Recommend used 4x4 wagon <$25k

Submitted: Saturday, Jun 03, 2017 at 21:09
ThreadID: 135013 Views:2794 Replies:6 FollowUps:6
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Hi all,

I'm hoping for recommendations for used wagon from the gurus here. I've owned and used 4x4s before but currently don't have one (a problem I'm hoping to solve!)

Key requirements are:
Wagon 5+ seats
Proper 4x4
Reliability - I'm fairly handy but really want something very reliable that I'm not repairing constantly
$15-25k budget
Want to keep for 5+ years
I won't be doing any rock hopping, just touring/camping with family

Cars I've been thinking of:
100s cruiser - they have high kms and close to 20 years old?
Pajero - not sure on how many kms they run for?
Challenger?

Any suggestions/comments/advice would be much appreciated!

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Reply By: Craig M1 - Sunday, Jun 04, 2017 at 00:05

Sunday, Jun 04, 2017 at 00:05
Hi Leeb,
You may pick up a petrol LC or Prado with a few less km than a diesel for that price.
The petrol versions are a bit harder to sell than the diesels and are generally a lot cheaper.

Regards Craig
AnswerID: 611659

Reply By: Member - snippy - Sunday, Jun 04, 2017 at 07:30

Sunday, Jun 04, 2017 at 07:30
We have a 2006 100 series cruiser, V8 petrol. Paid $25000.

Tow a 3.2 tonne van. A bit thirsty towing but great road car.
AnswerID: 611661

Follow Up By: Leeb - Sunday, Jun 04, 2017 at 19:35

Sunday, Jun 04, 2017 at 19:35
Cheers Kevin,

How many km did your cruiser have when you bought it? How many you expect it can last?

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FollowupID: 881723

Follow Up By: mountainman - Sunday, Jun 04, 2017 at 21:16

Sunday, Jun 04, 2017 at 21:16
Like anything.
its how you service it.
the 4.7 v8 are known for handling high kms easily
3-400k should not be a problem at all
in the IFS 100 series
if you keep them standard they are actually better on fuel than the 4.5.
Once you load them up with big tyres...bar and winch
that will cost you a minimum 2ltrs a 100km.
buy in price they are dirt cheap compared to a HDJ100 As in a factory turbo.
if your planning on high km use
stay away from the 4.7v8
And can stretch your money to 30k get the TD 100
IF rarely driven the 4.5 six or 4.7v8 be a good option
id definitely go the v8
Plenty of power and IFS comfort
4.5 is live axle
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FollowupID: 881728

Follow Up By: Member - snippy - Monday, Jun 05, 2017 at 06:18

Monday, Jun 05, 2017 at 06:18
278k when bought. Just rolled over 300k. Timing belt and rear oik seal.

Mechanic said excellent condition for the miles and apart from the above, faultless.

The timing belt is a scheduled thing for 300k. Rear bearing oil soil about right for the mileage. Should be good for another 300k if serviced properly,
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FollowupID: 881733

Reply By: nickb - Sunday, Jun 04, 2017 at 12:42

Sunday, Jun 04, 2017 at 12:42
Pajero is a great option, good value for money compared to some others. They have their quirks but reliability is a strong point. Avoid the 2007-2009 NS auto as they had intermittent issues with the DPF and you can't go wrong. Great driving on road too, they are terrible at rock hopping but that won't concern you. Can also have constant 4wd for on road use, great when driving/towing on gravel roads or in the wet.
AnswerID: 611676

Reply By: Leeb - Sunday, Jun 04, 2017 at 16:01

Sunday, Jun 04, 2017 at 16:01
Thanks for the feedback,

I don't have much experience with big petrols, previously had 75series and other small td single cabs.

Will definitely have a look at petrols. If the price is much cheaper than that's a lot of kms.

The price of pajeros was what attracted me originally.
AnswerID: 611683

Follow Up By: Bob R4 - Sunday, Jun 04, 2017 at 21:17

Sunday, Jun 04, 2017 at 21:17
You would also be attracted by the economy, service interval, driveability around town, comfort (a little noisier but OK), great tug within it's range, reliability.
I went for a 2005 NP DiD with 140k on clock, and was looking with open eyes for a 4x4, but wasn't considering a Pajero in the first instance.
I searched the Pajero forum and found they had few vices.
Couldn't be happier with ours.
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FollowupID: 881729

Reply By: Crusier 91 - Monday, Jun 05, 2017 at 07:49

Monday, Jun 05, 2017 at 07:49
Hi Leeb,
You may want to consider this prior to purchasing a unleaded 4x4.
Turnbull government will be phasing out 91 fuel over the next 2 years which will leave you paying an extra 0.12c per litre if not more by the time it happens for 95 or 98.
AnswerID: 611700

Reply By: Robin Miller - Monday, Jun 05, 2017 at 08:00

Monday, Jun 05, 2017 at 08:00
Leeb Hi
I always recommend the big petrol patrols I have been driving now for 15 years.

They simply can't be beaten , which is a pain because I these is nothing around apart from 200 series new that can match them.

The 4.8lt patrol where made until the end of 2010 so there are plenty with genuine under 100k on them.

Quiet , no diesel fumes , twin solid axles coil sprung with lowest centre of gravity
of any big wagon , fast and powerful , they use more fuel but that's worth it for the pluses.

But also important is that cars like this have a wide base of accessories and can be serviced all over the place easily and cheaply , but you can also do it all yourself.



Robin Miller

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AnswerID: 611701

Follow Up By: Member - mark D18 - Monday, Jun 05, 2017 at 13:27

Monday, Jun 05, 2017 at 13:27
Robin

Every few months you push the merits of petrol Patrols , as good as they are you need to own a oil well to keep up to their thirst for fuel .

I will give you an A for effort .

Cheers
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FollowupID: 881739

Follow Up By: nickb - Monday, Jun 05, 2017 at 21:33

Monday, Jun 05, 2017 at 21:33
In saying that, if ever there was a time now is it! Ticks most if not all of the boxes asked for!!!!
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FollowupID: 881751

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