Recommendations for towing?

[Boatie]

Hi, i have been researching for hours trying to find a reliable 4x4 for towing my boat which is 20 foot and aprox 1.5 tonnes loaded up. I have a 3.2 petrol Bighorn for the moment and it's just done the forward clutch, now having to replace the gearbox. My mechanic told me that they are not a great tow vehicle as only have a car transmission and not really built for towing, he said this was also true of the Terrano's. He suggested a 3L TD surf but after everything i read about the cooling / head problems i wouldn't touch one. I would really appreciate some feedback on this, what would you recommend? My budget is $8k so i know options are limited. Done some reading about Safari / Patrol, seems the one to get is the 4.2TD but they are out of my price bracket, same with VX Landcruiser unless i go 4L petrol. What about a 3.5GDI Pajero? never been a mitsi fan to be honest, had a bad run with dodgy transmissions. Your help would be greatly appreciated.
Needs to be Auto, dont care if its petrol or diesel, the bighorn used 20L/100km towing the boat so i'd be happy with similar consumption.

[kbushnz]

Just had this discussion with a guy at work....
Any big distance towing and the 3.0L trucks what ever they are are going to be a compromise...
Nothing beats cubes and torque...
He has seen the light and ditched his Nissan Pathfinder and splashed out on a 80 Series Cruiser.. Nothing flash.... But well worth the coin...

Quick Trademe search .
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-ca ... 441195.htm

[Boatie]

Thanks, what about the petrol safari's or landcruisers? Is the fuel consumption really that horrific?