Offroad-Express

Hi all,

I'm in the market for a family friendly-ish 4wd.

I've been pondering the below:

Suzuki Vitara 4dr 1.6
Nissan Terrano 4dr 2.7TD
Isuzu Bighorn 4dr 2.8TD

Price range is 3K max on a stock one to mod later as funds allow.

I've had a XJ Cherokee before and a Isuzu Bighorn, Hilux D/C was happy with them all. The XJ would be to expensive on gas at the moment though. Hilux seemed real thristy for engine size and momentum.
Bighorn was good but had to get rid of for a car to get to work when the turbo went.

Requirements are:
Must be cheap to run more than 7km/L
Have enough space for Missus, baby, doby and gear - could have roof racks to help with gear
Preferably 4dr but not essential
Go on family 4wd trips

Any other makes/models or recommendations from above?

Thank You

Paul

I'd definitely consider a Pajero too but it won't be quite as good on fuel as the others. They are cheap though and nice trucks to drive.

vitaras aren't that flash on gas either I've found (even if your driving nice) for a vehicle of that size.

Of the two left I'd prob go terrano. The bighorns I've seen always had problems of some sort.

Might not be very pretty for 3k??

I second doug- my neighbor has a bighorn and its always having issues. onto its second rebuilt engine now.

Never seem to hear of any issues with the older terrano's and everyone I've met with one says they are way stronger than people give them credit for.

with regards to fuel use- some of the petrol jeeps and landrovers are selling for very nice prices these days and it seems like alot of vehicle for the money. I've seen nice vehicles go for 2k and althrough thirsty- that spare 1,000$ would go a long way towards paying the difference.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motor ... 416913.htm

I agree with Flyingbrick, I had an XJ Cherokee for a couple of years and they are alot of 4wd for the money. Driven with a bit of care on long journeys I'd get 10k/L out of mine. Round town not so flash though, 5-7k/L depending on right foot. Mine went well off road on stock suspension and 31 all terrains. Galvanised too so they won't rot and very nice road manners.

There were alot of the earlier 2 door Terranos in the 4wd club I used to be a member of and they seemed to go really well and I don't recall seeing any break. The 2.7 is supposed to be pretty good on fuel too, you'd probably get an early 2 door in budget if it's a bit scruffy.

terrano hands down

Hi,

Terrano sound like the best value and economy any pros and cons for the below and what price would be fair

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motor ... 040671.htm

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motor ... 478769.htm

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motor ... 344504.htm

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motor ... 190572.htm

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motor ... 425240.htm

not bad, depends on cartage to West Aucland though

Got me a terrano and seems to be a good one
Time to do some fluids and mods