Offroad-Express

Hello veterans,

I am obviously very new to the 4wd drive scene and apart from a passion for the outdoors specifically tramping, hunting and now hopefully off-road driving. like many other new comers i have been reading as much as i can but my general lack of auto-motive experience makes it difficult to understand the ins and outs of what i need to get started. I am currently based in Wellington but i may find myself in Christchurch very soon(new job).

What would be great is if someone could point me to some material that would help me understand the technical aspects of 4wd not in the driving sense but in the mechanics and terminology. Fortunately i need to get a new vehicle soon and have a budget of $12,000 to get started, in saying that i am not in a rush to buy a vehicle as i would like to learn more before deciding on the best route to take. However any vehicle i get would need to seat 4+ people, be able to be driven on the road, suitable for hunting, be a serious off-roader with a little style I would prefer to get a vehicle that is either already modified or that i can modify for a reasonable price, i tend to rather spend a little more at the start and get something decent that i can continue to learn in.

Right now i have little to offer apart from enthusiasm and petrol money for anyone that would be willing to show me the ropes of the sport. So really what i am after is some advice on where to find more information, what type of vehicle i should be keeping my eye out for and ultimately a great bunch of guys to have a few beers and laughs with on the weekends.

Cheers,

Alex

Hi Alex

Welcome and what part of Wellington are you from?

As for a truck to get started on.....wow, the million dollar question I am a Landy guy (Discovery) but would certainly get one of these......

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motor ... 950454.htm

In your price range and when modded can go really well....

I am currently located in the Wellington CBD, thank you for the vehicle listing i will keep that model in mind. My main issue is i come from a business background and really don't understand the ins and outs of cars, but i am hoping to change this quickly. I currently have a Ford Telstar 1990 that i share, so can travel around.

As for the million dollar question, you see allot of posts asking what vehicle to buy. For me i would rather understand all the jargon and technical terminology so i know what i am looking for rather than brand versus brand debate.

welcome to the site.
If you can stretch your budget, then this will be all you'll ever need.
All modded and ready to go.

http://www.offroadexpress.co.nz/Forums/ ... 36&start=0

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motor ... 158288.htm

Otherwise hitch yourself a ride in rallywoods with the welly crew and you will get to see all manner of 4wds in action, and out of action too LOL

we are up there next 14/15 http://www.offroadexpress.co.nz/Forums/ ... =1&t=25523 come up and say hi etc

Welcome. To be honest, for that money and what you want to use it for you couldn't go wrong with a patrol or landcruiser, and not just the VX/80 series either (I am not brand biased).

If fuel cost is a concern, go diesel, if it isn't, then you could probably add range rovers and discoveries into the mix. There are diesel discoveries and jeep Cherokees but they seem hard to come by and costly to buy.

If you want a ute, probably the hilux would be my choice.

Good luck in whatever you choose mate.

I may be heading around Red Rocks this weekend, if so I will post up and you can come to the car park there and we can then talk the jargon that you are wanting to know... there are so many 4x4's to chose from out there it's not funny...

Once you understand some of the jargon you may be able to narrow you list a little.. I know where there is a long wheel base Patrol for sale at the moment for $6500 on 33' wranglers and it's has 8 seats.. petrol and there is no sign of rust at the moment... if I have the money I would buy it...

Anyways, keep your eye's open on here and we may see you this weekend

My budget really can't go over 12K to be honest. I would defiantly be keen to tag along sometime and soak up some knowledge.

Thanks for all the replies i have received a few pm invites so will get back to you later in the week.

Cheers

vaule for many surf i say

check this one....
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing ... =373518552

and it even in chch ready for you, with a beam axle it will be very capable vehicle

Surfs seem to be pretty popular? You vehicle looks nice mate, i will probably wait until i have had a chance to chat to some people and maybe tag along on a run if i can find someone with a spare seat before i make a purchase. Also i won't find out for a week or so whether or not i will be moving cities

personally i would go for a patrol/safari. reliability is second to none. easy to mod with all parts of the shelf. good manners on the road and even better off it. have had vx cruiser and safari, with vx better on road but safari much better off. so im my opinion combinig both the characteristics the safari comes out on top. check this one on trademe out, all moded just get in and drive and best of all in your budget. trademe Listing #: 363609917 .

That Safari does look pretty good, i wonder if it will still be around in a week or so

bear in mind if you are moving south you will need to lift your truck as there is a lot of river driving, don't forget a snorkel as well !!!!