4X4 for work

focus_mad

Hi folks

I'm studying as a Building Surveyor and i'll be on site and on country roads for the majority of my work but I want something comfortable with probably a few mods thrown in for good measure I've been thinking of a Toyota Landcruiser


But probably the commercial version for hauling ladders and equipment around.

And then I was also thinking of the LandRover Discovery..


I'll be honest I'm a 4x4 virgin and was wondering what people's opinions of them were? and if anyone knew about mpg that sorta thing!

Thanks in advance

101sean

You won't want a 4x4 if mileage is a real worry! Depending on load and how driven, 28-30mpg, maybe more if you're cruising. I get 25mpg out of my Defender but that has the aerodynamics of a brick and is on big MT tyres.

What sort of budget have you got?

Landcruiser if you want ultimate reliability (see other threads, they aren't infallible though) and a decent range of goodies from Oz and Germany via the UK.
A Discovery 3 would give be more comfortable, there's plenty of commercials around from broke contractors, make sure it hasn't been abused and has service history. Far bigger range of bling to bolt on and spares support is good (D3s don't have a repution for going wrong though). TheTDV6 engine is very good.

focus_mad

101sean wrote: »

You won't want a 4x4 if mileage is a real worry! Depending on load and how driven, 28-30mpg, maybe more if you're cruising. I get 25mpg out of my Defender but that has the aerodynamics of a brick and is on big MT tyres.

What sort of budget have you got?

Landcruiser if you want ultimate reliability (see other threads, they aren't infallible though) and a decent range of goodies from Oz and Germany via the UK.
A Discovery 3 would give be more comfortable, there's plenty of commercials around from broke contractors, make sure it hasn't been abused and has service history. Far bigger range of bling to bolt on and spares support is good (D3s don't have a repution for going wrong though). TheTDV6 engine is very good.

Sorry only getting back to you now..?Thanks for the feedback
.I'd be trading my 07 focus and then prob 10-12k on top of it? I have no idea of ballparks for jeeps so ill have to stalk carzone for awhile..:D
Obviously not going brand new and will be living close enough to my work base.
The Discovery and Landcruiser have taken my fancy so far and I'll need bit of pulling power with nixers and the like!
I'm trying to get a few test drives but it may have to wait till after the summer, off to the states.

Tora Bora

101sean wrote: »

You won't want a 4x4 if mileage is a real worry! Depending on load and how driven, 28-30mpg, maybe more if you're cruising. I get 25mpg out of my Defender but that has the aerodynamics of a brick and is on big MT tyres.

What sort of budget have you got?

Landcruiser if you want ultimate reliability (see other threads, they aren't infallible though) and a decent range of goodies from Oz and Germany via the UK.
A Discovery 3 would give be more comfortable, there's plenty of commercials around from broke contractors, make sure it hasn't been abused and has service history. Far bigger range of bling to bolt on and spares support is good (D3s don't have a repution for going wrong though). TheTDV6 engine is very good.

Wore the Discovery T Shirt:mad: Unreliable pile of junk:(
Now on Landcruiser. At 100k miles, and not a penny spent other than normal service. That by good Polish mechanic, at less than half the cost of Toyota dealer. Main dealers = rip off merchants.

focus_mad

yeah?:( The Landcruiser is a beaut... I know what I need out of a jeep but then there's the modifier side of me trying to get out and get it's hands on the jeep..

Is there a multitude of problems with the LandRover or is it just one or two major probs?

Eric Cartman

if you like modding a landcruiser or kia sorento - both bulletproof and enough toys can be added on to shake a stick at ,

focus_mad

Thanks for the suggestion, had a look at a review there in the paper, not a half bad 4x4.. you 4x4 fanatics prob think I'm mad getting one to modify I'm usually hauling all manners of s***e in the focus so I might as well bite the bullet at some stage.

When I test drive any though its only on roads, a dealer will hardly lend me it for a off road trial? there's a lot of country based driving and we all know what those roads are like!!

Eric Cartman

focus_mad wrote: »

Thanks for the suggestion, had a look at a review there in the paper, not a half bad 4x4.. you 4x4 fanatics prob think I'm mad getting one to modify I'm usually hauling all manners of s***e in the focus so I might as well bite the bullet at some stage.

When I test drive any though its only on roads, a dealer will hardly lend me it for a off road trial? there's a lot of country based driving and we all know what those roads are like!!

go do a testdrive in donegal, if its comfortable there itll be a dream anywhere else in the country

focus_mad

Eric Cartman wrote: »

go do a testdrive in donegal, if its comfortable there itll be a dream anywhere else in the country

Ah good point...when your coming up with such good ideas how come you haven't gotten the jew gold yet

The missus's family have a big ass farm in Fermanagh and me mate has the same in Monaghan so I may take it up there and see how we go want to come haha

bmw535d

what about a shogun?

focus_mad

bmw535d wrote: »

what about a shogun?

Ah the old boss had one and all he did was go on bout it.. but I didnt think of that...:D goin to have a little gander on carzone and the like...

101sean

To help you make your mind up the proper way, (ie, ignore common sense, any advice from here and get the first shiny one you find ), here's some links to suppliers of bling and assorted shiny bolt on stuff to dribble over.
Also pick up a copy of Total Off Road next time you're passing Easons

http://www.frogsisland4x4.com/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1
http://www.milneroffroadracing.com/rdefault.asp?c=41227
http://www.offroad24.co.uk/contents/en-uk/d1269.html
http://www.oec4x4.com/

focus_mad

Thanks 101sean I haven't even bought the 4x4 yet and I'm listing all the extras to get there's some serious equipment on those sites!! and yes I have dribbled!!!:D

I'll try pick that up during the week..

Me missus's Grandda had an old Defender, was thinking of restoring it awhile back but went to have a look at it and it turns out it hadn't been used since the 70's I think so that knocked it on its head

101sean

Whatever you get, fit decent tyres and learn to use it. Nothing worse than getting stuck in a new toy laden jeep and being pulled out by a battered old Land Rover or Fourtrak!

It's easy to ressurect an old Land Rover with money but not worth it unless it's rare or has history. Actually easier to do a 1950s Series One than a 70/80s Range Rover, every part can be got inc new chassis.

focus_mad

101sean wrote: »

Whatever you get, fit decent tyres and learn to use it. Nothing worse than getting stuck in a new toy laden jeep and being pulled out by a battered old Land Rover or Fourtrak!

It's easy to ressurect an old Land Rover with money but not worth it unless it's rare or has history. Actually easier to do a 1950s Series One than a 70/80s Range Rover, every part can be got inc new chassis.

Sorry bout that, was down the cop shop I got hit and run awhile ago and still sorting it out!!

Yeah well thats it your wheels are the only part of the vehicle that touch the ground...!
Think I may risk a pimped out pair of alloys though

E39MSport

Cruisers are sadly no longer bulletproof. Lengthy threads on specialist forums about blown engines due to blocked oil pick up and dodgy injector seals. Small problem but major symptoms.

I bought a fully serviced 120 with low mileage and although it handled beautifully, I experienced rough idle and loud noises from the engine at times. Mr. T pulled the injectors and said all was fine. Noise continued despite several attempts to identify. I traded it in for an rrs.

Don't start me on that !!! :mad:

Now drive a 10 yo diesel landcruiser 100. Just pipped 90k miles. Love it. Easy to maintain.

kincaid

i owned a 1999 landcruiser and it was a great vehicle, had 181k mls on the clock, never had a problem with it, i think these went downhill when the d4d came out, then the problems started with injectors etc

TM RACING

Eric Cartman wrote: »

if you like modding a landcruiser or kia sorento - both bulletproof and enough toys can be added on to shake a stick at ,

when i think of modding a 4x4 I thing if winches, snorkels, BFG MT's....
not side skirts and chrome alloys. Anyone who 'pimps' a landcruiser dose not deserve one.

Eric Cartman

TM RACING wrote: »

when i think of modding a 4x4 I thing if winches, snorkels, BFG MT's....
not side skirts and chrome alloys. Anyone who 'pimps' a landcruiser dose not deserve one.

that do be what i mean , with my sorento i had heavy duty sidesteps, front driving lights and A-Bar, inverter, inbuilt navigation, headlight washers - propper modifying

E39MSport

TM RACING wrote: »

when i think of modding a 4x4 I thing if winches, snorkels, BFG MT's....
not side skirts and chrome alloys. Anyone who 'pimps' a landcruiser dose not deserve one.

That attitude really gets on my teets and it's all over this forum.

Where do you get off telling people what they deserve based on how they want their car to look like?

People can do what they like within the law. Build a wall. It's their car !

TM RACING

well a BMW driver has no say realy when it comes to 4x4's, diff-locks and lift kits in my opinion. don't get involved unless you know what you are talking about.

E39MSport

I drive a HDJ100R among other machines.

And my comment has nothing to do with what I drive. It's a general statement in response to your blanket statement

focus_mad

TM RACING wrote: »

when i think of modding a 4x4 I thing if winches, snorkels, BFG MT's....
not side skirts and chrome alloys. Anyone who 'pimps' a landcruiser dose not deserve one.

Sorry about that had no internet for a few days..

Each to their own iis what I say but it is obvious that you think most people with chrome alloys is a bit of a T**t!

There's no use me having snorkels on me 4x4 when I get it but I do see the practical point of having a winch.. I like having a quality pair of alloys but I agree on the side skirts, have the heavy duty sidestep on it instead!!
Modifying it is as E39MSport said its up to the individual.. I know when I eventually get my 4x4 there'll be serious ICE going into it!!!I'm even contimplating that if I buy a commercial (depending on the kiddie aspect) I may bulk out the side walls with speakers and the like...If you have the money there and its what you enjoy sure why the f**k not

101sean

Each to their own, it's down to owners to do what they like even if it's not to your taste. Keep the criticism constructive and the banter freindly please.

There's a bit of a trend in the UK amongst tuners to see how fast they make a Defender 90 go which actually includes lowering the suspension and putting low profile tyres on. You can get over 200bhp and 120mph out of a Td5 90 if you throw enough money at it :eek: Not to my taste but I like the idea of doing it because you can.

I do like the special 4.4l V8 110s that JE Engineering are doing, look standardish but goes like stink. Must start doing the lotto again!

hiluxman

does lowering a jeep and putting large wheels with low profile tyres on it not defeat the purpose of having a jeep? I mean the point of a jeep is to be able drive over rough terrain and deep mud and stuff without gettin stuck. If ya do that kinda stuff to it you might as well have a car

101sean

I can't see the point in 22" rims with black rubber bands on them myself but it's a free world (well mostly :rolleyes:) Certainly wouldn't last long on the roads around here, ok for posing in a city. Very common in the UK where many 4x4s never see any dirt and off roading means mounting the kerb in Tesco's car park. Here the vast majority of 4x4s are workhorses so something different raises a comment or two.

The guys who can afford to run those lowered and tuned 90s in the UK usually have other toys for serious play. Of course if you want high speed and off road performance and have deep pockets, what you need is a Bowler Nemesis http://www.bowler-offroad.com/Nem_2009/Nemesis_intro.htm

focus_mad, get what you like and do what you like to it, just be thick skinned!

E39MSport

101sean wrote: »

I can't see the point in 22" rims with black rubber bands on them myself but it's a free world (well mostly :rolleyes:) Certainly wouldn't last long on the roads around here, ok for posing in a city. Very common in the UK where many 4x4s never see any dirt and off roading means mounting the kerb in Tesco's car park. Here the vast majority of 4x4s are workhorses so something different raises a comment or two.

The guys who can afford to run those lowered and tuned 90s in the UK usually have other toys for serious play. Of course if you want high speed and off road performance and have deep pockets, what you need is a Bowler Nemesis http://www.bowler-offroad.com/Nem_2009/Nemesis_intro.htm

focus_mad, get what you like and do what you like to it, just be thick skinned!

re: 22" rims. I had 22's on my rrs when I bought it and it gave a Horrible ride and buckled easily. They came straight off.
The ride only improved slightly though

focus_mad

hiluxman wrote: »

does lowering a jeep and putting large wheels with low profile tyres on it not defeat the purpose of having a jeep? I mean the point of a jeep is to be able drive over rough terrain and deep mud and stuff without gettin stuck. If ya do that kinda stuff to it you might as well have a car

I wouldn't be lowering it thats for sure...!! there's a serious amount of tracks and the like in Wexford I want to get at and sadly the Focus does not do the job!!

focus_mad

101sean wrote: »

focus_mad, get what you like and do what you like to it, just be thick skinned!

Thanks..ah I'm well used to abuse at this stage!!:D

Turns out me uncle is selling his Range Rover (like below) for a very very low price but I dunno if there's anything wrong with it (haven't seen him in yonks) may be worth for just the rip around until I get something more permanent..!(Bracing for abuse about Range Rovers )

DirtyDiesels

what year is she and what kinda dollars.

focus_mad

DirtyDiesels wrote: »

what year is she and what kinda dollars.

She's either 1999 0r early 2000.. Looking for about 1200 I think.. But me insurance might just hurt..

DirtyDiesels

well judging on the pic it looks fairly fresh and its not overpriced. is it commercial or 7 seater....
if its 7 seater insurance mite be sore alrite...
try munster group in ennis for a quote...i found them by far the cheapest for a commercial 4x4 quote

065 9080265

DD

mossfort

DirtyDiesels wrote: »

well judging on the pic it looks fairly fresh and its not overpriced. is it commercial or 7 seater....
if its 7 seater insurance mite be sore alrite...
try munster group in ennis for a quote...i found them by far the cheapest for a commercial 4x4 quote

065 9080265

DD

the one in the picture is a lhd american reg so i doubt its the one hes buying.
for 1200 it would probally be a bit rougher.

DirtyDiesels

mossfort wrote: »

the one in the picture is a lhd american reg so i doubt its the one hes buying.
for 1200 it would probally be a bit rougher.

just noticed shes a lefty when you pointed it out....should have gone to ss...
but the range rovers being a luxury vehicle are not generally used for roughing and toughing....usually (but not all the time) they will be well looked after especially if 7 seater.....???

focus_mad

DirtyDiesels wrote: »

just noticed shes a lefty when you pointed it out....should have gone to ss...
but the range rovers being a luxury vehicle are not generally used for roughing and toughing....usually (but not all the time) they will be well looked after especially if 7 seater.....???

Yeah buddy its not that one, I just put it up for an example!:D Was considering taking the back seats out and cutting the safety bars...ah it'd be for hauling around ladders for inspections and sites until I got a Discovery or Cruiser!

focus_mad

mossfort wrote: »

the one in the picture is a lhd american reg so i doubt its the one hes buying.
for 1200 it would probally be a bit rougher.

Yeah its a bit rougher I think there's a few bits that need replacing so he'll prob knock it off. Have to check the insurance before I do anything though...:(

KELTICKNIGHTT

TM RACING wrote: »

when i think of modding a 4x4 I thing if winches, snorkels, BFG MT's....
not side skirts and chrome alloys. Anyone who 'pimps' a landcruiser dose not deserve one.

i do some 4x4 offroading ,so depends,land crusiers are good but depends on years and how well looked after,my brother got a outlander commerical which he gets 39 mpg but not sure how it be in site and dirt road work, hilux good one, specialy crewcabs version,some times get better deals on border counties but with resession ,can get good deals too,friends tell me discoverys are good on juice but give alot of problems ,i cant say as i never had one,looking for second commerical for work as in jeep as some work i do requires me too go off beaten track

KELTICKNIGHTT

would think it may be abit heavy on juice

101sean

I'd be wary of a P38 Rangie, they had a lot of electronic problems although any left will be pretty sorted, check everything works. I assume it's a diesel (6 pot beemer) which are OK, the 4.2 and 4.6 V8 petrols suffered from porous blocks. They have airbag suspension, make sure it sits level and doesn't sag, airbags are cheap and easy to change, rest of the system isn't if ignored. You can change them for coils but it spoils the ride.

You get a hell of a lot of vehicle for the money and you can get the gear to read ECUs at a reasonable price. You can also buy bling stuff to make them look like a Range Rover Sport

focus_mad

101sean wrote: »

I'd be wary of a P38 Rangie, they had a lot of electronic problems although any left will be pretty sorted, check everything works. I assume it's a diesel (6 pot beemer) which are OK, the 4.2 and 4.6 V8 petrols suffered from porous blocks. They have airbag suspension, make sure it sits level and doesn't sag, airbags are cheap and easy to change, rest of the system isn't if ignored. You can change them for coils but it spoils the ride.

You get a hell of a lot of vehicle for the money and you can get the gear to read ECUs at a reasonable price. You can also buy bling stuff to make them look like a Range Rover Sport

Ah I tried a few insurance places (haven't been able to contact Munster group yet..) me insurance would be 1000 third party, parked in me da's lock up and all!! I enquired about converting it to commercail with the proper nct passed and they said they'd never heard of that being done...? Looks like I may very well be waiting till I'm qualified just to afford the insurance

dunsandin

If you are in the building game, you may be better off with a fiesta and just suck up the bumps. All the guys I know who are surveyors and engineers are struggling to pay for their jeeps, you can feed pigs with em. If you are not fully qualified, you might be better off with an old suzuki swift. Guys who are employing engineers at the moment have their pick, and they will pick the experienced and well priced.

focus_mad

dunsandin wrote: »

If you are in the building game, you may be better off with a fiesta and just suck up the bumps. All the guys I know who are surveyors and engineers are struggling to pay for their jeeps, you can feed pigs with em. If you are not fully qualified, you might be better off with an old suzuki swift. Guys who are employing engineers at the moment have their pick, and they will pick the experienced and well priced. My wifes advice as she sits beside me is, get a job at mcdonalds and a pushbike! What Jeep!!! A clapped out Nissan Terrano!! Get real, me auld china. Read a few papers. I love the twats who turn up on quotes to jobs alongside me driving an 08 porsche cayenne, cos it means that me in my pile of sh1te has already got the job, cos you have to pay for the cayenne, and I dont!!! Jesus wept, what year is it, 2006??? Get real. Earn the dosh and then buy your jeep. You can call me an arrogant twat, but im a busy arrogant twat, and my advice is, get a fiesta. Edit: Unless Daddy is paying for it.

Yeah I know theres an aul recession on but I've a good bit saved up from the multitude of jobs I've done over the years.. If I'm willing to work for it and run it why shouldn't I get it..?Not me fault them lads can't run them...Your not the only one whose busy and if I'm on site it means the job has already been agreed...And no, Daddy isn't paying for it..!!!
Also thanks for the job advise but I think I'll give McD's a miss but if thats were you are get me a big mac thanks

dunsandin

You stated in your OP that you were"studying" to become.... Multitude of jobs done, fair play. Im looking at getting a Ford Ranger. If you have the work, get the perk, if your just dreaming, dream on. Not pulling your wire, just being realistic and honest. There is a big difference between being a student with big ideas and a lad with work on. Apologies if I got you wrong. I meet wannabe this and thats every day, if you are busy, good on you, if you want a tough bus for work, get a ranger, ive done the whole landie, cruiser and so on, and I like the ranger best. (For all the students out there, get a fiesta!!!)

focus_mad

QUOTE]You stated in your OP that you were"studying" to become.... [/QUOTE]
Sorry I wasn't too clear on that! I'm going into me last year in college as a Building Surveyor but I'v been working for a Building Surveying firm every week I have off and at every opportunity so I have a bit of experience (and hopefully) a job leaving college..

Multitude of jobs done, fair play.

I've done everything from deliverying bouncy castles to window washing..

Im looking at getting a Ford Ranger. If you have the work, get the perk, if your just dreaming, dream on. Not pulling your wire, just being realistic and honest.

that's exactly the way I see it, if your going to be on the road or site alot and carrying equipment ya might as well be comfortable

There is a big difference between being a student with big ideas and a lad with work on. Apologies if I got you wrong. I meet wannabe this and thats every day, if you are busy, good on you, if you want a tough bus for work, get a ranger, ive done the whole landie, cruiser and so on, and I like the ranger best.

No apologies necessary..there are a good few dreamers around and not enough realistic people!!