what 4wd do i buy??

If budget is a big constraint don't consider a petrol troopie - they suck fuel like it's going out of fashion.

Chris,
Landcruiser or Patrol diesel, early to late 1980s. Lots of spares around for both.
Have a look at www.carsales.com - there are quite a few available within in your budget.
Above all: get a 4WD specialist to check it out BEFORE you part with your money!
Good luck.

I considered the same question a few years back, but with a bigger budget and ended up getting a 95 Patrol Wagon. Good value, heaps of parts, and reliable. Same goes for all the old cruisers. Anything else would have me worrying about reliability once it reaches that age where they are affordable. I'd look for a diesel but get it checked out properly. Petrols cost far too much to run and even more so if your gonna tow anything.

Chris, how come a 30 yr old bloke only gets 3 replies when two middle aged women get 5?
It's a sad, sad world.
Trev

Ta to everyone who got back re the troopy under $10 000 grand question, Im narrowing it down. As for who would you rather drink cold schooners of delicious with.....mmmmmm the boys of course!!

Chris, I had the same question myself 18 mths. ago, i found a 60. series cruiser [ diesel] LOW ks.for $10,000. It has been TOTALLY reliable, the biggest cost is settin it up!! recovery gear& all the campin stuff.However,i have done C/York,& have just ret. from 18,000ks. around oz.[Tenting mostly].It only cost me 2batteries,[they self destructed on the corrgations on the Cape],& 1 tyre,so I am very happy with my choice,[turboed would be good]If anyone wants a breakdown of what the last trip cost, give us a oi.[It was TOO quick, 2 mths. but thats all we had] Hope this helps Chris.

Definitely see if you can get a diesel, as the cost and availability of diesel will make the purchase far cheaper in the long run.

Bill