Newbie needing help

[MagicFev]

Hi I am very new to this game. I would like to buy a cheap 4wd that I can use mainly to access fishing spots which are generally over rocky outcrops/hills with the occassional mud flats. May use it also to drive to work approx. 30 mins each day round trip. I am living in the NW of WA. I would like something that I do not care whether it cops a dent or three or scratches etc. My only intension is to go to fishing spots with the lads. Some of the places around here are quite rocky so ground clearance is a must. What is the best way to go about it? I only really intend on spending no more than around say $10K. I have been doing some reading (4wd monthly) and some suggestions they have made is buy cheap and spend a little $$ on them. Eg. A say 85 MQ/MK Patrol along as it is fairly mechanically sound for around $3K and then put a lift kit, steering, new suspension etc. or whatever they require on it to take the price up to around say $9/10K. Then they say you have a 4wd that can go places for very little. Or should I just buy a cheap car for around $8/9K and use it as is. I only intend on using it for around 5yrs.
Any help would be greatly appreciated

[mud4b]

mq and mk are a tough little unit.. but getting a bit long in the tooth..

i would be going for a hilux personally, they are cheap, parts are plentiful, they usually go anywhere..

[MagicFev]

Good point mud4b. Spare parts ..I have since heard they are hard to come by and I have been looking at the hilux. Can you recommend any model?

[Tiny]

you should be able to pick up a GQ with a little work done allready for the right price, gunna be better then getting an MQ/K

a 90s hilux would be a reasonable rig in your price range, and I would want to do anything really to have sufficient clearence etc for what you are doinf, maybe look at a set of decent tyres is about all

you can have a pretty capable zook for 10k

rodeos, bravos etc are all a good rig, run a 2" and they will get you most places you will want to go

[DIRTY ROCK STAR]

you should be able to pick up a GQ with a little work done allready for the right price, gunna be better then getting an MQ/K

a 90s hilux would be a reasonable rig in your price range, and I would want to do anything really to have sufficient clearence etc for what you are doinf, maybe look at a set of decent tyres is about all

you can have a pretty capable zook for 10k

rodeos, bravos etc are all a good rig, run a 2" and they will get you most places you will want to go

yeah or an 80 series cruisr,

but i rckon diesel hilux. with AC in WA for sure

[MagicFev]

Cheers guys.. Whats the fuel economy like for the diesel hilux? Better than the GQ?

[DIRTY ROCK STAR]

i reckon the diesel hilux would be more economical then a GQ. but the GQ will go harder with a bigger engine.
i imagine prices in karatha would be pretty expensive.

but hey you do have a target and a mcdonalds??
(i almost moved there last yr)

[chpd 80]

In your price range definately hilux or gq. Hilux will be a lot lighter
to get snatched out of mud flats and the like than a GQ or Cruiser.

Then again a suzuki is even lighter, just not as comfortable as a GQ.
Cheers.

[Tiny]

a 2.8td GQ is a bit underpaowered, but take the restrictor plate from the turbo, open the exaust up and add an intercooler and you will be pretty happy with the 2.8, the 4.2 didnt come turboed from factory until the GU and are a bit sluggish (better than an old lux oiler) but nothing special although torque is great and a turbo set up can be had fairly cheap and opens then right up

the 80 are a good rig, but I imagine for a half decent one you will be over your price range expecially up your way although if you can find a decent one in the eastern states it may be a good worth getting it looked at by one of the mobs that do vehicle checks and either flying over to check it out or getting it shipped

[RAY185]

Have to agree with the gq. More comfortable and capable when compared in standard form. Just look at the for sale section, looks like 70% of ads for parts are to suit the gq so there's no shortage of replacement/upgrade bits.