Cheap economical 4x4's

[bladeracer]

My grandson is getting his learners permit this week. He's much more interested in bikes than cars, but Vic won't let him ride bikes for another two years so we need a car for him. He's at TAFE doing construction so I'm leaning toward more of a work vehicle than a sedan, and as we're in the bush, 4x4 would be very handy.

I'm thinking of the Sierra, Jimny, Rav4, Vitara and other such vehicles. Needs to be cheap, manual, reliable but easy to work on (he's enjoying swinging spanners as well), and economical on fuel (petrol, not diesel). I'm a big fan of the G13B engine so would be especially happy with any of the G-series engines.

I'm familiar with the Suzukis but which other vehicles should I be looking at?

[9.3x64]

If I was in that situation I would buy a Jimny or Sierra.
Keep it simple.

[bladeracer]

If I was in that situation I would buy a Jimny or Sierra.
Keep it simple.

Yep, that's certainly where I'm leaning, but I don't want to miss out on something that might be better simply because I'm unaware of it

A local bloke here tears around the bush tracks in a Vitara, he's gets in and out of places I wouldn't dare take the Landcruiser, but I have heard that it's not exactly a stock standard vehicle.

[GQshayne]

I think the Vitara is where I would start looking. A step up from the old Sierra, and not Jimny money for the same driveline pretty much.