advice needed: which 4x4 to buy

[Praveshs]

Hi all..

I currently drive a 2003 Toyo Hilux 3.0 KZ-TE 4x2 Double Cab and would like to upgrade to a 4x4. The main reason being wanting to do some real 4x4 stuff (trails and the like) as well as go out to more rugged areas where a 4x2 cannot go..

I am currently leaning towards the new Hilux, the 3.0 D-4D. However, I'd appreciate your advice wrt other makes of vehicles. I am looking at a second hand Double Cab (2005 or newer), must be a Diesel with plenty power for the open roads.

You advice please..

Regards,

~ Pravesh

[td54x4]

What's your price range? How serious offroading do you want to do? Do you want to go overlanding? ID a couple of vehicles you like and ask for comments.

An open question is inviting people to punt their brands which is not going to help you.

In my mind, if you are used to a certain brand, then stick with it, except if it has let you down. Cannot make a mistake with a Toyota, but the first part of my response is going to decide which model I would suggest, i.e. Cruiser 70 for overlanding, Cruiser 80 / 100 if you like comfortable overlanding, SFA hilux if trails only, etc.

[Praveshs]

...some good points there td54x4!

ok.. here are some requriements in no particular order of importance..
- must be a double cab with canopy (I have dogs which do travel with me around town!). I also find the bin handy for loading stuff like garden refuse, furniture, etc... (you just cannot load a fridge into an SUV type vehicle!)
- must be a diesel (mainly for economy and availability)
- must be reliable (I am not interested in any of these "cheap chinese imports" no matter what the "experts" say )
- must be powerful (I will not consider anything less than my existing SAC KZ-TE)
- Will be used for weekend 4x4'ing ..as serious as I can get.. ie. I'd like to try anything which would not cause the vehicle to roll over! ..I made the mistake of buying a 4x2 beleiveing it will do most of what a 4x4 can do.. I was dissappointed to then have to stand back and watch the real machines in action.. so now.. I wanna be doing the action
- will also be used for holiday trips local and outside SA.. Moz, Namibia, Bots, etc..etc..

Budget? MAX R 250K...

I am going to have a look at a 2005 3.0 D-4D this afternoon.. with a canopy, nudge bar, tow bar.. for R 240K (from McCarthy Toyo). My only concern is the 88 000km on the clock.. rather high in my opinion considering my 2003 KZ-TE has 98 000km

(oh.. btw.. I will be selling my KZ-TE in the near future..so keep an eye out if you're interested.. )

so.. finally.. I guess.. all I'd like to know is.. for R250K.. will I be able to get a good 3.0 D-4D with canopy and any other nice extras? I have only just started shopping around...

also.. what should I be on the lookout for which the D-4D? any issues? problem areas?

shotto..

~ PV

[Ottoyota]

Pravesh,

You will not make a mistake with the 3.0 D-4D. I'm busy selling mine (2006 model) through Planet Wheels in JHB for R230 000. 4x4 with Carryboy canopy. I've ordered a new 3.0 D-4D - that's how confident I am about the reliability of a Toyota.

Don't pay too much attention to kilos - I stay in Pretoria and work in Brakpan. I've driven 97 000km in less than 2 years. I'm just selling because I believe the secondhand value goes down rapidly over 100 000km.

The 88 000km vehicle is in any case still under guarantee and motor plan (which you can prolong from 90 000km to up to 200 000km). So nothing Toyota can't fix or replace.

If you cant find a 2006 model for under R250 000, you're looking at the wrong place!

[Yimmy]

Consider a suspuension upgrade on that bakkie, its a tad low for the rougher 4x4 stuff, especially with runner boards on!

[td54x4]

If your mind is set on a Hilux, I would go for a 2.5 SRX. Money saved will go for: chip and intercooler, suspension lift and fitment of a bumper replacement bullbar rather than a nudge bar.

[Praveshs]

If your mind is set on a Hilux, I would go for a 2.5 SRX. Money saved will go for: chip and intercooler, suspension lift and fitment of a bumper replacement bullbar rather than a nudge bar.

..considered this..but then decided against it for the following reasons..(in no particular order of importance)

- No ABS
- No Intercooler (will have to SAC the truck)
- black bumpers and grill
- Aint got enuff Vooma...(will have to SAC the truck)
- aint got side steps (or does it?)
- steel rims
- no fog lights
..etc..

what can I say.. I are a sucker for the small bits...

[Big-G]

Hi there
Just to put your mind at ease.my 2005 3.0D4D D/c has 171 000km's on and still going strong no issues as of yet.
I will definitely be replacing it with another one when the time comes!

[SimonB]

Hi there
Just to put your mind at ease.my 2005 3.0D4D D/c has 171 000km's on and still going strong no issues as of yet.
I will definitely be replacing it with another one when the time comes!

I''m amazed at the mileages that some of you guys do... my 96 Pajero has less than that!

[Rampie]

.
- No ABS
- No Intercooler (will have to SAC the truck)
- black bumpers and grill
- Aint got enuff Vooma...(will have to SAC the truck)
- aint got side steps (or does it?)
- steel rims
- no fog lights

ABS - could be handy but who needs it off-road?
Intercooler& Vooma - SAC yummie! 110kw & 380nm
Black is the new white & looks stunning with a proper bumper
Side steps you can get - but breaks off-road anyways
No foglights - I'd rather have decent IPS lights.
Steel rims - so you can fit the rims and tyres you want and don't have to settle for crummy standard tyres.
Oh you forgot manual wind down windows of which the motor NEVER burns out.

AND you still have enough spare cash for a decent canopy, etc etc. The devil is in the details my friend.

[MORNE CLAASSEN]

ABS - could be handy but who needs it off-road?
Intercooler& Vooma - SAC yummie! 110kw & 380nm
Black is the new white & looks stunning with a proper bumper
Side steps you can get - but breaks off-road anyways
No foglights - I'd rather have decent IPS lights.
Steel rims - so you can fit the rims and tyres you want and don't have to settle for crummy standard tyres.
Oh you forgot manual wind down windows of which the motor NEVER burns out.

AND you still have enough spare cash for a decent canopy, etc etc. The devil is in the details my friend.

I think if you put on all those aftermarket mods that your factory warrenty would fly out of the window!

[OFFROAD ADDICT]

Simon the engines they make today are superior to years gone by only if you look after them my nissan has done 187000kms uses no oil and gets 12-13lper 100klm . Later i will just refresh the top part for about R6000.00. It a very difficult to choose a vehicle some times as you always wonder if you made the correct decision. Its an expensive item and you cant change it the next day. So PRAVESHS is right to enquire and get a bit of prodding here and there.

[roy]

hey there
as a avid 4 x 4 er for manny years i have gone from a suzuky jeep ( my first ) through nissans,isuzus and jeeps to toyotas and been to the four corners of south africa,moz,zim,botswana,kenys,tanzania etc and i could not fault my extremely comfortable and reliable toyota hilux 2.7 double cab.after 230 000 Km's I only changed one oil seal on the left front drive shaft and tyres,shocks and exhaust.I sold it to invest in property two years ago and the new owner still goes to Moz every second month with it and still going strong.i bought the new ranger uper cab diesel but am somewhat disapointed with its build quality and after doing 12000 Kms in two months dont think it will outlast the finance on it.stick to your hilux you wont be wrong

[Andre]

Hi Roy,
Glad to see you came right with regards to posting.

[Engel]

suzuky jeep

......sorry it does not exist, either susuki or JEEP!!

[Sakkie]

Hi all..

I currently drive a 2003 Toyo Hilux 3.0 KZ-TE 4x2 Double Cab and would like to upgrade to a 4x4. The main reason being wanting to do some real 4x4 stuff (trails and the like) as well as go out to more rugged areas where a 4x2 cannot go..

I am currently leaning towards the new Hilux, the 3.0 D-4D. However, I'd appreciate your advice wrt other makes of vehicles. I am looking at a second hand Double Cab (2005 or newer), must be a Diesel with plenty power for the open roads.

The combination you mention above does not exist. The last SFA D/cab which could reliably do "more rugged terrain" didn't have a powerful oilburner and predates 2005.

You are leaning towards the D4D for "more rugged areas where a 4x2 cannot go" Cannot comment on that 'cause I haven't seen a D4D in what I would regard as "more rugged areas". You'd be surprised to see were a 4x2 in experienced hands can go.

[Sakkie]

......sorry it does not exist, either susuki or JEEP!!

I know Susuki doesn't exist, but JEEP does

[BigRed]

I know Susuki doesn't exist, but JEEP does

And both can be towed

End of the day I would sugest you join some of the guys in their vehicles and see what they can get up too. DOnt jump in with both feet without having a good look around and even testing them.

Have fun.

[Praveshs]

Hi all..

Compliments of the new year to you all...

jus to keep you in the loop.. I settled for a 2006 D-4D D/C 4x4 in December.. I have taken the vehicle offroading at Hennops 4x4 Trail an am very impressed with the capabilities of the vehicle. For a first timer.. the D-4D made molehills out of mountains!

Looking forward to kicking some dust with you guys on the 4x4 tracks

Regards,

~ Pravesh

[Craigb]

We had one of these with us on the vleesbaai dune trail and I was astounded by it. Certainly one of the most capable 4x4's that I have seen in action.