4wd advice

Submitted: Sunday, Sep 04, 2011 at 16:10

ThreadID: 88838 Views:2321 Replies:4 FollowUps:8

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Buying a 4WD

This article focuses on the major considerations when choosing a 4WD vehicle for the purpose of travelling and camping. We give some brief definations of the various terms used to categorise 4WDs,

Karen W2

I am looking at getting a 4wd for onroad/offroad. Have looked at heaps and am now thoroughly confused. Diesel or petrol?

What I am looking for is:
7 seater (so probably leaves me with either the Patrol or Landcruiser)
fuel economy (driving across nullabor with camper trailer)
Beer budget (under $20,000)
reliable

Can someone give me some advice? I know, I know... how long is a piece of string?

A million thanks!
Karen

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Reply By: Hairs & Fysh - Sunday, Sep 04, 2011 at 17:12

Sunday, Sep 04, 2011 at 17:12

Hi Karen,
I'm being bias here, just a little anyway. :)
I reckon you can't go past an 80 series Turbo diesel.
We've owned ours since August 05, and will keep her for many years to come.
The money you have to spend will depend of what bells & whistles it has.
Make sure it has it's complete service history and that the Big End Bearings have been done every 100 00k's. The turbos are a bit hard on them, especially if they have been lugged and done a fair bit of towing.
A very reliable work horse, with parts readily available.
If you do choose an 80, become a member of LCOOL heaps of great advice and help there.
Anyway, good luck with it all and happy travels.

Jon

AnswerID: 464186

Follow Up By: Hairy (WA) - Sunday, Sep 04, 2011 at 17:52

Sunday, Sep 04, 2011 at 17:52

Yep , I agree with Hairs........ cant go past an 80 Series with that sort of a budget.
Dont even look at the 3.0lt Nissan Grenades!!!!!

FollowupID: 738087

Follow Up By: Hairs & Fysh - Sunday, Sep 04, 2011 at 19:48

Sunday, Sep 04, 2011 at 19:48

Hi again Karen,
Forgot to mention with the Turbo Diesel, a factory unit is the better option, more $$ but the better choice over a 1HZ with an after market turbo. Not saying that the 1HZ engine is a poor engine, but it was not built for a turbo. You can have one fitted, as long as other specs have been upgraded to handle the increase in power.
80's fitted with the 1HD-T or the later model with the 1HD-FT have a higher asking price than the non turbo diesels and petrol models do.
Also 80's built after August 96 can tow 3500kg, were as the earlier girls are limited to 2600kg, this is for both diesel and petrol models.
Hope this helps.

Jon

FollowupID: 738096

Follow Up By: Member - Wayne B (NSW) - Sunday, Sep 04, 2011 at 21:20

Sunday, Sep 04, 2011 at 21:20

Go for an 80 series. I have a 1HDT 500,000km and she pulled a trailer across the Simpson last month not a problem in the world used just over a liter of oil for 5,000km. Only fault is 19 liters per 100km towing. Without trailer mid 13s is the best.

BO NOT get a 3 liter Turbo Patrol engine failure is not a matter of IF buy WHEN

Cheers
Wayne B

FollowupID: 738115

Follow Up By: Penchy - Monday, Sep 05, 2011 at 19:41

Monday, Sep 05, 2011 at 19:41

whe you say 3litre Patrol, do you mean the 2.8? My 2.8 GQ dropped a peice of glow plug now needs a bottom end rebuild. I'm thinking of getting another 2.8 for spares but not sure if it will do the same thing. sorry for hi-jacking the thread.