Hi All,
for the best part of 3 yrs I have been looking to get my 1st real 4x4. (have my X-trail on the market)
Just when I think I have made up my mind, I read an article or talk to someone and I find I am back to square one.
So my choices are based on the following criteria
1/ Budget approx 10K (ideally including long range tanks, dual batteries, draws, bar work, Radio comms, lift, tyres,
driving lights,
snorkel)
2/ primary use will be touring, not a daily drive, so reliability and economy is paramount ==> Diesel
3/ I have this thing about being able to sit on the speed limit ( I hate being stuck behind people!)
4/ Must be easy to work on, basic is better
5/ Must be registered and rust free
6/ Will only consider a Toyota (lets not start that debate again)
Options
60 series 12HT
proven reliability
power/torque OK
Old and difficult to find rust free
Comfort for touring questionable (after market seats would improve)
Have seen these upto $16,000 and still need some work done!
60 series 2H
reliable (late 80's preffered)
uncomfortable
lacking power
difficult to find rust free
within budget
with an aftermarket turbo increases drivability but ??? effects reliability??
80 series 1Hz
reliable
more comfortable
lack power for highway driving
at the limits of the budget, will not get all of the accessories I would like
are these easy to work on??
so decisions, decisions.
I know that a
well looked after of any of the above will easily do 700,000Kms plus, but there is no way to guarantee its previous service history, so even a relativly new engine of approx 300,000 may not last too much longer.
So am I better off going for a motor thats been rebuilt at 250K and now has 350 on the clock or an original motor thats in the mid 400kms indicating that its probably been
well looked after to get this far?
If rust is evident, and its repaired correctly, I would assume that its just a matter of time before the "cancer" re-appears?? and therfore to be avoided
Would really apprecate peoples thoughts, I guess at the end of the day its a gamble when looking at spending this amount of $$$ (but its taken me 3 yrs to save that much and its a big deal to me)
Sorry to start a new thread, but couldnt find anything that covered my above dilemma
"please consider"