Offroad-Express

i own a 2.7 terrano already but need to keep it unmodified, reliable and tidy for work and days out ect, i actually really like the truck and its good on diesel. anyway i am looking for a cheap truck around $3000 plus $2000 to modify and use for offroad but legal aswell, want petrol for the grunt. i have narrowed it down to a few trucks which i know everyone will have there own opinion on but, i have watched alot of vids and the terrano v6 seems to be pretty capable and will do all i need it to, after all i am not doing winch challenges. would like your opinions and ideas. the other trucks i was considering are pajero swb, bighorn swb, i know the solid axle is best such as cruisers/safaris but these trucks tend to be alot older/rougher and command higher prices and this will be a third car to run for us.

Had a V6 terrano, glad I aint got it now with fule prices. Went places, was modded though. Kept breaking too much gear so moved to safari. Mate of mine picked up a tidy 88 safari for $3200 the other day. Go the safari, keep an eye out. Cheaper in the long run.
A

I'm with al on this , to much work on the torrano steering tends to bend arms ect

I had one to now have gone the same way as Al But have got some near new thuff dog shocks and rear spring that i will sell if someone needs them

Ive gota 92 terrano, 2.7 turbo diesel tho, 2inch lift running 31 inch muds n there anit many places she wont go.

I think it pends on how u drive it, will show how much parts u go through, no truck will take no stop abuse with out giving way. Its pretty easy to pick up parts on trademe for it.

as for the the pajero swb or bighorn swb, Any swb debately better for offroad easyier to move round same as the swb safari, but you have to way that up as to how much shit u gona carry offrd, fit 4 people in a swb as all you gear for a day trip n shel b pretty back, but if its mainly gona be you n one other then swb could b a goer, also I personally hate two doors with back seat passangers always havin to move for them to get in and out - plus i kinda think its a safety thing those guys in the back cant xactly bail that fast if you need to get out the truck quick.

I dont no that much bot the bighorns but i think they not that easy to get aftermarket accessories for them like lockers n lift kits - thou i may be wrong

Well theres my 2 cents for ya.

there anit many places she wont go

I colud take you places where we could kill it in 5 mins. They are a relatively capable truck but do have their limits.

no truck will take no stop abuse with out giving way

That's why alot of us ex terrano drivers now drive safaris. You can seriously punish these trucks and still get home, just look at the Haast video.
You will find that there is minimal difference if any at all in the whellbase between a safari and a terrano. SWB and LWB have both there advantages and disadvantages. Yes a shortie is better in tight places, but get on a very steep downhill and I bet you wish you were in a LWB.
Al

oh not much positive about the terrano then. ok, trouble is that safs rarely come up below $6 k well espeicially on trade me, and where else is there if your not in the trade? most dealers are total thieves looking to retire on one sale alone.

Well I for one love my Terrano and I wont be trading it in on anything else in the foreseeable future.
It does what I want it to and if the going is too much, I find an easier route.
Sure they are a little gutless on the road, but then it is an engine of older pushrod technology, but it does keep up with most trucks of a similar vintage and size off the road.
At the end of the day I think it comes down to how hard you push your truck as to how much wear and tear you will encounter.
I feel that mine being an auto is somewhat of an advantage when off roading as I feel it is gentler to the transfer system when negotiating the varying terrains one encounters.
Sure I should install manual hubs and an LSD in the rear to better my off roading experience, but there are more pressing things to be spending my money on at the minute.

At the end of the day its up to the individual in what they feel comfortable in owning/driving that matters most.

It all comes down to your expectations of the truck and what you want to do, a Terrano would be fine but if you want to drive harder and have your truck able to take harder knocks and treatment go for a Safari, lighter vs heavier

What about an Older style Cruiser or SBW Prado???(like the one Jerry's selling on Trademe)

good place to start


http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing ... =160885249

i now realise how good my old safari was and beginning to wish i hadnt sold it, trouble is i needed the funds at the time, now i am earning more i regret the sale. oh well need to look for something, not ruling out a toyota but i just like the nissans.

gordo wrote:I had one to now have gone the same way as Al But have got some near new thuff dog shocks and rear spring that i will sell if someone needs them

sent you a pm about the shocks and springs a few days ago..