Cheap 4x4 ????

[MrMaxi]

I'm looking at either getting a 2ltr powered jackeroo or a lada niva,

both fall under 2k on road anyone know what to look for ???

[jtraf]

for that money I would say look around and buy a sierra or if space is a concern buy an MQ/MK deisel Patrol more parts for both

[Busiboy]

what he said

you get what you pay for, but the parts on those other too are going to be a lot more than the suggestions.

have fun

[Fieldsy]

yeah get a zook. ......... did I just say that out loud?????

[bigsteve]

Why would you spend 2k on IFS POS's when you could buy a zook, weld the diffs and be done with it.

[DIRTY ROCK STAR]

mate a zook, or dont count out a series 1 hilux?? they are cheap as.

lada nivas....their reputation speaks for itself.......
jackaroo, hmmmmm well once again????

what about the patrol, or even a pajero??

if you dont mind roughing it, get a 40. but fuel if a killer in a petrol fj40.

[Busiboy]

Not if you push it all the time......

[built4thrashing]

if they were the only options id get the lada. yes the lada. you can get them for a steal and spares are cheap as coz ya just buy another for parts. As for mods to it just put spring spacers in and weld the diffs. i think the come with a 5 link rear, coil IFS and centre diff lock. Late models even had EFI and a/c.

[-Scott-]

Do Not - I repeat: DO NOT - buy an early Jack the Roo. The later models are excellent (if a little bland on the style side) for an IFS family wagon (almost as good as a Pajero ) but the early ones were absolute barking dogs. Hopelessly underpowered, and were stopped far too easily on the easy tracks.

Ladas are that cheap because they're a "wierd" brand with an unfortunate reliability reputation. But a good one is a capable off-road toy. Early Jackaroos are cheap because they're hopeless dogs that nobody wants - off-road, you won't even see which way the Lada went.

Now, if early Pajeros were that cheap...

Cheers,

Scott

[holeyhardtop]

.

anyone know what to look for?

look for anything else other than what you,ve suggested.

for 2k i,d go a mq patrol. strong, rugged and reliable

[bogged]

take the $2k to the track, have a bet, and triple your money
..



NOTE this is only a theory. chances are it wont work.

[ORSM45]

i got my 45 series on road for under $2k. 100 bucks = bodylift. then bought 35s. it was a beast.

[r0ck_m0nkey]

Ladas are that cheap because they're a "wierd" brand with an unfortunate reliability reputation.

But it is an unfortunate reliability problem. It is kind of deserved due to it's poor electrics, although the problems are so easily fixed to turn it into a vehicle that is extremely reliable. Throw in some better front seats and give the throttle pedal a bit of a bend to a more comfortable position and they aren't to bad to drive either.

My opinion even though i am biased , is also consider a petrol SWB MQ Patrol.

[gqswb]

Get a Lada, So easy to work on, The electrics on mine NEVER failed infact they have real beefy wiring. Ford EA springs and old Toyota 40 shocks in the rear, Pajero shocks in the front with think it was Holden HR springs. That was good for about 2 inches. Here's a pic of my old mountain goat.

[benno_from_brizvegas]

I know of a cheap Lada up here in bris if ya want

Somewhat lacking in the clutch department. But, it runs (forever) on lpg and petrol, great buy if you're a tight-arse!

Benno

[CptnBarney]

For under $2000, if after a basic 4x4 I'd get the Lada. I've driven one for 280,000 ks (on LPG) and its still going strong on the original motor. Only problem has been the gearbox (5th gear) due to my impatience early on to get it into 5th on the highway. Find the best condition Lada you can with low ks and your just about set. Another few hundred spent on buying and fitting the original ice/snow russian tyres on a second set of rims and you've got a great bush car. The original tyres are noisy as buggery on the highway but fantastic in the mud, they look like a thinner version of the Trekker II. If unsure about Ladas, pop into Ritmo motors (Nicholson St) and have a chat, they'll advise the same for $2000, go a Lada and just buy the bush tyres, dont bother modifying what's already a pretty capable vehicle, just learn to drive and service it properly.
Cheers...
Con

[MacMan]

My first car was a Fiat 124CC Coupe, and the only bad thing about it was the rust. The Fiat motors are fantastic little screamers and are actually very robust. Ladas are built on old Fiat tooling, and there are a lot of people who slot in bigger Fiat or Lancia motors for more oomph. A mate I used to rock climb with occasionally had a Lada as his first car and the only thing that broke was the transfer case (driving on sleet/sludge with snow chains and the diff lock on - yes he was that unsympathetic to it) in the 5 or so years that he treated it shockingly.