Buying first 4x4

[WRXBOY]

Hi guys im new to this forum, im after a first 4x4 to start into the offroading seen. I was wondering if anyone could give me any advice on what to start off with? I was looking at surfs or is that not a good idea? i have 4000cash atm.

Thanks Alex

[Sadam_Husain]

trucks are like chicks mate, theres all different sorts, fat ones, skinny ones, low maintenence ones, high maintenence ones, ones that put out and ones that dont etc etc, get an idea of what sort of truck appeals to you (ie a surf) and what sort of 4WDing you'd like to do and then get some advice on those vehicles otherwise everybody will tell you why their specific vehicle suits them and try and talk you into buying one

[WRXBOY]

Haha great reply I love that haha and thanks for the fast reply to. Yea I do like surfs but I've been told there quite bad engines? I don't know if this is true however? If this makes sence I'd like to do moderate 4x4ing? Like small rivers and tracks not serious mountains etc maybe later on but for now I just want to give it ago.

[Jerry]

2.4 and 3 ltr diesels do heads, do a search on here, could look for a pajero as well ... whereabouts in nz are ya (go to your pm's and edit your profile)

see if you can grab a seat for a trip or 2 and see the different trucks in action

[WRXBOY]

What about the 2.8? I've just edited that (took awhile) haha. I should have done that a few weeks ago. I was in Wellington for the first time for 4days... I'm so guttered. You mean the swb pagero?

[Jerry]

no i mean pajero

2.8's are ok, not as peppy as the others, you may even get a safari for 4k

[WRXBOY]

Haha my bad that's what I ment (typo) yea I was thinking about a swb safari but there none in south island under 6grand on trade me everything up with you in north island as always!

[Jerry]

ask one of us nicely to check something out and fly up and drive it back...

Something to be aware of is theres a crapload of nissans and toyotas being nicked in chch at the moment ... maybe get something they aren't stealing

[u13turbo]

Yeah mate if your going to get a surf, go for a 2.8, much stronger engines than the 2.4 and 3.0's. theres a really good looking 2.8 turbo one, 33's, lifted etc for 5k on tm.
Also terrano's, very strong motors, 2.7td so they have the power aswel. gearboxes and steering is weak but mine has taken a shitload of abuse!
Bighorns, go for the 2.8td ones, all round good truck as far as i know.

[will i am]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing ... =451451477

buy mine
txt if interested. will be gone on friday if i dont get a higher offer
good truck

[badnuz]

i wouldnt suggest a Saffy at the rate they being flogged atm

[WRXBOY]

Is there alot of trucks being stole ATM ?? How longs this been happening? Is it just in chch or everywhere? I was looking at that surf for 5k but he won't budge on price I've already tried lol. To the terrano sorry not in that much of a hurry to buy one il just keep looking for now but thanks for the offer.

[WRXBOY]

What do people think of this? .........yes its nothing special. just thought it was quite tidy.?

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing ... =452729688

i was interested in the one as alreadt mentioned for 5k but he wont move on price, and its also just been withdrawn from trademe....

[WRXBOY]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing ... =452378606

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing ... =451633392

Or these??

What sort of km should i be looking at? or does it not matter?

[mercutio]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=452378606

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing ... =451633392

Or these??

What sort of km should i be looking at? or does it not matter?

the 2.5 diesels have issues with the heads but the 2.8 are a good motor

if you keep you eyes open you can score rear diff lockers for these as well

[gimmemud]

Surfs never came out with a 2.8 so that motor is not original, possibly cert/wof issues? If a 2.4 or 3.0 litre diesel has lasted this long I would expect it to be looked after or fixed already so definitely wouldn't rule them out, and there is always ways to make them more reliable.

[u13turbo]

Surfs never came out with a 2.8 so that motor is not original, possibly cert/wof issues? If a 2.4 or 3.0 litre diesel has lasted this long I would expect it to be looked after or fixed already so definitely wouldn't rule them out, and there is always ways to make them more reliable.

How sure are you about that? i know for a fact 4runners came out 2.8, and im pretty sure surfs did?

[nismo26]

Some Surfs did.

[mr landrover]

i had a factory 2 . 8 surf still gutless

[WRXBOY]

So if i decide to buy a surf what are your opinions on engine litre and km?

[crazyclark31]

reckon you'd be better off to go for the pajero. They have one of the strongest driveline out. So if you lift it (and you'll want to) the cvs and stuff will handle a hell of of alot more abuse than the surfs of terranos. the 2.8s would be the best way to go.
They also have plenty of grunt and handle pretty well.
the second one you've posted would be the better of the two but would allow to get rid of the stupid auto hubs and get some manual ones fitted

[gimmemud]

Surfs never came out with a 2.8 so that motor is not original, possibly cert/wof issues? If a 2.4 or 3.0 litre diesel has lasted this long I would expect it to be looked after or fixed already so definitely wouldn't rule them out, and there is always ways to make them more reliable.

How sure are you about that? i know for a fact 4runners came out 2.8, and im pretty sure surfs did?

Yip 4runners did but not surfs. And 4runners also didn't have all the electrics and aircon in all models

[pjb]

Yep, I've driven the 2.8 turbo pajero - enough grunt to hang the arse end out on wet corners...

[mud_slinger]

have you looked at a bighorn or mu? 2.8 engines are bullet proof and driveline is really strong plus they go really well

[KIWI_TERRANO]

Surfs never came out with a 2.8 so that motor is not original, possibly cert/wof issues? If a 2.4 or 3.0 litre diesel has lasted this long I would expect it to be looked after or fixed already so definitely wouldn't rule them out, and there is always ways to make them more reliable.

How sure are you about that? i know for a fact 4runners came out 2.8, and im pretty sure surfs did?

Yip 4runners did but not surfs. And 4runners also didn't have all the electrics and aircon in all models

my mates got a 2.8 surf factory!?! and I have seen a few getting round.

Surf 3ltr 1kz are a good truck just got to keep radaitor clean and change oils and get after market temp gauge and I never had issue with front diff but I did solid axle it after awhile to make it go harder, so i would say go surf as inthe long run you can turn it into a extreme truck if you solid axle swap.

other option I would go is swb pajero 2.8 turbo intercooled, mate has one and he does push it to the limits alot and seems to handle it although it has done one front diff and some cvs with 35 silverstones on it running 18psi boost

[WRXBOY]

Ok so the 2.8 litres are obviously very good and popular, I will look into them! If anyone sees any good deals on any sort if truck I'd like to know So there us or isn't 2.8 litre surfs there is a few mixed decisions on that one?


Btw thanks for the great replys everyone. Much appriciated

[WRXBOY]

What km on the clock should I be looking for?

[keithal]

nothing wrong with this http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-ca ... 633392.htm
he said to me he would take 5k cash?

[Tarmac]

Dont discount the bighorns, lots about. Mate has the 7 seater, he picked it up with a lock"somethin" in the front end, snorkel, arb bar, lifted with 265 75 16s muds with 2 matchin spares on rims n lifted round 2inches for around what you prepared 2 spend. Goes well on the road and even better off. Coil back end so as much clearance under rear as front diff, independant corners are very civil on road.

[u13turbo]

Basically if i were you, i would get any of the trucks talked about except 2.4 and 3.0 surfs(unless your keen on replacing the head)
Also alot of people say keep away from mitsi diesels, i havnt seen many problems myself, apart from the newer 4M40's, They are VERY bad.