What 4 X 4

[Peter-C]

I am thinking of buying a used 4 X 4 ( about 4-5K). I know its a bit late, the snow will have gone by the time I get it !! I've haven't owned a 4 X 4 before, and have tried an X trail yesterday. Reading the reviews is getting me more confused than ever. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Peter

[dogwood]

Hi Peter,
I think it realy depends what you want it for.
If you need something for towing then a something with a BIG engine and heavy.:eek:
If you just want something for hooning about off road then lightness is the answer.

This is my off road toy.
It's only got a 1300 engine, so couldn't pull the skin off a rice pudding.
But rarely gets stuck coz its so light.

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p212/muddypaws4x4/Pictureelephant064.jpg

Or you could go really light.

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p212/muddypaws4x4/DK_Muji_2005_quadhouse045.jpg
David

[Enoch]

I have just sold a Range Rover 4.6 that was converted to LPG. I owned it for about 18 months - that's a long time for me to hold on to a car. It was very reliable, the only thing that broke in that time was an aux drive belt tensioner that cost a massive £28 to replace, including the new belt. When the tyres got low I bought a set of wheels and tyres off ebay for £150. One thing I found I needed was a POI file for my satnav so I could always find an LPG stockist wherever I was, the tank only gave me a range of 250 miles. They are not for everyone but if you are thinking 4x4 then an lpg conversion extends your choice somewhat as your fuel bill is halved.

[Peter-C]

Thanks for your your input. Sorry, I forgot to say what I want it for. We live half way up a steep hill, so its just for getting out and about and maybe for towing a caravan ( which I haven't got yet ! ). Definitely not for off-roading - too much of a coward.

Peter

[twinturbo]

Defender 90 TD. with M&S

TT

[jasongray5]

not a vauxhall frontera...
TD 300 90 Defender would be the obvious choice,
A taliban wagon would do you proud (hilux)

[Bonzo]

Interesting post this one

In the same boat as you Peter !!??

Been thinking over the last 12 months or so about joining the 4 X 4 Brigade.

With my wonky donky legs & all that ..........Something a little higher off the ground would be a lot easier for me to drive ...............It'll save me from going out in the Transit when I am really wonky :o

Don't want to have a fuel guzzeling monster, just something compact'ish but will have the ability to do a small amount of A frame recovery of small - medium cars !!??


I have a Daihatsu Sportrak sitting in the drive, given to me free for scrap ......... 1997 ELXI , way too good for the brakers.

I sort of quite like the thing :eek:

Been collecting parts as & when I spot them ...Just need to find some lo-cost front calipers & will probably put a MOT on it .........Then drive it about for a while to see how I get on ;)

I quite like the Toyota Rav4 but when compared against the Daihatsu, it looks to come up a bit short on features :confused:

I'll wach this thread with interest.

[shadowcaster]

I'm probably a wee bit bias here but have a look at a Discovery, I have had mine for nearly 4 years and I love her to bits. It's a 3.9 V8 Auto with LPG, quite easy to work on, parts are reletively cheap and has bags of room. I know the V8's have a drink problem but on LPG are nearly the same as running diesel.

http://i1002.photobucket.com/albums/af147/Shadowcaster6656/Discovery/snowagain003small.jpg

Ronnie I had a Sportrak before the Disco and it was a great little car and really good fun to drive, so it's well worth getting it on the road.

[Bonzo]

Thanks for that Rich :)

I must say .........That is a cracking photo mate :cool:

Was that taken last Feb at home ?? :)

[shadowcaster]

Thanks for that Rich :)

I must say .........That is a cracking photo mate

Was that taken last Feb at home ??

Aye it was, the missus said I was like a 5yr old playing around, one of the best days of 2009, can't wait for more:D
http://i1002.photobucket.com/albums/af147/Shadowcaster6656/Discovery/snowagain011small.jpg

http://i1002.photobucket.com/albums/af147/Shadowcaster6656/Discovery/SnowandPips009small.jpg

[dogwood]

God Rich, You'r making me feel cold....

Here's a couple of mine in warmer times
Summer 08 in the Pyranees.
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p212/muddypaws4x4/DK_Muji_2005_quadhouse226.jpg

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p212/muddypaws4x4/DK_Muji_2006_pyrennes080.jpg

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p212/muddypaws4x4/DK_Muji_2006_pyrennes032.jpg

[shadowcaster]

Now that does look good mate, must have been great fun driving up there :cool: I'm not at all envious:D

[flyerncle]

Keep well away from Hi lux Surf and Nissan Navara have crap engines in them and they blow up regularly. I had a Disco and abused the life out of it and what a motor for the £350 I paid for it. Drove it to Moffat and back with leaking rad (unknown at the time but found out too late) and used more water than fuel, it locked up with failed head gasket about 2 months later and one head gasket later it was away again no probs, rot was the only problem with it and got my money back when I sold it.

[Bonzo]

That Discovery looks so right in those pictures Rich :cool:

I see you had a fair bit more snow than we did :eek:


David ... Those photos are stunning .........bleeding green with envy mate :D :D

[dogwood]

Thank's Rich & Ronnie.
It was a great holiday, Did best part of 300 miles without touching tarmac.
Except for fueling up and Hotels

[Matthew]

If you want something really big with lots of seats then get a Landcruiser - they go on forever and can tow more than you're ever likely to need. The wife's 4.2turbo diesel isn't even that bad on fuel - about 25mpg on short runs.

Off road with the right tyre's they're loads of fun - I've been on a a few 4x4 club fun days, and even attempted a trial.

I can't compete with dogwood for scenery, but this is us having a bit of fun in the 4x4 playground in Tignes

http://www.tcodd.demon.co.uk/images/Landcruiser/Tignes%20-%204x4%20playground.JPG

Matt

[Peter-C]

Rich,

How miles does it have, it looks superb.

Peter

[shadowcaster]

Rich,

How miles does it have, it looks superb.

Peter

Hi Peter

Got around 100,000 on the clock, as she is a Jap import she is in quite good nick. It's funny that I went looking for a 200Tdi Manual and ended up with a V8 Auto, the salesman knew what he was doing when he handed me the keys and said start her up, a couple of blips of the throttle and I had fallen in love, theres something about a V8 that makes your heart rule your head. Since I have had her she's had a few goodies added and some decent Cooper AT tires. http://www.landroveraddict.com/smf/Smileys/default/v8s.gif

[dogwood]

Hi Peter

the salesman knew what he was doing when he handed me the keys and said start her up, a couple of blips of the throttle and I had fallen in love, theres something about a V8 that makes your heart rule your head.

Can't argue with that...:D
1300cc just don't do it in the sound department.:eek:
Wizzzzzzzzzz

[LeonN]

the disco is good don't get me wrong. i loved mine to bits but if you need a 4x4 by a 1972 88inch land rover. not only one of the most capable in the right hands in my opinion the prettiest car i have seen

[shadowcaster]

the disco is good don't get me wrong. i loved mine to bits but if you need a 4x4 by a 1972 88inch land rover. not only one of the most capable in the right hands in my opinion the prettiest car i have seen

My dream machine is a series 2 109 theres something about the shape thats timeless.:cool:

[LeonN]

Oops. Reading this got mr thinking. I took the big engion crain I borrowed back today.
Only to come home with the v5 for a 1961 88 inch petral series 2. Hard top with s3 wings and dash. MOT and FREE tax.
Fancy a partey next year for hur 50th?