Offroad-Express

Hi there,
this is my first post and I am generally not much of a mechanic or offroader but I prefer 4WD cars over the rest. I am 20 and I drove a VW Golf so far that has broken down because of the harsh conditions of the norwegian winter here and because of the way of driving I am sadly forced to perform.

So now I'm looking around for a an old four wheel drive car that stands the test of time and strain.
Since my job is currently to deliver newspapers in the night and since I am currently living in Norway, the car has to not only conquer huge amounts of snow (the Golf died because of a bit snow against the motor, servo and cooling went, motor overheated, gaskets broken) but also stand frequent driving in first and second gear since I am often not driving more than 5 meters to the next post box. Minding this I would try to keep the fuel usage as low as possible, as well. The old golf raised its fuel usage from around 9 litres per 100km during normal drive to over 20 litres during work! I don't mind a car that generally uses more fuel but than it shouldn't use that much fuel by driving in low gears.
I do not intend to keep that job forever and since I am living here only temporary and don't know where the current takes me, the car should be moderately large to transport either my belongings or to give me and maybe another person the possibility to sleep in it.

So, in my price range we have all the cars from '85 to about '95 and most cars that you can get in Germany (that's where I originally come from and the car will be registered there) are Cherokees.
Although I like the general idea, it doesn't seem like much of a car to sleep in or to transport a lot of things with. I love the Suzuki Samurai but it's too small and most likely no good for streets. The Vitara has gotten the best rates in technical issues but is still a bit small and often only a convertible (i need at least a hard top with this winter).
I have checked Mitsubishi Pajeros quite often but I heard that the engines and gear are very unreliable. I personally like the long 7seated version but the only usable Pajero I found is a normally long 3 litre 6v '90 model. The only one that can be trusted as far as I understood all the fuss about it.
The Isuzu Terrano seems a very nice car, as long as it is not the '88 2.6 4v, since that engine seems to have a faulty head gasket or is it to be trusted? It comes in long versions as well witch two benches in the back that can be flipped up. Very practical in my opinion.
Last but not least there is the Nissan Terrano, that I have not found any information about at all. Seems like a robust car but I have really no idea.
Pathfinders seem to be great but are very rare here and the only other cars to find here are Wranglers, which I do not find suiting and Ford Explorer, which I just personally dislike.

So... I just end up with a lot of confusion and would like you guys to help me out a little, since you understand more of the matter and have experience.
Thanks in advance, I'm looking forwards to replies.

Cold Greetings
Jonas

Yeah i hear that the little suzukis are cheap to run but not much good for sleeping in what about a toyota if you can find any generally good and solid with a variety to choose from. Nissan Terranos arent bad my boss has 1 done like 130000 but smokes like hell but not a bad 2.7turbo diesel apparently they have a passenger seat rust problem which would show up more in your country if they salt the roads. But really it comes down to what you like land rover defenders are good if you get the right 1.

Hi, welcome in from overseas...

Terranos aer reliable, but you seem to mainly be talking about petrols... do you get all the diesel models over there? Probably a better option for your type of driving I would think. These things mostly have the TD27 2.7 turbo diesel engine which seems pretty reliable, although they have an issue with rust in some older models and also an issue with the seal going between the 5-speed and the transfer case which can cause the gearbox to sieze up - $20 part, but reasonably expensive if it fails.

Isuzu Trooper/Bighorn - what engines did you get there? Teh 2.6 4-cyl petrol is a bit thirsty and gutless, and probably not a good option to leave idling or run about in forst or second a lot... actually, would an auto not be a more sensible trans for your work? The 2.8 turbo diesel models are very good when looked after, good power and reliable. The 3.1 td is a little less reliable, but better power...

Suzuki? Know nothing about them that I could recommend other than they are easy to roll back on their wheels when they fall over (Ducks and runs for cover... sorry Chris )

Can you get Toyota 4runners/Surfs there? The 2.8 diesel or the 3.0 litre diesel is a good option (not the 2.4, too slow) in these, although the 3.0 litre model is known to pop heads from time to time, its very grunty. Teh common-in-USA 22RE motor is a good petrol when serviced, although they can chew the front of the motor to bits if the cam chain is not looked after and replaced when neccessary

My thoughts, good luck.

Steve

Thanks for the answers!

Well, I have come to the conclusions that an automatic gear diesel, which one can get here would be the best. But they are rare. The only cars I've seen with it are some Vitaras and the Cherokees.
Toyota Land Cruiser would be great but the only offers in the vicinity are either fake or the american guy selling them doesn't know how to type in a phone number....
As it is right now, we check on Troopers here, I generally like the attitude of that car. But I guess they don't come in either automatic or diesel.
The problem with diesel in germany is that they are taxed double in comparison the petrol engines. And the bigger the engine the higher the price.
So I would like to stay away from the 4litre diesels without anything like a catalysator.
Thanks for the information so far and keep it coming.
Oh yeah... and so far I've only seen 2.6 4cyl Troopers. Why is idling so bad for those engines?

Two things are certain, death and taxes.