Hi all.
I'm from Wellington, new to the forum and I'm looking at getting into a bit of off-roading. Nothing too serious, no winch challenges or anything like that, just going out with the local 4wd club on their "family shiny" or "shiny 4x4" graded trips. I'm looking for a vehicle that would be suitable for this and that I can live with as a daily driver also.
I saw this Hilux on Trade Me and was wondering what you guys thought about it: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing ... &district=
I know the milage is high so I've E-mailed the seller asking if they can provide any service history, in particular for the head, turbo, cooling system, diesel pump and injectors. Is there anything else I should be asking about?
I'd be grateful for any advice from the forum on this vehicle or weather people think I might be better off buying an older model Hilux and spending a bit of cash on some basic mods ilke a modest suspension lift and some decent mud tyres.
Thanks
Newbie from wellington asks would you buy this?
Re: Newbie from wellington asks would you buy this?
Hi Gyxx, Cheap enough ------- would I buy it ?, depends on how it runs, It's history and will it do what you expect from it 
, what do you expect from it ??. How much work can you do to the vehicle yourself ?. As a club shiny you will still need to throw another 2-3k at it and after a few trips won't look so Shiny. Take advice from someone who started the same as you and has got all the T shirts and Hats 
, get to know the 4WD locals and jump in as a passenger on a few trips then re write your list and see what vehicle still "TICKS" all the boxes. Once you start --- in fact once you think about it ---
YOUR ADDICTED,
FITZY.
, what do you expect from it ??. How much work can you do to the vehicle yourself ?. As a club shiny you will still need to throw another 2-3k at it and after a few trips won't look so Shiny. Take advice from someone who started the same as you and has got all the T shirts and Hats , get to know the 4WD locals and jump in as a passenger on a few trips then re write your list and see what vehicle still "TICKS" all the boxes. Once you start --- in fact once you think about it ---YOUR ADDICTED,
FITZY.
Re: Newbie from wellington asks would you buy this?
Hi Smokey thanks for your reply.
Basically if I spend more than $5 or$6K on a vehicle it'll have to do double duty as my daily driver and weekend toy.
I've thought about maybe a Discovery or a Cherokee as a weekend toy because they're so cheap and would leave me a bit more cash to throw at them for mods without blowing the budget. Only thing is every time I mention those names to people they look at me as if I've just walked into McDonalds and asked for a Whale burger with a side of Panda fries.
I think I'll probably need a long wheel base so I can fit wife, kids and gear in the back so that narrows the options down a bit.
Would a bog stock Hilux with a 2 inch lift and some decent tyres be ok as a club truck? As I said I don't want to go really hard-core on the 4 wheeling but I certainly don't want to be the bloke who comes along on a trip and needs to be pulled out of everything mildly challenging because they're driving a Remuera tractor.
Basically if I spend more than $5 or$6K on a vehicle it'll have to do double duty as my daily driver and weekend toy.
I've thought about maybe a Discovery or a Cherokee as a weekend toy because they're so cheap and would leave me a bit more cash to throw at them for mods without blowing the budget. Only thing is every time I mention those names to people they look at me as if I've just walked into McDonalds and asked for a Whale burger with a side of Panda fries.
I think I'll probably need a long wheel base so I can fit wife, kids and gear in the back so that narrows the options down a bit.
Would a bog stock Hilux with a 2 inch lift and some decent tyres be ok as a club truck? As I said I don't want to go really hard-core on the 4 wheeling but I certainly don't want to be the bloke who comes along on a trip and needs to be pulled out of everything mildly challenging because they're driving a Remuera tractor.
Re: Newbie from wellington asks would you buy this?
Welcome.
As below, your expectations will change on your first trip out.
Some things to consider though is, that truck has airbags. You really don't want airbags. As well as other issues it limits the bull bars you WILL be wanting to put on it. You may also find ABS brakes not helpful while offroad. Also probably better to get something with less plastic bits hanging off the outside. The plastic bits will get all broken up no matter how careful you are. If I was looking at spending money on a truck, I would be aiming at something a little less spec'ed.
Just my opinion of course.
Jase.
As below, your expectations will change on your first trip out.
Some things to consider though is, that truck has airbags. You really don't want airbags. As well as other issues it limits the bull bars you WILL be wanting to put on it. You may also find ABS brakes not helpful while offroad. Also probably better to get something with less plastic bits hanging off the outside. The plastic bits will get all broken up no matter how careful you are. If I was looking at spending money on a truck, I would be aiming at something a little less spec'ed.
Just my opinion of course.
Jase.
Men do not quit playing because they get old.
They grow old because they quit playing.
They grow old because they quit playing.
Re: Newbie from wellington asks would you buy this?
Hi Jase, thanks for your reply.
I hear what you're saying about the ABS and airbags. I had wondered about how all the modern safety gear affected things when the going got tough.
I had been looking at the mid-ninties Prados and the like but I'd still need to throw money at them to make them suitable for off-road and frankly they're so pretty I think I'd probably cry the first time I scratched one.
I think perhaps an older model Hilux (pre-96) might be the ticket.
I'm a bit out of touch - last time I did any off-roading Defenders were still a new thing and people were only just starting to take the Japanese vehicles seriously. My how times change.
I suppose a short-wheelbase with a manual box is the best combo for off-road but I need room for kids and gear and manuals (that haven't been totally thrashed) seem to be pretty few and far between.
Hey also if anyone in Wellingtons selling a vehicle that they think might tick the boxes I'd be happy to hear from them.
Thanks...
I hear what you're saying about the ABS and airbags. I had wondered about how all the modern safety gear affected things when the going got tough.
I had been looking at the mid-ninties Prados and the like but I'd still need to throw money at them to make them suitable for off-road and frankly they're so pretty I think I'd probably cry the first time I scratched one.
I think perhaps an older model Hilux (pre-96) might be the ticket.
I'm a bit out of touch - last time I did any off-roading Defenders were still a new thing and people were only just starting to take the Japanese vehicles seriously. My how times change.
I suppose a short-wheelbase with a manual box is the best combo for off-road but I need room for kids and gear and manuals (that haven't been totally thrashed) seem to be pretty few and far between.
Hey also if anyone in Wellingtons selling a vehicle that they think might tick the boxes I'd be happy to hear from them.
Thanks...
-
mudlva
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Re: Newbie from wellington asks would you buy this?
tgaguy1 wrote:Welcome.
As below, your expectations will change on your first trip out.
Some things to consider though is, that truck has airbags. You really don't want airbags. As well as other issues it limits the bull bars you WILL be wanting to put on it. You may also find ABS brakes not helpful while offroad. Also probably better to get something with less plastic bits hanging off the outside. The plastic bits will get all broken up no matter how careful you are. If I was looking at spending money on a truck, I would be aiming at something a little less spec'ed.
Just my opinion of course.
Jase.
yep what he said
we have a base model kzn185 with no plastic and we still ripped the mud-flaps off
apart from that yes the air-bags and abs have been a hindrance in doing mods and in the end i set up a portable electric winch set up which we then carried in the back
aside from that it has been a awesome family wagon and yes, it is still being used as a d/d by the misses,
couldn't say whether it is a good price or not, but it does say that our wagon isn't worth what i thought it was worth looking at that wagon
the 185 model supposed to had the better head and cooling set up then the earlier models
Re: Newbie from wellington asks would you buy this?
Hi Mudlva.
'Scuse my ignorance but I'm not sure about the model numbers. I think the KZ is the 3 litre diesel. Is the 185 the model that came out in 96?
To be honest the main attraction for that model for me is the more station-wagon like rear tailgate which seems a lot more user friendly. By that I mean my wife's less likely to complain about what a hassle it is to load the groceries into the back.
I didn't realise their were any changes to the engine/ cooling system but if they're regarded as being better/ more reliable than the previous generations I'd probably keep looking at them.
'Scuse my ignorance but I'm not sure about the model numbers. I think the KZ is the 3 litre diesel. Is the 185 the model that came out in 96?
To be honest the main attraction for that model for me is the more station-wagon like rear tailgate which seems a lot more user friendly. By that I mean my wife's less likely to complain about what a hassle it is to load the groceries into the back.
I didn't realise their were any changes to the engine/ cooling system but if they're regarded as being better/ more reliable than the previous generations I'd probably keep looking at them.
-
mudlva
- Hard Yaka
- Posts: 2918
- Joined: Mon Apr 16, 2007 12:00 pm
- Location: fixing another cv!! dam lockers (Papakura)
Re: Newbie from wellington asks would you buy this?
dunno about that apart from when ever i get parts its for a KZN185 with a 1KZ motor in it, sort of makes sense when you mention it the way you did...
anyway i was also informed that the 185 engine had heat and cooling issues from previous 130 and earlier models sorted.
ours is creeping real fast to the 300k make and still running strong (touch wood)
we are running 31" muds with a two inch lift and pretty much standard otherwise bar the extra pin stripping down the sides oh and the lack of mud-flaps 
anyway i was also informed that the 185 engine had heat and cooling issues from previous 130 and earlier models sorted.
ours is creeping real fast to the 300k make and still running strong (touch wood)
we are running 31" muds with a two inch lift and pretty much standard otherwise bar the extra pin stripping down the sides
oh and the lack of mud-flaps Re: Newbie from wellington asks would you buy this?
Hey all thanks for the replies I'm starting to get a better idea of the sort of beastie I'll be needing.
It seems like whatever vehicle I end up with I'll need to have it raised a couple of inches and throw on some decent muds tyres if I want to head out with the 4 wheel drive club without getting stuck on a regular basis.
I had been cautioned about the head issue on the KZ motor and that was about the only concern I'd have when it comes to buying a Hilux especially a higher milage one. if the post 96 models are meant to be better in that regard that's a pretty good selling point.
So I suppose I have to weigh up the pros and cons of the earlier or later model Hiluxes.
So what do people reckon then older or newer???
And is having it raised a couple of inches a major that requires certification or is it reasonably straight foward?
It seems like whatever vehicle I end up with I'll need to have it raised a couple of inches and throw on some decent muds tyres if I want to head out with the 4 wheel drive club without getting stuck on a regular basis.
I had been cautioned about the head issue on the KZ motor and that was about the only concern I'd have when it comes to buying a Hilux especially a higher milage one. if the post 96 models are meant to be better in that regard that's a pretty good selling point.
So I suppose I have to weigh up the pros and cons of the earlier or later model Hiluxes.
So what do people reckon then older or newer???
And is having it raised a couple of inches a major that requires certification or is it reasonably straight foward?
Re: Newbie from wellington asks would you buy this?
Gyxx wrote:
'Scuse my ignorance but I'm not sure about the model numbers. I think the KZ is the 3 litre diesel. Is the 185 the model that came out in 96?
yeah roughly.
the old 2.4 turbo model is the ln130. i think about 93 they come out with kzn130 which is same chassis but with 1kz engine. then they brought out kzn185 which keep the 1kz engine but changed the chassis.
there is also a few face lift versions through the year as well.
toyota model number is the engine code then the chassis code.
afaik they all have overheating problems which is the main cause of the head cracking.
Re: Newbie from wellington asks would you buy this?
that's a pretty straight truck for the money. If it had had a new head on it, i suggest they would be listing for around 8.5k.
It also has a set of good mud tires on it(the hankook dynapro MT has won more than one "mega mud tire test" eg 2008 UK and 2011 USA) though the tread may possibly be getting down(hard to judge from those photos). These tires are currently $305 each.
There is a number of things that can be done to prevent/reduce the chances of the head cracking. Excellent cooling system maintenance,new coolant, new thermostat,radiator remove and core clean, transmission cooler(bypassing the one in the radiator). some have suggested the transcooler in the radiator actually blocks water flow. you can check by looking in the bottom radiator hose attachment nipple- it's either partially blocking it or not, depending on radiator.
Bigger diameter down pipe off the turbo, and exhaust system help shed the exhaust heat more quickly.
Also note, that the intercooled versions seem to crack heads much less frequently. I know of seven that average 500,000km, that have not had head repairs. Though i suspect the intercooled versions may be out of your price range(assuming they are tidy and DON'T have half a million km on them!)
I'm really enjoying my 185 series surf as a daily driver,suits a mix of work/play/family. If you intend using the rear a LOT, i suggest you buy a "wheel under" version ie, the spare wheel is stored underneath, so you don't need to move the swingarm out of the way to lift the tailgate all the time.
I too am a little concerned about the flares being susceptable to bush and rut damage, as i want to do a little bit of fourwheeling at about the same level as you(maybe two group outings a year?)
I do not want to fit a winch, a bull bar would be nice, but expensive.(currently have the same nudge bar as the trademe ad you linked to.)
As for the ABS and airbags being a hindrance, i chose the 185 series because they DO have these features, as my family's on-road safety was a higher priority than any offroading aspirations i may harbour.
all the best with your purchase decisions. If you do decide a surf maybe the way to go, then this one is certainly worth getting checked over. I can't recall a cheaper KZN185 being offered in recent times. I have seen one cheaper(private sale), but it was totally flogged.
BTW i think i may take the advice above, and try to get a ride on one of the welly crew's trips before i decide if i want to modify mine further than planned. (have got mud tires, and am putting in a tightened LSD)
all the best.
It also has a set of good mud tires on it(the hankook dynapro MT has won more than one "mega mud tire test" eg 2008 UK and 2011 USA) though the tread may possibly be getting down(hard to judge from those photos). These tires are currently $305 each.
There is a number of things that can be done to prevent/reduce the chances of the head cracking. Excellent cooling system maintenance,new coolant, new thermostat,radiator remove and core clean, transmission cooler(bypassing the one in the radiator). some have suggested the transcooler in the radiator actually blocks water flow. you can check by looking in the bottom radiator hose attachment nipple- it's either partially blocking it or not, depending on radiator.
Bigger diameter down pipe off the turbo, and exhaust system help shed the exhaust heat more quickly.
Also note, that the intercooled versions seem to crack heads much less frequently. I know of seven that average 500,000km, that have not had head repairs. Though i suspect the intercooled versions may be out of your price range(assuming they are tidy and DON'T have half a million km on them!)
I'm really enjoying my 185 series surf as a daily driver,suits a mix of work/play/family. If you intend using the rear a LOT, i suggest you buy a "wheel under" version ie, the spare wheel is stored underneath, so you don't need to move the swingarm out of the way to lift the tailgate all the time.
I too am a little concerned about the flares being susceptable to bush and rut damage, as i want to do a little bit of fourwheeling at about the same level as you(maybe two group outings a year?)
I do not want to fit a winch, a bull bar would be nice, but expensive.(currently have the same nudge bar as the trademe ad you linked to.)
As for the ABS and airbags being a hindrance, i chose the 185 series because they DO have these features, as my family's on-road safety was a higher priority than any offroading aspirations i may harbour.
all the best with your purchase decisions. If you do decide a surf maybe the way to go, then this one is certainly worth getting checked over. I can't recall a cheaper KZN185 being offered in recent times. I have seen one cheaper(private sale), but it was totally flogged.
BTW i think i may take the advice above, and try to get a ride on one of the welly crew's trips before i decide if i want to modify mine further than planned. (have got mud tires, and am putting in a tightened LSD)
all the best.
Last edited by BlakeNZ on Sun Jul 07, 2013 9:51 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Newbie from wellington asks would you buy this?
OK thanks for that.
There was an older (130 series ?) surf on Trade Me for sale alreay fitted on with a lift kit, mud tyres tyres and quite a nice ARB (I think) bullbar with a winch. I think the guy was in Wanganui and wanted about $6 and a half K for it.
I would have snapped it up if it had been a 1KZ but it was a petrol with quite a few miles on it.
I'm not too worried about the difference in running costs but I've heard that the petrols had a really bad rep for doing their heads in.
Apart from the running cost issue is there any reason to choose a diesel over a petrol engine?
BTW --- Don't read the Dog and Lemon guide or all you'll ever buy is a Toyota Corolla...
There was an older (130 series ?) surf on Trade Me for sale alreay fitted on with a lift kit, mud tyres tyres and quite a nice ARB (I think) bullbar with a winch. I think the guy was in Wanganui and wanted about $6 and a half K for it.
I would have snapped it up if it had been a 1KZ but it was a petrol with quite a few miles on it.
I'm not too worried about the difference in running costs but I've heard that the petrols had a really bad rep for doing their heads in.
Apart from the running cost issue is there any reason to choose a diesel over a petrol engine?
BTW --- Don't read the Dog and Lemon guide or all you'll ever buy is a Toyota Corolla...
Re: Newbie from wellington asks would you buy this?
Hey Blake my last poat was before I read yours, thanks for taking the time to write such a detailed reply.
I thought this one looks like a good deal I suppose weather it is or not will come down to the service history the seller can provide.
I thought this one looks like a good deal I suppose weather it is or not will come down to the service history the seller can provide.
Re: Newbie from wellington asks would you buy this?
if I was to do it all again, and were just wanting a family club truck ide look at a Cherokee, can pick them up for $3k, spend $3k on it and you got a tidy fast reliable comfortable family truck with a solid front end
and before the haters get on board, this is just as a family club truck, Hilux still all the way
but for the price of that surf being super high ks, and ifs it realy doesn't have much going for it when you could buy a truck for half the price then spend $3k on it and be done
and before the haters get on board, this is just as a family club truck, Hilux still all the way
but for the price of that surf being super high ks, and ifs it realy doesn't have much going for it when you could buy a truck for half the price then spend $3k on it and be done
Re: Newbie from wellington asks would you buy this?
One thing i didn't mention, was that a 1996 hilux doublecab with the same km as that surf will cost you about $12k! Go figure.(manual trans vs auto is one reason).
This forum is probably the best place to pick up a truck that's already kitted out.
This forum is probably the best place to pick up a truck that's already kitted out.
Re: Newbie from wellington asks would you buy this?
Hi JDub.
I was thinking about a Cherokee because they're so damn cheap that I'd easily have enough cash left to spend on kitting one out, and they do have that solid front axle on them which is a plus offroad.
I've even taken a couple out for a spin and after driving them I'd have to say that for myself they'd definately fall into the weekend toy category as I don't think I'd want to live with one as a daily driver.
The only real dealbreaker for me as far as a Cherokee is concerned is that reverse Tardis thing they've got going on where they're so much smaller on this inside then they appear to be from the outside. I don't think I could really fit the family in with enough gear for a weekend away.
I've been doing my homework on the KZN185s and at this point I'm wondering beneath the skin how different they really are from the Prados of a similar vintage.
One other thing with the Hiluxs is the length in the back when you drop the rear seats. I haven't tried it yet but I think I'd be able to fit in the back to take a nap which would be really handy for those late night arrivals and early morning hunts.
Paradox of choice ay...
Pity you can't get hold of those little Ladas anymore. Man they were awful in some ways but by crikey they were the best value for money you'd have ever got in terms of off-road competance out of the box.
I was thinking about a Cherokee because they're so damn cheap that I'd easily have enough cash left to spend on kitting one out, and they do have that solid front axle on them which is a plus offroad.
I've even taken a couple out for a spin and after driving them I'd have to say that for myself they'd definately fall into the weekend toy category as I don't think I'd want to live with one as a daily driver.
The only real dealbreaker for me as far as a Cherokee is concerned is that reverse Tardis thing they've got going on where they're so much smaller on this inside then they appear to be from the outside. I don't think I could really fit the family in with enough gear for a weekend away.
I've been doing my homework on the KZN185s and at this point I'm wondering beneath the skin how different they really are from the Prados of a similar vintage.
One other thing with the Hiluxs is the length in the back when you drop the rear seats. I haven't tried it yet but I think I'd be able to fit in the back to take a nap which would be really handy for those late night arrivals and early morning hunts.
Paradox of choice ay...
Pity you can't get hold of those little Ladas anymore. Man they were awful in some ways but by crikey they were the best value for money you'd have ever got in terms of off-road competance out of the box.
Re: Newbie from wellington asks would you buy this?
Yeah the Suzuki SJ stitched that segment up pretty quickly, the Russians got confused.
Cherokee, well made vehicle, they sold a ton of em, good choice for your needs IMO. Very unique in that it has a unibody construction and a solid front axle. Good enginez, good gearboxes, plenty of spares in Nz, good tight positrac diffs on some of them, good offroad credentials. Nice and light too. Thpe original compact SUV, quite a cleverly designed machine indeed.
Cherokee, well made vehicle, they sold a ton of em, good choice for your needs IMO. Very unique in that it has a unibody construction and a solid front axle. Good enginez, good gearboxes, plenty of spares in Nz, good tight positrac diffs on some of them, good offroad credentials. Nice and light too. Thpe original compact SUV, quite a cleverly designed machine indeed.
TOYOTA - The Official Vehicle of ISIS!
And makers of the '92 Camry, where you got your first backseat handjob.
And makers of the '92 Camry, where you got your first backseat handjob.
Re: Newbie from wellington asks would you buy this?
Hey all.
Just wanted to say thanks to everyone who's taken the time to respond to my post and share the benefit of their experience.
It'd be a lot easier to decide what sort of 4wd to get if I wanted it only as an off-road toy or only as a daily driver. I guess if I want something that can do both I'm going to have to compromise somewhere.
I contacted the Cross Country Vehicle Club through their webpage and asked pretty much the same question I asked here so hopefully they'll be able to give me a steer in the right direction. Basically I just don't want to spend all my money and something and end up wishing I'd bought something else.
Thanks again
And if anyones selling in Wellington please feel free to get hold of me.
Just wanted to say thanks to everyone who's taken the time to respond to my post and share the benefit of their experience.
It'd be a lot easier to decide what sort of 4wd to get if I wanted it only as an off-road toy or only as a daily driver. I guess if I want something that can do both I'm going to have to compromise somewhere.
I contacted the Cross Country Vehicle Club through their webpage and asked pretty much the same question I asked here so hopefully they'll be able to give me a steer in the right direction. Basically I just don't want to spend all my money and something and end up wishing I'd bought something else.
Thanks again
And if anyones selling in Wellington please feel free to get hold of me.
Re: Newbie from wellington asks would you buy this?
Yeah I've thought about the double cabs but I figured if I go for something with a solid front I might as well go all the way and get a SWB cruiser.
I got hold of the guy selling the Hilux and I'm going to go and have a look at it tomorrow. He thinks a previous owner did the head at about 200k but no paperwork so I suppose I'll just have to give it a good check over and use my best judgement...
I got hold of the guy selling the Hilux and I'm going to go and have a look at it tomorrow. He thinks a previous owner did the head at about 200k but no paperwork so I suppose I'll just have to give it a good check over and use my best judgement...
Re: Newbie from wellington asks would you buy this?
why the interest in a standard surf with such high ks?
Re: Newbie from wellington asks would you buy this?
Hi again JDub.
Well for the one I listed it's mainly the price. Other 3rd gen Hiluxes are selling for quite a bit more, anywhere from about $8K - $12K depending on milage and condition. I've heard a lot of people say that once the head's been done (with the proper improved Toyota head) that the engines will truck on forever as long as you do the proper maintenance, especially to the cooling system. My instinct though says that 344Ks is pretty high for any passenger vehicle and I'd be better of going for a 2nd gen at a similar price with a lower milage. That's why I thought I'd ask what people thought on the forum.
The 3rd gen Hiluxs do have a few features that make them a bit more comfortable as a daily driver such as the coilover front end and the station-wagon style rear door. The Jury's out on weather - for my intended purpose - ABS and airbags are an asset or a liability. Having said all that though what I end up buying will depend on what's available at the time at the right price.
I'm kinda torn between buying something cheap and competant offroad (like a Cherokee) and throwing the money I'd save at the extra bits - rims, tyres, bar, winch etc and having it for a weekend toy or buying something a bit more upmarket that I could realistically expect to be a bit more of an allrounder.
I also have the Senate Finance Committee overseeing the expenditure and what she defines as a "buying a new car" will be a lot easier to justify that what she may define as "buying a toy".
Well for the one I listed it's mainly the price. Other 3rd gen Hiluxes are selling for quite a bit more, anywhere from about $8K - $12K depending on milage and condition. I've heard a lot of people say that once the head's been done (with the proper improved Toyota head) that the engines will truck on forever as long as you do the proper maintenance, especially to the cooling system. My instinct though says that 344Ks is pretty high for any passenger vehicle and I'd be better of going for a 2nd gen at a similar price with a lower milage. That's why I thought I'd ask what people thought on the forum.
The 3rd gen Hiluxs do have a few features that make them a bit more comfortable as a daily driver such as the coilover front end and the station-wagon style rear door. The Jury's out on weather - for my intended purpose - ABS and airbags are an asset or a liability. Having said all that though what I end up buying will depend on what's available at the time at the right price.
I'm kinda torn between buying something cheap and competant offroad (like a Cherokee) and throwing the money I'd save at the extra bits - rims, tyres, bar, winch etc and having it for a weekend toy or buying something a bit more upmarket that I could realistically expect to be a bit more of an allrounder.
I also have the Senate Finance Committee overseeing the expenditure and what she defines as a "buying a new car" will be a lot easier to justify that what she may define as "buying a toy".
Re: Newbie from wellington asks would you buy this?
This could fit your bill. Will sell for market value not some dreamer price. Keep in mind you may need to do a head on it just like many of the other turbo diesel's of this vintage.
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-ca ... 904440.htm
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-ca ... 904440.htm
Re: Newbie from wellington asks would you buy this?
Hi.
Thanks for the steer. The one with all the offroad bits and bobs looks just like the sort of thing I'd be into buying for a weekend toy only 2 probelms though. First and foremost I'm in Wellington so viewing would be a bit of an issue and I'd never buy a vehicle sight unseen and secondly although I'm reasonably familiar with the old Buick V8 I don't know a damn thing about LR diesels.
Thanks
Thanks for the steer. The one with all the offroad bits and bobs looks just like the sort of thing I'd be into buying for a weekend toy only 2 probelms though. First and foremost I'm in Wellington so viewing would be a bit of an issue and I'd never buy a vehicle sight unseen and secondly although I'm reasonably familiar with the old Buick V8 I don't know a damn thing about LR diesels.
Thanks
Re: Newbie from wellington asks would you buy this?
I'd better get my hands on something soon, I keep looking longingly at this one off my TM watchlist.
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/cars/to ... 010311.htm
The wife would skin me alive though.......
Never fit a good stag in the back anyhow......
Mind you... ARB locker in the back... No extra cash needed as all the bits are already there....
Ah phooey - I'd cry the first time a bush touched it....
*** Ahhh FFS someone else buy this before I do and end up divorced!!!
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/cars/to ... 010311.htm
The wife would skin me alive though.......
Never fit a good stag in the back anyhow......
Mind you... ARB locker in the back... No extra cash needed as all the bits are already there....
Ah phooey - I'd cry the first time a bush touched it....
*** Ahhh FFS someone else buy this before I do and end up divorced!!!
Re: Newbie from wellington asks would you buy this?
You could also look at getting a Isuzu, like a bighorn or a wizard (Not new ones with 4jx1 motor) The 4jg2 and 4jb1 motors are great! My last wizard went well on club trips, i had 2" lift, LSD and bullbar and had no problem, good economy too, and plenty of room. oh and just pick another wizard up for 2k, they are pretty cheap these days. cheers
Re: Newbie from wellington asks would you buy this?
well if your budget has suddenly stretched, perhaps you look at the 4.7l V8 Surf on trade me.Bullbars, big wheels etc. $9k.
Re: Newbie from wellington asks would you buy this?
Yeah I think I know the one you mean - had a different coloured bonnet? Now that one really would fall into the weekend toy category for me (just on the running costs alone), whereas the Prado I pictured above I could live with as a daily driver and sell to the Senate Finance Comittee as having saved money by having all the goody bits already fitted rather than having to buy them separately - Well I could try at least 
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...Re: Newbie from wellington asks would you buy this?
Awww......Shiny......
Might have to have a look-see at that one.
- Actually I had heard that one was coming up, didn't realise it had hit the site yet-
Eeekkk 20L/100K...! Definitely for the weekend.... Still, a lot less likely to cost me my marriage than the Prado I've been lusting at lately.
I'll PM him - thanks for the heads up.
Might have to have a look-see at that one.
- Actually I had heard that one was coming up, didn't realise it had hit the site yet-
Eeekkk 20L/100K...! Definitely for the weekend.... Still, a lot less likely to cost me my marriage than the Prado I've been lusting at lately.
I'll PM him - thanks for the heads up.