Family 4wd

New to the site? Introduce yourself, tell us what 4wd(s) you have or your new to 4wding. Ask questions look for tips and hints in here.
Post Reply
slo_mo
Bush Crasher
Posts: 50
Joined: Mon May 08, 2006 12:00 pm
Location: West Auckland

Family 4wd

Post by slo_mo »

Hi all,

I'm in the market for a family friendly-ish 4wd.

I've been pondering the below:

Suzuki Vitara 4dr 1.6
Nissan Terrano 4dr 2.7TD
Isuzu Bighorn 4dr 2.8TD

Price range is 3K max on a stock one to mod later as funds allow.

I've had a XJ Cherokee before and a Isuzu Bighorn, Hilux D/C was happy with them all. The XJ would be to expensive on gas at the moment though. Hilux seemed real thristy for engine size and momentum.
Bighorn was good but had to get rid of for a car to get to work when the turbo went.

Requirements are:
Must be cheap to run more than 7km/L
Have enough space for Missus, baby, doby and gear - could have roof racks to help with gear
Preferably 4dr but not essential
Go on family 4wd trips

Any other makes/models or recommendations from above?

Thank You

Paul
User avatar
Mongoose
Hard Yaka
Posts: 378
Joined: Sun Oct 02, 2005 12:00 pm
Location: Christchurch-ish

Re: Family 4wd

Post by Mongoose »

I'd definitely consider a Pajero too but it won't be quite as good on fuel as the others. They are cheap though and nice trucks to drive.
User avatar
Swamped
Hard Yaka
Posts: 1264
Joined: Sun May 25, 2008 10:19 pm
Location: North Island

Re: Family 4wd

Post by Swamped »

vitaras aren't that flash on gas either I've found (even if your driving nice) for a vehicle of that size.

Of the two left I'd prob go terrano. The bighorns I've seen always had problems of some sort.

Might not be very pretty for 3k??
User avatar
flyingbrick
Hard Yaka
Posts: 1725
Joined: Sun Jan 18, 2009 7:36 pm
Location: Hamilton/Auckland

Re: Family 4wd

Post by flyingbrick »

I second doug- my neighbor has a bighorn and its always having issues. onto its second rebuilt engine now.

Never seem to hear of any issues with the older terrano's and everyone I've met with one says they are way stronger than people give them credit for.

with regards to fuel use- some of the petrol jeeps and landrovers are selling for very nice prices these days and it seems like alot of vehicle for the money. I've seen nice vehicles go for 2k and althrough thirsty- that spare 1,000$ would go a long way towards paying the difference.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motor ... 416913.htm
phone Ross Bolus (secretary of the BOP club) He'll save you.
User avatar
Mongoose
Hard Yaka
Posts: 378
Joined: Sun Oct 02, 2005 12:00 pm
Location: Christchurch-ish

Re: Family 4wd

Post by Mongoose »

I agree with Flyingbrick, I had an XJ Cherokee for a couple of years and they are alot of 4wd for the money. Driven with a bit of care on long journeys I'd get 10k/L out of mine. Round town not so flash though, 5-7k/L depending on right foot. Mine went well off road on stock suspension and 31 all terrains. Galvanised too so they won't rot and very nice road manners.

There were alot of the earlier 2 door Terranos in the 4wd club I used to be a member of and they seemed to go really well and I don't recall seeing any break. The 2.7 is supposed to be pretty good on fuel too, you'd probably get an early 2 door in budget if it's a bit scruffy.
User avatar
radar21
Hard Yaka
Posts: 443
Joined: Fri Nov 02, 2007 12:00 pm
Location: chch

Re: Family 4wd

Post by radar21 »

terrano hands down
scott gibson

1982 SJ410Q datsun a15 engine and disc brakes 31/10.50/15 mt snorkel cert 50mm shakels
slo_mo
Bush Crasher
Posts: 50
Joined: Mon May 08, 2006 12:00 pm
Location: West Auckland

Re: Family 4wd

Post by slo_mo »

User avatar
radar21
Hard Yaka
Posts: 443
Joined: Fri Nov 02, 2007 12:00 pm
Location: chch

Re: Family 4wd

Post by radar21 »

scott gibson

1982 SJ410Q datsun a15 engine and disc brakes 31/10.50/15 mt snorkel cert 50mm shakels
slo_mo
Bush Crasher
Posts: 50
Joined: Mon May 08, 2006 12:00 pm
Location: West Auckland

Re: Family 4wd

Post by slo_mo »

not bad, depends on cartage to West Aucland though
slo_mo
Bush Crasher
Posts: 50
Joined: Mon May 08, 2006 12:00 pm
Location: West Auckland

Re: Family 4wd

Post by slo_mo »

Got me a terrano and seems to be a good one
Time to do some fluids and mods
Post Reply

Return to “New Members and Beginners”