Best Off Road Ute????

[WatchDog]

hey guys im looking to get another 4x4 after owning a Mazda Bravo then getting a Supra. I have missed the 4x4.

I have been looking at

Toyota Hilux
Mitsubishi Tritons
Holden Rodeos
Nissan Navaras

I would prefer a dual cab or a xtra cab ute, what do you guys think would be the better ute for Off Road?


any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Rockwolf]

Age, price range? Intended use? (TTC, occasional weekend flog on local tracks...)

Heard good things about all of them, barring a few bits and pieces (like the hand-grenade that is the ZD30 in the Navaras - that said, the old man had one and it never had any trouble).

[WatchDog]

Looking atound the 1994-1998 models on all of them. around the $10000 - 13000 is what i hope to spend to get one ill be looking to go out at least 2-3 times a month, plus use as a work ute.

[Rockwolf]

Fair enough. Don't know much about that age-range except for the Triton and rodeos, I'm looking at a few around there and a bit newer, I've seen '01 tritons for sale for $13k. V6, manual, dual-cab.

GF's old man has one around that age range, done 350k and hasn't missed a beat (V6), she had the 4cyl that did about the same. Good reliable rigs, from what I've seen and heard, with some market for aftermarket mods, too.

Hiluxes... You'd have to ask the 'lux fanclub about those.

Rodeos... Had a mid-90's diesel dual-cab, was bullet-proof to 160k km's, looked like it would keep going, but we traded it for the Navara. Bit underpowered, though.

HTH.

[BENOLUX]

hey mate you can get a good hilux for between that price range. anythin before 1997 i think has solid from axles and leaves rugged and far better than IFS on the newer ones.
hiluxs go wel standard but with some mods they do even better in the bush.

[kimaz00]

I payed 11 for my hilux, it came with a shitload of accessories n its a 95

[roverrat]

lada ute $500 and with the change a descent 4x4

try pre 96 hilux solid axles still 2.8 (a bit gutless without mods) however a very capable rig

or ... modded f100 swb 351 .. 9" diffs 80 - 84, st8 gas

[roverrat]

what is the intended purpose??

1. as is ?
2. potential?

[WatchDog]

im going to mod whatever i get with at least.

UHF, Lift Kits, Sports Bar with spotties, Big wheels about 33s i think, lockers etc.

basically whatever i can think of and is suggested to me is what i would do


just need to find the vehicle and sell my supra first

[CWBYUP]

You arent the guy selling the green supra on e-bay ?

Nick

[WatchDog]

naa mate,

I own a Moonstone with White Pearl Supra

[roverrat]

hilux pre 96 then ..

btw your avitar freaks me out ....

[yamaha__308]

hilux pre 96 then ..

btw your avitar freaks me out ....

So does yours, those smileys look like there having way too much fun, bouncing around in there..

[roverrat]

get more action than i do now

[LuxyBoy]

Some 97' model Hiluxs are Solid Axle

[roverrat]

Some 97' model Hiluxs are Solid Axle

yes i relaize that but they are but a few ....

[-Scott-]

[Lux_89]

you ruined that hilux with that shit heap pajero... ah m8 if you are going to lock it up ect, go a hilux.. they are very reliable, mine is unlocked and mine goes most places i want it to bar a few.. 2.8 are tough as nails, mines got 315 on it and i still give it a floggin and it keeps coming back for more.. Cheers

[WatchDog]

thanks for all the help guys.

I think ill lean more towards the Hilux

[WatchDog]

im still looking around ive found a few nice ones. even seen a really nice 2000 model hilux. but after re reading here. > 1996 is better? as they have solid axles correct?

[roverrat]

im still looking around ive found a few nice ones. even seen a really nice 2000 model hilux. but after re reading here. > 1996 is better? as they have solid axles correct?

as i said it depends what you want ... a 00 model lux has ifs ... 96 has solid axles front and back.... ummm... do i need to explain? you said you want to mod later on ... find a stock (as you can? lowest k's looked after) EARLY 97 but mostly around 95-96 2.8 diesel.

ifs sux big time .. most hard core junkies solid axle swap them (SAS) ie take 95/96/early 97 SOLID front axle and put it underneath the ifs models for strength AND flex.

big head aches

look for a straight well looked after solid axle pre 97 hilux

[jaztaz]

Correct. You won't get a Hilux xcab with live axles but the single & dual cabs have live axles. You should be able to pick up one with mods in your price range. Keep an eye on the classifieds in here & 4wd monthly. They come along regularly.

[chikoroll_]

rodeo

cuz i doubt you will ever need a front solid axle....

and there is nothing worse than a gutless vehicle....

[jonamaphone1]

rodeo

cuz i doubt you will ever need a front solid axle....

and there is nothing worse than a gutless vehicle....

too true
i bought a 93 hilux bout 9 months ago and im so over it strugglin up hills and to hold 110 on the highway is an effort. im thinking of just cutting my losses and getting a td 80series.

[wooparseisan00b]

Yeah my uncle use to have the old 2.8 and it couldn't pull christ of the cross in low range, was dangerous overtaking trucks like 115 was flat stick. He now has a 02 model and i wouldn't feel comfortable taking it where we take the GQ only because of the IFS. Engine wise the 3.0L turbo diesel was a good engine except it seemed to drink a bit. If you are happy to go slow on road get the 2.8 and lift it and lock it and have fun offroad, which really is what it is all about.

[Lux_89]

rodeo

cuz i doubt you will ever need a front solid axle....

and there is nothing worse than a gutless vehicle....

2.8 is extremely reliable... you cant expect to have a bullet and have the reliabilty of the 2.8.. mines a prime example, if well looked after they will keep going and going. Mine will overtake on highway no probs???

Wont need a solid axle? correct, but most ppl WANT a solid axle. Puely becoause they want a bit of suspension travel? Rodeo's are like ironing boards. They have zilch suspension movement.

As stated though, you will be best to hunt for pre 97. 2.8, under 300thou pref, solid axle. I found mine, its a 94 model, single cab.. cab is prime, not one bit of rust anywhere evn in the floor well corners(make sure you check this, prime spot for rust). Had a excellent alloy tray with marine carpet. 15inch alloys and new silent armours, no lift, no bod lift no nothing. just bar and side steps. This is what you wanna hunt for, it had 296 when i got it on the clock, but still nice, no nocks when cold, nothing. Had 12k on it and got it for 10k even. So even if its 2 g dearer, still try for it.

Thats basically as good as we could find in that condition, for that price. Look hard enuf and 10 grand WILL buy you a very nice stock pre 97.

Happy hunting m8.

Chris

[Dee]

GU 4.2TD.

Solid axle, coil sprung, balls.


EDIT:

Looking around the $10000 - 13000 is what i hope to spend to get one ill be looking to go out at least 2-3 times a month, plus use as a work ute.

$13k might be a bit hard though... Pays to read a thread first...

[Lux_89]

GU 4.2TD.

Solid axle, coil sprung, balls.

x2 but not what hes after...

[Dee]

Just a suggestion, but If i was in your shoes I think i'd put the money for the mods towards the GU. Should be able to find a 98 in the higher km's range for that plus your 13k...


Then save up, you'll clear 33's with a 2" lift which isnt too expensive only needs springs, shocks & castor bushes, maybe brake lines... Remove the swaybars for good travel, and it already has a LSD in the rear stick an auto locker up front for a few hundred bucks instead of over $2000 for airlockers front & rear..

[Lux_89]

2 g for airlockers f+r?? where are you shopping! I want in...