Offroad-Express

Gday,
Never owned a 4x4 but thought time to get one.
Been looking at hilux surf's, just because I thought they were indistructible basically (from top gear).
Then a couple of people told me there are issues with some of them having head issues.
So did some research and got myself even more lost

So might be a good time to ask for some guidance.

Looking for something under $8k, and diesel, for road use, possibly to tow a boat at some stage in summer. Been told to go for a manual, diesel non turbo and I wont go wrong. Is that safe to generalise?
Also where's a good place to get a semi good deal from? the one's on trademe seam overpriced, one guy was selling a 96 for $16000!!

Any help on what to stay away from or link to similar topic would be appreciated.
Cheers

The turbo models, 3.0l 1KZ-TE and 2.4l 2L-TE are both prone to head issues if not maintained properly. If the cooling system is kept in good condition there shouldn't be any problems. The situation can be helped by fitting a larger exhaust system, a lower tempature thermostat and re-oiling the viscous fan. The non-turbo model has the 3L engine, found in the ute version of the hilux. While not fast, they are pretty much bulletproof. Yes they are getting expensive due to their popularity for towing boats etc.

plenty of good deals to be had on trademe under 8k.
spend some time on here to work out what you need/want.

surfs are really good but getting almost impossible to find one that has been looked after properly, and anything not looked after will not last long. a non turbo surf/4runner is hard to find but should go forever. don't worry about make and model to much, there are really good pajeros and bighorns and wizzards out there that will outlast a surf.........if looked after!

like all your searching I am probably making you mote confused

also don't get hung up on diesel or manual unless that is something YOU are specifically looking. there are really good autos that are attached diesels (I have heard terrano autos don't last). autos and petrol are cheaper so for the same price you can get one that will last for years. and if you think it will be more expensive to run then consider the price of doing a diesel fuel pump rebuild ($1000 min) or a set of injectors........sorry to add more useless info

have you considered a patrol 4.2 diesel? just say that as I have been through 5 surfs from 2.0petrol to 3.4petrol and a couple of diesels and a petrol pajero and challenger and they have not come close to my new Nissan safari non turbo

most people here will say "mine is the best, dont get one of those"
but that doesn't mean that you should not ask

I've been through 3 surfs, a 2.4 (2lt) and a 3.0 turbo diesel (1kz), and a 3.0 V6 petrol. By far the 3.0 diesel was the best. As long as you install a egt gauge and a big exhaust to keep an eye on thing. You would get a good kzn130 surf for 8k.

If youre just going to be using one for towing a boat around and onroad use.
Id get a bighorn.

Towed dads boat with both my old bighorn ( now dads ) and my uncles old surf.

Found the bighorn didnt get pushed around as much by the boat in tow. Im assuming due to the fact they weigh about 500 million tonnes.