Most Comfortable Tourer - Have your say

[RockyF75]

The reality is that autos are better for some things and touring is one of them.

Wrong and that is a statement not an opinion

but its not wrong, its a true statement.

In your opinion

[macca81]

its only wrong to some people. i drive an auto 4wd atm, and i do like it. it has many many benifits. but if i was going to buy a 4wd for touring i also would go for a manual. at the end of the day it doesnt matter if its a manual or an auto, as long as the person driving it is happy with it. dont get into an auto vs manual argument, we all know it will never end once it starts....


luxyboy, if you want a manual then get a manual, simple as that.


as for a GU, im with the guys who say its cramped. im 5'10 and i find it an uncomfortable drive... i would prefer an MQ or a 40 or 60 series(i know ppl will say its less comfortable in a leaf sprung bus, but again, its personal opinion that dictates this)

[bad_religion_au]

You have got to be kidding .. a 25+ year old leaf sprung POS with NHV levels off all modern charts over a Coil sprung anything ..

not kidding at all, and i'm glad to see i'm not the only person with this opinion. patrols are definately one of those "you love them" or you just respect them for being a simple, capable bus... the worst car i've ever driven was a GQ, and the worst "current model" car i've ever driven was a GU.

i'm not patrol bias, i had a MK that was wicked fun, and i'm sure i could live with a GQ shorty, but comfortable, well driving vehicles, they are not.

Where do people get this stuff ??

I am 192CM (or about 6 foot 4) tall and was quite happy behind the wheel of a GU even for extended periods IE 1000+ kms a day for several years and over 150,000Kms over all.

From sitting in them. at 5 foot 10 i found them quite cramped in the passenger seat. the driving position was all wrong too. they were ST models if that helps?

[chunderlicious]

i am 5'11 / 6' and find the gu drivers seat alittle high for my comfort. i do however like the passanger seat height

[me3@neuralfibre.com]

Surf was longer in the rear to sleep in than my 105 Cruiser. Double airbed fits perfectly.

105 Cruiser would be ok with full length drawers, or rear seats removed.

Not a prob for me - I have kids now and a cargo barrier etc - so it's tent for us.

Surf is same as hilux - I found the seats too low, and the floor too high to be comfortable on long trips.

I am 6'3"

GU Patrol is not really what I would call a "flat space in rear".

Paul

[nabstud]

My GU was an excellent tourer for my needs. I'm 198cm, 100kg. I found my 98 AUTO GU awesome on its 3 trips across the Nullabor. My knees almost rub on the dash when sitting in the passenger seat though.

I would rather the manual if touring off the beaten track. I had a bung starter motor in the auto once, luckily it was just full of dirt. I took it out, cleaned it and put it back in and it worked. In a manual, I could have possibly just push started it.

Thats probably the only reason I can pick the manual over the auto.

[LuxyBoy]

My GU was an excellent tourer for my needs. I'm 198cm, 100kg. I found my 98 AUTO GU awesome on its 3 trips across the Nullabor. My knees almost rub on the dash when sitting in the passenger seat though.

I would rather the manual if touring off the beaten track. I had a bung starter motor in the auto once, luckily it was just full of dirt. I took it out, cleaned it and put it back in and it worked. In a manual, I could have possibly just push started it.

Thats probably the only reason I can pick the manual over the auto.

Yet another vote for personal preference. Let stop talking about the gearboxes and give us your votes for a comfortable tourer in whatever configuration you like

[nabstud]

RE: I want to know what you guys reckon is the best/most comfy tourer
Must be able to sleep in the back comfortably (over 6" tall, wife can be tucked into glovebox)
Must have a diesel version (only buying something if i start making biodiesel)

My GU was an excellent tourer for my needs.

give us your votes for a comfortable tourer in whatever configuration you like

I reckon the GU is the "best/most comfy tourer". I gave you my reasons why. My needs seem to be similar to yours. I am tall like you and I slept in the back of it. It has a diesel variant. I believe I answered your questions. What more do you want?

Sounds like you have already made up your mind on the Pathfinder.

[macca81]

paul makes a good point about the surf, i can sleep in the back ov mine with plenty of room to spare, the seats fold flat. you can put a 30mm spacer between the seat mounts and the floor and it makes the driving position much nicer. im not a huge fan of sitting low either, i like an upright seating possie like in my old MQ much much better

[-Scott-]

He wants a comfortable TOURER, and the argument is over which TRUCK he should buy?

I don't know where the typical OL member goes touring, but I haven't toured anywhere that my Paj didn't handle with ease. I drove Gunshot the day after a Patrol driver told me "Patrols need to winch it - you won't make it."

For a comfortable tourer forget live front axles. I've driven my brother's 80 series, and it drives like a truck. I'd rather take my father's 90 series any day. The 80 series may be more capable off-road than the 90 series - but my Paj runs around both of them, so don't write off independent suspension.

But, this thread appears to be an open mike night for airing personal prejudices, so I'll say go a Gen 3 Paj. You'll walk away from the trucks on any bitumen, and there's not too many TOURING destinations it won't handle. Lift, 33s and a front locker and there are very few TOURING destinations that it won't be able to follow an unlocked 'Cruiser/Patrol.

And the 2.8/early 3.2 DiD use a rotary injection pump, so they should be OK for biodiesel too.

Interior space may be an issue - not sure how they go "bed" wise. And I'd take an auto for better lowspeed control offroad.

[chpd80]

Funny isnt it how we have all gone soft soft soft!!!!!!
Ask the Leyland Brothers what was the best most comfortable tourer back in their time, nothing comfortable about an old landy. Look at the army guys sitting in Hummers or Land Rovers all day. Were soft cause were able to be, because car manufacturers tell us that this model is way more comfy and better that the old one, and yes they are more comfortable, then we get used to that and yes soft.
anyway the best tourer is the one that does the best job for your situation.
auto, manual, live axle, ifs, it doesnt matter really as long as it does the job you require.

I had an 80 series - quite comfortable manual
then a 100 series - very comfortable auto
now a GQ - not as comfortable manual, funny thing though when I first got the gq after the 100# it felt like a rattly truck but now it is very comfortable and we love it. you get used to whatever you drive, so drive what suites your situation.

[LuxyBoy]

Good point you do get used to whatever you drive.
Not soft; my back is not the best so i am just trying to future proof it a bit better

I am not sold on the pathfinder completely because it is a newer heavily electronic vehicle; add water = not good.

I am definitely thinking IFS.
I am leaning more towards the 105 Series Cruisers now.
Which year models had the best engine? 1hd-fte i think?
NA or turbo wouldn't bother me as i would whack one on anyway.
I would get the barn door version; which i know doesn't seem to have all of the mod cons that the tail gate style have but it would be more practical when having a rear bar with a tyre carrier.

Hey Scott - What are the motors like in the larger Pajeros? and what are they like to try get parts for when your not in town?

[Guy]

coil/coil... all GU wagons.

He said comfortable & he's over 6" tall.

So that wipes out the GU's, they are very cramped in the drivers seat for anyone over 5'

Where do people get this stuff ??

I am 192CM (or about 6 foot 4) tall and was quite happy behind the wheel of a GU even for extended periods IE 1000+ kms a day for several years and over 150,000Kms over all.

People probably get it from sitting in one.

Im 6'5 & get very uncomfortable with my knees pressed against the dash in either the drivers seat or the passenger seat.

The 100 Series that we test drove before purchasing the gu had PLENTY of room. The GU Has less room in the drivers & Passanger seat than our 4-Runner.

Maybe the GU4 is worse than the earlier models but they certainly are not what id call roomy & comfortable.

You said anyone over 5' will be cramped ... clearly James and I are both more than a foot taller than that and have not had issues.

[nabstud]

I am leaning more towards the 105 Series Cruisers now.
Which year models had the best engine? 1hd-fte i think?
NA or turbo wouldn't bother me as i would whack one on anyway.
I would get the barn door version; which i know doesn't seem to have all of the mod cons that the tail gate style have but it would be more practical when having a rear bar with a tyre carrier.

I think the barn door version was N/A diesal and only live axle(no ifs). The toyota boys will be able to verify this. I like the vinyl thoughout

[bad_religion_au]

I think the barn door version was N/A diesal and only live axle(no ifs). The toyota boys will be able to verify this. I like the vinyl thoughout

we have a winner. 1hd-fte was IFS/liftgate/ luxo pack only. barn doors were 1hz and solid axle

drive both, personally i like the ride of the solid axle better, but then again, the only 2 IFS 4bies i've ever liked were pajero's and jackaroo's.

[phil94delica]

If you want a comfy car and am only doing medium grade tracks a delica has alot of romm for sleeping etc. Bit of a bitch to work on and parts arnt usually off the shelf but they are not too bad. I use mine for work and even managed to get 265/75/16 (32"s) under it. Took a hammer and grinder but they fit.



Anyway thats my 2 cents.

[macca81]

my vote goes for a surf. would have to be the KZN130, which is the 3.0 turbo diesel. can be chipped to give some very good power, but still has fairly decent power as is. would go a manual to suit your needs. seats fold down flat to sleep comfortably. good ride with ifs front and coil rear. can steal spare parts of most 4runners and hiluxs. if you dont like the seating position to start with its easy enuf to mod, and you will prob get used to it soon enuf anyway. the seats are actualy very good in them as standard, i like you have back problems and find that the stock drivers seat in my surf has been the best for my back than any other vehicle i have driven(i drive a lot of vehicles for work so i have compared a few...), its got adjustable lumber support and the base can be tipped front/back and other fancy shite. it also has a sunroof, which is very handy when you get stuck somewhere you cant open your doors... it does have a tailgate which you may not like, but personaly i do, gives you a bench at a perfect height, and a good seat.

[-Scott-]

Hey Scott - What are the motors like in the larger Pajeros? and what are they like to try get parts for when your not in town?

I'm no expert on the diesels, but here goes:

The 2.8 is indirect injection, 2 valve, alloy head. Reasonable power, mediocre economy. Have heard of a few cracked heads and cracked exhaust manifolds. I don't believe the problems are common, and I suspect the head problem is related to poor maintenance (corrosion) or abuse (overheating.) I believe the Prado 3.0td is considered a better motor in all respects.

The 3.2 DiD uses essentially the same block as the 2.8, with a multi-valve head and electronic controlled injection pump. When it was introduced there wasn't much which beat it for power and torque - I think a Mercedes CRD and the Toyota multivalve 6. Pretty good economy, biggest complaint is noise. I think the Prado D4D was the first direct competitor which had better all-round performance.

Very latest version DiD is CR (approx 2 years ago?), from memory there weren't big gains in power or torque. I vaguely recall it was tuned more for flat torque curve and economy.

Not sure about remote area support, but parts availability wouldn't be as good as Toyota or Nissan.

[chikoroll_]

Australia's most unique 4WD hey? It's a bloody landcruiser!!!!

well...it is australia's most unique 80 series

rather than just the standard 4" suspension, 2" body, roofrack, long range tank, tyre on roof, highlift on back or roofrack, TJM bullbar, home made sliders, 33" muddies, rear draws, fridge, snorkel and hiclone

....hmmm...oh...yea..... the only difference is the tyres, an extra 2" of body lift and a crane

[Guy]

Been thinking a bit about this over the past few days .. planning a few years ahead for touring with the kiddies.

My idea's are for a decent sized diesal for the road miles and effortless pulling of a load.
Probarbly auto and carry a spare starter and small genset for emergancy power ( as well as camping and keeping the trouble and strife happy ... a very important ingredient) Room for 4. So a trailer is probarbly comming to.

So this (for me) rules out the hilux sized vehicles. Seating is way to flat. I havn't driven a 100 series (didn't the IFS have issues with falling apart if it was topped out alot ?). So perhaps a Paj the motors are good and with some lockers decent tyres and a winch it will take you 99+ % of the places a tourer would want to go .. the last thing you want in the middle of nowhere is to destroy your truck on some "optional" line ..(see comment relating to trouble and strife and happyness)

[booflux]

My vote would be a 120 series Prado I am 6ft and can lie down in the back of ours and I beleive it fits the rest of the criteria.

[Warden]

Id vote a prado 2, not the best off roader in the world but certainly capable especially the earlier one. My dad had en early one and updated to a 120 series, both have a very comfy ride and plenty of room in the back. although i cant remember if the seats fold flat.

I own a GU and while its comfortable enough for me, the suspension is quite stiff and can get tiring on long drives.

[cruiser60series]

Are you after the most comfortable tourer? Or the most fun?

I just drove the old 40series troopy from melbourne to the gold coast with 10 people in the car towing 2tonnes of trailer.

Uncomfortable as fark and slow. But so much fun.

[Cossie]

Been thinking a bit about this over the past few days .. planning a few years ahead for touring with the kiddies.

My idea's are for a decent sized diesal for the road miles and effortless pulling of a load.
Probarbly auto and carry a spare starter and small genset for emergancy power ( as well as camping and keeping the trouble and strife happy ... a very important ingredient) Room for 4. So a trailer is probarbly comming to.

So this (for me) rules out the hilux sized vehicles. Seating is way to flat. I havn't driven a 100 series (didn't the IFS have issues with falling apart if it was topped out alot ?). So perhaps a Paj the motors are good and with some lockers decent tyres and a winch it will take you 99+ % of the places a tourer would want to go .. the last thing you want in the middle of nowhere is to destroy your truck on some "optional" line ..(see comment relating to trouble and strife and happyness)

This is what I've just done, I bought an 04 Paj 3.2 DiD, the GQ is up for sale and I'm either building or buying a camper trailer soon.
The later Pajero's also came standard with traction control as well as cruise and electronic stability control, airbags, abs etc. Much nicer for day to day use and heaps cheaper and more comfortable than a GQ on long trips.

[troopy94]

my choice would be a troopy as it has all the room you need im 6ft3 and can stretch out no problems in the back.Ive also found mine to be very tollerant of bio and parts are easy to find and a simple vehicle to fix.They do give something away in the comfort stakes but with a decent aftermarket suspension they can be quite comfortable and have the ability to carry the kind of weights that a 100 series or gu can only dream of oh and they come from factory with 180l fuel capacity

[vSAHARAx]

For starters i would be looking for a Turbo deisel. If heading remote Australia i would be staying away from a Common-Rail and EFI deisels (unless its a toyota ), simple fact bush mechanics wont get them going. I know from experience when they say die or have a fault there is no way to overide the ECU to get her to limp to the next town. I would be looking at a Manual over an Auto. If its IFS i would want to know for a fact they can handle the worst of corrugations. I would want plenty of room, Power, and economy.

So on a whole if it was me i would be looking at a 1HD-FT 80 series cruiser or a TD42T GU Patrol. Simple fact. Both tested and proven trucks. Very reliable, Very capable, Both have plenty of stick without sacrificing economy. Bugger all technology, nearly all mechanical. Very common trucks so parts wont be a huge drama. Plenty of room, comfy, and have good tow ratings.

My 2c

Troy

[LuxyBoy]

So on a whole if it was me i would be looking at a 1HD-FT 80 series cruiser or a TD42T GU Patrol.

That seems to be the way i am thinking too i think i will include the 105 series cruisers with that motor too.
Bang for buck the 80's seem to be the go mostly; although i have seen stock 80's for $30k and touring ready 100's for $21k so need to shop around. Patrols i am still not sure on getting parts when your far away, need to investigate further.

Thanks for all of the replies

[bad_religion_au]

So on a whole if it was me i would be looking at a 1HD-FT 80 series cruiser or a TD42T GU Patrol.

That seems to be the way i am thinking too i think i will include the 105 series cruisers with that motor too.
Bang for buck the 80's seem to be the go mostly; although i have seen stock 80's for $30k and touring ready 100's for $21k so need to shop around. Patrols i am still not sure on getting parts when your far away, need to investigate further.

Thanks for all of the replies

GU parts are slightly harder to get in remote W.A, i learnt that from experience, BUT not bad enough to sway the decision... after all, there are few outback garages with spare 1hd-ft's sitting around.

as i said before, i'm pretty sure the 105 series (live axle) never came with a diesel other than the NA 1hz.

[LuxyBoy]

I have seen one with the 1HD and a turbo don't know if it was aftermarket and/or if it was incorrectly entered on carpoint

[badger]

105's definatly only came with a 1hz and to find one with a 1hdft or fte swap you will be looking at a bit more than 30k since its a 10k+ swap