Thread: The best of the wee tubs

I'm thinking about another modest 4x4 for accessing the back country, its just too risky sometimes if you only have one vehicle and its essential for your work. I'm thinking it might get a tow up county much of the time behind the BT50. Budget is $5K max and $3K would be better

So of the Escudo/Rav/CRV etc (in the above price range) your thoughts on which offers the best ratio of capability/reliability ??.

I had an Escudo a few years ago and had a great run out of it, but they are getting very long in the tooth now.

Have you considered a SWB 2.8 Pajero that would be in your price range I really rate mine although I drive rather than tow it??

Thanks for the suggestion @mikee I'll take a look at them

Out of those 3 you picked the Escudo is the only ladder chassis and that has a low range 4wd system.
A Paj as mikee has recommended would be a good option, although they're all IFS. Can pick them up pretty cheap though.
Search Manheim or Turners damaged/salvaged vehicles for a few cheap options.

Thanks for the suggestion @mikee I'll take a look at them

The wee Rav I was driving when I met you in town the other day really impresses me, its just simple but light and had a great 4wd system, bloody thing goes anywhere on the farm and we have some pretty steep stuff in places. I like it for its simplicity fulltime 4wd automatic anyone can just jump in it and drive it, has a bit more snot than the suzukis but no low box although im yet to miss that. Im gonna buy a couple more in the next couple of weeks as we have phased out quads and theyre cheaper warrmer and more reliable than any of the side by sides and go just as many places if not more

jimny? or are they too crap in a smash....

Originally Posted by muzza

jimneys are tiny - there is barely room for two adults to sit side by side without touching shoulders.

Escudos are cool but getting a bit older now

And they float a bit to easily

Originally Posted by Tentman

I'm thinking about another modest 4x4 for accessing the back country, its just too risky sometimes if you only have one vehicle and its essential for your work. I'm thinking it might get a tow up county much of the time behind the BT50. Budget is $5K max and $3K would be better

So of the Escudo/Rav/CRV etc (in the above price range) your thoughts on which offers the best ratio of capability/reliability ??.

I had an Escudo a few years ago and had a great run out of it, but they are getting very long in the tooth now.

I got a great rav4 in auckland if you are keen.
Old man owner, low km's slight panel damage.
cheap

Its my old's, sitting in a garage awaiting sale. (been there for a year.

Originally Posted by 40mm

I got a great rav4 in auckland if you are keen.
Old man owner, low km's slight panel damage.
cheap

Its my old's, sitting in a garage awaiting sale. (been there for a year.

Put it up for sale NOW! New dairy season started today and theyre highly sought after as replacements for quadbikes. I've been watching a few on trademe and theyre getting snapped up as fast as they are listed

Originally Posted by mimms2

Ravs are poo. Assume Hondas are same.
Little suzis are very competent for what they are.

I think everyone assumes they are "softroaders" as no low box etc but thousands of them getting around as farm hacks so theres something that must be good about them, I know of a few people that have had the same one 6, 7, 8 seasons and theyre still going and still go everywhere and probably arent really maintained as much as a vehicle should be. Our one really impresses me, it always locks up all four wheels when youre in a pickle and due to being so light it goes way more places than I would ever dream of taking my D40 Navara. Im actually considering getting a good one and keeping it as a hunting vehicle and for the wife to use in winter as she worries me hooning about on icy roads in her Mini

Originally Posted by Mauser308

Cheaper to service, better electrics and also a LOT more comfy. I'm honestly a little unsure what the big buzz with the sxs's are, they are bloody dear for what you get, hungry on fuel, noisy as, leak like sieves and use specialised bits that you can't get from Repco or Supercheap etc.

Landcorp did a cost analysis on the Side By Sides they put on all their farms when they phased out quads and im not going to quote exact numbers but on some farms it was something along the lines of $21k purchase price $19k cost over three years on parts, servicing, repairs etc

SWB Nissan Mistral if you can find one.

Wife has a Rav4 with computer that will engage 4wd when traction is being lost. Good for her. Saw one up top of Old Man Range as we crossed in a proper 4wd. I had a 2.4 petrol SuzukiGrand Vitara manual and that was impressive! It was more than equal to a sons Prado in ATG Waiouru, but a tad thirsty. Love the d-max I currently drive.

Originally Posted by Ryan_Songhurst

Put it up for sale NOW! New dairy season started today and theyre highly sought after as replacements for quadbikes. I've been watching a few on trademe and theyre getting snapped up as fast as they are listed

Back off, if there is a good cheap RAV around Auckland I have first dibs