suggestions for $20k budget 4WD for big trip

[gilbo Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close gilbo]

hi there

me and the fam (wife and 2 kids) are doing a 6 month trip from July this year, heading to the northern/western side and will probably start with a tag along tour across the Simpson.

trouble is, my Prado which would be perfect for the trip is a company car, and i dont think the boss will allow me to take it away for 6 months!

...so i'm starting to think about an alternate 4WD vehicle for the trip.

if i have to buy one (very likely) then i would want to cap it at $20k (i'd be flogging it again when i return in Dec/Jan).

Just wondered what suggestions people would have on the best choice of vehicle, it would need to:

- happily tow 750KG of road camper
- be able to cross the simpson and similar..(assuming the camper can!)
- accomodate fridge etc, be comfy for the kids..
- be reliable!

I'm assuming diesel is the go - plus I'd need the usual accessories: bull bar, snorkell, dual battery etc.

as i'd be selling it ater the trip i could spend a bit more than the $20k, if there was a really good reason to do do do.

any suggestions / feedback appreciated.


cheers

[mav Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close mav]

Re: suggestions for $20k budget 4WD for big trip

hi there

me and the fam (wife and 2 kids) are doing a 6 month trip from July this year, heading to the northern/western side and will probably start with a tag along tour across the Simpson.

trouble is, my Prado which would be perfect for the trip is a company car, and i dont think the boss will allow me to take it away for 6 months!

...so i'm starting to think about an alternate 4WD vehicle for the trip.

if i have to buy one (very likely) then i would want to cap it at $20k (i'd be flogging it again when i return in Dec/Jan).

Just wondered what suggestions people would have on the best choice of vehicle, it would need to:

- happily tow 750KG of road camper
- be able to cross the simpson and similar..(assuming the camper can!)
- accomodate fridge etc, be comfy for the kids..
- be reliable!

I'm assuming diesel is the go - plus I'd need the usual accessories: bull bar, snorkell, dual battery etc.

as i'd be selling it ater the trip i could spend a bit more than the $20k, if there was a really good reason to do do do.

any suggestions / feedback appreciated.


cheers

If you are just buying it for the trip then something like this comes in well under budget allowing for you to put good rubber on it and a bullbar and spotties. You would then recoupe your outlay at the end when you sell it.

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/TOYOTA-PRADO-...QQcmdZViewItem

[Lacey Member Find all posts View Profile Close Lacey]

Hi Gilbo,

Just something to keep in mind if you tow a trailer across the Simpson. Although it is allowed, I believe it is discouraged. I also seem to remember if you got stuck somewhere needing help from professionals, ie Rangers etc... they charge you, handsomely, per tyre for towing you out :shock:

I hope I've given the right advice, someone will correct me if I'm wrong ops:

Enjoy your travels anyway. Lucky bugger!

Lacey

[mav Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close mav]

Then again if this is not a misprint and it is in good nick this would have to be the bargain of the day:

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/2002-Toyota-L...QQcmdZViewItem

[leachy_9 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close leachy_9]

In that price range I'd be looking at a turbo diesel 80 series. Should be able to pick up something well decked out and have some change.

Leachy

[Russ WA Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Russ WA]

I would go for a Turbo Diesel 80 series.
I don't think Gas is available every where for petrol/gas converted.
Parts are easy to get if things go wrong and resale will be fantastic.
Plus the cruiser is slightly bigger than the Prado to fit more stuff in.
Russ

[Chippy Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close Chippy]

I'd go for the Turbo Diesel 80 Series ....

... 'cause Leachy and Russ said so :lol: :lol:

Cheers
Chippy

[gilbo Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close gilbo]

thanks guys

re the Simpson trip, we would only do this on a 'tag a long' tour to avoid the expense / hassles of breaking down on our own.

would the 3.4 petrol prado be capable of towing the trailer ?

i was thinking the 80 series TD landcruiser also, or maybe stretch to a 100 series - if i got my money back on resale then the extra expense upfront wouldn't be so much of a problem.

cheers

[Damien Parker Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Damien Parker]

Best of luck finding a turbo 80 series that is in good mechanical order and doesnt have half a million K's on the clock.

I looked for one for months. not that long ago.

[gilbo Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close gilbo]

i agree damien, but may find one with a recent rebuild?? some are around 250k's too, which should be less of a problem??

[mav Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close mav]

They are about as this listing indicates:

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/TOYOTA-LANDCR...QQcmdZViewItem

and then there is this little gem, it has everything done to it for your trip already:

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/1993-TOYOTA-L...QQcmdZViewItem

[Bes Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Bes]

Hi Gilbo,

While a second hand 90 series would be good, if you can get a decent one in your price range, can I also suggest looking at a Holden Jackaroo. Came in either pertol or diesel - both pretty good engines. And cost less than equivalent age Prado's. I had one some years ago and had a very good run - no problems at all.

Cheers, Bes.

[MattWhite Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close MattWhite]

Please Please dont buy a diesel jackaroo! Absolute ****! Trust me, I know. I might get bagged out for this but my first choice of a budget 4wd would be a base model patrol wagon with the 4.2 diesel. Dont be scared to buy a slightly older one that is in better overall nic. Honestly, they are like a truck to drive and aren't that quick at all but if you ever had to touch the drivetrain on one you'd realise they are a truck with a wagon body. 80series are good but I do agree with Damien. By the time they are under $20k they really are clapped out. Anyway, my 2c.

Matt

[gilbo Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close gilbo]

yeah, i think i might get better bang for the buck with a Patrol ?

[D4D Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close D4D]

yeah, i think i might get better bang for the buck with a Patrol ?

x2 (see my sig) :lol: