Cheap entry to 4x4

[Dopefish]

Hey guys, first of all this site is really great.
I'm going to spend hours and hours looking through some of the threads here.



I've got about a $2000 budget to buy an old 4x4 which is capable of carrying loads and 4x4 as well as not being too heavy on petrol.

I have found a 1980~ 4x4 Single cab hilux with rego and new tyres etc for about $1800-2000 (Havent haggled..)

It has no snorkel but it goes fine, has rego and I believe has the original petrol engine in it.

May I have some suggestions on this and maybe alternatives etc and info on these old trucks.

Cheers.

[chimpboy]

The only other option at the low price point is an MQ/MK Patrol. The L28 is a good motor.

Sierra is the best "low cost entry" but you mentioned carrying loads.

Ultimately the one thing you are going to have to look at forking for is decent tyres, they make all the difference.

[Dopefish]

The only other option at the low price point is an MQ/MK Patrol. The L28 is a good motor.

Sierra is the best "low cost entry" but you mentioned carrying loads.

Ultimately the one thing you are going to have to look at forking for is decent tyres, they make all the difference.

For loads I dont really mean super heavy stuff.. I just mean basically ute / tray / large area to stuff things in because I would like to ultimately maybe move a fridge or a washing machine or a mattress etc at some point when myself or family members move etc.

[Matt_85Lux]

a older hilux or patrol would be your best bet. I picked up my 85 Lux (2.4D) for $2000 with 6 months rego, hasbeen good on fuel and realy reliable, although will have a little less power than a petrol but better low down torque which makes up for it

[Simonc3]

an old MQ/MK would be good, dose it have to be petrol? The SD33 NA/Turbo motor is bulletproof!

[alien]

lol yeah my sierra just manages to carry a bar fridge in the tray - once you factor in the wheel arches theres not much room back there =)

With that money i'd go early hilux personally.

[Dopefish]

No I actually would quite prefer a diesel to a petrol if possible.
It's just a matter of finding something like mentioned in this thread.

Eg, the 1985 hilux diesel with rego / other car in decent condition.

[gumbs]

How flexible is your budget? Your going to get alot more bang for your buck if you can move it up towards $5k.

[RunnerMitch]

i agree with gumbs for that little extra you will get alot more. IMHO a hilux would suit your needs the 2.4 diesel is slow but reliable

[chimpboy]

If diesels are in the list then I agree the SD33 Patrol is going to be the coolest, but will be a struggle to find at only $2k.

Not impossible though.

But if you're on a budget the L28 would probably be easier. They are cheap as.

[dogbreath_48]

No I actually would quite prefer a diesel to a petrol if possible.
It's just a matter of finding something like mentioned in this thread.

Eg, the 1985 hilux diesel with rego / other car in decent condition.

diesel may be more reliable, but any problem with a diesel is going to cost twice that of a petrol

[Dopefish]

I just passed on this as I wasn't sure how old rockies are.

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/1985-DAIHATSU-RO ... freshZtrue

If i could get something like this for $800~ then I could spend maybe $1000~ to do it up a bit.

Don't know if there is anything that I could actually do for a grand though?

[hillbilliywheelchair]

i'd look at the mq/k patrols or a hilux
but if you want coils a clasic range is in you price range

[chimpboy]

I thought we were looking for a ute. If wagons etc are in then it gets more interesting.

[Dopefish]

http://img130.imageshack.us/gal.php?g=imga0333.jpg

$1300-1500 or $1800-2000 with 6mth rego/rwc

Obviously the paint is fucked.
Engine is 18r
new tyres.

1981 model.

Looks pretty rough though paint wise..

BTW yes I am looking mainly at a UTE but I saw that go for $690 and I was thinking to myself.. hmm that is very very cheap.

[Dopefish]

Can I please have advice on if this is worth it
$1k~ gives me a bit of $$$ to fix random things.

http://img44.imageshack.us/gal.php?g=be ... keeryo.jpg

2.7ltr Diesel 5spd Man - Runs well,
Spot Lights, Front Bullbar, Tow Bar, Front fishing rod holders,
Roof Racks, Side Steps, Camopy, Air-con.
It is good on fuel for a 4x4 - approx 9-10kms / ltr.
The interior is also in good condition for its age.


The canopy needs replacing as the stitching has come undone along the zips and the clear plastic window on the back of the canopy has cracked due to exposure to the weather,
Front bushes need replacing,
Slight Oil leak from the alternator,
Diesel Pick-up may be damaged as it will only do 200 kms before it needs to be refueled,
Air-con does not work as it is not currently hooked up.
Rust is starting to appear all over.

[43som]

Doesn't look to bad but old. Another one to consider, imo, is the rodeo. Mines is actually up for sale with a few steal extra's. But it's been great, The ifs is a little bit of a downer due to strength over the solid axle luxes, but mines been brilliant and it's not let me down. It also has decent flex and has surprised even me.
If it's an entry level vehicle you want, check these cars out, I would kinda be looking at a deisel though.
I would buy one again but a turbo diesel variant.

But obvioulsy we need to consider what you need, what you want to do, versus budget, and market.

Your not going to get a tough gu or cruiser with that budget, but hiluxes do pop up now and then as does the 4 runners and surfs. But a decent daily with weekend touring, there is a bit out there.

[oldmate]

60 series diesel is in that price range. Good solid truck. good for towing if you run sensible tyres.

ps here's an avatar for you

http://www.dopefish.com/images/swimfish.gif

[coxy321]

I'd go for a 2.4/2.8D Hilux ute, or a Patrol (Ute, Wagon, SWB) with an SD33T.

As far as parts are concerned, fot those two cars they are cheap and plentiful, both aftermarket and second hand.

I know of a cheap single cab Hilux tray-back (2.4D), however it needs a good clean up, along with all of the usual stuff replaced (shackle bushes, swivel hubs, draglink ends etc etc).

[43som]

60 series now theres a car, i want to get one of those next, had one loved it, want another. they are getting cheep now, but check out 4wd action back issue's for some good buying tips.
Old mate wanted a ute though.
patrols may not be in the 2000 grand market?

[Dopefish]

Nearly got one today but it was soooo rusty.
I was quite interested until i saw that a lot of the car was see thru.

[dazgq1]

ya dont know what your missin till ya drive a nissan . gq,s go for 2 grand all the time in this part of the land

[lump_a_charcoal]

Dfish, you are going to end up with a basket case if you buy anything too cheap...

[r0ck_m0nkey]

ya dont know what your missin till ya drive a nissan . gq,s go for 2 grand all the time in this part of the land

Really? Where abouts? Show me just one worthwhile GQ you can buy for $2k that isn't in need of some major work which wouldn't blow out a low budget.

[43som]

Dfish, you are going to end up with a basket case if you buy anything too cheap...

Or it won't be far off it.
he's right, you could spend 2 grand, then have to spend another down the track as things go wrong.

[Dopefish]

Well I finally got a ute.

1984 3Y Hilux 4x4.

It's got no major rust.
Little bit of surface rust in a few places but that's it.

Seems to be stock, tyres are quite thin (good tread tho) average size and has a tow bar and good tray etc.



In Queensland what's the max width and diameter of tyres I can run on this? Also anyone know the max towing capacity?

Cheers guys.

[coxy321]

Factory pizza cutters were about 29"/30", so i'd say 32" (or maybe 33"s at a push).

[chimpboy]

Well I finally got a ute.

1984 3Y Hilux 4x4.

It's got no major rust.
Little bit of surface rust in a few places but that's it.

Seems to be stock, tyres are quite thin (good tread tho) average size and has a tow bar and good tray etc.



In Queensland what's the max width and diameter of tyres I can run on this? Also anyone know the max towing capacity?

Cheers guys.

Why do you want wide tyres? A bit of extra height is good, extra width is debatable and depends a lot on what you want to do. I love the look of big fat tyres but the skinny ones go much better than you'd expect.

[krooza]

I was just about to see if you were interested in a dual cab 92 model (I think) Ford courier for around $2700 with a bit of QLD rego left on it. My mate has split with his misses and needs it gone...

cheers, Scott

[coxy321]

Well I finally got a ute.

1984 3Y Hilux 4x4.

It's got no major rust.
Little bit of surface rust in a few places but that's it.

Seems to be stock, tyres are quite thin (good tread tho) average size and has a tow bar and good tray etc.



In Queensland what's the max width and diameter of tyres I can run on this? Also anyone know the max towing capacity?

Cheers guys.

Why do you want wide tyres? A bit of extra height is good, extra width is debatable and depends a lot on what you want to do. I love the look of big fat tyres but the skinny ones go much better than you'd expect.

2x votes for tall and skinny.