The Best Daily Car and 4WD

samfisher5986 on 10/06/2020 - 10:17
Last edited 10/06/2020 - 10:17

I want to upgrade from my 2004 Mazda 2 hatchback and get something bigger, and the ability to go to 4WD only camping areas (Fraser and Moreton would be great)

The problem is finding something that I'll enjoy driving to work every day, but does a good job when I go camping (Which is so far only twice a year)

I'm planning to spend 15-25k, at the moment I'm set on the 2015 Mitsubishi Challenger so far.

My main worries are fuel consumption (9.8L/100km) and comfort in my daily drive to work.

So far my research has told me:

Smaller 4WD's like the Suzuki's are not a good choice due to having smaller or equal space to my mazda 2 hatchback.

Keeping my Mazda 2 and renting is not a good idea as renting a 4WD for a long weekend at fraser is $1000+

Having two cars is not worth it due to the costs of rego/insurance etc.

What do you guys think? I like to be frugal but it seems in this scenario I have to compromise to some degree.

Automotive

Comments

        • samfisher5986 on 11/06/2020 - 17:57

          Thanks for the encouragement and advice!

      • Sensei888 on 11/06/2020 - 17:37

        This is the best looking Triton in my opinion. Mine is the older rounder model. The newer shape with the square Optimus Prime bumper looks terrible in my opinion. It also comes standard with the super select to lock the diff as I mentioned in an earlier reply.

  • lhou021 on 11/06/2020 - 19:21

    I would go for Suzuki for a smaller 4WD or Toyota RAV4 for mid-sized 4WD

    • durendal on 12/06/2020 - 01:31

      I second the Toyota 2013-2018. I went with the AWD RAV4 for reliability, consumption, and off road capability, also it's reasonably comfortable and spacious. If needed you can purchase lift kit and exhaust raise pipe kit. j-trax HT tires seem to be good, and remember it's mostly the driver's skill to avoid or get one out of trouble, not the vehicle itself.

  • nephilim on 11/06/2020 - 21:05

    Old land cruises are allowed to imported from Japan now, check a import sites.
    Won’t get good mileage out of a old v8 though, but get top of the range beast without modern tech.

    • runtoparadise on 11/06/2020 - 23:25

      Any import sites you recommend?

    • runtoparadise on 12/06/2020 - 00:54

      Been randomly browsing and its quite tempting to import a Delica for the 10k mark

  • Jaystea on 12/06/2020 - 07:52
    +2

    Rent the 4WD imo. Running costs in a few months would cost more than the rental price itself. Idk what “fun” there is to be driving in the rain, but unless you’re as frugal as you think you are, spending that extra cash for some splashy splash is a terrible idea.

  • biozet on 12/06/2020 - 08:41

    you should go with a hot hatch…i often do fraser in my megane.

  • samfisher5986 on 12/06/2020 - 08:50
    +2

    I've decided to wait 4-8 months and see how I'm feeling.

    The problem with owning a 2WD and wanting to buy a 4WD is you can't accurately gauge how often you would use the extra space or offroad since you just avoid those situations generally.

    • inherentchoice on 12/06/2020 - 09:34

      My solution to this problem is using a motorcycle as a daily, and the 4X4 for other stuff (taking passengers/cargo or going on trips).

      Can potentially just get 2 cars, one 4x4 and one small car? Maybe keep your Mazda 2, or instead get a 3 cylinder Suzuki Alto or Nissan Micra which will save you ~$100 per year in rego haha.

      Also no need to buy the 4x4 until you're ready for a trip.

      Have a look at my comment here for what it costs… https://www.ozbargain.com.au/comment/8834174/redir

      • samfisher5986 on 12/06/2020 - 10:28

        Not a fan of the safety of motorcycles as a daily driver.

        Two cars is way too expensive, one 4WD (if its not a huge 10L+ fuel drinker) is definitely cheaper once you factor in costs.

        • inherentchoice on 12/06/2020 - 10:44
          +1

          Depends on how many km you do, how new of a car you want, insurance costs and depreciation. An old 4x4 will have almost $0 depreciation.

          A brand new $14k car will cost over $100 per week and surely a $20k Challenger will also cost over $100 a week.

          For minimal kms My 2000 Prado costs me $30 per week for everything except insurance.

      • [Deactivated] on 14/06/2020 - 10:56
        -2

        Saying someone should use a motorbike as a daily is literally the dumbest suggestion in here, and there are many dumb suggestions. The mortality rate on motorcycles is insanely high, and using one as a daily just increases that risk.

        • inherentchoice on 14/06/2020 - 11:21
          -1

          You can't live life too risk averse, or you will never live at all.

          Most of the accidents are the riders own fault for pushing the boundaries.

          • [Deactivated] on 14/06/2020 - 12:01
            -2

            @inherentchoice: It doesn’t matter your reasoning, statistically a commuting motorcyclist has unacceptable risk compared to all other forms of transport. There’s a reason why they call them organ donors in Medical circles.

            • inherentchoice on 14/06/2020 - 12:56

              @[Deactivated]: And your reasoning does matter?

              This is OzBargain not Oz-Live-Risk-Free-and-die-anyway.

              A motorcycle is clearly a bargain fuel wise. Therefore has much less carbon emissions too.

              • [Deactivated] on 14/06/2020 - 13:09

                @inherentchoice: That's a strong argument that is clearly on point.

              • [Deactivated] on 29/06/2020 - 17:15
                +1

                @inherentchoice: Motorcycles have far higher unburned Hydrocarbon and NOx outputs than a car does, they're not particularly kind to the environment either.

                • inherentchoice on 29/06/2020 - 17:57
                  +1

                  @[Deactivated]: More noxious stuff yes, but not more total carbon emissions. So what I said is accurate? I didn't say anything about the environment.

    • Euphemistic on 12/06/2020 - 13:06
      +2

      Nah. Just buy one and try it out. If it doesn’t work out, go back to a hatchback.

  • aston177 on 12/06/2020 - 13:05

    Keep the Mazda and buy a cheap 4wd. I'm sure the Mazda doesn't cost too much to run and will get better fuel consumption than any 4wd, even the modern ones that are out of your price range. I faced the same conundrum as you, kept my daily car and bought a 2001 diesel Hilux for $6k, goes great off road and you're not too worried about damaging it which is inevitable when you're testing the limits of what you can do as a beginner. I'd recommend looking at 90 series Prados, they're well priced, reliable and go well off road.

    • samfisher5986 on 12/06/2020 - 13:12

      Its a great point but I guess camping goes along with long distance driving, so I'll end up with two cars that I won't really enjoy for long distance driving. My Mazda 2 is not very comfortable.

  • seefu on 12/06/2020 - 13:31

    I regularly go 4WDing with a Grand Vitara and those things are pretty hard to get stuck. Absolutely useless at pulling me out though haha.

    If you're looking at a 2.4L one, definitely go for a 2012 or newer because they fixed a head cracking issue in them in newer models.

    Plenty of space too. Friend put a roof top tent on his but before that, it could hold his camping gear and still have passengers while I carried his passengers' gear

  • pharkurnell on 12/06/2020 - 14:23

    Your coming from a Mazda 2 - any 4wd would be more enjoyable to drive to work

  • [Deactivated] on 12/06/2020 - 15:51

    I drive a Jimny and go on camping trip about once a month. For two people the Jimny has plenty off room, especially if you have a roof rack. We took the Jimny stock to Fraser and it did amazing, including in land tracks.
    Ride comfort is really personal preference. I would get a Hilux within the budget if space is a requirement. Fuel econ is out of question the minute you start adding bull bars, lifts ect.

  • Orico on 12/06/2020 - 16:14

    I have a Kluger for work and it just goes and goes and goes. They wanted to get a german car because all the other employees have one, but Kluger is a hardworking machine!!!!

  • nikey2k27 on 12/06/2020 - 18:40
    +2

    Toyota 4WD best is best.

  • FoxJump on 12/06/2020 - 20:39
    +1

    Gday

    I'm a bit late
    I had a 2014 xv and now a 2018 xv and 2018 Pajero (non sport)

    I've been to sandy beaches in the 2014xv and have been to Fraser on a rental jeep and to fraser and Moreton in the Pajero.

    The Pajero drives good I feel. I'm happy with it. The suspension lift made the suspension firmer and more sporty.

    The 2014 xv on sandy beaches is ok at a lowered tyre pressure. It's a struggle but it'll get through the choppy sand as long as it's flat terrain! Even then I'm on gear 1 on the CVT and have had to remove a fuse to kill the traction control. Once you're on a rut there's not much power to drive off it. The cars power is at high rpm and you can't get to high rpm at low speeds due to the high gearing. Once I almost got stuck in a dip not because I was bogged but because there wasn't enough power to go up a tiny slight uphill. The xv has not enough power to dig it's tyres and get bogged.

    The 2018 has not been offroad other than some snow play.

    The Pajero goes anywhere I've dared and drives fine day to day. The my16 is the best newest model to get. No dpf and good fuel consumption. Newer ones have worse fuel consumption.

    Xv has been fine on sand and mud with all terrain tyres on it. Great for dirt roads, etc. Very capable. Just … Know it's limits

    • isthisreallife22 on 13/06/2020 - 14:30

      Thanks I have an xv and hope to one day do the DI point drive but havent done it yet so this comment will be handy

    • TheBilly on 13/06/2020 - 22:59

      I own an XV as well, it is not an off road car at all. Similar experience to you, everything I did I had to rev really hard and high. This takes its toll and overheats the vehicle majorly so it cannot handle days and days of that kind of abuse without consequence.

  • FoxJump on 12/06/2020 - 20:49
    +1

    More context: I bought the 2014 xv because I had started enjoying the less beaten track. The xv then got written off due to rising flood waters. I then, realising how much I liked remoteness and adventure .. got a Pajero. And an xv for dad cos he loves it

    • TheBilly on 13/06/2020 - 22:57

      Pajero is very good value second hand.

      • FoxJump on 13/06/2020 - 23:06
        +1

        We bought new. Still a great value

        • [Deactivated] on 14/06/2020 - 12:34
          -1

          If you like a 20 year old car for new car prices, sure.

          • Euphemistic on 14/06/2020 - 13:43

            @[Deactivated]: There’s something to be said for solid, reliable and proven. Sure they started out 20 years ago, but incremental changes have built on a solid base.

  • Tsuivan on 12/06/2020 - 23:22
    +5

    Just buy a 200 series and to hell with the running costs. 4x4s are a money pit anyway, may as well go hard or go home.

  • TheBilly on 13/06/2020 - 08:43
    +1

    Before buying a car watch Ronny Dahl or 4xoverland (Andrew St Pierre White) on YouTube. Anyone that has done some real adventuring off road would never advise you to buy a soft roader. Andrew at 4xoverland gives very good logic and is very experienced. If your intention is to go offroading and camping - wherever whenever (location does not matter) DO NOT BUY A SOFTROADER.

    Buy a 4wd with high and low range transfer box - not a Subaru AWD not a Mitsubishi Outlander… While a softroader can do most things it is not the tool for the job - I have seen a Toyota Yaris on the north end of Stockton Beach, it does not make it right, the same way a Forrester is not right.

    When you are out there it only takes the right chance for everything to go wrong. Imagine if you get stuck on the wrong track at the wrong time and nobody comes past to help. In the middle of summer I saw a young couple on a track on Moreton at 4pm as I was rushing back, they were in an outback. Their car had high sided on a rut and wheels just couldn't get to the ground. They had no supplies, water, food, shelter or anything as it was all "back at camp" and they were only stepping away for an hour. They just could not get the car out, dropping pressure didn't help and they stopped digging because it was way too hot on the sand and they became exhausted. They started round 9am and nobody passed that day. Moreton is not even big or complex and that happened to them, it is tiny compared to Fraser. It would only take one night for them to start thinking - is this it.

    Why would you not just get the best system available to you? a high low 4wd? as opposed to short selling yourself?

    • wombat81 on 13/06/2020 - 11:56
      +1

      It's because he's trying to cover all bases with one vehicle. Good to drive in the city, low fuel consumption, but will go to Fraser as well. Such a beast doesn't exist.

      If you want a 4x4 you have to be prepared to compromise on fuel consumption and running costs. It's as simple as that.

      • TheBilly on 13/06/2020 - 22:50
        -1

        If you want a 4x4 you have to be prepared to compromise on fuel consumption and running costs. It's as simple as that.

        Yes you do, but it's really not that much more. I own a Subaru XV and a Toyota Hilux, also before the the XV and Hilux I owned an Outback and Navara. The Subaru is not even in a comparable league to the Hilux or the Navara. Focusing just on the Hilux and XV, if I had to list out the 2 items where the Hilux looses to the XV, it is turning circle and harshness of highway ride - but that is it. The Hilux dwarfs it in everything - it does cost not that much more to run, build quality and drive line is leaps and bounds ahead as 4x4 vehicles generally have over engineered diffs, cases, drive shafts and suspension arms.

        I go 4wding once every 2 months and once a year I do a multi week trip, I have done nothing but the scheduled service on the Hilux every 10,000 km, it does not get stuck, it does not scrape or grind the under body, it carries all the camping luxuries (a lot of weight) along with a family of 4, it does so with the fuel efficiency of a large family station wagon, it never breaks parts and after 100,000 km its like it drove off the showroom floor yesterday it is so smooth.

        The one time I took the XV camping - beach driving and gravel roads, the engine was so overworked you could feel the radiating heat from the bonnet and it just dropped power (it was new so the heat guage only went up a bit) but a burning smell emerged, after 2 hours on corrugated roads the vibrations shook things apart and it never drove the same again and has consistent rattles since. They are just not designed for this and their marketing is deceptive because they know 90% of people would never try what they show.

        While people may get away with an Outback or Soft Roader on Fraser in good conditions, in all honesty Fraser Island is developed tourist destination from the Inskip all the way to Indian Head with the amount of buses that run up and down the beach. After Indian Head it gets 10% more interesting but doesn't get difficult until Ngala. Even after Ngala I wouldn't say it is 'difficult' so doing it in a Subaru is no big achievement. Take an Outback down to the Victorian High Country and you won't come back, run an outback through the Simpson or up to Cape York and get ready to pull out your wallet for major repairs.

        • samfisher5986 on 13/06/2020 - 23:07

          That Subaru sounds pretty bad considering I've driven my little Mazda 2 on corrugated roads going to a camping area without issues.

          • TheBilly on 13/06/2020 - 23:10

            @samfisher5986: I'm not a fan at all - both XV and Outback. It's been relegated to a weekly shopping trip and daily school drops. Even then on weekends when I'm home we use the Hilux for everything else. If you do a lot of K's like me the hilux DPF issue has no effect, aside from that - such a great utilitarian vehicle.

          • FoxJump on 13/06/2020 - 23:16

            @samfisher5986: I drove my xv to William creek etc all the way up to Darwin fully overloaded. Went fine.

            After 12500km over two weeks I came home with a car that still worked good. With two very worn rear tyres due to the inside wearing due to the independent suspension being fully compressed. Then a month later it got flooded. The xv exceeded my expectations.

            I remember getting it serviced at Alice Springs and even driving at 130 for hours with a headwind and then smelling the dipstick oil to be all burnt smelling :). The car oil temp got to 125deg.

            Also on sand with the xv I went to Stockton beach and blacksmith beach and sometimes you have to drive faster than comfortable to keep enough momentum. With a bit of flying when the sand gets humpy. My friends on the back seat kept hitting their heads on the ceiling.

            Probably a good thing the flood took it out.

            Still not a 4wd.

            You can do a lot in an xv but you risk damaging the car. You can do the same and more in a 4wd and you'll be more confident coming home.

        • [Deactivated] on 14/06/2020 - 12:39

          That's because if you take it to the Victoria High Country, the Button man will eat you.

  • Plug on 13/06/2020 - 16:36

    9.8l/100km is pretty good I reckon

    • Euphemistic on 13/06/2020 - 17:07

      For 4wd it is, but can be a shock to someone who is used to a tiny hatchback.

  • majord on 13/06/2020 - 19:50
    -2

    Don't take too much notice of these jokers saying an Outback or forester won't do Fraser. There's a few things like a bash plate and more suitable wheels/,tyres that should be done , or a small lift for older models but they eat Fraser for breakfast once you have. There are some lesser known knarly tracks there one with a bigger water crossing, but most people don't do them anyway, all the usual spots are OK.

    If you're going there or other 4wd destinations every other weekend, sure you're better off getting something more purposeful and living with the on-road compromises . Doesn't sound like you are though

    • samfisher5986 on 13/06/2020 - 23:04

      AWD's are banned on stradbroke so it still doesn't seem like a good idea.

      • majord on 13/06/2020 - 23:40
        -1

        Yeah, it's pretty amusing. Their definition of a 4WD is a the presence of a low range button or lever apparently. My Outback doesn't have the low range lever as it's an Auto, so I'm seriously considering putting one from a manual in place of the 2nd cup holder (that's where it literally goes) for the purpose of going to Stradbroke.. Just in case

        So yeah With their definition in mind, whilst i'm sure it's not on your list, for anyone else playing at home, make sure you avoid the Amarok ute in auto if you want to go to straddie.. yes, it has been proven to be very very capable dual cab off road, but sorry, no Stradbroke for you! no low range button!

        • ShortyX on 14/06/2020 - 01:04

          avoid the Amarok ute in auto if you want to go to straddie

          This post (albeit 4 years ago) seems to indicate that it will be permitted.

  • srr on 14/06/2020 - 11:41

    https://youtu.be/ceSFYccOzDg

    A good explanation of the 4wd vs awd from Ronny Dahl

  • thirtysixd on 15/06/2020 - 10:17

    Sounds like you want a grand vitara or forester with a few mods

    Foresters are more common but both are capable in the right hands
    Factor in about 2.5k for a 2" lift / new tyres / bash plate
    Try get low range (newer subarus dont have)

    Hilux or navara are usually best value for bigger 4wds
    Pretty easy to pick them up already modded and ready to go

    • Euphemistic on 15/06/2020 - 12:09

      When I owned a Forester the consensus among forester forum members was that automatic (without low) was preferable to manual with low range for off road work. The low range wasn’t low enough to be useful in technical areas while the auto can be driven with two feet and the transmission could handle lower speeds.

      Not sure on the reduction ratio, but I can confirm it wasn’t very low. Something like 0.8 rather than more typical off road low range of 0.5.

      • thirtysixd on 15/06/2020 - 12:51

        You are pretty much spot on with that ratio
        Its not huge but its still really useful for sand or snow

        SF/SG Crawl really well as auto but once you get to SH I think manuals come out on top

        • Euphemistic on 15/06/2020 - 12:54

          I used to use low range in the forester all the time in car parks and slow traffic. Handy for reversing up hill or with a trailer as well. The model I had was a manual lever, not an electronic control so could easily change on the fly and not have to stop and wait in neutral like many modern 4wds. With the centre diff and full time AWD it isn’t necessary to have a loose surface.

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join