Thread: Can o worms

I know it is a huge can of worms to open, but I know the square route of stuff all about 4x4, so here goes.
I am in the market for a 4x4, with a budget of around 10 to 12 K. Vehicle is not likely (at this stage) to be used for serious offroading, just day to day use plus hunting/fishing trips.

I really need advice on makes/models to avoid, more than anything.
Toyota is the obvious choice, but tend to be higher priced than any of the others with similar spec. I guess a Cruiser would be the ultimate, but I don't really need those capabilities.
Nissan would be my next choice, followed by Isuzu and Mitsi.

Pros and cons of petrol V diesel ?

Your thoughts please gentlemen (and ladies).

I had a good run out of my ford couried 4x4 ute ( Mazda bounty )2002 yr . you get one easy for 10-12 k . Only gripe was not as economical as the new Common rail diesels .

Old model Toyota Hilux double cab SR5 ... it took me approx 18 months to find a good one at the right price. Awesome family hunting shooting fishing camping wagon ....

They DO have their problems .. and the new ones (I've heard ) are so bad when it comes to traction control my cousin wont tow a trailer with his .....

I got a 2002 model. The big cost was when it cracked a head year before last ($6k) .
They are also not cheap to run if you go big distances in them with a heavy foot. you also MUST get the turbo model - the old 2.8 naturally aspirated wouldn't pull the skin off a lemon .

but it carries a big load , lots of places, an does heaps of other stuff besides.

Cant beat em ....

02 bounty bro, gearboxes are solid as!!!

I'm all for Toyota, they may cost a bit more but you normally get it back when you sell. You could probably get the old shape Prado for that sort of money.
Nothing wrong with Nissan (never owned one in 4wd), Isuzu I've had a couple 4wd ones and thrashed the F$$k out of them and no problems (both diesel and petrol). I'm a Diesel fan when it comes to 4wd vehicles.
Mitsi, not really my thing but I know some people with the older shape Pajaro (spelling) that have done 400,000+ks and never been touched. I also saw one pull a house transporter truck off the grass while the transport trailer was fully crossed up on the road. Would have never believed unless I saw it with my own eyes.

I would be looking to buy the newest non Toyota you can afford which will get you at least 10y newer and more economical/powerful than the same money Toyota.

Or you could buy my landcruiser and I will get a secondhand Colorado or Nissan.

You've seen my 02 hilux it's sweet as.......as long as your not in a hurry, passing anything is almost impossible.
A courier would take s lot of beating got what your after I think.
Toyota or Ford/Mazda forget the rest


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Not even considered Ford, and I don't know why not.
Bought a second hand Mitsi when we emigrated here 10 yrs ago, and it never missed a beat, despite only getting a very basic service now and thenhttp://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=837765830

Thinking of taking a look at this as it is local and seems to tick boxes
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...x?id=837765830

The bounty and couriers of the 2000 type era are good wagons with week gearboxes, test drive and make them work at full power in each gear but particularly 2nd 3rd and 5th, any whine in any gear don't touch it.

Originally Posted by Pengy

Not even considered Ford, and I don't know why not.
Bought a second hand Mitsi when we emigrated here 10 yrs ago, and it never missed a beat, despite only getting a very basic service now and thenhttp://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=837765830

Thinking of taking a look at this as it is local and seems to tick boxes
Mitsubishi Challenger Exceed 2002 | Trade Me

Looks tidy enough, mate had an import one and had a good run with it. A lot of wagon for the money.

Originally Posted by veitnamcam

I would be looking to buy the newest non Toyota you can afford which will get you at least 10y newer and more economical/powerful than the same money Toyota.

Or you could buy my landcruiser and I will get a secondhand Colorado or Nissan.

+1

Depends if you are after a wagon or ute as far as price too. Often a wagon will be a lot cheaper to buy and the ongoing rego costs are lower. I recently went through a similar exercise and settled on an older Isuzu bighorn that cost a lot less than my budget. The diffs are a similar construction to the Safari and come from the same factory so give good traction without going to lockers. Really like the Reccaro (however you spell it) seats too. One to avoid is any Isuzu with the 3.0 4JX1 engine, @mudgripz and our mechanic friend cant wait for me to get rid of my temporary vehicle with one in.

ive got an old 90s model mitsi l200. i regret ever buying the damn thing its gutless as all hell constantly needs repairs and i just about have to sell my kidneys to pay for the warrents. im saving up for a hilux instead now. in saying all that my mates got an old pajero that has been thrashed but just refuses to die. ive heard good things about the ford rangers and navaras. like most vehicles take your time and find one thats been cared for.

We've got an 06 mitsi Pajero with the 3.2 turbo diesel, got @240k's on it now. Can't fault it at all, had a Prado before that and when the time comes I would/will buy another Pajero.

Originally Posted by veitnamcam

The bounty and couriers of the 2000 type era are good wagons with week gearboxes, test drive and make them work at full power in each gear but particularly 2nd 3rd and 5th, any whine in any gear don't touch it.

its just 5th that goes, just dont tow in 5th and your good
will be 10g cheaper than the same spec toyota
go well with a couple of cheap mods aswell

Originally Posted by longrange308

its just 5th that goes, just dont tow in 5th and your good
will be 10g cheaper than the same spec toyota
go well with a couple of cheap mods aswell

Yip 5th, which is linked to reverse