4x4 Preference (after Zooks of course)

[bigsteve]

Well with the latest addition to the family I really have to do what I've been procrastinating over for quite some time - Buy a family 4x4.

Obviously I'm not loyal to any brands, just has to be live axle and min. 7 seats. I'd hope to maybe throw in a locker and some tyres so I can take the whole family on club trips and leave the zook for more carefree stuff. It has to be comfy and roomy (fit a 6"6 driver) although it will be the wifes DD.

I guess my question is........ as zook drivers, what 4x4 wagon would you buy?? With a budget of aprox. 20-30k

Steve

[bigsteve]

P.S.

I'm swinging more towards are an 80s cruiser but am open to suggestion.

[mud4b]

same here.......import 80s......

[antt]

you'd be able to get a gu wagon for that sorta money......which is what i'd buy

[sierrajim]

A GU patrol would have to be a serious contender. Space, cheapish mods, readily available parts supply, good value for money (98 model early $20k)

[Dozoor]

If i did would be the Last of the GQ's , for say 15k and add 3-4 to get it where you want it mod's ect. - ,

[grimbo]

I'd say GQ because i have one but you can get them at a reasonable price, they can be mildly modded cheaply and long term you can can go wilder with the mods

[christover1]

buy 2 zoox, put half of family in each, being in different car to misses, less chance of more kids, because 3 zoox be hard to manage.

If you want it to be capable off road, live axles, then you cant go past what has already been suggested. christover

[sierrajim]

Maybe even a 60 series, this way there is a heap of spare cash left over to build a buggy???????

[DeWsE]

Tie a spare bonnet to the back of the zook...let them hold on
Bush mechanic style
The missus could even do some extreme ironing as well.

GU or 80's if that doesn't work

[stumped]

i prefer the 80 series over a nissan, some of that is brand bias... but i've always liked the build quality of an 80, and they're a hell reliable truck.

next thing i'd LIKE to buy is a 100 series crooza tho, something that i can mod a bit and have for maybe 20 years... for touring, towing, but still lifted and locked. 80s are sweet, but starting to get a bit old if ya wanna keep it for a loooooooooooooooooooong time

[-Mick-]

I like the GQ at that price but have you considered a discovery Comfy and capable, just judge the reputation for yourself

[grimbo]

Actually considering how big you are steve maybe a GQ isn't right. It is about right for me but you may find it a little cramped.

What about a gWagen?

The biggest factor will be making sure your driving position is comfortable as I reckon, GQ, GU, 80 Series or even a Disco as a family truckster will all be a much of the muchness. no good if you get one because its cool or easily modded if it is uncomfortable.

You're more than welcome to a drive of my Patrol to get an idea if you need to

[fightara]

My mechanic picked up a 100 series for $22k.

Diesel, manual, GXL, 80ks on the clock. Threw a turbo on and it goes well he says

80s are getting pretty long in the tooth I reckon. With a solid axle and 7 seats, you're pretty much limited to Toyota/Nissan. At that price, find yourself an early 100 I reckon.

[85zook]

f*CK nissan go the 80!

[bigsteve]

Thanks guys for the input.

FYI
I have sat in a few GQ/Mavs and only have room in some (not the mavs) There is also bugger all room for the passenger, my legs are up against the dash.

I like GU's they have heaps more room, 100's are nice too but are at the upper end of my price bracket. The 80's seems to be comfy, plenty of parts available, lots of mods available.

I still have to sit in a few more, I really like the series 2 disco's but wouldn't feel confident taking it off road.

[Beastmavster]

I think the disco could be alright... just need to be a late series one or get the centre difflock fitted.

There's more limits on what you can do to go sick on them, but that isnt to say it can't be done. You also start off with some pretty good bits in your package if you have 4.6 EFI V8 and 3.3:1 low range anyway.

Better headroom for the kids when they're bigger than any of the other options.

You'd need to consider them... if you know one end of a spanner from the other I think you'd be ok.

Its a pity the GQ hasnt got the space, but you should be able to get a GU under the $20k mark now.

80 Series will be cheaper than that though.

[85zook]

I still have to sit in a few more

?

Wouldnt you be better off driving them to see what you like??

[bigsteve]

I still have to sit in a few more

?

Wouldnt you be better off driving them to see what you like??

My first test is that I physically fit in the drivers and passengers seats.

I've driven a GQ, disco, 80s and a Gu but not a 100.

If I cant close the door because it hits my knee up against the steering wheel then I cant take it for a drive

[85zook]

convert it to 'centre hand drive'

[spamwell]

just buy an 80 series they are lovely

[Toos]

GQ Patrol when the missus lets me drive it.

[DiStuRBeD]

I'd have to say i'm partial to hiluxs in the dual cab

also mid wbased landy's or patrols that allow the roof to come off so u can shoot in them are definately a 2 thumbs up

but a zook is hard to beat as a hunting vehicle(bit small tho as i'm 6'6")

having said that you will never find the perfect car... tho we can customise a close example

[Gwagensteve]

I'd have to say i'm partial to hiluxs in the dual cab

Have you ever seen bigsteve? we call him that for a reason.

If it was me steve, I would look at a turbo diesel auto import late 60 series. this way, you arenot buying a car at the top of your price bracket and have no room for maintainence work or small mods.

I saw an import auto diesel high roof GQ with 255 85 16 mud terrains on japanese alloys with no flares the other day and it looked really sweet. (no, really) - it was white with no stoopid stickers etc - looked very clean and far less bulky than the australian high roofs as it had 16X6 rims, no sliding windows for the last row of seats etc.

You don't want a G as a daily driver. Figure on over $5K a year of maintainence.

[sierrajim]

One thing that needs to be taken into account with an import is insurance, it does cost more.

The other question that needs to be asked, is this vehicle going to be wheeled or malled?

[bigsteve]

It will predominantly be malled but a second set of tyres and perhaps a locker will mean I can take the whole family on the occasional club trip.

[bigsteve]

I'd have to say i'm partial to hiluxs in the dual cab

Have you ever seen bigsteve? we call him that for a reason.

If it was me steve, I would look at a turbo diesel auto import late 60 series. this way, you arenot buying a car at the top of your price bracket and have no room for maintainence work or small mods.

I saw an import auto diesel high roof GQ with 255 85 16 mud terrains on japanese alloys with no flares the other day and it looked really sweet. (no, really) - it was white with no stoopid stickers etc - looked very clean and far less bulky than the australian high roofs as it had 16X6 rims, no sliding windows for the last row of seats etc.

You don't want a G as a daily driver. Figure on over $5K a year of maintainence.

5k per year ouch

Unfortunately the GQ's are generally to small, 80's is hard to fault, just finding a good one is the tricky part.

I know of a 100s in great condidtion but it has done two trips to the cape
:(

[Mr_Jimbo]

Suzuki Grand Vitara or an XL7.

[sierrajim]

Does the GU have more space in the front seat than the GQ?

Value for money i believe that the GU is better off than an 80 series. Just keep in mind that if you look at a petrol GU they suck the juice so get one on gas.

I think that most GU's (ST model and up) have factory LSD???

2 inch springs 1 1/2 inch body lift pretty cheap and should clear 34's easily without rubbing.

You should be able to get a late 97 (first build) through mid 98 for $23,000ish + stamps ($900ish) + $1,000 lift + $1,000 tyres leaving you under budget or allowing for a locker, roof rack, bar work etc.

Just keep in mind that front end "shimmy" wobbly thing that they get. This can be fixed i believe for not a lot of $$$.

[bigsteve]

Does the GU have more space in the front seat than the GQ?...........for not a lot of $$$.

GU's are sweet too, I have plenty of room in them.
I think the next step is to go and drive a few more