Buying a Used 4x4 around $5k

El Cap on 06/07/2018 - 00:54
Last edited 06/07/2018 - 01:14

I'd like some advice on buying a used 4x4 - like an SUV but not a ute. I can spend a bit more if required, but I haven't driven a lot so I am likely to scratch it a bit.

My main problem is having no idea about cars. I see some Toyota's around 7k which has run over 300k and fuel is 15L/100km, and much recent Jeep for the same price but with 120k odometer with 11L/100km. I am bit at a loss to pick one.

I am planning to use the car for weekend outings, maybe some road trips, otherwise not much.

I guess any advice could be useful.

Thanks

Automotive

Comments

  • Cheeper on 06/07/2018 - 01:02
    +3

    Old 4wds around that price can come with many problems so dont be surprised if you end up paying the purchase price again for repairs in a short time. It will make your main focus.. 'fuel economy'.. look like a speck in the dust.

    • El Cap on 06/07/2018 - 01:12

      maybe the Toyota's are more reliable hence they are relatively expensive?

      • Cheeper on 06/07/2018 - 02:14
        +3

        When buying any used car you are buying on the condition of the vehicle, not so much the brand name.
        For a 4x4 @$5k I would not expect much reliability. If you intend to travel to isolated places you will want to be able to get back.

      • Euphemistic on 06/07/2018 - 06:35
        +2

        Absolutely Toyota is more expensive because people think they are more reliable. But at $5k you will get a much newer vehicle in other brands and in reality they will likely have similar reliability, but the more popular ones will be easier to source parts and more mechanics will know how to fix them.

        • mskeggs on 06/07/2018 - 06:51
          +1

          Toyota are the gold standard for a good reason, but you need to pay up for the reliability and serviceability. They do cost more, and you can buy a better option if money is tight.

      • l005e on 06/07/2018 - 08:10
        +1

        I bought a 99 2.7 petrol toyota hilux 4x4 with 380k on the clock for running odd jobs. 400k on it now and still going strong.

  • Euphemistic on 06/07/2018 - 06:27
    +2

    My brother just bought a first generation Kia Sorrento for around that. Proper 4wd, low range, body on chassis etc. he’s pretty happy. Hyundai terracan is another somewhat unloved, but capable 4wd vehicle that you may be able to pick up cheaper. They are both a lot cheaper than a comparable Toyota or Nissan because they are not popular. Pajero’s arw also quite capable and reliable and can be cheaper than Toyota and Nissan.

    Do you want off road capability or just touring on dirt roads capability? An outback might suit unless you want to go off road and play on rough tracks and mud etc. there is a significant difference between buying a capable off road vehicle and an SUV for touring on unsealed roads.

    What ever you do, do not buy a Captiva.

    Buying a petrol model will save you money as they are less popular, but will come at a cost of more in fuel. Buying a manual model, not auto has one less factor to reliability. Aside from replacing a clutch manual boxes have better reliability and will be cheaper to fix than an auto.

    As above, a 5k vehicle is quite likely to have problems so be careful and prepared to repair issues.

    • El Cap on 06/07/2018 - 08:03

      Thanks, I will look into these.

  • mskeggs on 06/07/2018 - 06:57
    +6

    If it is for fun on a weekend, how about a Suzuki Jimny/Sierra? They offer better fuel efficiency, and comparable 4WD off road performance, but with reduced load carrying/towing which don't seem to be your priority.

    I would also question what you want an SUV for? A weekend road trip in the country doesn't benefit from 4WD unless you want to drive in the wilderness or tow a trailer or van. A Falcon wagon will handle dirt roads fine, is cheap to buy and repair, but doesn't look 'macho'.

    If you do intend to go off-road, please go with experienced friends or join a club. The bush isn't a good place to discover you don't know how to get home.

    • El Cap on 06/07/2018 - 08:02

      Once I went on a road trip and drove on did the great beach drive in Noosa. So much fun. I want a car capable of doing that.

      The main reason I want to go for a cheaper vehicle is I don't have a lot of driving experience, or actually a lot of parking experience, so I feel I am likely to scratch it etc.

      I also like the safety I feel in a big car.

      • HighAndDry on 06/07/2018 - 09:44
        +1

        Most people who know they're not experienced at driving/parking will opt for smaller cars so they don't bump into others or scratch other people's cars….

      • TheBilly on 06/07/2018 - 10:06
        +3

        Its a dangerously expensive road you tread. You only want to beach drive now, next minute you'll be wanting to cross the simpson dessert, head to the cape, go remote for weeks. Buy a future proof vehicle now, because I was in the same boat. I started with a drive down stockton beach. Now Im going everywhere and Im glad my vehicle can handle it.

        • El Cap on 06/07/2018 - 10:22

          What you are doing sort of my plan, too. What car do you recommend and what do you drive :)

          Crossing Simpson's is in the plan.

        • Euphemistic on 06/07/2018 - 10:54
          +1

          @El Cap: start with a cheapie, then before you go crossing the Simpson desert either A) make your current truck completely reliable or B) spend up on a newer one.

        • El Cap on 06/07/2018 - 11:03

          @Euphemistic: That's sort of my plan too. When I feel confident enough, I will go for a better one.

        • Euphemistic on 06/07/2018 - 11:07
          +3

          @El Cap: you could spend $10k on a 4wd that you wouldn’t worry about scratching, and one that is mechanically sound but a bit rough around the edges. It really depends on how much you have to spend and how much you would be worried about scratching it. Some people will happily take their brand new $50+k 4wd straight into the bush for some 4wd bush pinstriping because they know it is mechanically sound and body panels are easily fixed.

          My 2007 Ute has been bashed around a bit, I’m not worried about scratching it because when I bought it it already had a couple. I also know I could fix some for cheap if I really wanted to.

        • TheBilly on 06/07/2018 - 12:04
          +1

          @El Cap:

          I bought brand new. Nissan Navara. However, my recomdation is to buy second hand as Ive done a few big trips now and the car gets banged up and scratched vert badly. But reliability is so important because these places are very remote hence me wanting to buy new vehicle. In hindsight I couldve purchased one with 150,000km and still been in the same boat with reliability. That is nothing for a modern diesel.

          Ive done, all the main islands off brisbane and north coast qld (just to dip toes in the water) and since then Ive done the victorian high country twice, many sydney weekenders and am planning a simpson trip now. My only recomendation is purchase one with a high range low range transfer case and if going for an old vehicle purchase a manual and something reliable and well kept. Other than that the important thing is getting out there for weekend trips so you can figure out what you actually need and not what the advertisers think you need.

    • spackbace on 07/07/2018 - 00:59
      +1

      You know I'm biased but I'd agree with the Suzuki option at this price point, either a Jimny or Grand Vitara. Both have proper 4wd, are easy to park around town, and fairly economical

  • iratepirate on 06/07/2018 - 07:30
    +1

    Put a Holden Jackaroo on the list - it's a re-badged Isuzu, cheapest way to get into off-roading; you could buy two for $5K. It shares all major components with the rodeo utes so parts are cheap.

    • El Cap on 06/07/2018 - 08:05

      Thanks. I noticed a few of these on sale. The 2000 year model is around 5-6 on websites.

      • iratepirate on 06/07/2018 - 08:35
        +1

        Don't be afraid of higher kilometer vehicles - in this price range reliability depends on if the vehicle has been serviced properly. I have a rodeo farm ute with 500K+ on it.

      • redvaldez on 06/07/2018 - 08:38
        +1

        My parents bought a 1999 Jackaroo new and it's currently owned by my brother. Has been pretty bullet proof but the automatic transmissions are prone to failure, and the cost to repair means it's easier just to scrap the car. His transmission is just starting to slip at 250-odd thousand km, so be cautious.

  • redvaldez on 06/07/2018 - 08:45
    +1

    Have a look at the older model Pajeros. Particularly the NL (1997-1998 model). Could pick one up for around the $4-5k mark easily. In fact I'm selling mine, so if you're located around South East Queensland, hit me a message ;) It's all set up with all terrain tyres, UHF, spotlights, etc… replacing it with a brand new Pajero. Shameless spruik aside they're good value, look good, are pretty hardy, and aren't too bad to drive on road too.

    As has already been mentioned, older 4WDs are a money pit though. Not necessarily unreliable, it's just that things need replacing as they get old. I spent $1k at a service just to get the front wheel bearings done and the rear brakes rebuilt. I have had some steering components (idler arm, ball joints) replaced to correct some play in the steering but there's still more that could/should be replaced (pitman arm, control arm bushes). It feels never ending.

    Whatever you pick though will not be built for economy. My Pajero will use 13.5l/100km on the motorway but I averaged 22l/100km on a trip to Fraser Island. Diesels of the era will obviously be more frugal but will not exactly be quick to drive.

    • Hybroid on 06/07/2018 - 09:53

      Hmmm, so very tempted by getting a new Pajero having had a great 3.5L one in 2007 for few years but I remember it being slow and really heavy so the modern diesel version here can't be much better. Also seems this model has been out for ages with no remodel or update in sight so starting to feel really outdated. What's your main driving factor to getting one in 2018?

      • Euphemistic on 06/07/2018 - 10:06

        Not everyone wants sports car acceleration and being a bit heavy isn't a bad thing if you want to tow something heavy.

      • redvaldez on 06/07/2018 - 11:42
        +1

        Well truthfully I'm looking at either a Pajero Sport or a Pajero. Both have their pros and cons imo. I haven't driven either so it'll probably come down to a roadtest.

        I'm looking at it moreso from the perspective of what other options are there? I want a wagon, not a ute - utes are too long to park and I don't like the firm ride of leaf sprung utes. I drove a 2.8 Prado for a week as a hire car and it was ridiculously slow so it's crossed off the list straight away. Fortuner uses same engine and is crossed off too. Everest is expensive for what it is. MU-X has some appeal - I'll probably take it for a test drive - but not a big fan of the interior.

        Yes the Pajero is old, but objectively, what doesn't it do well? The power and torque outputs of the Pajero's diesel engine still hold up well to its competitors. Aside from DPF issues in the early models, the 4 gen Pajeros have held themselves out to be very reliable, which is important for me as I'll have it for 10+ years. I like the interior and exterior even if they are a bit dated. Plus they're great value for money too as the base model is presently $50k driveaway yet it includes a 7" touchscreen, rear diff lock, 18" alloys, leather steering wheel, etc.

        I am worried that whatever I pick will be a bit slow - my daily driver is a Mitsubishi 380 and it's got a gem of a motor in it - but the only new 4WD in my pricerange with a decent engine is the V6 Amarok, but I don't want a ute and probably more importantly don't trust VW reliability long-term.

        • Hybroid on 06/07/2018 - 11:45
          +1

          Very fair and balanced comment, thank you for taking the time. Given me some more to think about!

        • redvaldez on 06/07/2018 - 12:12
          +1

          @Hybroid: Thanks mate.

          I'm not opposed to a petrol 4WD as I don't tow and I'm not going to do remote crossings where the extra range is needed. Unfortunately the only 4WDs in recent years that were available with a petrol engine are the FJ Cruiser and 150 series Prado. The suicide doors on the FJ would be a pain for kids. Had considered a petrol Prado but I could get an equivalent year/spec Pajero in turbo diesel for the same money or less.

          I forgot to add that Jeep make a Grand Cherokee with a turbo diesel V6 for around $60k that looks quite good on paper but I just don't trust their reliability. Whatever I buy will eventually have $5-10k of accessories on it and I don't want to lose that on a forced early trade-in because of reliability issues.

        • Hybroid on 06/07/2018 - 12:18

          @redvaldez: Hmm, an FJ Cruiser is a very tempting prospect. Admittedly, a 2016 used model is the same price as a brand new Pajero but might be worthwhile. Significantly more power (141 kw vs 200 kw) so should be better drive. Also don't need towing but would like to get stuck into offroading, beach drives and camping adventures. Thanks again.

        • redvaldez on 06/07/2018 - 12:21
          +1

          @Hybroid: The FJs were discontinued in 2016 but were $45-50k new… it's crazy to think people are selling them second-hand for new prices. I test drove a second hand one a few years ago, it was only a brief drive but I couldn't fault it. They come factory fitted with rear diff locks which isn't too common. Around 2012-2013 they had a long range fuel tank included from factory and also had a hill descent control fitted so if the budget allows I'd try for one of those.

        • Hybroid on 08/08/2018 - 12:03

          @redvaldez: I ended up going for a nice clean FJ Cruiser. Enjoying it pretty well so far but just realised the cost of the car was the easy bit. It's all the extra mods and addons and offroad equipment that's a killer!

        • Euphemistic on 09/08/2018 - 07:25

          @Hybroid: don’t go spending all your hard earned on extras until you work out you need them. An FJ will go plenty of places completely stock with just some AT tyres.

    • El Cap on 06/07/2018 - 10:05

      Fraser is also one of the places I want to go. The car rental agencies don't allow their cars to be taken there - so best to have own car.

      I'll message you.

      • Euphemistic on 06/07/2018 - 10:52

        There are some rental places that specialise in 4wds for Fraser.

        • El Cap on 06/07/2018 - 11:04

          I was going to go there recently, then realized I'd have to rent to cars. One to get to Fraser and then one to travel there. So, went to Teewah beach - that was pretty cool too.

    • El Cap on 06/07/2018 - 10:12

      I tried to private message you but I get this "User redvaldez does not accept new conversations."

      • redvaldez on 06/07/2018 - 11:26

        I think I fixed it… let me know if it doesn't work

  • frondono on 06/07/2018 - 09:51
    +1

    If you're after a small 4wd a mid 90's Dihatsu Rocky 2.8TD would be my pick. Subaru outbacks and foresters would be pretty high on the list too.

    https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/mount-druitt/cars-vans-utes/…

    https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/craigmore/cars-vans-utes/dai…

  • TheBilly on 06/07/2018 - 14:12
    +1

    Watch this video

    https://youtu.be/bzutXEe4SOM

    • El Cap on 06/07/2018 - 16:24

      Nice.
      What is the Toyota SUV they have?

      • Euphemistic on 06/07/2018 - 17:01
        +2

        not SUV. 4wd. Its a Land cruiser, says it in the title.

        From what you are describing to do you want a 4wd wagon. A 4wd wagon will be designed with low range and will be capable off the road. Land cruiser, Prado, Pajero, MUX, Patrol, 4 runner, Rocky, Jeep etc. Until the RAV4 came along there wasn't really any such thing as an SUV all 4wd vehicles had off road ability and most were 2wd most of the time and needed to be manually put into 4wd. Many of them were designed as commercial vehicles and sold as such.

        An SUV is typically a more like a jacked up wagon but is not designed for serious off road work. They are made as passenger vehicles with extra ride height and usually (but not always) AWD. Like Kluger, Rav4, CX5, Territory, X-trail, SantaFe etc. Some are a bit more capable off road than others.

  • DBBROS on 07/07/2018 - 23:59

    My partner's dad had a 1999 Toyota Landcruiser prado which he bought for around $4500. Had few minor issues but did not get affected by any mechanical issues. Decided to swap it for a smaller car which he still regrets to this day

    • El Cap on 08/07/2018 - 23:11

      When was your partner had the Landcruiser?

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