Hyundai terracan is a very capable 4x4
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Hyundai terracan is a very capable 4x4
Great suggestion! My mate owned a turbo diesel model and he LOVED it. Some people slag them but I bet they've never owned one. Not the most attractive 4x4, but then again it looks pretty similar to a 90 series prado which people seem to like.Quote:
Originally Posted by RobMichelle
How true! and what budget?Quote:
Originally Posted by disco gazza
Assuming non softroader, but not a really hard core twin beam axled beast(LR/Patrol/Cruiser) type and that a IFS type true 4WD is ok, and that say a $5K budget to get 'er going, I'd suggest the Holden Frontera.
Basically a nicer riding Rodeo.
Not as capable in really hard tracks, but if big axle articulation isn't a requirement, the Frontera is fairly capable. I'd say a bit more so than the harder riding Rodeo.
I've had both. Rodeo (dual cab) is practical for family, other than the need to put more sensitive family oriented stuff in the tub, mum/dad/2kids wasn't a major issue.
But the Frontera was more family friendly in that the sensitive family stuff(ie. the stuff you don't want dusted/wet/vibrated to high heaven) the rear load space in these deceptive little 4WDs is very good.
Where the D1 had height as the benefit, the Frontera had width and length. So depended on what you loaded up in the rear.
From observation, I reckon all Fronteras had standard roof rails/racks.. so kids bikes and stuff went up there. Handy for a geek photographer looking for a different vantage point too [biggrin]
Mine was reliable enough, but if on LPG, the motors weren't up to the task(of longevity) .. worn valves if on LPG. Quite economical, and more than enough power in them.
It was also on LPG(how it was got) and I had valve issues, and pushed it as far as I could till it had to go. The only other issue was it needed pretty much all suspension bushes to be done too... very loud and crashy on rough roads.
Somethign like that I'd expect you'd pay in the 2-3K region for a rough, but usable vehicle .. maybe $5K for one in 'pay and go' condition.
Honorable mention goes to a Nissan Pathfinder too. Mate had one at the same time. Quite family friendly size, good power, but much more aggressive on the bowser(and hip pocket).
Where I'd get easily 10 or even 9lt/100 in the Frontera, his Pathfinder would get into the 12's!
In terms of 4WDing, Frontera type 4WDs are capable, but IMO, they seem to require pushing harder. I never dared to try harder bush tracks(ie. high country types), but my common off road experiences between the Frontera type IFS and the Disco1/RRC .. has been sandy tracks out in the centre(and Vic).
While the Frontera had power to burn in low range, compared to my RRC and now D1, they seemed to need it more. It really felt like they scraped the front cross member or belly, or something when in wheel ruts, and even tho the LR axle had diff pumpkins doing same, the D1/RRC didn't feel the need for the power that the Frontera and Rodeo had by comparison.
ps. the Frontera comes with LSD as standard, and it helped it in soft sand(my primary off roading experiences in them).
You can pick up older Jeep Cherokees and Grand Cherokees for pocket change. It's true you get what you pay for, but they are capable offroaders and comfy to boot. The 6 cyl petrol is the best choice.
On the Bitsa****ti theme a mark 1 Challenger is cheap and capable.
Or an earlier Nissan Pathfinder with a new timing chain.
Regards PhilipA
Thanks for all the suggestions guys,but he,s caught the LR bug so its gotta be an LR....
He just missed out on one that had a heap of things to improve the reliability of the TD5(including a nanocom). :soapbox:
Theres a couple of others that he hopes will work out,time will tell.
DG
DG, if a Landrover is what he wants , then a call to JC , Browns Rd . Kingston should be plan A
As a interim I can highly recommend a Kia Sportage up to 04 . Real 4WD and surprisingly very capable. I have a little bum (smaller rear with spare tyres mounted on rear rack. I’m a real Aussie male and fit easily. Cheers
Well he,s the proud owner of a D2a now...
Will get some pics from him and put them up.
DG
Pretty sure it won’t be long and he will be on here anyway lolQuote:
Originally Posted by disco gazza