Cheapest capable 4WD

[headwerkn]

We had a 2005 Rodeo 3.5V6 as a work ute.. had 130000km on the clock and was on either its second or third engine... had all sorts of problems apparently. Was reliable enough during my 18 months with the said company but it wasn't particularly comfortable, well made or fuel efficient.

On the other hand my neighbour has recently upgraded his much loved early 90s Rodeo dual cab for a new Colorado, and wishes he hadn't. The old girl was a good reliable farm vehicle... the Colorado has had constant issues with fuel leaking around the rail/injectors.

[Odo]

What about a 2.4l Navara?
4 cyl economy, better on road than Hilux.
Single cabs and dual cabs available.
Or go the old 2 door Pathfinder.

[RealNick]

Thanks for all the replies guys.

A few of the suggestions I'm a little familiar with a few not at all.

I'll do some research on each so have some grasp of what I'm talking about and get back with questions if/when I find them for those in the know about a particular ride.

[chrispy88]

My work ute is a 2005 diesel Rodeo dual cab 4x4 with 320k on the clock and no signs of dying yet. She is pretty steady from a standing start though.

[FuzzyM]

I vote old hilux. Good bush truck.
Petrol 80 series if you want bigger and comfier but thirsty.

[Westy]

What about a 2.4l Navara?
4 cyl economy, better on road than Hilux.
Single cabs and dual cabs available.
Or go the old 2 door Pathfinder.

RU on Bad JUJU Bro????
Not sure about his one ???
I've heard going Nissan is the going thing
but getting going is another thing????

[Warrigul]

What about a 2.4l Navara?
4 cyl economy, better on road than Hilux.
Single cabs and dual cabs available.
Or go the old 2 door Pathfinder.

I like the old navaras, had a few as work buses, can't kill them

[headspace]

Mate I've spent a lot of time in a wide variety of 4wd's of all descriptions, having been a freelance journo for many years and on a selection panel for 4wd of the year. Hilux's are very good vehicles to be bought second hand, and the V6 is a great petrol motor if you don't want to go diesel. Sorry but I'm not a fan of the earlier Rodeo's and some of the Navara's had clutch problems. The Toyota's only vice is it often transfers gearbox oil from the transfer case into the gearbox but that's easy to keep an eye on. They are usually a bit dearer than most of the others but that's because they hold their value better. Personally I wouldn't touch a Disco, they may be cheap to buy but they are costly to maintain. Quality control was always a problem. If the vehicle you're looking for is in the 10 year bracket I'd be definately looking at a Hilux.
JD

[Westy]

Mate I've spent a lot of time in a wide variety of 4wd's of all descriptions, having been a freelance journo for many years and on a selection panel for 4wd of the year. Hilux's are very good vehicles to be bought second hand, and the V6 is a great petrol motor if you don't want to go diesel. Sorry but I'm not a fan of the earlier Rodeo's and some of the Navara's had clutch problems. The Toyota's only vice is it often transfers gearbox oil from the transfer case into the gearbox but that's easy to keep an eye on. They are usually a bit dearer than most of the others but that's because they hold their value better. Personally I wouldn't touch a Disco, they may be cheap to buy but they are costly to maintain. Quality control was always a problem. If the vehicle you're looking for is in the 10 year bracket I'd be definately looking at a Hilux.
JD

X 2 IMHO Getting there is one thing but remember it's a hell of a walk home!!!!

[Pom]

Petrol 80 series if you want bigger and comfier but thirsty.

With the suspension done they can cover some crazy ground.

[meek]

I'm thinking of getting a cheap bush basher too, what do you guys think of an early 90s Toyota 4Runner?

They go for about $5k.

[meek]

And one more question

Early 90s Land Cruisers are about the same. About 350,000 on the clock seems standard.

What do you guys think of buying one with that many kms on it? I dunno much about how long their engines would last.

[FuzzyM]

And one more question

Early 90s Land Cruisers are about the same. About 350,000 on the clock seems standard.

What do you guys think of buying one with that many kms on it? I dunno much about how long their engines would last.

Engines are probably ok, but deals wear out, suspension components tend to be flogged out and other small items succumb to wear and tear.

[on_one_wheel]

Depends heaps on the last owners, lack of maintenance can take its toll.
I looked at a 1995 250 000k cruiser when I was looking that looked great , had all the bells and whistles but The brake fluid was black and the master clynder was bleeding down,the coolant was just rust and water, the rear diff had bucket loads of play and the electric windows wend down and wouldn’t come up again.
But with good servicing the 80 series engines are known to be good for 1000 000 k with a injector pump rebuild along the way.
The diffs and box should go 500 000 if they are treated gently but will fail easily if thrashed.
It's hard to find a good one with high kays but if you test drive plenty you will eventually find one.

[valkyrie]

ive seen early 90s cruisers with over 800,000 ks on them that still drive new, and some that are f***ed after only 100000. no matter what you get take it for a test drive and see if your happy with it. but a 90s lux would be my pick. simple reliable and cheap to fix or maintain

[SendIt]

I'm thinking of getting a cheap bush basher too, what do you guys think of an early 90s Toyota 4Runner?

Short wheel base patrol would be a good option too if you want something that size.

[chacka]

but a 90s lux would be my pick. simple reliable and cheap to fix or maintain

Seen the Top Hear episode where they thrash the Hilux? Including parking it on a building being demolished and getting it to start after it's imploded and fallen

[Spitpolisher]

I have had quite a few fourbys .. I even had a Lada Niva .. I loved my Daihatsu Rocky - 2.8lt Isuzu motor with a puffer - it went like a scolded cat.. but my Hilux petrol is a fav ... so cheap to repair coz so many people have em and everyone has tricks to make go better .. I vote for a 10 year old Hilux

[veep]

A bit more expensive but not crazy for the older ones (and good value then anyway IMO) but I've had a couple of tours in a Prado the last 2 weeks and rate it.