New, 1st time 4WD & Diesel Purchase advice

[RhinoNZ]

Hi all.
New to the forums, the world of 4WD's and also have Zero knowledge on Diesels.

Any/all advice would be appreciated.

So here's the thing.

I have decided that I am bored of my regular car & want to get something a bit beef'ier looking.
Also would love to get into some 4WD action, but will also be using it for on the road.

So I have found something I like but would just like some advice on it
Worth the cost?
Things I need/should check if I inspect
Issues/problems I need to be aware of

That sort of thing.

This is the info I have available at this time.


Toyota Hilux Surf SSR-V 3L Diesel
1994
1 NZ owner from import
125,000km (Now I have asked, as this did seem a little low to me for its age but was assured this is original k's and that its had an easy life with use only for small commute & actually has yet to be taken off-road, yes you read that right!)

Mods include: (all modifications are fully certified)
- 10'' polished USA mags
- Running 33x13.5x15 mud tyres
- 4'' body lift as well as after market rear springs which were custom made
- Aftermarket rear shocks fitted
- Aftermarket exhaust system
- One of a kind custom built alloy steps and bullbars (wouldnt know the cost of these)
- Blitz Pod Filter
It also has a decent stereo as well as a few other cosmetic things done (would guess cost them around 1-2k)

Its actually been modified more for looks than anything but heck I like it.

Now he's asking $18,000 for it, I think this price is on the high end and only have a budget of 15k. But knowing next to nothing about 4WDs & the cost of the kits/wheels etc I don't have a clue as to a reasonable price.

Taking into account the mods & the extra cosmetics and the k's do you think the asking price is to much? Is my budget even to much?

Again things like
Worth the cost?
Things I need/should check if I inspect
Issues/problems I need to be aware of (with mods/vehicle type & model)
Anything you can think of/advice you can give would be of much help

Thanks !

[Smurf]

15k will buy a lot more capable 4wd than that.
Alloy running boards will be damaged off road eventually, pod filter in dusty conditions is a waste of time in my opinion.
The polished mags won't be so polished once you have scratched them up in a river/beach bog etc.
100 dollar stereo sounds good to me, unless you are into the sounds.
Sounds like a show pony, if you want to get out 4wding a bit, start with a non molested Surf (Terrano, Pajero, Hilux or similar) and see if you like it. Or find something designed(modified) to go off-road a bit.
Once you ding a 18K truck off road you'll be gutted, 5K truck not so much.
Comes down to wanting looks or something that you can use I guess.

[tomsoffroad]

If your new to 4wding then you are going to push the limits as your confidence grows. I believe in buying cheap trucks then spending the change on them, also as mentioned it doesn't hurt so much when you stove in the side of it . Regardless of what you pay for a truck you should factor in a complete service which will add up quickly if you cant do the work yourself.

Personally I think 18k is steep for a KZN130 Surf, Id be more inclined to spend my money on a LN106 Hilux...... pfttt who am I kidding, I'd get another 60 series

[RhinoNZ]

Thanks for the reply Smurf.

Its most undoubtedly a show pony, of that I am sure. You raise some good points, thanks. I was thinking of swapping the mags off when taking it off-road but never thought of the alloy bars.

Perhaps if I can stretch it I can have the pony for the street & then get a kick-around for the off road

Keep em coming tho guys, any & all opinions/comments welcome

Is the asking price worth the Ks & mods placed on it tho ?

[RhinoNZ]

Just looked at some LN106's tomsoffroad.

Nice solid looking tank of a truck, why are they so expensive even with 300k+ on the clock. Is it an engine thing? I read a few places they are pretty much bulletproof.

Whats this 60 Series you speak of ?

[tomsoffroad]

You should be able to pick up a reasonably tidy 106 for 8-10g. All 4wd Toyota utes seem to hold their price well. The 3l (2.8 diesel) is a good motor if serviced reliably (same as any other motor). They aren't hellishly quick but keep going and going and going.
This is a 60 series Not that I'm bias
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing ... =620817759
Cheap in my opinion.

[SMOKEY]

Not answering your questions but trying to help, 18k would have to be the top price LN130 in NZ, remove some of his so called add on's and it would be lucky to reach 8k, I know ----- it probably owes him that but is worth what the market will pay, we have all been through that . The advice (and no one listens) I give is ride shotgun with some mates or introduce yourself at your local 4WD club and go on a few trips, this will let you know if you like it and what sort of vehicle will suit your needs and budget.

IT IS ADDICTIVE,

FITZY.