Upgrading from Duster, but to what?

[Paul Dold]

Look at Pajero . Toyota's always good - resale value and spares - service network.

[Redman]

I’m looking (so far) at the Ranger Wildtrack or XLT, Disco, or Pajero. Also considered the Everest, Isuzu Dmax and Fortuner, but not 100% sold on those.

No kids, so space isn’t a factor! Only things I’m definitely wanting are: Has to be 4x4, has to be automatic, has to have low range+diff lock for the hairier bits, and a fancy touch screen console would be a bonus (I’m a bit of a tech junky). Long term maintenance should also be fairly low (reliable, availability of parts, etc)

Disco 4 V8 ticks the first part of these boxes but not the bold parts.

I am going to be the guy that suggests a Pajero

[Schambies]

You did read that the OP states difflock as a "must have"? A large box left empty by the Jimny. It might be capable enough in your opinion, but that's it, your opinion, not the OP's.

Sure, but the new TC system on the Jimny seems to work well. Might not completely tick *all* the boxes, but gets close IMO

[Schambies]

have you owned one?

In fact, do you have a new auto Jimny on a long term test? Have you owned a Duster?

Huh? I pointed out fuel consumption and dealership support. I don't need to own one to know those numbers based on those two factors alone the costs of running the vehicle are likely to be higher than other brands. Also not all JKs have diff locks, unlimited or not as far as I know - please do correct me

[Quiksilver]

OP wants to do 4x4 trails, too. RTFOP
How would the same or a new Duster be more capable offroad?

are you having a bad day?

That's why I asked for the WHY he really wants low range and difflock. Does he NEED it, or is this something he thinks he wants from reading too many 4x4 forums.

A Duster 4x4 with some decent tyres will take you almost everywhere. And he doesn't need more space.

[SJN]

How about a FJ Cruiser?

Jislaaik, I'm not made of fuel

[SJN]

If I was in your shoes these are the options I would look at
Suzuki Jimny (new model)
Mitsubishi Pajero SWB gen 4
Mitsubishi Pajero Sport (cause of tech) if can get a new enough one with all the tech
Nissan navara (shape with Mercedes)
Mitsubishi triton
Ford everest

I am not sure nissan does the pathfinder anymore but it was a great vehicle in the older models

The Pathfinders were fantastic! Jimmy I just find a bit too small for my liking, though I know they are bulletproof. Pajero SWB my only issue is its hard to find one now that is still in good nick. Paj Sport I'm definitely leaning toward, as well as the Triton. Everest I'm also liking, but is it as capable off road as say a Ranger?

[SJN]

Wrangler JK Unlimited 3.6.

Ride comfort in and around town? And maintenance? I've heard nightmare stories about buying one that isn't in good nick...

[allandell]

The Pathfinders were fantastic! Jimmy I just find a bit too small for my liking, though I know they are bulletproof. Pajero SWB my only issue is its hard to find one now that is still in good nick. Paj Sport I'm definitely leaning toward, as well as the Triton. Everest I'm also liking, but is it as capable off road as say a Ranger?

The fortunate thing about the pajero is they good for many many kms. The gen 4 also does not have the scary fuel pump worry like gen 3, could even look at a lwb for more space too.
The everest is same is ranger really, just in suv format

[HugoNotte]

are you having a bad day?

That's why I asked for the WHY he really wants low range and difflock. Does he NEED it, or is this something he thinks he wants from reading too many 4x4 forums.

A Duster 4x4 with some decent tyres will take you almost everywhere. And he doesn't need more space.

I wonder why you pretend to be the legal guardian of the OP. Whether he really needs difflock and low range shouldn't matter. If he wants those features in his next vehicle and just drives to work and the mall with it, why berate him by telling him that he should stick to his old vehicle or a newer version of it?
Look at his post again:

I’ve been driving (and LOVING) my 2015 Duster 4x4 dci for about 3 years now.

Tells me chances are he knows his vehicle well enough, what it can do and what it can't do.

Recently started getting the itch to upgrade to something more comfortable, and much more capable off road.

OP states quite clearly his reasons for looking for a DIFFERENT vehicle.

My budget is around R400k max, ideally closer to R350k.

OP has thought about it and worked out a budget.

things I’m definitely wanting are: Has to be 4x4, has to be automatic, has to have low range+diff lock for the hairier bits

We’ve been hiking quite a lot (some tricky roads to get to camps) and offroad quite a bit at places like Hennops, but the car will also be my daily runner

Hennops 4x4 trail got a grading of up to 4. If someone states he does "quite a bit" of offroading at such trails, it tells me that he has got enough experience to judge whether or not he wants to spend his money on a vehicle with low range and difflock.

So often it appears that people just post "advise" without reading and understanding the OP's wants or requirements on any topic.

By the way, I am having a wonderful day, why do you ask?

Have a great day too!

[SJN]

Volvo XC60?

Not exactly known for their offroad capabilities, are they? My business partner drives one. AMAZING cars, but I don't see it tackling axel twisters and dunes anytime soon

[Quiksilver]

Thinking about it some more. Maybe an outside option. 2013+ Jeep Grand Cherokee 3,6L Petrol limited with the 17" wheels.

Good offroad - low range and difflocks
Very nice daily driver
Has all the gadgets
Big upgrade in comfort

Fuel is not too terrible, around 13L/100km

service and parts, well, maybe not so very easy, but you can import anything you need off RockAuto and service at Bulli.

[SJN]

TBH - a newer Duster would be my choice. Or the same Duster.

What exactly is in not fulfilling? I can't believe that any hiking trail road will be so bad a 4x4 duster can't make it.

You ask for low range. Why? If you can find a late model Freelander that might be a very nice "upgrade" and still keep the good fuel consumption and daily driver comfort.

Low range because my left leg is getting tired with clutch control on the Duster Offroading is more key here. We've been to some hiking trails that have tested the limits of the Duster (it made it, but with lots of effort), so looking for something that is simply more capable, and more comfortable to drive on 4x4 and hairy offroad trails.

[Quiksilver]

I wonder why you pretend to be the legal guardian of the OP. Whether he really needs difflock and low range shouldn't matter. If he wants those features in his next vehicle and just drives to work and the mall with it, why berate him by telling him that he should stick to his old vehicle or a newer version of it?
Look at his post again:

Tells me chances are he knows his vehicle well enough, what it can do and what it can't do.


OP states quite clearly his reasons for looking for a DIFFERENT vehicle.


OP has thought about it and worked out a budget.



Hennops 4x4 trail got a grading of up to 4. If someone states he does "quite a bit" of offroading at such trails, it tells me that he has got enough experience to judge whether or not he wants to spend his money on a vehicle with low range and difflock.

So often it appears that people just post "advise" without reading and understanding the OP's wants or requirements on any topic.

By the way, I am having a wonderful day, why do you ask?

Have a great day too!

I didn't berate anyone, you swore at me for my suggestion. but ok....have a good day

[SJN]

I wonder why you pretend to be the legal guardian of the OP. Whether he really needs difflock and low range shouldn't matter. If he wants those features in his next vehicle and just drives to work and the mall with it, why berate him by telling him that he should stick to his old vehicle or a newer version of it?
Look at his post again:

Tells me chances are he knows his vehicle well enough, what it can do and what it can't do.


OP states quite clearly his reasons for looking for a DIFFERENT vehicle.


OP has thought about it and worked out a budget.



Hennops 4x4 trail got a grading of up to 4. If someone states he does "quite a bit" of offroading at such trails, it tells me that he has got enough experience to judge whether or not he wants to spend his money on a vehicle with low range and difflock.

So often it appears that people just post "advise" without reading and understanding the OP's wants or requirements on any topic.

By the way, I am having a wonderful day, why do you ask?

Have a great day too!

You are quite correct sir! Main reason I'm looking for a new car is exactly that: I know the Duster, and know what its limitations are. I already have Wrangler tyres on, and to the other poster's point: that does get me quite far. But the Duster still has its limitations. I've had iffy situations with hill descent on trails, and have gotten bogged down due to the tiny (yet capable) engine. To the other poster's point: yes, I do read forums and do my homework, but in this instance, my decision is quite informed by actual personal experience

[SJN]

Thinking about it some more. Maybe an outside option. 2013+ Jeep Grand Cherokee 3,6L Petrol limited with the 17" wheels.

Good offroad - low range and difflocks
Very nice daily driver
Has all the gadgets
Big upgrade in comfort

Fuel is not too terrible, around 13L/100km

service and parts, well, maybe not so very easy, but you can import anything you need off RockAuto and service at Bulli.

Any reason you'd recommend it over the 3.0 V6?

[WernerDL]

I drive the MY17 Pajero Sport and as someone that only ever drove serious off road as a passenger, I found the PS to be very easy going in some level 3 off road tracks. Super select is really brilliant and does everything it is supposed to without to much fan fare even when the squidgy organic bit behind the wheel gets it wrong.
On road it is very comfortable and the 2.4 diesel with the 8 speed auto is a perfect match in my opinion.
Also regularly hike and then I have had anything from 4 to 7 people in the PS with hiking/camping gear without any noticeable effect.
I don't have the Auto car play touch screen as I did not want it, but I am sure you can find one with it in your price range.

And finally, with the heavy rain we have this week in Cape Town, so glad I can run it permanently in 4H.

[HugoNotte]

I didn't berate anyone, you swore at me for my suggestion. but ok....have a good day

I did what? RTFOP = Read The First, Original Post

[SJN]

I drive the MY17 Pajero Sport and as someone that only ever drove serious off road as a passenger, I found the PS to be very easy going in some level 3 off road tracks. Super select is really brilliant and does everything it is supposed to without to much fan fare even when the squidgy organic bit behind the wheel gets it wrong.
On road it is very comfortable and the 2.4 diesel with the 8 speed auto is a perfect match in my opinion.
Also regularly hike and then I have had anything from 4 to 7 people in the PS with hiking/camping gear without any noticeable effect.
I don't have the Auto car play touch screen as I did not want it, but I am sure you can find one with it in your price range.

And finally, with the heavy rain we have this week in Cape Town, so glad I can run it permanently in 4H.

The squidgy organic bit behind the wheel!

Thanks Werner. I do love me a Pajero. The SWB in our little 4x4 group always manages to blow me away, and have heard nothing but praise for the Super Select system! Any drawbacks of the PS vs the SWB (except for size, obviously)?

[allandell]

The squidgy organic bit behind the wheel!

Thanks Werner. I do love me a Pajero. The SWB in our little 4x4 group always manages to blow me away, and have heard nothing but praise for the Super Select system! Any drawbacks of the PS vs the SWB (except for size, obviously)?

The swb has a 5 speed auto with a 3.2 diesel motor the sport has an 8 speed auto with a 2.4 diesel motor.
Off road, I believe the swb is more capable
All the motors and gearboxes on the minus range have proven themselves to reach very high mileage with very little problems if any.
The tech in the sport is much more as it is really the new flagship from mitsu and they been heading that way for a while now and the swb is actually discontinued now with the last 100 edition being rolled off the factory floors at present. (May become worth a lot more in years to come)