Offroad-Express

Hi all. Looking for some advice on purchasing a 4wd. It will be dedicated to 4wd'ing, not a daily vehicle. Nothing hardcore yet, just what clubs would describe as "shiny" runs, camping trips, etc. Looking at either a 90's landcruiser series 80, Late 90's patrol or middle/late 90's RR.

Have looked at a 1990 Landcruiser (Petrol) with 170K for $9000 (but probably able to negotiate that), a 1995 LC 4.2TD (but 260K on the clock) at about $17000 (once again I think I might get him down). Also see quite a few late 90's Range Rovers on Trademe for about 12K. Also saw a 1999 PAtrol on TM for $15K (200K on clock)

Questions:
1) Is there a big difference in capabilities between these three, or is it more a personal choice?
2) Is the TD landcruiser much better than the petrol and will that high mileage mean major repairs soon? My gut feeling is that petrol engines have less that can go wrong. Would it be better to get the cheaper petrol and spend more on mods/improvements?
3) RR - are they expensive to run/prone to breaking? I've read about the air suspension problems.
4) Anyone/ anywhere in Palmerston North to take a vehicle for an inspection before I buy?


Cheers

could look at a pajero/challenger as well....

A3hann wrote:Hi all. Looking for some advice on purchasing a 4wd. It will be dedicated to 4wd'ing, not a daily vehicle. Nothing hardcore yet, just what clubs would describe as "shiny" runs, camping trips, etc. Looking at either a 90's landcruiser series 80, Late 90's patrol or middle/late 90's RR.

Have looked at a 1990 Landcruiser (Petrol) with 170K for $9000 (but probably able to negotiate that), a 1995 LC 4.2TD (but 260K on the clock) at about $17000 (once again I think I might get him down). Also see quite a few late 90's Range Rovers on Trademe for about 12K. Also saw a 1999 PAtrol on TM for $15K (200K on clock)

Questions:
1) Is there a big difference in capabilities between these three, or is it more a personal choice?
2) Is the TD landcruiser much better than the petrol and will that high mileage mean major repairs soon? My gut feeling is that petrol engines have less that can go wrong. Would it be better to get the cheaper petrol and spend more on mods/improvements?
3) RR - are they expensive to run/prone to breaking? I've read about the air suspension problems.
4) Anyone/ anywhere in Palmerston North to take a vehicle for an inspection before I buy?


Cheers

Autocraft on tremain ave

not a challenger to soft

Something like this might be worth looking at as well http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motor ... 990795.htm

coxsy wrote:not a challenger to soft

Do explain.

no real low range, no lsd , no lift of any sort around, limit on tyre size, car like interior mud damage, no real articulation

Has to be a 4 door to fit the family. Have seen the odd Pajero that looks nice for good price like this one :
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=230210064

And this LC:
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=230895412

Thoughts on Diesel/petrol and auto/manual?

Diesel 80 Series are more common in NZ then the 4.5 petrol. The Yanks never got the 1HDT so love their petrol motor and they go pretty well but they do struggle to get good economy.

Most threads on IH8MUD.COMs 80 Series section is about how they struggle and then finally crack 14mpg, my diesel 80 would get 28 regularly.

I have a manual 80 but have never driven an auto so can't comment. I prefer manual offroad compared to auto but it's just personal preference.

got a mate with an 80 series cruiser who no longer 4wds it coz its so expensive when it breaks,i would go for the safari if i was starting again pretty nuggety things,but i do like 80 series cruisers,i wanted one but couldnt afford it so ive just bought a 60 sereis turbo 5 speed with pto winch tidy as for 5k
could be another option

coxsy wrote:no real low range, no lsd , no lift of any sort around, limit on tyre size, car like interior mud damage, no real articulation

And I've been told by good sources that there are dangly solenoids and other bs under the challenger which can be fragile without the addition of bash plates and bla bla.

patrols (probably landcruisers) dont hve this problem so why bother.

go for a LWB low roof patrol, should be able to pick up a mid to late 90's one thats factory turbo for around 10k, easy to setup the patrols, whack a 4 inch lift kit in and some 35 inch tires and you have one hell of a capable family 4wd wagon.