Cant decide on what 4x4 to buy

aaakev

Looking for a bit of advice please lads. Im looking to buy my first 4wd. It will be used as my second vehicle on weekends and durin the winter ect. Was thinking a crew cab because iv 2 kids but its not a deal breaker.

Budget is €3000

I had my heart set on a 2003 navara but im having second thoughts because of what im reading about engine failure. The one im looking at has 140k miles on the clock and is in excelent condition

Any advice or sugestions welcome

pete4130

What is it going to be used for? Mainly on the road or are you going to do some proper off road 4WDing, mud tracks, river crossings etc in it or just some light off road/beach driving?

4WD's are not the best things to drive on a daily basis. They are willowy through corners and have a higher chance of a roll over in an accident despite the perceived extra safety with their size. Crew cabs aren't very comfortable or spacious in the back either.

If you are doing proper 4WDing then you'll need a proper 4WD. Almost all SUV 4WD's will get you through 90% of any terrain you'll come across in Ireland once you know how to drive off road, using your low range gearing etc.. unless its on specific 4WD tracks and its really wet/muddy where you might need diff lockers, suspension lifts etc...but thats only for more serious hardcore 4WD stuff.

There are different 4WD systems too. You've got part time 4WD where the vehicle is rear wheel drive unless you put it into 4WD, some vehicles like some series of Landcruisers are full time 4WD and some vehicles are AWD, where all wheels drive the car, sometimes with a 60/40 ratio to the rear. AWD SUV vehicles are the likes of the Santa Fe. The Santa Fe isn't a "true" off road 4WD. It would be ok for light tracks, beach driving etc...

Again it comes down to what exactly you want to use it for. If you want 4WD stability and grip during winter and be able to use it for light off road and have the comfort of a car then a good option in your budget is a Subaru Forester. It's basically a 4WD estate, its got good ground clearance, is AWD and very capable. The good thing with the forester is that it has low gearing as well (unless you get the H6.0). It gives you a drop of about 15% compared to a regular 4WD drop in ratios of about 50%. It's still useful for picking your way through obstacles and any climbs etc.
Another good 4wd option is the Subaru Outback. It's a longer estate and less SUV looking than the Forester. It's probably not as capable off road as the Forester but is a more comfortable drive.

Other cars in this type of class would be the Audi Allroad (out of budget and not as capable off road) and the Volvo XC70 (again probably out of budget and not as capable). The Foresters and Outbacks are cheap to buy as they come with a 2.0L engine as the smallest in the range, either non turbo or turbo. The non turbo will be cheaper to run and insure. The 2.0 is more than enough though. I've driven a 2.5L non turbo a fair bit and its really smooth and nice to drive, sometimes at traffic lights I'm not sure if its cut out because its so quiet in the cabin.

Almost any 4WD vehicle will get through almost any terrain, even with highway tyres on, if you drop the pressure in the tyres, so if you were doing beach driving on soft sand dropping the pressure to 18psi should keep you moving (don't drive on tarmac at 18psi though as the side walls get hot at normal speeds and the tyre can fail, make sure you put the correct pressure in for road driving or drive max 40km/h to a petrol station to put more pressure in).

With any 4WD, they are going to be more expensive to run and maintain than a 2WD car. There is more to go wrong so do your research before you buy, get it checked out properly. Check 4WD system is working properly, diffs are in good condition, not leaking, suspension is good.

My personal choice for a 4WD/AWD vehicle in Ireland would be a Forester. They aren't very common, they are underrated, they are very nice to drive, very capable and cheap to buy used and the tax on one will be less than any proper SUV you might get!!
The downsides are Subarus can be a bit pricey to get repaired and they don't have the greatest fuel economy. Some people don't think they are the prettiest cars out there either.

aaakev

Thatnks for yhe very detailed reply. It will be used off road quite alot, i hunt some rough ground where low gear range would be needed so it has to be selectable 4wd. I have alot of experience driving on and off road in different 4x4s and did off road driving courses with the army in the old and new nissan patrols. I had considederd a forrester but quickly disnissed it as i dont think it will do what i want.

Comfort is not hugely important as it is for weekends to be used like a toy! Commercial would be best to save on tax and running costs wont be a major issue for the mileage ill be doing. Really just want something reliable, capable and fun

WestWicklow1

A 90 series Landcruiser.

navara man

you would be mad to buy a 03 navara with 140 miles sh*t engine . and they are very very willowy on bend .and you can t tax it as commercial if you don t have 3 employee (in most tax office)

aaakev

Taxing a commercial is not a problem.

Just back from viewing a 2001 ford ranger. Bit rough round the edges but thats fine, drives ok 107k and new doe. Any opinions?

dingus12

bit under powered compared to the 04 navara, it's a mazda b2500 with a ford badge, very basic, the navara engines are bullet proof if you get the bottom end mod done, it involve's putting in ACL shell bearings and ARP crank cap bolts.

Iv'e had an 04 navara and would have no problem getting another

this one looks good, it's raised, has a canopy, aftermarket wheels and ultra rare leather bucket seats,

http://www.donedeal.ie/for-sale/commercials/4121042

aaakev

Who does the mod on them over here? I was talking to IVI engines and they said they wouldnt go near them to do the work

navara man

aaakev wrote: »

Who does the mod on them over here? I was talking to IVI engines and they said they wouldnt go near them to do the work

you know it bad when IvI engine don t whant the job

Tawny Owl

navara man wrote: »

you would be mad to buy a 03 navara with 140 miles sh*t engine . and they are very very willowy on bend .and you can t tax it as commercial if you don t have 3 employee (in most tax office)

Would not agree with that comment I drive a Nissan Navara 3Ltr imported from Australia I have it the last three years drive to Dublin every day weekly trip 600kms it has leather seats and is a great drive although mine is a 3Ltr I get just as good milage as a 2.5Ltr if not better I also use it for outdoor sports if he is going for a weekend Jeep then thats fine again mine does not have 140,000 miles on the engine only 147,000Kms and where does the 3 employees thing come from what if he has 1 employee which there was a quote there was no problem taxing it commercial.he is more then welcome to test drive mine anytime to see what he thinks of the Nissan Navara Jeep:D

navara man

Tawny Owl wrote: »

Would not agree with that comment I drive a Nissan Navara 3Ltr imported from Australia I have it the last three years drive to Dublin every day weekly trip 600kms it has leather seats and is a great drive although mine is a 3Ltr I get just as good milage as a 2.5Ltr if not better I also use it for outdoor sports if he is going for a weekend Jeep then thats fine again mine does not have 140,000 miles on the engine only 147,000Kms and where does the 3 employees thing come from what if he has 1 employee which there was a quote there was no problem taxing it commercial.he is more then welcome to test drive mine anytime to see what he thinks of the Nissan Navara Jeep:D

i know it a good jeep BUT with a sh*T engine .(the 2.5 one d22)

dingus12

navara man wrote: »

i know it a good jeep BUT with a sh*T engine .(the 2.5 one d22)

It's a great engine once the mods are done, the parts cost 320 quid and there are plenty guides on how to do it on the navara forums.

aaakev

Cheers for the input lads. I bought a 2004 kia sorento with low mileage in immaculate condition today, very happy with my choice as alot most of the other 4x4s i looked at over the last few weeks were pure muck with chancers trying to flog them

doctorchopper

I have a 2003 navara 2.5 and have had nothing go wrong with it in 5 years. Changed the battery last month and that is it. I service it every 3000 miles. In my opinion 7-10000 mile service intervals are crazy on a engine that only has less than 5 litres of oil which i think is the main problem in the conrod failures. I've had many trucks and this has been the most reliable one so far.

renticular

I bought an 04 D22 (Navara) and since as usual I only learned of their problems after the sale, I was optimistic as it passed the 100K mileage (when they are supposedly OK by)
anyway it came to nothing and blew up, the replacement motor complete with receipts for the rebuild went the same way, I traded it away for a Hilux which I've had ever since

I think the problem for Nissan, is their association with Renault in the development of that models motor,
anyway the build was pretty sketchy, you know when the doors shut with a 'tinny' sound, it doesn't inspire much confidence.

Pottler

aaakev wrote: »

Cheers for the input lads. I bought a 2004 kia sorento with low mileage in immaculate condition today, very happy with my choice as alot most of the other 4x4s i looked at over the last few weeks were pure muck with chancers trying to flog them

bought the same a few weeks back and I love it, the Sorento is a nice jeep to drive, economical and fast and pretty comfy. Very happy with it indeed.

aaakev

Well after a few trips off roadin over the weekend and tonight i have to say in delighted with my choice. The sorento is very capable off road and even with my not so great AT tires it made it up and over some very steep hills, deep water soaked tracks and muddy fields. It actually made it around better than my mates pathfinder with a brand new set of AT tires which suprised us both

tinofapples

aaakev wrote: »

Well after a few trips off roadin over the weekend and tonight i have to say in delighted with my choice. The sorento is very capable off road and even with my not so great AT tires it made it up and over some very steep hills, deep water soaked tracks and muddy fields. It actually made it around better than my mates pathfinder with a brand new set of AT tires which suprised us both

How much did you get it for ? Any pics ? Miles ? Best of luck with your purchase !!

aaakev

tinofapples wrote: »

How much did you get it for ? Any pics ? Miles ? Best of luck with your purchase !!

€2500, 118k. No pics.

After xmas im thinkin a set of bf goodrich AT and a few inches of lift

tinofapples

aaakev wrote: »

€2500, 118k. No pics.

After xmas im thinkin a set of bf goodrich AT and a few inches of lift

Nice price for an 04 :eek: