Trying to justify a 4wd!

LExec-Matrix on 17/08/2016 - 00:08
Last edited 17/08/2016 - 09:45

So, the wife and I are discussing a new car to replace our old wagon.

The thing is, we're either deciding between a 4wd or an suv. We've come to our final conclusions. Either a 2007/2008 120 series petrol Toyota Prado, or a 2012+ Ford Territory petrol.

Doing a quick search of carsales you'll find easily plenty of lower Kms territories as opposed to higher km Prados for similar prices. Heck, you could find a 4 year old Territory with less that 100ks for the same price as a prado with 200ks+. Even though it's a Toyota, surely wear and tear will take its toll right?

I'm more concerned about safety and the fact that the Territory is a much newer car with more safety features in which I value highly. I know a lot hate on territories, however I think that relates to the older models.

At the end of the day, we'd probably offroad once a month or so. Running costs concern me, but I guess having a 4wd to go wherever you want is a big drawcard also.

Please help us come to a conclusion!

Automotive

Comments

  • subywagon on 17/08/2016 - 01:21

    You should check out Pajero Exceeds as they have Super Select 4WD which is essentially an AWD system.

  • eatwell365 on 17/08/2016 - 06:31

    I know a lot hate on territories, however I think that relates to the older models.
    You are correct. Driven more than 4 Territories older model in the past - company cars.
    Hence more 2nd supply (many fleet vehicles change after 3 years).and lower price when you buy 2nd and resell.

    Each of them had problem with front brake disc wobbling issue sometimes within the first 3 years and ongoing - feel the vibration when braking going downhill.

  • eatwell365 on 17/08/2016 - 06:44

    motoring collumn

    Territory is quite thirsty.

    • pegaxs on 22/08/2016 - 10:22

      Drove one for work a few years ago… Quite thirsty is an understatement…

  • Euphemistic on 17/08/2016 - 07:13

    What sort of off road do you want to do? There are plenty more options other than Prado and territory. If you are only talking about going off road on fire trails then an SUV should cope. If you need more there are plenty of options. While the Prado is a good vehicle I also think it is over priced, and the boot space is quite small compared to some others. Do you need/want 7 seats?

  • geek001 on 17/08/2016 - 08:28
    +2

    Have you considered other Japanese brands other than Toyota? Toyota cars tend to keep their resale value more than other Japanese cars so you get a "lesser" car second hand. I got a 2014 Pathfinder recently and I feel it is a very safe and comfortable car.

  • robertbruce on 17/08/2016 - 09:26

    There are a lot of campsites, caravan sites even, that require a 4x4 to access. AWD won't cut it.
    There are a lot of roads where 4x4 is mandatory to travel on, AWD is not 4x4.
    There are many national parks that will not let you enter unless you have a 4x4.

    • Euphemistic on 17/08/2016 - 20:58

      It depends on your AWD. Some of them are useless, Honda CRV springs to mind especially the early models. Subaru on the other hand is quite capable as AWD.

  • Well Wasted on 17/08/2016 - 09:28
    +2

    want versus need… unless you are doing river crossings and hill climbs on the way to the daily shopping and picking up kids from school… you don't need one.

  • fruit on 17/08/2016 - 09:39
    -1

    Heck, you could find a 4 year old Territory with less that 100kms for the same price as a prado with 200kms+

    You forgot a few zeros mate

    • Exec-Matrix on 17/08/2016 - 09:51

      Thanks mate corrected

  • frondono on 17/08/2016 - 09:41

    Avoid territory at all costs from what I've heard unless you get one for less than $5k. They aren't worth nothing. This is coming from someone I know that works at a dealership.

  • Exec-Matrix on 17/08/2016 - 09:47

    Well we did drive a few Prados and pajeros and the Prados just drove better.

    I can honestly say we won't be offroading every afternoon, however, if the option is there we will certainly use it. Just interested to know how other people get around this. Do you have a road car and a 4wd at home specifically for offroad? I know this incurs 2 rego etc.

    • robertbruce on 17/08/2016 - 22:27

      If you live in Qld you definitely need a 4x4.
      The rest of the country is pretty lame.

      Yes, you do sort of need two different vehicles…
      a 4x4 and a daily-driver…
      A stinky old rusty one and a gleaming shinny newish one….
      It just depends who wins the argument as to which vehicle is what…

      The setup of a 4x4 can be very specific to the trip you are going.
      Your best bet is to loose the argument, buy an old 60 and throw a set of muddies on it and have the time of your life. If your in QLD that is, traveling more than 200K's on muddies is not nice…

  • spackbace on 17/08/2016 - 10:53

    Territory will be thirstier, and you've already witnessed the strong resale of Prado (great value brand new considering that resale)
    Territory is AWD, Prado is 4x4 (with low-range), that will determine how serious you wanna go with it.
    Prado has a thin back seat - you'll be pushing it to fit 3 adults or 3 child seats, depending on your need. Territory back seat is huge.
    Neither one is really packed with features in entry to mid level models

    If you want to go out on the beach etc, the Prado is the much better choice. See if you can put a few more $$s into it and get one with lower kms. As you can see, the resale will still be good 5yrs later if you keep it in decent condition.

    Oh and please try to buy the diesel Prado over the petrol. Much stronger resale, and strong engines. Much better fuel economy too.

    In terms of 4x4 cars, I'd recommend a diesel Pajero or diesel Prado for the money, lose the idea of the Territory if you're going to be doing this monthly.

    Or, alternatively, a dual-cab diesel ute, which will go wherever the above 2 cars go as well. Just a bit big for going down the shops etc

    Location
    Darwin, Northern Territory

    Yeah, buy a diesel Prado.

  • JOCKz on 18/08/2016 - 09:33

    You don't need a 4WD unless you plan to go off the beaten track. What i mean is a dirt road where the 4Hi/Low will get you back on the tarmac, especially if you have one car in your party. If the places you've been (or are planning to go) are well maintained you wont need a 4WD.

    If your driving primarily on unsealed roads and their a frequent washouts, 4WD is safer. (4WD>AWD>FWD>RWD). If you buy a 4WD and dont use 4Hi/Low, the transfer case will seize and you'll be left with a 4WD vehicle stuck in 2Hi

  • robertbruce on 18/08/2016 - 09:44

    If you buy a 4WD and dont use 4Hi/Low, the transfer case will seize and you'll be left with a 4WD vehicle stuck in 2Hi

    that is so wrong…

  • JOCKz on 18/08/2016 - 19:04

    How is it wrong ? I've seen it plenty of times …

    • robertbruce on 18/08/2016 - 21:26

      It is not the transfere case siezing! They will not "sieze" from disuse!
      It can be a heap of other things near or on or in the drive-line making it appear as tho the transfer case has failed. It's usually a $2 vacuum switch

      • JOCKz on 19/08/2016 - 05:30

        I know about solenoid failing I've owned a pajero.

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