getting into 4x4

Post by **stumcg** » Sun Nov 22, 2009 8:40 pm

Hi guys, so i'm wanting to get into offroading and i'm pretty set on a sierra.
i was after some tips on what to look for and what is needed.
any advise on what other cars i should have look at would be good too

Post by **DUDELUX** » Sun Nov 22, 2009 8:55 pm

hey welcome to outers, so your set on a zook, theres nothing wrong with that, they go hard.
the search function at the top of the page will help you if youre after something specific, otherwise check suzuki section and dont forget to browse through the members build ups.
theres some real nice zooks here
happy web wheeling

tony

Post by **DamTriton** » Sun Nov 22, 2009 8:58 pm

Buy the Vehicle, learn to drive it (its abilities will far outweigh yours ATM), then look at modifying it as your abilities grow to exceed your vehicles.

Buy as stock as a rock for the moment, as this also guarantees a "virginal" vehicle with minimal offroading in the past..

Post by **stumcg** » Sun Nov 22, 2009 9:01 pm

thanks, any advise on what to start in, doesn't have to be a sierra

Post by **DUDELUX** » Sun Nov 22, 2009 9:12 pm

personally, id want something that has a solid front axle, like zook, or early hilux(but im biased to hiluxes

)
honestly i see no probs with zooks, just put on some decent all terrain tyres and go and have some fun in it, always go out with mates or other people
youll be surprised how far you can go with a/t tyres.

Post by **bogged** » Sun Nov 22, 2009 9:14 pm

stumcg wrote:thanks, any advise on what to start in, doesn't have to be a sierra

whats your budget
what sort of wheeling?
where do you intend to wheel it?
do you have somewhere to park/store it?
how many people will it carry?
towing?
anything you dont like?
anything you do like?

Post by **stumcg** » Sun Nov 22, 2009 9:25 pm

budget for stock is 5k
and then add things over time

not sure where its gonna get driven yet.
hopefully do a trip around australia not on anything crazy.
2 people and no towing.
i open to all opinions for what car but i think zooks are growing on me already

Post by **bogged** » Sun Nov 22, 2009 9:47 pm

stumcg wrote:hopefully do a trip around australia not on anything crazy.
i open to all opinions for what car but i think zooks are growing on me already

There are 10billion 4bs more comfortable than a zook to drive round aussie in... but if thats only a pipe dream, and your talking a weekend wheeling truck for round high country etc, then a zook would be fine.

Post by **stumcg** » Sun Nov 22, 2009 9:54 pm

yeah atm its definitely more of a long term dream

weekend driving for practice and getting used to the car is the short term plan

thanks for the advise!

Post by **lump_a_charcoal** » Mon Nov 23, 2009 9:39 am

I would go a Sierra, but I am a bit biased...

You can hop onto Auszookers.com too for more info...

Post by **dogbreath_48** » Mon Nov 23, 2009 12:11 pm

Parsonally for 5k I'd be looking at a 60 series cruiser or gq patrol. A reasonable reliable petrol model could be had for 5k. A diesel would probably be preferable but would be far more expensive come time for a rebuild.

Patrol/cruiser will be more expensive to modify but more practical/comfortable for longer trips.

As has been mentioned, chuck a set of second hand mud or all terrain tyres and drve it stock - then decide where the shortcomings are. A few things you'll want straight up are a basic recovery kit, basic tool kit, workshop manual, tyre repair kit and decent compresor + pressure gauge - as well as the knowledge to use the afformentioned items.

-Stu

Post by **stumcg** » Mon Nov 23, 2009 12:33 pm

cheers for that stu. i'm thinking a vitara or a sierra still, a gq shorty would be nice but can't seem to find many.

Post by **muzza85** » Mon Nov 23, 2009 5:13 pm

mate one word and it dosnt matter what yr it was built because there the toughest out there and that one word is.............wait for it.............

HILUX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Post by **mike_nofx** » Mon Nov 23, 2009 8:30 pm

If you have mates with Hiluxes, i'd get a Hilux.
You will get bored pretty quick wheeling with them if you have a Sierra, cruising through sections of track in 2wd while theyre stuffing around winching and snatching each other through...

Seriously, both are good. Sierra's are cheaper, more capable with the same mods, and go just about anywhere.
Hiluxes are more practical for most people, better on road, can carry more stuff like bikes.

Sounds like you would suit either of these. I wouldnt bother with one of the bigger wagons patrol, cruiser etc unless you NEED a big car.

Post by **stumcg** » Mon Nov 23, 2009 8:54 pm

yeah got no need for a big car.
i think sierra is the go

any tips on where to look to pick one up cheap?

Post by **mike_nofx** » Mon Nov 23, 2009 9:18 pm

When im looking for a car i check all the online classifieds

ebay, trading post, carsales, carsguide, forum for sale sections etc etc

I wouldnt really bother going from car yard to car yard (but thats just me) a lot will advertise their cars online anyway.

I have bought cars sight unseen. But i always prefer to see them first obviously. If you do buy sight unseen, you should try test drive a local one anyway even if you have no intention of buying. Just so you know what you are getting yourself into.

You may hate how a sierra drives, especially if you have only ever driven smooth road cars.

you also need to decide wether you want or need:
hard top or soft top
coil spring or leaf spring
2 seat or 4 seat
LWB or SWB
1.3L or 1.0L

Chances are with your price range it will be a SWB leaf spring. But a 1.3L is strongly reccomended!

Mike

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