Are 4WDs becoming too high tech for the Bush?

[rob_macca67 Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close rob_macca67]

I came across this: http://mobile.abc.net.au/news/2014-0...e-bush/5727630


I think we all know the answer this and I doubt anything will change......

[404pug Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close 404pug]

More complex but much more reliable especially if you keep them out of rivers etc. The last point about turning them off and then on again is helpful. On my 120 a stone took out a rear wheel ABS sensor but the net effect was no ABS, Traction Control, Stability control and lights flashing on dash BUT progress not stopped. Birdsville garage plugged in computer and diagnosed problem. I bent the offending sensor closer to its original position and it worked all the way home and for a few more months until it was replaced. [apparently this is not an uncommon problem on stoney roads on Prados, 100 and 200 series. ]

[r4ndll Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close r4ndll]

Bit unfair they kept showing a Prado during the report. Guess I'd better take the techstream along...

[D4Dforme Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close D4Dforme]

Yes they are no doubt........But I'd still rather drive my 200 than my old 1HZ 80 any day of the week........until it breaks down ofcourse.

Dan

[AJ120 Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close AJ120]

As they said 4wdrives or more to the point SUV's are built for the city, going bush is a bit of an after thought.

It is certainly a concern when travelling remote, the days of fixing it with a hammer and a bit of fencing wire are long gone! Having said that even Len Beadell had to have the rescue party come for him once due to an electrical issue in his series one Landrover which were about as simple as you can get.

Cheers Andrew

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

They do show the 150 Prado a lot. lol
Lucky I have a low tech 120 Prado Diesel

[Jaymboze Member Find all posts View Profile Close Jaymboze]

Interesting story.
I don't think its a beat up on the Prado 150 at all, but more of an overview of ALL modern cars including 4wd.
I noticed that they keep mentioning Suv's as opposed to 4wd's which might indicate that a lot of these issues in places like the Gibb river road are more to do with cars like the jeep (soft roaders) seen in the story. I witnessed first hand from my last trip to Fraser Island that some "so called" 4wd's should not be driven in certain places.
On the week we spent on the island we saw and helped out 3 Nissan X-Trails that were in desperate need help, including one which was totally wiped out with the front bumper pushed in and a trail of wiring harness hanging out of the back.
Not computer related I know, but a good example of a vehicle being used well beyond what it was intended for.
If these are the sort of cars people are taking into the outback then there is certainly a lack of education among some drivers.
I'm of the opinion that if you are heading into a remote region then you do need to be prepared for the worst, but in this day and age where all cars now have very elaborate computer systems, there is always going to be an element of risk when it comes to " hi tech".
Sticking to an old troopy might sound like a good idea, but there will always come a time when it will break down and not be repairable in the bush.

[rob_macca67 Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close rob_macca67]

A bit of the Blame can be put onto the Manufacturers and the way they advertise their products..... Ads where they're driving in the remote areas over all types of terrain..... then people buy them expecting that they can do the same......

Interesting story.
I don't think its a beat up on the Prado 150 at all, but more of an overview of ALL modern cars including 4wd.
I noticed that they keep mentioning Suv's as opposed to 4wd's which might indicate that a lot of these issues in places like the Gibb river road are more to do with cars like the jeep (soft roaders) seen in the story. I witnessed first hand from my last trip to Fraser Island that some "so called" 4wd's should not be driven in certain places.
On the week we spent on the island we saw and helped out 3 Nissan X-Trails that were in desperate need help, including one which was totally wiped out with the front bumper pushed in and a trail of wiring harness hanging out of the back.
Not computer related I know, but a good example of a vehicle being used well beyond what it was intended for.
If these are the sort of cars people are taking into the outback then there is certainly a lack of education among some drivers.
I'm of the opinion that if you are heading into a remote region then you do need to be prepared for the worst, but in this day and age where all cars now have very elaborate computer systems, there is always going to be an element of risk when it comes to " hi tech".
Sticking to an old troopy might sound like a good idea, but there will always come a time when it will break down and not be repairable in the bush.

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

Rob,
Yes advertising and reality are two different things. Some recent examples of Toyo refusing water claims, even though said vehicles were at less than the stated allowable wading depth....

Remember when they pushed this hard....

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

Oh man I love that ad.
Wonder what's going to happen in a couple of years when they stop making the 79 series?


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[AJ120 Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close AJ120]

Wonder what's going to happen in a couple of years when they stop making the 79 series?


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I bought almost the last 120 series sold in Australia, I wouldn't take much convincing to do the same when the 70 series ends!

Cheers Andrew

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

I agree. I would love to in a couple of years. Hope they give us a bit of notice.


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[AJ120 Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close AJ120]

I am pretty sure the date has been announced, 2017 rings a bell but don't quote me on that!

Cheers Andrew

[adrian5800 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close adrian5800]

Having said that even Len Beadell had to have the rescue party come for him once due to an electrical issue in his series one Landrover which were about as simple as you can get.

Cheers Andrew

Landrovers of any series are an electrical issue (Lucas the Prince of darkness)
http://www.mez.co.uk/lucas.html


Ades

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

I'll take the high tech Jap over a high or low tech pommy or American piece of driving excellence .