Thread: Utes - Parts and servicing

Originally Posted by Tentman

Hmmm - here's the options I can see:

New and replace every 3 years - just about zero risk except downtime if it shits itself, however while affordable I hate new and shiny, leave that for the Jaffa's and Tron poofters (eh PK), also fencing is pretty robust and the new utes seem to be made of cardboard so resale is a risk due to body damage etc.

Truck on 6 tonne sticker (3T payload = digger on deck) so towing isn't much of an issue. Pair that up with an older bulletproof light ute. Issues are modern trucks are all now common-rail shit as well and my budget would be Gen one of these so quite risky. Running two vehicle's has advantages (if one is in dry dock the other is usually usable) but two lots of rego, wof's servicing etc. 4wd light trucks are around too but driving one for "run-about" purposes doesn't appeal.

Convert a Safari or Landcruiser - has a lot of appeal and is within budget, gets me down to one vehicle

Buy a Landcruiser F/D - I would prefer a 4.2 rather than the V8 I think (any thoughts on the difference in operating costs between the two ??) - however these are pretty sought after and command a premium price by about $10K - which I hate to pay on principle.

I've not owned a Yank 4x4 but drove a Silverado a fair bit offroad with mining gear, they are too wide and long for a lot of tracks and perform poorly in soft going

There's no answer really but it helps to chew things over . . . .

If doing towing avoid the 1HDT cruiser engine (12valve) the 24v is soposidly better but I would never buy another 6cyl turbo cruiser....to the point I would rather turbo a non turbo Safari/Patrol