Purchase advice welcome

[fat belly dog Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close fat belly dog]

Got myself all confused with various purchase options, looking for a bit of advice and direction from people in the know...

Budget is 30-40 grand, Use is weekend trips away, Beach driving (i surf and kite) minimal weekday use on the odd soccer mum run. Towing a camper trailer and longer 2-3 week trips with 2 adults and three kids under 11 and a large dog , once or twice a year..All up probably less than 25,000kms per year

Options are:

A) Ex fleet vehicle 2008 GX 6 speed manual (upgrade model 8 seater, abs air cruise wide wheels) d4d. 80-90,000kms on the clock No upgrades/accessories (mid 30's)
B) 2005-2006 GLX V6 5 speed auto a few around some with dual batteries, bullbars etc. (low 30's)
C) 2004 V8 100 series cruiser, with lift kit (koni shocks), arb bar, air comp. 130-140 kms (mid 30's)
D) 2003 TD 100 series when they come up normally have some accessories (arb bar poly bags, dual bats) and between 180-200+ kms (high 30's)

Leaning towards the V8 cruiser as it all ready has ~ 5-7000 of fruit on it. But a blank canvas minimal offroad use 05 V6 is appealing as well. Head tells me to go the 08 gx TD cheap to run and better resale down the track, or 100 TD (but higher kms). All will be suitable for intended use, 100 series probably bit more room for longer trips.

Cheers
More important if I buy a 100 series can I still come on PP trips???

[croozza Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close croozza]

Re: Purchase advice welcome

Hey fat belly dog, I would go for Option A as the first choice, as it is the newest model in your list, I wouldn't be worried about the k's in it either, as atleast you know it is not a vehicle that has done lots of short trips so the motor wouldn't have reached operating temp causing excessive wear, on this vehicle the motor will be good as long as it got serviced regularly.
Option B would be my second choice then option D then Option C as the V8 will drink alot of fuel.

[fat belly dog Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close fat belly dog]

Re: Purchase advice welcome

Thanks Croozza,

Narrowed the choice down to a standard trim 2005 VX Prado (100kms) vs the V8 100 serries (140km) with abit of fruit, thirsty as the 100's will be its still a few grand cheaper and doesn't "need" as many $ spent on accessories so have a bit of spare change to throw at the fuel pump over the years...

But the vx drove real nice on the road...mmmm choices choices, not a bad problem to have...

Cheers

[lippa Member Find all posts View Profile Close lippa]

Re: Purchase advice welcome

don't think there will be a great deal of difference in fuel between v8 and v6, unless of course you have a very heavy right foot.
it go A then D.

enjoy

[fat belly dog Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close fat belly dog]

Re: Purchase advice welcome

Thanks for the input lippa

The TD GX d4d's turned out to be ex thrifty fleet cars, not sure of there heritage, some have been used on mines/hire/construction company's so reading a few horror stories on ex-miners I have decided to stay away from them..

The TD 100's typically have 200 + kms on the clock or go for 15-20grand more for similar kms (in WA) so cant justify the money difference. Dont mind a petrol wagon pay a bit more at the pump a sacrifice a bit of range but for the use and km's we will be doing they should work out cheaper than TD's

Really my choice has now come down to either a V8 100's LC or the VX Prado,

Plus for the VX prado is less kms (100), newer, ducted air con for the kids in the back, bit safer with more air bags and traction control, nicer ride on the road where 90% of its use will be and most importantly I will be able to join PP trips.. and not feel like an outcast . -ves are its stock so need to spend a bit on lift, tyre's bu t know it hasnt been thrashed offroad (yet... )

Plus sides for the V8 are, roomier inside, already has updgrade suspension (koni), snorkle, BB, aircomp, cooper tyre's, FSH and its 4,000 cheaper than VX prado. Down side is age (2003) and km (140) and potetial fuel use over V6 and its probally seen a bit more offroad use.

Either will do the task. Prado is ahead by a nose at this stage...Will make my mind up this weekend either way.

cheers

[lippa Member Find all posts View Profile Close lippa]

Re: Purchase advice welcome

i drove my old 120gxl v6 auto and a mate in his 100 series v8 Kakadu auto to Bundy from Brisbane and there was only a few litres in it. both driven normally ie. up it when ya had to and cruising everywhere else. range is the only thing the consider when it comes to fuel.

trick v8 cruisers come up regularly at the right odds, just need to be Johnny on the spot. I'd want one <100k for that sort a money. TD cruisers are gold! but way over the odds for what they are. I like cars un molested, so i'd tend to go for an "original" unit than one that's had this and that thrown at it, unless of course its recommended from a known source.