on other brands

HJ60 diesel wagon

Sorry boys but I am sure to upset some one here , if your buget in 8.5 k dont buy and old diesel . My experience is that if you dont know the owner of that diesel dont buy the car. I will agree that if maintained properly diesels live for ever. The problem these days is alot of diesel cars are driven in the city (stop start) and there have been some shocking fuel's around destroing pumps ext . If you can only afford 8 k for a car then you will hate to pay 2 k for a timing pump or 8 k for a replacement motor . The paj is a great family car and a very capable 4x4 , the only problem is that you cannot run it on gas . I think all 4 L land cruisers are gutless & guslers Rang rovers well lets just not go there lol . If you live in Melbourne I could probabably help you find something that suits you can email me ay wholesalecars@optusnet.com.au

Hey,

Thanks for all the info.

I have had a look at the Tojo's but hey they are a tuff car to be driving the kids to and fro from kindy and the ones I have looked at around that price have huge kms.

The gas thing is great info, I didnt know you couldnt put Paj's on gas. Things for us seem to be pushing toward a Jackaroo Diesel or a Nissan Diesel. But this wont give me much change from $13,500. Thats the thing again you can spend $4K on an old bus and it will give you no trouble and a $30K rig can cost a fortune - luck of the draw.

Well I've got a 1990 NG V6 Pajero.

I also have 4 kids.

Its starting to get a bit small for teenagers on long trips, but locally goes well.

The NG came with the Canter gearbox and is basically built proof. As for the V6. Cant complain too much. Goes really well, but needs to up in the revs to move it along. Mind you, thats only the way I drive it.

The only issue with them, and typical of Bishi, is that the motors do have a life cycle. Mostly 250 to 300 k's. Not major work required, but the usual freshen up stuff.

I blew a head gasket on mine, and ended up being cheaper to put in a low k's imported motor then to rebuild the existing one.

Goes easily on the beach, follows plenty of the bigger 4bys around with little to no probs. Would I recommend them. Yep.

Question though, don't really know about the "safety" asspect as such, but, do you need the very rear seats ??? If not a proper cargo barrier works wonders as a type of "roll cage".

I think I will start looking at a Jap import - the 1990 Prado looks prity speccy...

I decided to buy a 1993 Nissan Terrano (import), all reports seemed fine. Difficult to get parts - but not the engine as they are basically a Navara. Feul economy is not great for a diesel - but still good in comparison.

Fingers crossed - bring it on!!!

Hey this is a great forum!!

I think you have made a good decision in buying a terrano, i own a 92 model and am very happy with it. i get around 9 k's per litre around town and 12 plus on the open road sitting on 100kph. I am starting to get a few small rust spots in the lower body so i'd recomend getting it rust profed. i do all servicing myself and it quite easy. remember to let the turbo cool down afer a long trip or running it hard, 1-2 minutes is adequite
hope you get many years of enjoyment out of her.

Dan.

p.s how much did u end up paying for it, if you got it for $8500 thats a steal, or has it done a few K's, myn was reading 86000 when i bought it and is now reading 143000.