Ultimate 4wd tow/tourer with a 30k budget!!!??????

[Shark]

Okay from the title you can figure out pretty much what im after. I tow a 2t 18f Millard Lunchbox It has a quite a bit of wind resistance.

Im after a vehicle that will be able to tow this van with relative ease while still return reasonable fuel consumption figures but this is not a massive priority.

I would if possible like to go as new as possible. I was looking originally at a 3lt GU but am way to scared at the aparent lack of reliabilty. I cant afford a 4.2 so that is out of the question. Also because i am going to travel proven reliabilty is the most important. I like the idea of the GU 4.5 patrol on gas but im not sure if it will be a smart move.

I dont mind the idea of doing up a gq and possibly putting a turbo on the TD42.

As you can tell i really dont know which was to go and im a bit of a nissan fan but open to all suggestions. Even though im towing a caravan i am a avid 4wdriver and plan to do tonnes on our trip.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Marc

[Mud_Muncher]

I see you already have a Disco so what about a Fender, Tow Capacity of around 3.5tonnes I think??? And the TD5 is supposed to be a cracker when a chip is fitted. Also runs on bugger all fuel and a very capable off roader even in standard form.

You should be able to get a 2002 model for around 30k

[Shark]

Although i love me landrovers i like the ease of available parts for Nissans and Cruisers. Plus i heard that defenders were not that nice to drive...

marc

[slowLux]

F 250

[Shark]

For 30k??? Im not too keen on such a big car... Was thinking of a patrol or cruiser but not sure of engine??

Marc

[micka1]

why don't you pick up a second hand late model gu 4.2 turbo diesel ? or non turbo and add a turbo . my mate just bought a 2000 gu fully setup for $21000 just needs a turbo installed costs about $3500 . so would cost around $24500 all ready to go and would tow a shite load better and more reliable than a 3.0 ltr

[Shark]

Was it a cab or wagon??

Marc

[Shorty40]

4.5 or 4.8 GU on LPG. PLenty of power and reasonable economy

[MY92SURF]

4.2 Diesel 100 series base model gov. pack 100 series solid front, lifted, locked and on gas...

[Reddo]

don't be fooled by the supposed availability of Niss/Yote parts, this is a furphy, as is the arguement that they are cheaper. Nissan may be a bit better than Yota, but both use JIT systems which means they don't keep much stock in Aus.

Also, for LR you have the biggest aftermarket parts supply for any vehicle cept maybe Jeep in the World in the UK, and it's just a ship of a plane away. I've direct purchased part from the UK and had them arrive faster than Aus Post takes to ship stuff from Melbourne to Hobart (up to 5 days incredibly) As an example, we bought a caliper re-build kit from UK, cost 138 dollars delivered to our door in 3 days, versus 600 local cost and 2 days delivery. Bursons and other also keep a reasonable range of LR parts, and there are very good local businesses such as Rover Parts.

[shakes]

a mates 110 county is nicer to drive than a lwb gq with similar mods. just squeeks a lil more

most defender parts can be substituted from almost any land rover/range rover from mid 70's to late 90's

[MY92SURF]

a mates 110 county is nicer to drive than a lwb gq with similar mods. just squeeks a lil more

most defender parts can be substituted from almost any land rover/range rover from mid 70's to late 90's

But they're fucking ugly...

[slowLux]

For 30k??? Im not too keen on such a big car... Was thinking of a patrol or cruiser but not sure of engine??

Marc

fair enough, Id go a GU 4.2 and then stick a turbo on. Those engines have tonnes of torque and will never die

[Shark]

I thought all the gu 4.2's had a turbo already or are you talking about the GQ??

Without age in mind what about the turbo MQ patrol... Or should i not waste my money??

I dont mind the idea of the 4.5lt GU but i dont want to really hurt my wallet all around australia.

What about an 80 series diesel with an aftermarket turbo??

Marc

[bogged]

a mates 110 county is nicer to drive than a lwb gq with similar mods. just squeeks a lil more

most defender parts can be substituted from almost any land rover/range rover from mid 70's to late 90's

But they're ***** ugly...

and you dont even sit in the middle in a defender.. you sit to one side of the wheel more. the finish on a defender for the price is shocking.

I thought all the gu 4.2's had a turbo already or are you talking about the GQ??

Nope, early had no turbo from factory

[-Scott-]

Late '80 series with the multivalve turbo diesel? That would be high on my list for a tow vehicle.

[tuffer_2.4]

a mid 90s gxl turbo 80 series can be picked up for under 25 now will tow your van easily and is comfortable thats what i would choose with some mods

[def90]

AHHH, go a chipped and bigger i'cooler TD5 'fender - even with a nice new stratos? seat, and with the money you save on fuel on your trip (compared 2 others) you can buy a cruiser or patrol on your return!!

[midi73]

I go along with the factory turbo diesel 80 series people.
Good comfort, not to bad on fuel and heaps of power to tow with.

[Shark]

80 Series with a 1HZ diesel with an aftermarket turbo and intercooler???

marc

[midi73]

80 Series with a 1HZ diesel with an aftermarket turbo and intercooler???

marc

I would go the 1hdt before I went a 1hz.
Direct injection means they run more efficiantly.
My 2c worth.

[dreamz]

i would have to also say for a tourer i would personally i would go for a 80 series cruser. just do a few mod her or there

[CV Smasher]

I have a 91 1HZ 80 with 370000 on the clock and i tow my comp duel cab Lux with it....... it is slow on the hills but gets along good. My father has the same but with a DTS turbo and compensator fitted to the pump and it screams only drop it back from 5th on the hills when towing to save the box.

The 1HDT factory turbos are known for spinning big ends, especially buying one with a few years under its belt not knowing how well it has been looked after.

The 1 HZ must be good as they still used them in the 100 series.

Just my 2 cents worth.

[known 2]

defenders are gutless i may be thinking of the older motor but a mates 110 ute strugles to spin 33's and tow a box trailer,

early gu 4.2l's can be plaiged with problems when u turbo them beter to get a factory turbo, as for the petroll 4.5 or 4.8 my boss tows his 20ft caravan with a 4.8 and is allways flat to the floor averaging around 23l per 100k's and it would be worse on gas, so chase after turbo diesel is a bter option.

if u go for a 80 series get a post 95 model they have the best turbo diesel on offer in the period and can be chiped and intercooled to produce an easy 150kw, so thats enough for towing, just try to find one with low kay's and it will serve u well.

[midi73]

The 1HDT factory turbos are known for spinning big ends, especially buying one with a few years under its belt not knowing how well it has been looked after.

All you have to do is replace the big end bearings (if they havent already been done) and the problem is solved. This is not an expensive procedure. Once done you have a very reliable engine.

[jessie928]

why dont you spend hald of that and get a late GQ with aftermarket turbo. Save your 10k for fuel and mods

Jes

[midi73]

why dont you spend hald of that and get a late GQ with aftermarket turbo. Save your 10k for fuel and mods

Jes

Why would you by a GQ for 15 when you can get a factory turbo diesel 80 series for around 20. You will have lots more comfort in the 80 and more fuel efficient.