Options for 4WD under $10k

ShortyX on 11/11/2020 - 17:50

Asking for a friend…

He's young and an adventurous bloke so he wants his first car to be a 4WD for camping, light off-roading and beach driving. Budget is $10k and location is SE QLD.

Doesn't seem to be much around in that price bracket but I did find this - https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2006-holden-rodeo-l… From what I've read (https://www.redbook.com.au/editorial/details/buying-used-hol…), it seems to be the V6 Alloytec engine after Holden stopped using Isuzu's engine.

Any comments on the Alloytec, the Rodeo from that era, or any other options in this price bracket?

Automotive

Comments

  • [Deactivated] on 11/11/2020 - 17:56

    Bad timing since 4WD demand has soared.

    $10k isn't a bad budget, just not at the moment.

    Many good examples of GQ Patrols for under $10k last year.

    I don't see many Rodeos on the trails.

    • ShortyX on 11/11/2020 - 18:03

      4WD demand has soared.

      Thanks tshow and agreed. I bought a new 2018 MQ Triton in June 2019 for $36k DA and I see they are now selling for more than that second hand.

      • [Deactivated] on 11/11/2020 - 18:05

        I'd advise to both stretch the budget and wait.

        There's no point pinching pennies buying something with no resale value.

        • ShortyX on 11/11/2020 - 18:06

          Good advice - thanks.

      • leiiv on 12/11/2020 - 03:03

        So classic aside, newer cars can actually appreciate? Does this happen very rarely?

        • Euphemistic on 12/11/2020 - 05:31
          -1

          Very rare. Really the only time used cars go up is under high demand when they are close to new. Currently new cars are in somewhat limited supply and prices have risen due to covid (or manufacturers taking advantage). Used cars have risen proportionately.

  • brendanm on 11/11/2020 - 18:11
    +1

    Rodeos are a pretty decent thing. I had an RA with the diesel many years ago. The alloytech is superior to the Isuzu V6, which had a habit of doing big end bearings. Check the service history, they do gunk up if not serviced.

    It really depends how serious of a 4wd he needs. My rodeo went fine off-road, but it's not the sort of thing you'll be rock hopping in, fairly long wheelbase and average clearance. As mentioned above, gq patrols are bulletproof, but also use a lot of fuel, as you won't get a diesel for the budget. The 4.2 is a decent motor but guzzles fuel, my old auto one used about 20l/100.

    The other thing you my find is a Pajero petrol, which were a reasonable thing, lots of suspension and diff bushes to replace though if it hasn't been maintained, and the engines are a bit leaky.

    Edit - If he ends up getting really excited, you can get a front locker for the rodeos, which would step the 4wd ability up another notch.

  • spackbace on 11/11/2020 - 18:44

    Jimny

    Easy fun, very capable 4wd (like a mountain goat), lots of aftermarket bits and pieces

    • brendanm on 11/11/2020 - 18:48
      +3

      Have you seen the prices of those things? Actually unbelievable.

      • spackbace on 11/11/2020 - 18:50
        +1

        Yeah, just did a search :/ Kinda sad to think we were selling old model manuals for $18,990 drive away

        For OP - 2004 with 250,000kms for $9,500

        $26,990 for a 2015 is madness!

        • brendanm on 11/11/2020 - 19:12
          +1

          Yeah they used to be a great value proper 4wd, but they are just too basic for the prices people are asking now.

          • spackbace on 11/11/2020 - 19:55
            +1

            @brendanm: Would be easy to work on, they're easy to get out if you get stuck. Just need some good a/t tyres and you'll be good to go

        • ShortyX on 11/11/2020 - 19:48
          +1

          For OP - 2004 with 250,000kms for $9,500

          Thanks, that’s in Townsville though.

          Jimnys are generally reliable?

  • Presence on 11/11/2020 - 20:41

    What do you mean by "light off roading"? Would something light duty like a Subaru suffice? Or else a Pajero? Getting a Toyota in this price range will mean something very old.

    Wagons are generally a lot more comfortable than a ute. Also consider with a ute he might need toolboxes or a canopy in the budget.

  • Euphemistic on 12/11/2020 - 05:38
    -1

    Petrol V6 will be quite thirsty moving a relatively heavy 4wd but diesel will be more expensive to buy, maintain and repair.

    Any $10k 4wd is likely to be either quite old or have plenty of kms. It is also likely to do ‘light’ off road well. Have a look at what seems the right age/kms and do a little research on issues with that particular model.

    Does he want a wagon or a ute?

  • [Deactivated] on 12/11/2020 - 10:55
    +1

    Old H6 Outback with a lift kit and muddies.

    Will be more comfortable than a 10k beat up Hilux and (relatively) as capable, for a newbie offroader. He can upgrade when he gets some skills.

    • brad1-8tsi on 12/11/2020 - 10:58
      +1

      I'd go H4 as I don't trust the reliability of the H6. Too many mates have stuffed engines over the years - 15 at last count. One guy had 4 engines in 250,000km

      • [Deactivated] on 12/11/2020 - 11:24
        +1

        I think they both have issues. The 2.5 does head gaskets like it's going out of fashion. The H6 has other issues. By all accounts the H6 is a stronger motor, though.

  • brad1-8tsi on 12/11/2020 - 10:56
    +1

    Does it have to be a "proper" 4WD?

    I'd look at a Subaru Forester or Outback. Some of the manual Foresters in that price range will have Hi/Lo range

  • redvaldez on 12/11/2020 - 11:36

    I wouldn't get a Forester, Outback etc if your mate wants to do beach driving. A lot of the beach accesses can get quite rutted up, same with some of the access tracks (e.g. the Freshwater track at Teewah Beach and the Northern Access Track on Bribie Island) and I'd be concerned that they don't have the clearance (especially if they're unmodified). I mean you do see the occasional Forester or Outback up there from time to time, but it wouldn't be my recommendation…

    My vote would be a 3rd gen Pajero. Get a petrol though, as if the injector pump goes on a diesel (which is a common fault), you're up for a couple of grand to fix.

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