New to 4Wding - Need tips/info

[CC]

Hello,

I've got mates who have 4WDs and I'm in the process of ditching the whole car thing and move onto 4WDs. This sort of brings in a problem for me, as I've noticed in the TradingPost, Carpoint and a few other sites that most 4WDs are manual. I would like to start off with a auto and work my way up.

I've delevoped an interested in the SWB Nissan Patrol because I've seen a few autos in them. Also there's the LandCrusier FJ40(SWB Ragtop) or even the FJ50(LWB). I would prefer 2 door as you might've noticed the 4WDs I want are all 2 doors. I'm sick of being a chaffuer and I would LOVE to get my hands on 2door(2seats or 3) 4WD Anything else is welcome, Toyota Hiliux is also on the list but most is manual and don't rarely see any autos go for sale.

I was wondering how rare is auto and how much would they go for.

I got a budget of $5000 for now. Might increase later when I finalise the deal on my car.

I would like to do alot of offroading(mostly bush/mud/rough terrians) but definitly not rockcrawling.

Please help me out

[mudtoy]

The LWB FJ is the 45 not 50. There is also a 55 but they are dog ugly have 4 doors and only come in a wagon.
All of the above came out with manual gear boxes but some were given autos when they were customised with V8 motors.
The 80 series comes in both manual and auto.
For more info on 4 wheeling you can also watch 4wd TV Check out www.4wdtv.com.au and tell your friends.

[Nev62]

For more info on 4 wheeling you can also watch 4wd TV Check out www.4wdtv.com.au and tell your friends.

Unless you are a sydney sucker

[De-lux]

im just curious, why so anti-manual?

i personally rate it very highly, and it might be easier to get a decent fourby in your price range that is manual. but otherwise, try for a bundera or a 2 door surf as 99% of them are auto (japenese can't drive manual ) maybe try things like a old school pathy etc etc.

little vitara (might be a manual) --> http://www.outerlimits4x4.com/PHP_Modules/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=33456

manual 2 door 4runner --> http://www.outerlimits4x4.com/PHP_Modules/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=36967

thats after a super quick look, but if i were you, dont completely disregard the manuals... they make driving way more fun!!

[DIRTY ROCK STAR]

Nev62, here here on the no 4wdtv. lets kick some nuts and get it. im in Newcastle but im keen!


mate go get yourself a FJ40. they are tough as and keep on keeping on. for you, get yourself a V8 auto. you can grunt around town and in the bush too.

and the budget is just about right!

[mudtoy]

complaints complaints from NSW...I have contacted everyone in NSW I can find details for. I have even been emailing a station in Lismore. How about some local help?
Seriously though, we have sent a pilot episode to the new owners of the C31 license in Sydney and we have been told that they intend going to air in July. If they do, then we will be there.

...and to add to the thread, yes 40s are tops. In my opinion you would be stretched to find a 4wheeler with more character.

......and I agree, there is nothing wrong with a manual.

[CC]

Ah yes, My mistake. I meant FJ45 instead of FJ50.

I'm not anti-manual. I said I want to start off with an auto and work my way up, I've driven manual and since it'll be my first 4WD and I do alot of driving in the bush in my mates 4WD and I would like to start off in an auto first, please I don't want any flaming for it.

As I said, I would perfer a trayback, 2door with limit of 3 people in the 4wd since I'm not too keen on getting a wagon(Nissan Patrol SWB wagons are fine with me since I can remove the backseats) and I also do alot of towing as well.

So I'm kinda looking in the market for FJ45(Auto). But I'm not sure on the price range though.

[Mick G]

For more info on 4 wheeling you can also watch 4wd TV Check out www.4wdtv.com.au and tell your friends.

Unless you are a sydney sucker

Can I get it on the Gold Coast? If so what channel?

[mudtoy]

Hi Mick G, at present the broadcast of Briz 31 doesn't quite reach the Gold coast but you may be lucky if you tune to 31 just above 28 (SBS).
We have been told that they will be improving their signal strength soon.

[N*A*M]

range rover

it's in your price range
you can find auto ones quite easily (best get the 4 speed ZF auto)
2 or 4 door models available
you can take out the back seats
you can tow quite comfortably
it has coil suspension

[Mick G]

Hi Mick G, at present the broadcast of Briz 31 doesn't quite reach the Gold coast but you may be lucky if you tune to 31 just above 28 (SBS).
We have been told that they will be improving their signal strength soon.

Cheers for the info, will try and tune in!

[bad_religion_au]

range rover

it's in your price range
you can find auto ones quite easily (best get the 4 speed ZF auto)
2 or 4 door models available
you can take out the back seats
you can tow quite comfortably
it has coil suspension

but they apparently are possessed by the devil.

[Angus]

Hey newbie

Im pretty much looking for the same thing.

I live in the middle of Sydney City and sick of driving a manual (lowered Charade) for last 10 years. Im looking for a taxi killer.

Auto / soft top / swb / raised, bullbars all the way round

90% city use so Id like to have a bit of zip, but still want some offroad capability so I can do some of the tag along trips.

I also want to learn about mechanics, welding, spraying etc so want something basic I can learn on. Need to be able to break it and remake it. Doesnt have to be too pretty.

I was looking at the Vitaras as they seem to be pretty easy to work on as well as cheap, but I am keen to get something a bit bigger. The Mavericks / GQ's I think are too big. The Pajeros seem to have the shape Im after. The FJ40's are a bit old.

Anyway - Im still trying to work out what I like the shape of... Basically then want to buy something stock and learn how to put the bits together.

Fun fun fun ...

I've got mates who have 4WDs and I'm in the process of ditching the whole car thing and move onto 4WDs. This sort of brings in a problem for me, as I've noticed in the TradingPost, Carpoint and a few other sites that most 4WDs are manual. I would like to start off with a auto and work my way up.

I've delevoped an interested in the SWB Nissan Patrol because I've seen a few autos in them. Also there's the LandCrusier FJ40(SWB Ragtop) or even the FJ50(LWB). I would prefer 2 door as you might've noticed the 4WDs I want are all 2 doors. I'm sick of being a chaffuer and I would LOVE to get my hands on 2door(2seats or 3) 4WD Anything else is welcome, Toyota Hiliux is also on the list but most is manual and don't rarely see any autos go for sale.

I was wondering how rare is auto and how much would they go for.

I got a budget of $5000 for now. Might increase later when I finalise the deal on my car.

I would like to do alot of offroading(mostly bush/mud/rough terrians) but definitly not rockcrawling.

Please help me out

[Nev62]

Hey newbie

Im pretty much looking for the same thing.

I live in the middle of Sydney City and sick of driving a manual (lowered Charade) for last 10 years. Im looking for a taxi killer.

Auto / soft top / swb / raised, bullbars all the way round

90% city use so Id like to have a bit of zip, but still want some offroad capability so I can do some of the tag along trips.

I also want to learn about mechanics, welding, spraying etc so want something basic I can learn on. Need to be able to break it and remake it. Doesnt have to be too pretty.

I was looking at the Vitaras as they seem to be pretty easy to work on as well as cheap, but I am keen to get something a bit bigger. The Mavericks / GQ's I think are too big. The Pajeros seem to have the shape Im after. The FJ40's are a bit old.

Anyway - Im still trying to work out what I like the shape of... Basically then want to buy something stock and learn how to put the bits together.

Fun fun fun ...

Look for a nissan G60 or FJ40 yota. Whats old got to do with it? You did say "want to learn about mechanics, welding, spraying etc so want something basic I can learn on. Need to be able to break it and remake it. Doesnt have to be too pretty".

[iwanna40]

kinda hijaking CCs thread here but

aint nothing wrong with old..sure as hell aint nothing wrong bout starting out with a 40.

[J Top]

I don't read "90% town, Zippy " as 40 series, not my idea of a daily driver.
You don't buy old to commute reliably, there is nothing Zippy about a
BJ or HJ and I woulbn't want to be feeding an FJ everyday.
J Top

[Brendan-s]

aint nothin zippy bout deisels full stop.

[iwanna40]

"90% town, Zippy

yeah thats the problem 4wds do tend to be used 90% (if not more) town to zip around in (Shopping trolley, mums taxi)

I also want to learn about mechanics, welding, spraying etc so want something basic I can learn on. Need to be able to break it and remake it. Doesnt have to be too pretty.

u wouldnt want to b having to do that to any late model soft road.

[Bingham]

[quote="Angus"]Hey newbie
I live in the middle of Sydney City and sick of driving a manual (lowered Charade) for last 10 years....

You poor bastard, what a shitter at least your doing the right thing and selling the hairdressers car

[stool]

IF you only plan on doing light off road use.
Why not think about a subaru outback If you can find some extra cash .
Or somthing around those lines` Than up grade to a 40 when you get serious about offroading. You will never get a 4b to be good at both on and off road



Steve

[Utemad]

Why not look at a SWB Pajero V6? I don't know about the auto/manual availability but it sounds like it would suit you quite well. My mate had a LWB diesel manual and it was easy enough to work on.

No idea of price.

[adam.s]

SWB MQ/MK patrol all the way

Cheap to buy, rediculously easy to work on, and you can learn all the welding etc you want on it, worst case if you completely fuck the body up - you'll pick another up for $500.

Running on LP gas, they are very cheap to run, and with a few mods they arn't that slow - definetly not a speed demon, but faster then my dad's 60 series toyota

[Camshaft1]

So I'm kinda looking in the market for FJ45(Auto). But I'm not sure on the price range though.[/quote]

You'd struggle to find one in auto old mate. all manuals from factory. the only auto you would fiind would be a rig that has had a V8 conversion and that has a auto behind the V8.

[-Scott-]

Why not look at a SWB Pajero V6? I don't know about the auto/manual availability but it sounds like it would suit you quite well. My mate had a LWB diesel manual and it was easy enough to work on.

No idea of price.

Have a look at some of the grey import soft tops. Most parts are shared with the local vehicles, they can be made reasonably capable (lockers front and rear, replacement gears, front suspension lift can be done for zero dollars*, 33" tyres fit with a simple 2" body lift - you can fit 35s if you start with the right later model vehicle...) And they're pretty good for daily commuting too (OK, maybe not with the 35s, but if you've got 35s you'll be happy to compromise. )

If you want to discuss Pajeros in more detail, hit the Mitsi forum - we'll do what we can to help you out.

Cheers,

Scott