Offroad-Express

Hello all, im a newbie to four wheel driving and i need some help in deciding what vehicle i should buy.

Now im not going to be doing any real serious stuff to start with, just the ussual bush to pick up a deer, or going out down the beach to have a fish etc etc. i wont be doing much towing, or at least untill i get permission to buy a boat lol

Ok, now i went out yesterday and took a Terrano 96 diesel 3.2 turbo for a test drive and when i got it on the motorway it was to gutless. then i took out the 3.3 petrol and i was alot more impressed, can anyone tel me how much these things chew in fuel etc.

Now ive been turned on to the surf's and im looking at 95 or newer ones, what is the best one to look at, ie performance and fuel wise, if anyone could just give me their opinons on these vehicles, it would be greatly welcomed.

Regards

Paulie

Hi Paulie
Ive owned both, 96 Surf 3.0 Diesel, and now a 96 Terrano 3.2 Diesel, both have their good and bad points.

Surf
Great Engine, superb tow vehicle and will sit on 100km/h at approx 1800rpm so quite fuel efficient.
Excellent and relaxing tourer.
Little bouncy around city streets but this can be forgiven for the relaxed cruising and comfort on open road.
Great on the beach, little skittery on gravelled corrugated roads.
Good offroad in natural form as long as you know its limits and dont drive to the sills in mud, or try deep ruts.
Usually come with dual batteries.

Terrano
Another good engine, would rate at about 90% as good as the Surf (in my experience), takes longer to accelerate but cruises at 100km/h at approx 1900rpm so not much difference there.
Also a good tow vehicle.
Better road vehicle, nice manners and handling. Less bounce around the city streets and about the same as the surf on the highway, but does feel a little more sure of itself.
Great on the beach, not too bad on gravelled corrugated roads.
Good offroad but not as good as the surf (both in natural form).
Single battery only.

Both vehicles are very good, with +'s and -'s and both can be equally equipped with luxuries depending on the model.

Warning though - neither of these vehicles is cheap to modify in terms of suspension. So if you want to lift it, be prepared to spend addtional dosh on both.

I loved my Surf, should never have sold it but did. 3 vehicles later and I have my Terrano and it feels like I have a vehicle that all round is about the same so I am happy.

My 2c

pouw made very good points both very good trucks but i find the surfs are normaly cheaper to rapair and mantan and easy to find parts
pick what you feel wright in

thanks for the info, i have heard that about the surfs for parts. yeah im still undecided as yet, i will be taking out some surfs this weekend and try and make up my mind.

let us know how you get on any other Qs just ask the guys on this site are full off knowledge as i am a new comer to and just learning