Outer Limits 4x4 Board

G'day Guys,
New to the forums so Hello to everyone. I currently have a subaru WRX but before that had a 4x4 Rodeo. I am looking to sell the WRX and buy a cruiser ute. What sort of things should I be looking out for when I go and inspect a vehicle. Any common problems with the 4.2L diesel? Obviouslly wheel bearing and diff noise would be common on these cars. Where do they most commonly rust?

Are they mostly 3 seaters?

I will be looking for one with dual tanks but what sort of economy should I expect with highway driving? I won't be going offroad as such, just taking motorbikes into state forrest etc.

Cheers in advance.

i currently own a 1998 cruiser ute which has had no major problems from 190,000km through to 255,000km now while i have owned it.

mates of mine with older models have had dramas with 5th gear letting go and power steering pump seals leaking.
apparently they have a problem with the gear oil drining from the gearbox into the transfer case or vice versa and some have an equalizer pipe between both fillers to help this,( has been fitted to mine)
handbrake is generally useless unless maintained.

had no dramas with rusting yet.
3 seater is a standard

i usually get between 12-13 litres per 100km on the open road cruising at no more than 100kmh otherwise it destroys any economy.

being fully loaded doesnt use much more i used about 15L/per 100km with three bikes about 500kg of gear on the back whilst towing a loaded datsun 120y

hope this helps

G'day mate, good choice of future 4X4 .

I have a 94 model, the only thing that i have replaced is the rear hub's, as the axle bolt's kept breaking, and a front shackle as i broke it .

The power steering box does leak, but not much, and in 360 000k's that's it , i do change my oil every 6-7000k's, hav'nt even had the pump off yet .

Chris

If your not planing on 4wding much, why not go for a softer style ute, which will be alot more comfortable, quicker, better handling etc on road?

I have a similar age hilux and a falcon ute. I tell you what its a world of difference between them as you would expect.

A mate has a falcon ute RV or what ever they are called. basically a falcon but raised 4 inches and has a selectable rear diff lock. he has got his a fair few places and is ideal for getting bikes around fire trails etc. but then still drives like a dream on road.

just a thought anyway.

Good to see someone trading in a boy racer car to something more of a mans car.......Well Done I say..