Surf or Safari

[Hiker1]

Hello again, I am looking at getting a 4x4, mainly for hunting, camping, general fun, and also as a semi-daily driver. (Previous post- http://www.offroadexpress.co.nz/Forums/ ... 38&t=26741).
I think it is best if I start off with a wagon to learn in, 1: because they're cheaper and 2: I don't have enough money to get a decent ute, nor a real need for one yet (it is however my eventual goal ).
The two vehicles I am undecided about are a Hilux Surf or a Nissan Safari, can anyone give me some advantages and disadvantages of both, including on and off road ability/limitations, spares/repairs cost, general running costs etc.
Also I would prefer LWB as I like taking passengers and would use a big boot space for firewood, tools, diving gear etc.
Is there any difference in the high roof and low roof safari?
I only want to spend 5 grand. I think that's everything.
Oh and I'm in Tauranga.
Thanks - Andrew

[Filthy4x4]

Hey mate,

I think you have chosen the 2 most expensive 4wd combos

Im not going to go into the list of things I have heard and seen about safaris apart from the LWB is HEAVY and is sometimes a pain to manouvre around in tight spots. I will let the safari owners give you anymore details on that topic.

I own a surf, no other reason except for I always wanted one.

They are very comfy around town and on long trips, cheap to run (diesel) if you can get a good one with a 2.8 and bolt on a turbo setup or a 3.0 diesel then you (hopefully) have a solid engine that will last a while.

I have the 2.4 turbo diesel with wound up fuel and boost (not huge) but it makes a hell of a difference.

My surf at the moment isnt anything special offroad as it doesnt have the best muddies on it, but it does suprise me quite often just how far it gets when given the boot


My suggestion is try before you buy, and get a good mechanics opinion (especially with a surf).

Cheers

Caleb

[crazyclark31]

i'd also look at a deisel pajero. if you look around you can pic up a difflock model for around $5k. They have a really strong driveline and are surpisingly good offroad aswell as comfy onroad.
Lwb safaris are really heavy(I know as i've got one ) but are strong and go forever.You'd be lucky to find even a semi good one for under $6k

[jakwoo39]

ok another opinion

Surf
good all rounder
room to sleep in
IFS (so not so good offroad)
unless you get one with a 1kz motor they are slow
and the 2.4's are famous for blowing up

Safari
even in swb these are very heavy, 1/2 ton heavier than swb landcruiser equivalent
good strong motors
and solid front axle so you can really get them flexing

or a 3rd option
Toyota landcruiser
these tend to be cheaper than safaris and go just as well offroad
they also have reliable motors and plenty of power

[Hiker1]

Thanks guys, I've stayed away from Pajero's as I've hears bad things about them, same with Terrano's (expensive to replace wing mirrors etc). Am I limiting my options too much?
So far I'm thinking a surf is my favourite option, the only reoccurring points about them are the weak 2.4 engines and being limited by IFS.

[snork]

i have a kzn130

Admitilly the ifs lets it down offroading. but its gone virtually everywhere ive wanted it to go. maybe a couple of attempts at it, but its got thru.
Parts are cheap too

Put a locker in it and its even better

[DaveM]

So far I have had:
2.4 surf, treated well, always serviced and still cracked it's head. OK to drive, but fairly underpowered, and the IFS let it down off road.

SWB GQ safari's 4.2 (have had 4), plenty of low down grunt, great off road, a little heavy, but bullet proof, and easy to mod for better off road capability.

SWB GU 2.8T, nicer looking IMO, but gutless as fark unless the turbo has spooled up.

SWB GQ 4.2T, good power, and same advantages as any GQ.

VX Landcruiser was nice on road, still good off, but wasn't happy with the motor, and handbrake was a real PITA for having to keep adjusting.

94 Prado, not too bad on power, drives well on road, haven't used off road, but have just sold as I'm not prepared to fork out $$ WHEN the head cracks.

Now looking at a LWB Safari, which for me, would be best for room, not bad comfort wise, but pretty damn hard to beat for reliability.

[T-Boon]

I weighed up the exact same question when I was looking down to those two.

I went surf because they were a lot cheaper, and if anything breaks on it, its really cheap to find a replacement.

[kbjj]

You know what you want to use it for, so buy something that won't break, not something thats cheap to fix IMHO. You will end up pushing your truck harder than first expected at times. Recovery's from the middle of nowhere can be expensive.

[daynehrn]

The solid front axle is definately a plus in the Safari if you are doing a bit of serious stuff as IFS cv's don't seem to last long with larger tyres but I will say if you are looking for A Safari Trade me is a waste of time, even rough ones are 5k +, ask around if you want one and find one privately, I got a mint LWB wof and reg nearly no rust for $2100!!!

[taz01]

how much you want to spend?

[FORGE1]

The solid front axle is definately a plus in the Safari if you are doing a bit of serious stuff as IFS cv's don't seem to last long with larger tyres but I will say if you are looking for A Safari Trade me is a waste of time, even rough ones are 5k +, ask around if you want one and find one privately, I got a mint LWB wof and reg nearly no rust for $2100!!!

I agree I picked up a LWB Safari Turbo manual one for $2800 privately

I just got a older MK (1986) Safari for $1200 privately