What's the best 4WD ??? LOL.

Buy an FJ40 and it may even make money!

Have you looked in the trader section? There's a Paj, a 60 series and a forty for your money.

You could buy a good Rangie for those dollars there's one in the trader for 5k that looks pretty good.

Baz.

Id say go with a 40 series- had one before and they are tops. Parts availability is outstanding, but then again it is the same with most old cruisers. The only problem is you will get shaken tobleepwith the rough ride they have. The troopy is a smoother ride than the shorties, but it turning circle, ramp over angle and fuel consumption all suffer. It seems 60 series LCs are becoming popular- certainly a smoother ride, and generally better condition/more accessories on them too.

Since no one else suggested it - have a look at Lada Niva :)
LADA
Very economical to run compare to the rest 4wd gazzlers...

If you stretch to 6 its no con test 60 series landcruiser with 2h donk but for the price you say I reckon landrover with holden motor conversion and you should get change

I reckon Pesty would be happy to take $50- for his 60 series...hahahaha

"Whats the best 4 wheel Drive".. what a dumb question!!! I thought everyone knew that!!!

What about a 85 model Mahindra Jeep. If you can find one for sale, the owner will probably have the other 25 that they sold in Australia for spares LOL... Sorry i'm no help...

Very old very crude-G60 Patrol (just ask Willem) 40 series, Landy,

Bit less of the above- Hilux, 60/75 series, MQ, Rocky, Pajero

a few options- Sierra, Feroza, Lada (god help us)

For parts you cant go wrong with Toyota, there are a dime a dozen options for sourcing parts but it just depends on budget and what creature comforts (or necessities) you are after. Rust is a big problem with any of the old 4BYs, but at least there was alot of metal there to work with!

Goodluck mate, you are in for 'some' times (some good, some bad!!)

Matt

Get a Zuzuki they are great little comuters and just about go anywhere on the smell of an oily rag.
Bit short on towing ability but a fun vehicle.

FJ40's were good fun - they did ride a lot better than Landies and Patrols of the same era - as I recall from experiences in these things around Mt Isa back then.

Getting one pre-scratched is definitely a good idea LOL

A few years ago a mate brought a Daihatsu Rocky Tabletop It looked like a half patrol Half Land cruiser in smaller form of corse.

They (Him and his old man) ended up taking this thing from Perth up to the Rudall River Nat park and surrounding areas. You have a new discovery sitting in the drive so what do they take the 88 Rockey???

They were in a convoy of 4 other 4WD’s and the whole way this thing was the car that everybody was saying would brake down and wouldn’t handle the trip (Call Sine was Rocky & Bullwinkle)
Guess which car broke down a new land cruiser (On the way back) you know what pulled the cruiser into civilisation the Rockey.

Just another option for you to consider, Thought I would put that little story in as a little example.

suuuuzzzzuuuukkkiiii

Sorry to burst a bubble , but at 3 k , there is no wholesale or retail . There is just 3 k cars. Go getone yourself , instead of giving someone a cop that will take away from the budget you already have. I would be looking at the suzuki.

Wednesday Fowles under 10 k is my bet for a bargain