Outer Limits 4x4 Board

I did write an essay of a post but after it didn't submit and deleted the text I'll keep it short n sweet lol.

Need a fourby of sorts, had a few In the past so got an idea of what I want but would like some help to avoid any pitfalls.

Would have to be able to fit 2 baby seats
Decent fuel economy
Reliable enough for trips, otherwise will be sitting mon to fri.
ifs coil front
air con
power steering
able to tow 750kg comfortably up hills , preferably more
Dual cab , space cab or wagon- nothing too big preferably Toyota 4 runner/surf size.
Enough space for prams or moto gear for two kids or 3 bikes, not both :p
Preferably turbo diesel, undecided on electronic direct injection or mechanical injection.

Aiming for the 6/7 grand mark budgeting on 10 could go to max 15 if it was really worth it and had the extras required- bullbar decent fuel range UHF sportiest etc nothing fancy just adds up cost wise.

Considered 4runner and turboing it, heard mixed results on performance and reliability.
Considered an import surf , bit put off by the overheating issues and availability.
Hilux , can't find any cheap enough.
Early d22 with qd32 - heard good things bout these anyone done a variable vein turbo conversion, heard people were doing it but that's bout it?!
Defender- nice style and reliability , dunno bout parts , baby seats, aircon unless its post 2002 then exy ?!

He'll even considered a hyundai terracan but dunno if I could do it lol

Would be good to hear some owners of these cars honest opinions as they normally ring most true !!

80 series landcruiser too big?
pajero, 2.8 turbo are great vehicles, good on the fuel.
patrols are cheap in the 3ltrs, but pick up a new engine, as most do blow up, early models.
and priced with that tag on them.
is it something the missus has to drive.? then she has to be factored into it, pajeros are very chick friendly as are the prado.
the TD prado are rare, and worth chasing if you can afford the price they hold.
even the gq 2.8 td are within your price.


soo full leaf leaves the 60 series 12ht out..

the pajero/ prado is very girl friendly. comfy and super easy to drive.

even a new jeep can be had for 30g, but thats out of your price range..
ford explorer, mazda trubute are hard on fuel, soo their out and not much in the offroad regarding equipment offered. by the major suppliers.

i wouldnt be knocking the hyundai terrican, close extended family have the v6, do heaps of towing, and not too bad on fuel, and been very reliable, unknown with the diesel option..

dont rush into buying the first thing..
tough times, soo alot of stuff will come up for sale..
better to pay good price on a great car, than something cheap and a money pit..
mind you what 4wd isnt one when you want it all...

nothing wrong with the patrols, just have to be realy carefull on the 3ltr diesel..
id never buy one, but for the price their going for, they are very good value.. if the engine problems are taken out of it.
thats the price range your in..

Maybe try posting in general chit chat :s

Yeah hadnt considered patrol, 80 series or Pajero good options. Spose the missis would have to pick up bacon and eggs on the weekend :p but yeah would be good to factor her In somewhat for those had a few too many or emergency moments.
Like the sound of the Pajero, how's the 3.2L turbo DID hold up ?!
Good for towing from 2.8 and 3.2 ?!
any major pitfalls to either generation ?!

Saw one for sale briefly 8-9k mark 250k Kms but 2nd gear synchro issues- my hilux had the same n just double clutched it as it wasn't worth rebuilding.

I do hear you thoug with the spending the bit extra and get something In better nick. Kinda what I was trying to explain with the budget.

Prado??
My old man has a 90 series (1999) prado. 3.4 petrol. It's been a great car. And close mate had one of the diesels and loved it!

mates girlfriend had the 3.2 did timing chain let go.
destroyed the engine.
tried to sell it cheap, couldnt sell.

the 2.8 turbo would be the go.
mates got the 2.8 in the triton because the salesman lied to him, telling him no we wont bring out a TD..
no issues.
very very reliable great ute for him, its his business.

the 2.8TD would be worth chasing, great vehicle, same running gear as ute ? surely.
definatly worth buying if i were you.
and they come with factory lockers in some model. maybe only rear.
for the price cant go wrong, just finding one is the trouble.

Prado, apart from being too expensive for a Diesel.

Hilux or 4Runner, should be able to afford V6 or non turbo diesel if you are lucky.

These were my picks, until I got offered the 60.

Other option could be a TD Pajero, I'm not a hug Mitsubishi fan, but they drive nice, and are reliable enough, just a PITA and a little expensive when anything does go wrong.