Clueless British lass seeking 4x4 advice

[ExpatinSA]

Thank you so much for all your advice! We're going to look at some Jeeps, Kias, Pajeros, some more Discos and a Frontier I think today and will look out for a Nissan X Trail - they look great. Don't have a preference re diesel vs petrol but given the likely high mileage on vehicles in our budget you all seem to say petrol is best? In terms of space, we don't necessarily need seven seats but my family are all mutantly tall so leg room is essential!
Will have a look at some of the above and come back to you... thanks again!!

[andrewd]

Hi there and welcome to RSA.

I've been reading through these post and in my experience you'll be very hard pressed to find a decent ride with any form of off-road capability for that budget.

As for Freelanders: don't believe everything you read. Also from experience I've found that most people love to shoot their mouths off about Freelanders without any real experience. I have owned 2 of them; one was recently traded in on a Discovery. Prior to buying the first I did a lot of research using the most awesome Google and found that you should be ok with a post 2002 model if it's been looked after (take it to a Land Rover bunch - you can find these on the forum - and have them look it over for you). The Freelander TD4 has a BMW 320d motor (which BMW got from LR). The Freelander we still have is a daily commuter (80-100km per day) and has not given us a moments trouble in 3 years. It now has 12000+ km on and gives around 13-14 km/l fuel consumption. It has plenty of power, is very capable for towing a caravan (< 1500kg) or trailer. Even towing an old Jurgens caravan we recently got 8-9 km/l to GP - KZN and back. They are also not too short on space and creature comforts.

Something I like to use as an indicator when judging how good a vehicle is: how may are there for sale. People always try to sell vehicle they don't like!? (not very scientific - I know )

In short: your budget may be a bit low for off roading (even soft roaders). I would suggest you do some research (Google works well) before buying any vehicle. Check forums (not only RSA) and be sure to note the year model in each case. All vehicles have their groupies and they all have their pros and cons. They all have varying cost considerations (eg: I can get my Freelander or Disco serviced for around R2500 for a full service by LW specialists). Does the vehicle have a CAM belt: this means an expensive service every 60000km or so. None of my LWs have a CAM belt - they have a timing chain which is just about good for the life of the motor - replace if it makes a noise. As for soft-roaders: the Freelander is by far the most capable of the bunch!

Hope this helps - sorry if a bit long winded.

[Cal]

All of the above is bad advice. Buy a lekker (nice) second hand Toyota. Any model and you will be able to sell it at at least the same price if you want to get rid of it. However, once a Toyota fan always a Toyota fan. So you will probably ship it back with you to England!

[Dustbin]

Lassie,
your R75K won't buy you a lot, and def not a decent 4x4. Get a DC bakkie with a diff-lock, it will do all you mentioned, and the dog will love it.

I agree !!!

[theunsb]

Hey Lassie

Pajero LWB 3L or 3.5L will serve you well. It has all the answers to your requirements.

There is enough guys here on the forum to help you check your short list of vehicles as to assist you for the best deal for your money.

They are somewhat weird but honest however very biased.

Final choice yours.

[Sakkie]

I love the idea of a proper 4x4 like a Land Rover Discovery.....

Well, that proves that your thread title is just about spot on.........just joking of course.

My advice would be a 4.6 HSE Range Rover. Very comfortable and extremely capable. Well priced too if you ask the right people.

Something like this:
http://search.autotrader.co.za/www/c...01026186854668

[Smittiec]

What about a Nissan Terrano?

http://search.autotrader.co.za/www/c...01022186791152

Here's a Pajero with very low km : http://search.autotrader.co.za/www/c...01026186857150

Kia Sportage, smaller, but economical and reliable. http://search.autotrader.co.za/www/c...01026186861200

Hi Lass,

I hope you enjoy your stay in this beautifull country of ours!

I agree with the guys about the Pajero here... The 3.5 V6 is bullet proof. Even with 300 000 KM on the clock, the motor will most likely be as new...

Please, just stay away from the white one in the add above... I went to see it and was shocked. It is in a very bad condition and i am sure that it has been in a serious accident.

It has been on sale for quite a whaile now and started off on R 95k. I think it is down to R 69k now, but i will still not tuoch it...

All the best with your search. Take your time and the right vehicle will find you!

[Ernie]

My 2004 Forester X is in the market. Send PM if you are interested.

[viperover]

I say a Range Rover cos they are great...there again its cos I know them that well.

[Estee]

P38 Range Rover, 1997 - 2001. At home in the Bush and outside the Ambassador's Residence

Budget: R55K - R75K

[RedLineR]

Welcome!
Hope you enjoy your stay in SA and here on the forum!

Remember guys! She doesn't really need a 4x4. From her description my Focus with a bit of extra ground clearance will do just fine.

- nothing too hectic, just national parks, bush braais, camping etc.

I'm thinking along the lines of that raised Polo thing, but bigger. A 4x2 double cab fits the bill, though not really spacious in the second row, I wouldn't call it cramped either. It'll seat 4 with ease, but the 5th person won't have the greatest seat. And you should get a lower km and better condition one than the equivalent 4x4 version.
Something like a Dodge Caliber, with a more familiar name tag?

[hbannink]

Remember guys! She doesn't really need a 4x4. From her description my Focus with a bit of extra ground clearance will do just fine.

You must try and visit a park in a high vehicle, adds a different dimension

[ExpatinSA]

Hi guys, thanks again so much for all this - gives us a lot to think about and taking a look at everything you've suggested. Sadly no sign of some of them on sale at the moment.
Have been to see a 2001 Pajero iO 1.8 with 198k km on the clock at 75,000ZAR from a dealership. FSH, nice to drive but a bit cramped in the back and boot tiny!
At the other end of the spectrum was a 1998 Jeep Cherokee TD Sport in good condition apart from a few glitches, FSH, with 161,000km for 65k ZAR. Looks great, very spacious but almost a little too bit big - not sure I like the chugging diesel effect.
Then there was a Mitsubishi Pajero 2.8 Tdi 4X4 LWB 1997 with a new engine and 33 000 km on it (204,000km in total I think) for 74,999ZAR. Really nice drive, size seemed great but the dealership had no service history, could tell me very little about it (thought it might be a repo) and couldn't explain little glitches like why boot wouldn't close properly (accident?!)
Stilll to see Landyluvver's Disco or to drive petrol versions of the 2gen Pajero or Disco but wondering what you make of the above? Any tips much appreciated - as you can tell, I'm a little indecisive!

[XJ Junkie]

1998 Jeep Cherokee TD Sport - If this was the 2.5, then rather give it a miss. Rather look for a 4.0 L, in the same shape as above (XJ). Besides, Jeep high mileage diesels are not safe bets, whereas the 4.0 is virtually bullet proof.

You will be able to find a mint 2000 - 2001 Jeep Cherokee Country (XJ) 4.0, with no more than 150 000km on the clock, for R75 000 or less. No other make offers better value for money, except for a 4.6 Range Rover, like Sakkie suggested.

High mileage diesels are very expensive to fix

[XJ Junkie]

ExpatinSA.....do yourself a favour & go drive this vehicle tomorrow , then come back to me to let me know if I am wrong or not . Its the Sport spec.

http://search.autotrader.co.za/www/c...01027186867770

Here is the Country spec (more goodies)
http://search.autotrader.co.za/www/c...01021186760490

[ExpatinSA]

XJ Junkie - that Jeep sport looks too good to be true for that price. What d'you reckon the catch is (apart from Augusut availability)?! Bet they're in Cape Town or something...

[XJ Junkie]

XJ Junkie - that Jeep sport looks too good to be true for that price. What d'you reckon the catch is (apart from Augusut availability)?! Bet they're in Cape Town or something...

No catch - thats about what a 2000 XJ Sport would sell for, with that mileage (going rate). A Country XJ would be around R10k more, or so.

On this particular Sport, the new BFG tyres probably cost about R2500 each (R12 500 for 5). You can get cheaper tyres, so this perhaps indicates that the owners had enough bucks to maintain her properly.

Do yourself a favour & go & see it - I doubt you'll be disappointed. You will not be able to break that motor (good for 4/500 000 kms, or more). I challenge you to find an unhappy XJ owner on this forum

You won't find better bang for your buck. Ask me.....I have owned 2 . It won't be available for long - watch & see

BTW: Its in Gauteng - judging by the thatch roof & the green garage doors, my guess is that it's in the Centurion area.