Outer Limits 4x4 Board

After only about 3 months ownership, I am selling Whistler.

I have gained a job assignment to the Pilbara (Northern Western Australia) and will be moving to Karratha (working out of Dampier) in early January. Our family will only need one car, so we'll be selling the family car and my Feroza and upgrading to a 4wd big enough to carry extra family and friends when visiting. I was also a bit apprehensive about the Feroza's ability to overtake a triple road train in timely fashion

We will be looking at Landcruisers and Patrols, but will also be looking at LandRovers, Pajeros, Jackaroos and Cherokees in case my wife can't drive the bigger ones.

Although not strictly a Daihatsu forum thread, I would appreciate it if any of you could comment on any of the vehicles above, and their capabilities in the harsh and rugged North-West.

My assignment to the Pilbara is my dream job and would be for most 4wd/outdoors nutters. Part of my job will be to conduct remote area patrols (extended land patrols in an area of operation ranging from Exmouth to Port Hedland and over to Alice Springs, but not the Kimberley damnit!) as well as marine patrols and observing on the occasional air patrol.

Please give me any feedback on any of the above vehicles (or any others you might think suitable).

Thanks,
Darren

As you have already stated.....the Toyota's OR Nissan's are the only real 2 choices !!

If something breaks down on it in the middle of nowhere....you need a vehicle that will be 'plentiful' in the surrounding area to use for 'bits' !!

Your choice....all dependant on $$$

Visited Pilbara area last year in my Rocky .
You won't see many Jeeps, Discos,Paj or Jacks there .
Lots of Toyotas of all kinds Nissans and Rodeos.
Diesels rule and when you hit the long distances you will know why.
Cannot go pass 80series diesel LandCruiser or 100 series if
you can afford.

You lucky bustard .... have they got any more jobs like that ?

Another reason to get a diesel is it's less attractive to the petrol sniffing fraternity that frequents the outback......

I'd go with a diesel cruiser , had friends living up at Karratha , well Roebourne actually , ( If you've or heard of it you're prob laughing now . ) and everyone had cruisers for the same reasons mentioned above

RockyMan wrote: You lucky bustard .... have they got any more jobs like that ?

Yep, just join Customs, as I did 13 years ago, and then wait for a plum job to come up. All the Northern WA offices offer some great travel, like Carnarvon, Dampier, Port Hedland and Broome (I'd forget Geraldton) but QLD has got some great locations too, like Mackay, Cairns and Townsville.

If any of you (or your kids) are looking for a great career which allows you to see this great country, without the risk associated with being a Soldier or Police Officer, try Customs!

I should be in marketting!

Darren,

I live in port hedland.. if there is anything specific you need to know about the area just let me know.

Although they are the most popular up here I wouldnt be in a hurry to buy a heavy 4x4 for this area. The terrain up here is mostly flat and sandy so while Im sure a heavy four wheel drive would be fine, I think a medium size would do better.

The other thing to consider up here is fuel economy, I havent seen unleaded for less than $1.03 since I got here and whatever you do don't get something on gas as that is around the $0.75 mark.

Also whatever you buy grab some spare parts and get any modifications you would want done down in Perth. You don't want to have to wait a few weeks for a simple hose or belt to come in (it does happen up here Im afraid!).

I've got a Cherokee and reckon it does the job perfectly up here.

Good luck with the move.

Regards,

Dave

Thanks for the advice Dave.
We've settled on the Cherokee, but it's pretty hard to find any late model (1998 on) turbo diesel models. The Cherokees just felt so much better than the other medium-sized 4wds, and the big 4wds were too big for my wife (who'll be driving it the most).

I guess fuel price isn't that important considering we're going from three cars to one and my daily commute goes from 2 hours per day to none (got a work car!).

Looking forward to getting around the Pilbara (Millstream, Karijini etc) but apparently not between November and April.

Anyway, I'd better stop posting non-Daihatsu stuff before I get kicked off.

I'm going to miss my Feroza.

Darren

We're losing too many Feroza owners....

I noticed Dipstick (Wayne) has a post in the GM/Isuzu folder- he's sold his Feroza and bought a Frontera......

Good luck with the new job.

You'll like Millstream , Karijini . we did the tourist thing and started from Karratha to Newman taking the Munjina Rd seeing Millstream , Karijini along the way to visit the brother in-law . Only wished that we did it over a few days cos there's to much to see . A friend told me that a little while ago Millstream is affected by blue green algae , might be ok now ??? Karijini is a must see

Ah but you almost have a new one...me!

QLDGAL wrote:Ah but you almost have a new one...me!

So how's the searching going??

Whistler,

Good to hear your getting a Cherokee!.. Make sure the aircon works before you sign on the dotted line you will need it up here..

When are you moving up? If you ever want to go for a bit of 4x4 or explore let me know.. daveaus@westnet.com.au

Dave

I had 2 years in Port Hedland running an engineering workshop. Great place with the absolute best winters in the world.

I had a company 4WD Rodeo dual cab. Didn't do to much exploring because I was always fishing. Saltwater fly from the Spoilbank was something else. Good luck and enjoy.