View Full Version : new 4x4, what to buy?
so, with the recent snow and all that, I started to wonder if there is a cheaper alternative to the Maverick. I was going to buy my OH a small car for her to get about in and use as a workhorse...but I already miss my Maverick very much. Anyway, I was thinking about a smaller 4x4, something to handle the snow and a bit of green laning or tracks when I get chance, but generally it'd be a road vehicle doing a bit of work.
I was thinking about looking at Suzuki Vitara 4U2, the estate version 3 door. They seem quite small, engine bay looks tidy and easy to work in, but I don't know too much about these cars. They are 1.6 petrol (well, that's what ill be looking at buying), anyone know much about these?
:thumbs
Thomas-the-Terrano2
23-03-2013, 13:34
plank has had several vitaras
yeah, I really like the jimnys, but they are just out of budget!!
hopefully PLank will give me some input. I like the estate version of the Vitara-I don't want the soft top,. the estate 3 door likes nice and boxy which is what I want, and they are a lot small than the Maverick, so my Other Half will be more comfortable driving it..
as far as I know, they are still very good in the snow/off road..?
Actually, I'd buy her this and tell her to wind her neck in :D
http://item.mobileweb.ebay.co.uk/viewitem?itemId=221205076145
yeah, I really like the jimnys, but they are just out of budget!!
hopefully PLank will give me some input. I like the estate version of the Vitara-I don't want the soft top,. the estate 3 door likes nice and boxy which is what I want, and they are a lot small than the Maverick, so my Other Half will be more comfortable driving it..
as far as I know, they are still very good in the snow/off road..?
You can get a jimny for a grand
Actually, I'd buy her this and tell her to wind her neck in :D
http://item.mobileweb.ebay.co.uk/viewitem?itemId=221205076145
slobber!!! clearly, parking isn't a problem in this car!! I love it, but wahey out of budget!
awesome motor though..!
You can get a jimny for a grand
hmm...I shall look. I joined the Jimny club a while back, got some great feedback about them-they seem to be generally very decent motors...
Lazy-Ferret
23-03-2013, 14:18
I loved my 1.6 LWB Vitara, did 240K miles in 3.5 years.. Nice basic engine, and everything was easy to work on.
96terrano
23-03-2013, 14:23
Toyota Rav4? daihatsu sportrack with a petrol engine?
I loved my 1.6 LWB Vitara, did 240K miles in 3.5 years.. Nice basic engine, and everything was easy to work on.
cool, that's what I want (same with the Maverick) simple and easy to work on. I just need to get something that's a bit cheaper to run. A vitara is, but I don't loose too much in terms of practicality and days like today, id PROBABLY be able to get out and about...I think...ground clearance looks ok, can you confirm??
Toyota Rav4? daihatsu sportrack with a petrol engine?
hmm..dunno, im not a RAV4 fan, as for Sportrak, good, but I can get a Vitara for the same or less money and itll be a better car.
96terrano
23-03-2013, 14:29
hmm..dunno, im not a RAV4 fan, as for Sportrak, good, but I can get a Vitara for the same or less money and itll be a better car.
fair enough, what year vitara would you be looking for?
fair enough, what year vitara would you be looking for?
not sure, but I have my eye on this one..http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201303115719006/sort/locasc/usedcars/transmission/manual/price-to/1000/model/vitara/make/suzuki/onesearchad/used/onesearchad/nearlynew/onesearchad/new/postcode/hd34yu/page/1/radius/1501?logcode=p
trophymick
23-03-2013, 15:20
I had a Mitsubishi Shogun Pinin a couple of years ago. !.8 petrol 5 door, it was a cracking little car and I got 30 to 33mpg from it.
There's two different engines, the GDI has the full four wheel drive with high and low box and two gear-sticks, and the MPI is permanent 4 wheel drive (50/50 to each axle) with one gear-stick, which made it a better proposition for my wife.:kissy
I had it through the last really bad winters we had (a couple of winters back it was minus 18 Celsius up here) snow and packed ice didn't faze it.:thumb2
I'm not sure what prices they are going for though, I sold mine in 2011 for £2000, it was a 52 plate.:nenau
http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee318/mickconvoy/IMGP8143resized.jpg
Lazy-Ferret
23-03-2013, 15:20
cool, that's what I want (same with the Maverick) simple and easy to work on. I just need to get something that's a bit cheaper to run. A vitara is, but I don't loose too much in terms of practicality and days like today, id PROBABLY be able to get out and about...I think...ground clearance looks ok, can you confirm??
Not quite as much ground clearance as the T2, my T2 has 16" wheels, the Vitara only had 15", and of course the Vitara does not have a LS diff as standard.
I used to off road my road legal "company car" one, and all I did was fit sill protectors, and BFG AT tyres.
http://i316.photobucket.com/albums/mm322/Lazy-Ferret/off%20road/Tara4_zps95087c6e.jpg
http://i316.photobucket.com/albums/mm322/Lazy-Ferret/off%20road/tara3_zps881a5909.jpg
http://i316.photobucket.com/albums/mm322/Lazy-Ferret/off%20road/Tara5_zps7ec02c35.jpg
http://i316.photobucket.com/albums/mm322/Lazy-Ferret/off%20road/Tara2_zpsd7b2f2dc.jpg
http://i316.photobucket.com/albums/mm322/Lazy-Ferret/off%20road/Tara1_zpsa646ecf6.jpg
MIck - Pinin I have looked at, and I really like them,. They seem to be quite cheap, although I think they have some sort of common fault? ill look it up, but ill put them on my list:thumbs
Clive - wow, clearly a capable car as standard, and I doubt id be doing that sort of off roading, so Vitara is definitely on my list. So far I have worked out that they are a little bit cheaper to run. Tax is the same, MPG is a smidge better and insurance a fair bit cheaper, so well worth considering. They are a lot smaller too, ill only go for the 3 door-they look really short and boxy, just what I want. the Pinins though are tiny, but the engine size bothers me. Obviously capable going on Micks description, but I wonder if the engines suffer in some way?
(RIP) PLANK
23-03-2013, 15:47
i have had a lot of GVs, the best is the 2000cc petrol 5 door that is a grand vitara not a vitara!
ah I see, I cant afford a Grand Vitara, but I think that would be more expensive to run than a Vitara anyway...what im trying to achieve is to own a decent 4x4, but on a tighter budget without compromising TOO much over the Maverick...!!
I had a Mitsubishi Shogun Pinin a couple of years ago. !.8 petrol 5 door, it was a cracking little car and I got 30 to 33mpg from it.
There's two different engines, the GDI has the full four wheel drive with high and low box and two gear-sticks, and the MPI is permanent 4 wheel drive (50/50 to each axle) with one gear-stick, which made it a better proposition for my wife.:kissy
I had it through the last really bad winters we had (a couple of winters back it was minus 18 Celsius up here) snow and packed ice didn't faze it.:thumb2
I'm not sure what prices they are going for though, I sold mine in 2011 for £2000, it was a 52 plate.:nenau
http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee318/mickconvoy/IMGP8143resized.jpg
He just sold the maverick due to rot i dont think pinin would be a good move given there reputation for rust:lol
oh right, are they bad for that?? Surprising considering they are a more "modern" 4x4..shame, I really don't want to go down the rust-route again.. its rust that stopped me fixing my Maverick in the first place..!
trophymick
23-03-2013, 16:15
He just sold the maverick due to rot i dont think pinin would be a good move given there reputation for rust:lol
I didn't know they had one.:nenau
The last MOT I took it for, the tester remarked that it was solid underneath. :naughty
Maybe mine was the exception?
I think all vehicles of a particular age will have tin-worm of some description, it's just how far gone it is!:eek:
Mick
I didn't know they had one.:nenau
The last MOT I took it for, the tester remarked that it was solid underneath. :naughty
Maybe mine was the exception?
I think all vehicles of a particular age will have tin-worm of some description, it's just how far gone it is!:eek:
Mick
Also has issues with the gdi engine was looking at one last week needed lots of welding on rear suspension
hmm..interesting ill keep all this in mine. I suppose when it comes to rust, USAGE has a lot to do with it. Usage and care. mud traps moisture, moisture creates rust in places you don't want it..!
trophymick
23-03-2013, 16:45
Also has issues with the gdi engine was looking at one last week needed lots of welding on rear suspension
I'd heard of the GDI engine not being the best. :thumb2
I had the MPI, it was a little cracker, 100% reliable.:cool:
Maybe selling it when I did was good timing.:nenau
There you go Clive, give the Pinin a miss.:doh
I've always liked the Suzuki's, the Jimny is too small for me though, I've not tried the Vitaras but they seem to be up to the job.
Mick
Mick
yeah, I have heard although small, the Jimnys are really good off road, so one would assume similar ability in this sort of snow. ground clearance is good for such a small car, but its the wheel base that does it. The Vitara's im looking at , are bigger, so might be just right for me....bit smaller than the Maverick, but big enough for bales of hay, wood shavings and trips to the recycle centre etc etc
Vitara is still top of the list I think...
davenclaire
23-03-2013, 16:58
the jimny is just a posh frock over the original sj410/413 suzuki from what i remember when.they firsy came out
trophymick
23-03-2013, 17:05
I was surprised how much room (especially leg room in the front, but in the back.........) there is in a Jimny, it was the size of the engine that didn't appeal to me, I need something to tow the caravan with.
But they can't be faulted off road and the after market parts are abundant, they are known as the giant slayers! :bow
One of them with a small trailer could be a very useful tool. :thumbs
Mick
the jimny is just a posh frock over the original sj410/413 suzuki from what i remember when.they firsy came out
yeah I think the early ones had the same engines, but when they changed it, things were a lot better I believe..
jims-terrano
23-03-2013, 18:34
Ahh sod it a TD27 Terrano SWB, you know you want one really. Job done less electrics with less to go wrong. You know it makes sence Clivvy:thumbs
aye but I don't want to end up in the same situation-old car, too much rust, plus they are still more expensive than I can afford :/
Dynamics
23-03-2013, 19:52
Yes, makes me laugh now. I remember when researching the Terrano reading "There should be no troubles with rust as the panels are galvanised" :confused:
Yes, makes me laugh now. I remember when researching the Terrano reading "There should be no troubles with rust as the panels are galvanised" :confused:
haha yeah, which panels, roof panels?:clap
baker1988
23-03-2013, 20:46
Find a jimny with a diesel conversion you cant go wrong there they crop up on ebay from time to time you will not be dissapointed ;)
I had a vitara 4u2 as my first vehicle and 4x4. Ok little machine but driving around you have to rag it quite alot and boot space on the SWB ones are crap. Can't beat a good old diesel lump.
yeah, I have to admit I really do prefer a basic diesel engine when it comes to 4x4's.
its extremely difficult drawing up a list of cheaper 4x4s when compared to the Maverick/Terrano.
sure, the Vitara is cheaper to buy, run and insure, but the 1.6 litre petrol just isn't going to last like the TD27-and that worries me, plus, the torque differences will be dramatic.
keep looking I suppose...
96terrano
23-03-2013, 20:59
haha yeah, which panels, roof panels?:clap
indeed, one of my brochures says the panels do not rust:lol:lol
makeitfit
23-03-2013, 20:59
Jimny, awesome little terrier of a 4x4 :sly
However there really is only one choice :naughty Patrol :splif
yeah, I have to admit I really do prefer a basic diesel engine when it comes to 4x4's.
its extremely difficult drawing up a list of cheaper 4x4s when compared to the Maverick/Terrano.
sure, the Vitara is cheaper to buy, run and insure, but the 1.6 litre petrol just isn't going to last like the TD27-and that worries me, plus, the torque differences will be dramatic.
keep looking I suppose...
Fourtrak it is then wont get more basic and reliable.had mine 6 years never misses a beat and best of all no rust:clap
Fourtrak it is then wont get more basic and reliable.had mine 6 years never misses a beat and best of all no rust:clap
hmm..problem there is, I already had a Fourtrak, 2.8 TDS Fieldman. I adored it, BUT, was just plain terrible on the motorway. gave me a fright when on holiday in South Wales, and then I found out I only had one bolt holding the steering pump on. I do admit, id be tempted to one, but they command quite a premium these days (I only paid £500 for mine, but I realise now, it needed a lot of work)
sure, the Vitara is cheaper to buy, run and insure, but the 1.6 litre petrol just isn't going to last like the TD27-and that worries me, plus, the torque differences will be dramatic.
keep looking I suppose...
Mine wasn't that cheap to run fuel wise, Tax is the same. I bet insurance will be the same or similar.
yeah, tax is the same, insurance is about £15 a month less-so that's neither here nor there :(
Mine wasn't that cheap to run fuel wise, Tax is the same. I bet insurance will be the same or similar.
My mates on 31" MUDs did about 20mpg !
melissachels
23-03-2013, 21:58
we got a lot of jimny's & vitara's go out offroad both standard & mod'd both seem to do really well, but terrano has more height clearance :thumb2
hmm..i suppose I could add "saving up more money" to my list of considerations, and look at buying a much newer Terrano.....maybe....
hmm..i suppose I could add "saving up more money" to my list of considerations, and look at buying a much newer Terrano.....maybe....
I'd do this. At least its a know quantity. A nice swb is easily found under £1500
Yh , that's what makes this difficult. I know the swb maverick very well, which is a huge positive, but leaves me with a heck of a lot of negatives to consider as well. I like the idea f "starting again" with a newer terrano, now I have learned so much about them. I like the idea of finding one that runs sweet, doesn't have rusted sills and cross member and doesn't need the sort of serious stuff fixing on it like my Mav did.....
melissachels
23-03-2013, 22:27
well the guys across the way from us at the unit have an 04 2.4 petrol mav, but apperently its front wheel drive, auto 4x4 selection thru traction control, screams at 3000rpm @ 50mph & its already had a new gear box cos itr wound up :doh:doh they hate it but love my wee terrano
That sounds like the newer maverick-i won't be buying one of them. IF I decide to stick with what I know, it'll be a Terrano, probably save fr a 2000 model...
spiderpig37
23-03-2013, 22:44
Id plum for a tidy swb terrano learn to weld and dont let the tin worm get too a point where its uneconimical to repair
Simples
makeitfit
24-03-2013, 01:01
Clive after extensive research and 2 bottles of vino collapso I found the ideal 4x4 :D Cast your eyes over this beauty :naughty
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Classic-ford-Mk2-transit-4x4-turbo-diesel-very-rare-transit-van-/230940224621?_trksid=p2047675.m2109&_trkparms=aid%3D555001%26algo%3DPW.CURRENT%26ao%3D 1%26asc%3D29%26meid%3D6456640081735898306%26pid%3D 100010%26prg%3D1013%26rk%3D1%26sd%3D251238116778%2 6
WANT!
Clive after extensive research and 2 bottles of vino collapso I found the ideal 4x4 :D Cast your eyes over this beauty :naughty
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Classic-ford-Mk2-transit-4x4-turbo-diesel-very-rare-transit-van-/230940224621?_trksid=p2047675.m2109&_trkparms=aid%3D555001%26algo%3DPW.CURRENT%26ao%3D 1%26asc%3D29%26meid%3D6456640081735898306%26pid%3D 100010%26prg%3D1013%26rk%3D1%26sd%3D251238116778%2 6
Id plum for a tidy swb terrano learn to weld and dont let the tin worm get too a point where its uneconimical to repair
Simples
yes, very wise words. If I can find a decent SWB Terrano, reasonably rust free, I can buy myself the time to treat it, learn to weld (buy a welder) and then continue to be happy and whole again.
I don't mean to sound soft, but I really miss the car already :(
I had no choice to be fair, it was knackered body wise, and it was the right decision and will probably lead to me having a considerably better 4x4...but I so miss it!! I put a lot of myself into that car to fix it up.
well, ill get saving more monies, I won £10 on the lottery last night so that's a good start...:bow
Sounds like you wont be leaving us after all :lol
maybe look at a comercial as prices would be less.
but if you want cheep and dont mind a bit of work http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NISSAN-TERRANO-II-SE-2-7-TURBO-DIESEL-7-SEATER-FULL-LEATHER-SPARES-OR-REPAIRS-/261189681179?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item3cd01e401b
Sounds like you wont be leaving us after all :lol
oh no, either way im not going no where...although I have to admit, im seriously considering another Terrano. I just cannot find anything that even comes close. The alternative is a car, but my other half revealed she was fine driving the 4x4... :/ so that helps with my decision making a bit...!
maybe look at a comercial as prices would be less.
but if you want cheep and dont mind a bit of work http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NISSAN-TERRANO-II-SE-2-7-TURBO-DIESEL-7-SEATER-FULL-LEATHER-SPARES-OR-REPAIRS-/261189681179?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item3cd01e401b
yeah fair point martin-they do tend to be a smidge cheaper. Problem there is, Heidi would struggle parking (because of the missing side windows) and IF I buy another Terrano, she needs to be happy and comfortable parking up at work or in town.
I have seen that Terrano in Halifax, I want an SWB-there is no way Heidi would drive something so big unfortunately!! If I could afford her a cheap run about AND that Terrano, id probably seriously consider it...!! I assume the vacuum solenoid is alternator-affecting the brakes? seems a good buy to me if its solid underneath....
davenclaire
24-03-2013, 12:29
Be quick eBay 130870700617
Be quick eBay 130870700617
very nice! I'd have liked to se it before bidding though, just too far away!! TAX is higher as well on that :/
jims-terrano
24-03-2013, 17:24
I haven't found much difference between LWB and SWB to be fair Clivvy. My Mrs manages perfectly well with ours but hates driving the other car. Looks a good deal that one in Halifax Clivvy.
I know but Heidi just wont like it. I know well enough, and if I came home with a LWB Terrano, she would be happy for me, but she would instantly hate the car. One of the many reasons for moving my Maverick on was to get Heidi a smaller car...its just this weather...it changes ones perspective again.
if you can find one ....... how about a fiat panda 4x4
if you can find one ....... how about a fiat panda 4x4
ha, no chance. Of finding one I mean. even if I did, id just not be able to go where I want to go-they don't have the ground clearance. Pandas are fun toys, that's it.
(RIP) PLANK
24-03-2013, 22:38
the original panda 4x4 was brilliant! rare as rocking horse poo now though!
so you want, cheaper than a t2, more economical, less insurance, good off road, good towing .
i ask myself this question every day, and i just keep buying another T2
the original panda 4x4 was brilliant! rare as rocking horse poo now though!
so you want, cheaper than a t2, more economical, less insurance, good off road, good towing .
i ask myself this question every day, and i just keep buying another T2
yup, ive had a real good look this weekend, what with being stuck in, and yes, I cannot find better than the T2. as far as 4x4's go, for my budget the T2 is without a doubt the leader. But to be honest, even if I had a higher budget, I think I would STILL go for a T2...if I was a millionaire or close to it, yeah, maybe id get a decent Defender..
I was a millionaire or close to it, yeah, maybe id get a decent Defender..
I guess you enjoy a challenge...
So when were the decent defenders built then, I know there are some good ones out there.... somewhere...... surely.....:augie
I guess you enjoy a challenge...
So when were the decent defenders built then, I know there are some good ones out there.... somewhere...... surely.....:augie
Dunno, I've always regarded mid 90s Defenders as the better ones...
what do you all think to this one?
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201302235472617/sort/default/usedcars/price-to/2000/transmission/manual/quantity-of-doors/3/model/terrano/make/nissan/onesearchad/used/onesearchad/nearlynew/onesearchad/new/postcode/hd34yu/radius/1500/page/1?logcode=p
reads well, looks nice, price seems right? I think I can JUST see some rust or much on the passenger side rear sill, under the rock slider jobby...
Lazy-Ferret
27-03-2013, 11:31
Just one thing, Well that I can spot, that is a 2001, mine is a 1999, and while I have a passenger side air bag, that one does not... is that right?
Looks tidy !
I presume no passenger a/b because its the basic s model
correct, and although I don't want to appear like I don't care-I want the grab handle and shelf! My OH needs the grab handle to get in, as she's short...although this one has side steps...anyway, I much prefer that dash!
Lazy-Ferret
27-03-2013, 11:44
Looks tidy !
I presume no passenger a/b because its the basic s model
I never knew that the Airbags were dependant on the model... :doh So much to learn...:nenau:lol
ummm...im not sure its dependent on model, although that's a good point. I always thought it was a "year" thing on these cars. There isn't a passenger air bag on the earlier models in any of the range, but im sure every car ive seen from 04 onwards has passenger air bag, im not sure about 2001 onwards, every 2000/20001 I have seen has the handles....interesting..!
Lazy-Ferret
27-03-2013, 13:30
ummm...im not sure its dependent on model, although that's a good point. I always thought it was a "year" thing on these cars. There isn't a passenger air bag on the earlier models in any of the range, but im sure every car ive seen from 04 onwards has passenger air bag, im not sure about 2001 onwards, every 2000/20001 I have seen has the handles....interesting..!
I wonder if it is a 3door/5door thing as well then, as I say, my 1999 has air bag there, and none of the ones we looked at (all LWB) had the handle.
I wonder if it is a 3door/5door thing as well then, as I say, my 1999 has air bag there, and none of the ones we looked at (all LWB) had the handle.
ah yes, that's a good point, in the back of my head id noticed that now I think about it. Odd, I wonder why that would be? Other then the LWB being classed as a tourer, and the SWB being classed more of a sport/offroader type thingy....something like that maybe?
i do not know at what age but at some point land rover put a new engine in the 90 and to make it seem faster they made the chassi out of thinner material. due to this they rot through faster on a particular year. im not sure if it was when they fit a 200 or 300 engine but i will find out and be back
trophymick
27-03-2013, 21:55
I have a 2001 Y Reg LWB it's the S model, basic as ...., no air con etc, there's no passenger air-bag in it and has the shelf and grab handle for nervous passengers.:thumb2 Less to go wrong, as if there isn't enough.:augie
The air-bag must have been a extra!:D
Mick
I have a 2001 Y Reg LWB it's the S model, basic as ...., no air con etc, there's no passenger air-bag in it and has the shelf and grab handle for nervous passengers.:thumb2 Less to go wrong, as if there isn't enough.:augie
The air-bag must have been a extra!:D
Mick
how odd?! I just find it odd that passenger air bag was an option-and yet if you didn't have one, you got the awesome grab handle and shelf...!
baker1988
27-03-2013, 22:11
how odd?! I just find it odd that passenger air bag was an option-and yet if you didn't have one, you got the awesome grab handle and shelf...!
Mines also got the s**t meself handle :lol just posted a link on a mav commercial that any good to you?
Mines also got the s**t meself handle :lol just posted a link on a mav commercial that any good to you?
yeah just seen it mate, its good, but not quite what im after. don't get me wrong, im not being too fussy, its just I need the rear windows etc other wise my OH just wont drive it.:augie
baker1988
27-03-2013, 22:14
yeah just seen it mate, its good, but not quite what im after. don't get me wrong, im not being too fussy, its just I need the rear windows etc other wise my OH just wont drive it.:augie
I bought my OH a corsa she hates the terrano. :lol
I bought my OH a corsa she hate s the terrano. :lol
...I'm tempted to get her a Renault 5 as that's all She wants, but I can't justify being a three car couple, that's just silly, been there before....
baker1988
27-03-2013, 22:52
...I'm tempted to get her a Renault 5 as that's all She wants, but I can't justify being a three car couple, that's just silly, been there before....
I used to be in the same boat had 3 cars I had a renault 5 gtt astra gte and the terrano had to give the other 2 up :( and now looking into getting rid of my terrano now wr have this corsa but looking at replacing it with a t4 maybe t5 transporter
I used to be in the same boat had 3 cars I had a renault 5 gtt astra gte and the terrano had to give the other 2 up :( and now looking into getting rid of my terrano now wr have this corsa but looking at replacing it with a t4 maybe t5 transporter
Shame, but those Transporters are great vans:thumbs
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