4wd to travel Australia - need help!

[cocacola-light]

Hello 4x4 community,
I need some help from people with experience. I'm a backpacker froom Germany and going to travel round Australia. Therefore I need a car. As I like to see more than just the cities I like to buy a big 4x4 where I also can sleep in. Unfortunately I have no ideas about 4wd. Moreover I have only $8.000 to spend. So my favorite car a Toyota Landcrusier 80 should be out of my region.
I would prefer a car with a LPG system, bcs I will travel 20.000km and more in a short periode.
Do I need just a regular 4x4 or do I need stuff like a Bullbar, suspension lift, mud tieres,... What would you recommend?
I think I could buy a Jeep Cherokee, Nissan Patrol, Land Crusier or a Mitsuibishi Pajero. Which one is cheap on spare parts?

Would be nice if someone could help me a little ;-)

Cheers!

[shorty_f0rty]

i reckon you should loook for a HJ47 troopy.. diesel is probably your best bet cos LPG isnt as widely available out in the bush..

see if you can find anything thats considerably cheaper.. i guess if its rusty it wont matter too much cos you wont be keeping it that long.. it would just need to be in roadworthy condition and have decent tyres, bullbar (for roos @ dusk, etc) and maybe some good spotlights.

[Loanrangie]

A 60 series or L300 van would have enough room for sleeping in and would be in your price range or even one of the dual cab 4x4 utes with canopy ?

[chimpboy]

Wilkommen!

I think you should make sure you get a diesel engine, whatever you choose. Once you get out of the capital cities, LPG becomes unavailable or very expensive. Plus, you need a lot more of it. I went through central Australia with LPG and I believe I would have saved more than a thousand dollars if I'd been using diesel, even though diesel has gone up in price a bit.

I also think you should get something that is not highly modified so that it can be repaired by any workshop you come across out there.

I would not bother with the Cherokee.

Nissan Patrol (also sold as a Ford Maverick, so look for both), Toyota Landcruiser, Mitsubishi Pajero, or maybe a Holden Jackaroo would all do the job for you I reckon.

I think any of these would be reliable solid choices in your price range. I know you can sleep in the back of a long-wheelbase Patrol; I think this would be true of the other makes as well but I don't own them.

For tyres etc... I would personally want at least some good all-terrain tyres but I would go for mud tyres like goodyear wranglers if the budget allowed.

For the most part you will not need any lift in my opinion, but if you bought a car that already had 2" lift or something like that it would be fine. Bullbar and GOOD DRIVING LIGHTS (ie spotlights) are essential imho, I have had more than one incident where I would have collided with livestock or wildlife if I had not had good spotlights fitted.

Finally... if this guy flags you down, DON'T STOP:



Cheers,

Jason

[chimpboy]

for example...

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/1991-FORD-MAVERI ... 0142122594

... but before I went anywhere I'd replace every hose and belt, but retain the old hoses and belts as spares for on the trip.

[jessie928]

hi man

i have a 1983 troopie called the " CROCODILE EXPRESS"

those that live in nowra area would definatly know the truck i am talking about from its old owner.

its 2h diesel in reconditioned state, it has full roof basket and cage, bullbar, brushbars, rear is all flyscreened.

its a perfect around australia truck!!!

its currently used as our trip truck, although my mates have made much more use of it that i have

pm me,.


Jes

[RED60]

hi man

i have a 1983 troopie called the " CROCODILE EXPRESS"

those that live in nowra area would definatly know the truck i am talking about from its old owner.

its 2h diesel in reconditioned state, it has full roof basket and cage, bullbar, brushbars, rear is all flyscreened.

its a perfect around australia truck!!!

its currently used as our trip truck, although my mates have made much more use of it that i have

pm me,.


Jes

Here's a man with a plan...

[v8zuki]

i have a hj60 5sp perfect drivetrain body not rusty but has been alitle knocked around want 1800 for it with some qld rego

[Tojo]

there is two good offers straight up. And both diesel Toyotas. These types of cars are very reliable and spares easily obtained. Let us know where you are intending to go and i am sure people will offer some advice and maybe even meet up with you and show you a few spots.

[Emo]

I'd look at a dual fuel Troopy. That way you can use LPG where it's available and petrol when it's not. A bullbar is handy to avoid having Skippy sitting on your lap. A 2 inch lift and good All Terrain tyres would also be handy.

[cocacola-light]

And I'm searching since many days for an LPG 4x4 Should have ask earlier. When everyone says it's cheaper to take a diesel, I think I'll go for one...

@v8zuki 1800 for a car? How much money do I have to invest that I can go round Australia?

btw: I'm in Sydney right now. So would be the best if I find a car somewhere here around.

What do you guys thing of this car (and price): http://www.carmarket.com.au/buysell.asp?id=1656

[coxy321]

Finally... if this guy flags you down, DON'T STOP:

Or this guy:

and DEFINATELY not this guy:


I'd go for a diesel (as above), some good quality tyres, and a good steel bullbar. The car doesn't need to be an all-out full on 4x4, just safe and moderately capable.

[jessie928]

[cocacola-light]

The crocodile express looks great. But I'm affraid buying and travelling with such an old car. I have no experience with cars and so I'm not sure.

Moreover I maybe found a friend who would join me and so we have some more money.

What do you thing about this two cars:
6.900: http://www.carmarket.com.au/buysell.asp?id=1656
14.000 http://sydney.gumtree.com.au/c-Cars-for ... dZ99502230
(Ok, is LPG, but I love that tent)

@Jes: Does the express has air con?

[jessie928]

The crocodile express looks great. But I'm affraid buying and travelling with such an old car. I have no experience with cars and so I'm not sure.

Moreover I maybe found a friend who would join me and so we have some more money.

What do you thing about this two cars:
6.900: http://www.carmarket.com.au/buysell.asp?id=1656
14.000 http://sydney.gumtree.com.au/c-Cars-for ... dZ99502230
(Ok, is LPG, but I love that tent)

@Jes: Does the express has air con?

for average 4wd use i would not go past an LPG, BUT
for all yoru intenets and purposes, you should be looking only at Diesel vehicles.

no, no aircon, i removed it along with the power steering.

JEs

[coxy321]

If you're looking for a car online try:
www.carpoint.com.au
www.carsales.com.au
http://www.outerlimits4x4.com/forum43.php

Or there's a magazine called Just 4x4's (as seen here: http://www.isubscribe.com.au/title.cfm?ID=29799 ), and also 4x4 Trader (as sen here: http://www.motorpoint.com.au/4x4trader_magazine.asp ).

I didn't read all of that add you posted the link for, but just remember - buyer beware. Dont rush into a decision, and whatever you end up deciding to buy, get a reputable 4x4 specialist to check it over before you actually purchase it.

[Corgie Carrier]

For the price difference I'd go for the first one and buy a roof top tent, they are about $2500.

then take the vehicle to a 4x4 service centre for a trip inspection/service to help prevent problems.

Good luck on ya trip.

Neale

[Struth]

And I'm searching since many days for an LPG 4x4 Should have ask earlier. When everyone says it's cheaper to take a diesel, I think I'll go for one...

@v8zuki 1800 for a car? How much money do I have to invest that I can go round Australia?

btw: I'm in Sydney right now. So would be the best if I find a car somewhere here around.

What do you guys thing of this car (and price): http://www.carmarket.com.au/buysell.asp?id=1656

That to me looks like it would be ideal, provided it is as good as advertised.

Cheers

[cocacola-light]

get a reputable 4x4 specialist to check it over before you actually purchase it.

I live in Sydney near Bondi. Where do I find a specialist? And which one is good? And how much should/must I pay for a good check?

[coxy321]

No idea who's in your area - any of the Shytney crew want to help a brother out here?? I'm sure there's some good and also some "less desirable" workshops to go to.

I think a proper (all over) vehicle inspection would cost $100-$150, and they should also be able to quote you on the appropriate repair costs.

DO NOT, under any circumstances go to Pedders.

[coxy321]

6.900: http://www.carmarket.com.au/buysell.asp?id=1656

That doesn't look too bad at all. I would see if one of the OL members would have a look at it for you. Probably wouldn't hurt to check over all of the other extras too! That'd be ideal for you if it all checks out ok.

[cocacola-light]

Would be great if someone could have a look with me. I even would shout a beer after that Or if someone could tell me a reliable place to go to, that would be nice, too.

[Surfection]

get a reputable 4x4 specialist to check it over before you actually purchase it.

I live in Sydney near Bondi. Where do I find a specialist? And which one is good? And how much should/must I pay for a good check?

ARB at Artarmon was pretty good a couple of years ago when I used to work close by -

Traction 4 - ARB
3 Mclachlan Ave
Artarmon, NSW 2064
(02) 9438 4484

Also these guys had a fairly good name -

North Shore 4WD79 Dickson Ave, ARTARMON, NSW
p: (02) 94393585
Website - None Supplied
Email - None Supplied


I would call both and discuss what they would do as part of their inspection and how much they will charge. Go with however you feel most comfortable with.

A 60 series Landcruiser would be my suggestion, good strong reliable truck with great parts availability.

Good luck with your trip.

[cocacola-light]

The car is in Manly. So Artarmon is 30min drive.
If someone has a recommendation in Manly would be great. But I will call those guys, too.

[chimpboy]

And I'm searching since many days for an LPG 4x4 Should have ask earlier. When everyone says it's cheaper to take a diesel, I think I'll go for one...

@v8zuki 1800 for a car? How much money do I have to invest that I can go round Australia?

btw: I'm in Sydney right now. So would be the best if I find a car somewhere here around.

What do you guys thing of this car (and price): http://www.carmarket.com.au/buysell.asp?id=1656

That to me looks like it would be ideal, provided it is as good as advertised.

Cheers

Is that rego'd in South Aust rather than NSW? Just wondering... not sure how much of a hassle it would be..?

[Struth]

And I'm searching since many days for an LPG 4x4 Should have ask earlier. When everyone says it's cheaper to take a diesel, I think I'll go for one...

@v8zuki 1800 for a car? How much money do I have to invest that I can go round Australia?

btw: I'm in Sydney right now. So would be the best if I find a car somewhere here around.

What do you guys thing of this car (and price): http://www.carmarket.com.au/buysell.asp?id=1656

That to me looks like it would be ideal, provided it is as good as advertised.

Cheers

Is that rego'd in South Aust rather than NSW? Just wondering... not sure how much of a hassle it would be..?

Talk the owner into paying an extra year with your cash and biffo your off.

Registering in SA is a piece of cake compared to any other state, the local copper has a look, says "replace that tire and the wiper blades then signs you ticket Least that's how it was when the FIL lived there 5 years ago.

It's also cheap compared to NSW rego.

Cheers

[cocacola-light]

I spoke to the owner. The car has 323.00km. Only back tires are new. The shocks in the rear need to be replaced. It's a manual and should be in good condition. Here are some more information: http://sydney.gumtree.com.au/c-Cars-for ... dZ97367635

Is the rego in SA a big problem for me?

I will have the car checked on monday at Traction 4 ARB but it'll cost $200. What would be a good price for the car?

[Struth]

I think the registration would be the biggest issue with any vehicle you buy, I assume you have the details of how a non Australian registers a vehicle over here, not something most of us would know. It has to be registered at any rate, if the safety certificate it comes with is the equivalent of a Victorian road worthy certificate (NSW Boys ??) then it should be ready to register in your name providing they will let you.

The vehicle still looks well priced to me, the inspectiopn you have organsied will also tell if it has any faults that need fixing.

Good luck and keep us informed.

[cocacola-light]

Tomorrow will I meet the guy with the car to have a first look. He made a safety inspection report somewhere at Toyota in Sydney. Is this kind of report trustworthy or do they only check if the ligth is ok?

Moreover I found an other car. I don't want to seem confused, but right now, I am not sure what I really want (and need). This is a Toyota Bushcamper. It's from 96, has 415.000km, new (WA) rego for one year. They say it's in pretty good shape. Lots of stuff comes with the car. They want $12.900 http://www.bushisuchtzuhause.blogspot.com/

What do you think?

[grazza]

That looks ideal for a traveller.
You would need some mechanical aptitude (DIY repair skills) since it has done a lot of km's and will almost certainly have some issues - but thats half the fun.

Again, inspection a must as it could be totally shagged.