Tips for buying a used 4WD? - Budget $25K

Helenn on 25/05/2021 - 20:46
Last edited 26/05/2021 - 09:44 by 1 other user

Hi all, after some help buying a second hand car please.

My car is coming up to 22 years old and on its last legs so I have been saving for a replacement. This time looking for a 4WD as we go camping a lot and prefer to have a bit of space around me when I do. Leaning towards an SUV but would consider a Ute with canopy, not a tray back.

This will be my only car and most of my driving will be around the city so my big priority is looking for something that's fuel economical and easy to manoeuvre as well. Plus lots of room in the boot, 5 seater is ok, off road capable and want to be able to drive on the beach so needs recovery points.

I have been looking for a while and have ruled a lot of options out because they are gas guzzlers and some others because they are AWD not true 4WD. 2nd hand Toyota's (Prado/Hilux) are super expensive so pretty much have ruled them out too. Think I'm leaning towards a Jeep Grand Cherokee (yes.. I know, but recent models seem to be better and the diesels are quite fuel economical and some models have good off road capabilities).

My budget is around $25k, and not sure if it is COVID related or just how much things cost, but most of the ones I like at are sitting low/mid 30s at least which is more than I want to spend. Most have >150k kms too. Can go to an earlier model but just not much around at the moment. To be honest if it was just me and my dog would get an old 4wd and have fun on the beach but will be driving city teens around and am sick of having a bomb that's falling apart. Do I need to increase my budget? I've been hoping that all these people who bought COVID cars would eventually decide to trim back and sell them again but they seem to be getting more expensive not less at the moment lol.

Anyway, would really appreciate any suggestions on car choice and features I should be looking for?

Also I have never bought a second hand car before, let alone a diesel 4wd and I can't really afford to make stupid mistakes. Would love some tips? Dealer models have warranty but seem to be going for around $10k more here at the moment so have been looking at private sales. Even they are priced quite high a lot of the time. Wondering how much people negotiate down for a used car?

Saw the tip about getting a PPSR check on another post so will do that. I can get RACQ to do a check for a few hundred or similar from mechanic I guess. Will check service history, oil, obvious things like rust/damage/recalls. Anything else? What about electronics? My car has none of that and don't even know what to look for.

Thanks very much.

Automotive 4WD

Comments

    • bloom on 25/05/2021 - 21:20
      +24

      None of which are 4WD

  • brendanm on 25/05/2021 - 21:26
    +16

    Don't get a jeep.

    • Hybroid on 25/05/2021 - 21:37
      +2

      You may enjoy this.

      • brendanm on 25/05/2021 - 21:39

        That escalated quickly.

      • SF3 on 25/05/2021 - 22:25
        +1

        TIL don’t drive the way you play a computer game IRL.

      • try2bhelpful on 26/05/2021 - 10:18

        Sounds similar to what Tiger Woods did.

    • Helenn on 27/05/2021 - 18:47

      Lol

  • 4ksandknives on 25/05/2021 - 21:28
    -5

    Toyota Hilux is the only answer. If you can't afford it, don't buy it especially when buying used.

    You want to buy a quality car that's reliable.

    Watch some Scotty Kilmer on YouTube.

    • [Deactivated] on 25/05/2021 - 21:35
      -2

      Scotty Kilmer is so entertaining to watch, OP might binge it all night.

    • bhubb18 on 25/05/2021 - 21:36

      Why is Hilux the ONLY answer?

    • brendanm on 25/05/2021 - 21:39
      +12

      Watch some Scotty Kilmer on YouTube.

      No.

      • trex on 25/05/2021 - 22:39

        Why No?

    • Euphemistic on 26/05/2021 - 05:54

      Hulu’s is not the answer if you want a wagon.

      • Euphemistic on 26/05/2021 - 11:37
        +1

        Sigh. Hilux is not the answer.

  • MS Paint on 25/05/2021 - 21:29
    +1

    Jimny

    • mapax on 26/05/2021 - 05:36
      +1

      Poz’d You because I’m a jimmy driver, however they’re far too small for what OP says they want.

  • jaimex2 on 25/05/2021 - 21:34
    +2

    Triton with a canopy would be my go to for $25k. Fantastic bang for buck utes and you can get one from 2015ish with low km.

    Wagons are a lot more expensive but a nicer ride without leaf springs at the back.

    Nissan Xtrails and Suzuki Grand Vitaras if you can find one with low kms.

    Jeeps are money pits, I wouldn't entertain the idea of one for $25k.

    • bhubb18 on 25/05/2021 - 21:36

      Challengers are (relatively) dirt cheap compared to prados etc.

    • stewy on 25/05/2021 - 21:42
      +1

      Yeah for the price range given I'd look at Triton, Challenger or even Pajero.

      If the budget can be stretched to around $35k, buy a D-Max or MU-X.

    • 2jzzzz on 26/05/2021 - 10:52

      Love my 2015 Triton with canopy. Get 750km a tank, comfy enough, reliable.

      • Helenn on 27/05/2021 - 18:51

        But fuel efficient? And good for driving around town? Agree have heard good things about all these but didn't think they were particularly fuel efficient.. then again I am starting to suspect the Jeeps are underestimated. Plus trade off in running costs by the sound of it

  • RockyRaccoon on 25/05/2021 - 21:46
    +1

    Best thing ever was my son wrote off his jeep.

    Good riddance.

    As for you, dont go there….

    Unless of course you want to have a not so secret affair with your local mechanic

    2011-2014 Grand Cherokees are classified by US consumer reports as a dont buy. And thats in the country that makes them. Trying to find a 2015 on for $25K here is going to be pretty hard.

    Plus when you want parts they are very hard to get even from Jeep (FCA) here. My son had his off the road for 3 months waiting for parts.

    • Helenn on 27/05/2021 - 18:54

      Helpful feedback thanks. I did see that there was a recall for problems with the 2012 and 13 plus no tow points anyway. The cheapest 2015 Overland I saw was 32500 but in Sydney and sold fast. Most of the 2014s cost more than that. I can afford a 2011 but sounds like I should rule that out too? Not that I have seen many for sale lately

  • Presence on 25/05/2021 - 21:52
    +10

    Its probably the worst time to buy a 4WD in a generation. Prices are ridicuolous at the moment
    A decent Pajero is $30k!
    8 year old Prados with 200,000km are $35!
    5 year old Fortuners are going for close to $40k!
    If you can wait a year then i would.

    • Helenn on 27/05/2021 - 18:56

      Yes agree, it's crazy!!
      I can wait but was hoping things would start to settle down by now but they haven't.
      At least if I choose a few options now I can watch and wait for a good buy

  • spackbace on 25/05/2021 - 22:17
    +5

    4wd but wants economical 😂

    Unless you want something like a Jimny, don't look for something economical. You either look for something capable (Prado, Hilux, Fortuner, patrol, pajero, grand Vitara, etc etc) or you buy a city runabout. Or both!

    You can't have both a big capable 4wd, and an economical one. Better off getting a $5k city runabout banger, and spend the rest on the weekend fourby

    Gimme a capable 4wd with long-range fuel tank over something sub-8L/100km any day of the week

    • SF3 on 25/05/2021 - 22:26

      Tesla Cybertruck /s

      • This Guy on 26/05/2021 - 05:31

        F-150 Lightning looks like a smarter buy. Unless you think the cybertruck will tank, have a low volume run and become a collectors item?

    • muzzamo on 26/05/2021 - 09:55
      +1

      Wont fit within his price range (by a long shot) but the Everest/Ranger 2.0L biturbo is big, capable and economical.

      • Helenn on 27/05/2021 - 18:57

        Yes they are out there 🙂

  • Euphemistic on 26/05/2021 - 05:56
    +8

    Biggest tip: wait until international borders reopen and everyone want to sell their 4wd and caravan to go to Bali again.

    If you must buy now look at a Nissan Pathfinder R51. Based on Navara so plenty of support. Capable, more room than a prado, not terrible on fuel, good tow capacity. They fly under the radar a bit so aren’t as pricey as Toyota.

    Edit: pathfinder owner.

    • Presence on 26/05/2021 - 06:22

      They fly under the radar cause the front diff is made of recycled baking trays, and they don't have any factory locker or LSD. Not a problem for everyone of course.

      • kizzy on 26/05/2021 - 06:52

        And whatever you do don't get the v6

      • Euphemistic on 26/05/2021 - 06:59

        I’ve followed pathfinder and Navara forums and never heard the front diff being a problem. Yes, there are some other problems, but not that one.

        You don’t always need a factory locker or LSD. Only need them for hard core off road. Sure, they are handy but not essential. They are a quite capable rig for the money.

      • Helenn on 27/05/2021 - 18:58

        Haha

    • Helenn on 27/05/2021 - 18:58

      Brilliant thank-you, will look into it

  • TheMindsetTraveller on 26/05/2021 - 08:13
    +2

    Before buying a Jeep, watch this music video:

    https://youtu.be/5sVmoOZRypk

  • thesilverstarman on 26/05/2021 - 08:38
    +14

    Mechanic here. Do not buy a Jeep. Just incase you missed that Ill say it again, do not buy a jeep. I wouldnt buy a Pathfinder either. Smaller ones like Xtrails are also not suited for the off road stuff, and more dirt road and beach vehicles. As you have found, prices for Toyotas are stupid at the moment. Patrols were good, then not, and now back to good, but either too old or the new ones well out of your budget. So what would I buy? Ive done a search on carsales of cars that meet your specs and price. Ive removed any that I wouldnt buy. The Ford ranger drives well, but unless its new I wouldnt buy one, as if you have engine problems they cannot be rebuilt and are expensive to repair.
    The list has Mitsubishi Tritons, Challengers, Nissan Navaras, A VW Amarok and A SSangyong Rexton. The last 2 might be surprising, but SSangyong are Korean and have the reliability of the Kias and Hyundais. The Rexton uses Mercedes engineered mechanics, and are very reliable. The VW Amarok has build quality that VW is known for. They are a solid vehicle. Every vehicle on the list is off road capable and a "proper" 4WD. Keep in mind that all prices are negotibale, and that if buying from a dealer you may be able to get an aftermarket warranty included. Most of these are rubbish, but a few are great, and do not require you to get your vehcile serviced by any particular person, and have very good dollar allowances for repairs. I couldnt exclude tray backs, so you will need to go past these, but there are good options in the list. The only thing I see in any of these vehicles that causes problems is a lack of servicing. With the km up to 150km, all of these should have a full service history with books, and should all be in excellent condition. Walk away from any that does not. Good luck.
    https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/?sort=Year&q=(And.Service.CARSALES..Condition.Used..State.Queensland..FuelType.Diesel..(Or.BodyStyle.SUV..(C.BodyStyle.Ute..BodyConfiguration.Dual%20Cab.)).Odometer.range(..150000)..Lifestyles.Offroad%204x4..Price.range(..25000)..(Or.Make.Holden..Make.Mitsubishi..(C.Make.Nissan..Model.Navara.).Make.SsangYong._.Make.Volkswagen.))

    • brendanm on 26/05/2021 - 10:22
      +1

      Wouldn't buy a pathfinder but recommend Navara?

      • Euphemistic on 26/05/2021 - 11:39

        Was going to say the same. R51 pathfinder is the same as a D40 Navara except for the rear suspension and body.

        What is it about the pathfinder? (I need to be aware of potential problems as an owner)

        • brendanm on 26/05/2021 - 13:07

          What is it about the pathfinder?

          There is nothing special, as you say, they are the same. Don't let it overheat and you'll be fine.

          • Euphemistic on 26/05/2021 - 14:15

            @brendanm: I know the early models had a single row timing chain prone to breaking, later ones have a dual row chain. The V6 model has a glitch in the transmission when in 4low. The external rear door handles on the pathfinder break as they are made of plastic - metal ones available.

            Other things seem to be no more common than on other similar Diesel engines.

            It seems odd a mechanic recommending the Navara and not Pathfinders. Unless maybe talking about the current shape R52 which is not a true 4wd and had a lot of dramas with CVT early on.

            • brendanm on 26/05/2021 - 14:37

              @Euphemistic:

              I know the early models had a single row timing chain prone to breaking, later ones have a dual row chain.

              Not quite, in the D40 and r51 they all had the single row lower chain, some of the d22 yd25s apparently had dual row lowers, I never worked on that many d22s to see. They all have dual row uppers.

        • thesilverstarman on 27/05/2021 - 11:09

          The pathfinder and all D40s look the same, but they are not. The pathfinder is spanish made and is a US design. The navara comes in spanish and Thai made. Parts are not compatible, even though they look they same. This makes ordering parts a crazy exercise. The Thai built ones are what we see the most of here and the more reliable. So its the design and parts that are the resaon why you dont buy a Pathfinder. Ive seen heaps of head gasket and head issues on them.

          • Euphemistic on 27/05/2021 - 12:27

            @thesilverstarman: Thanks. So it’s mostly just a parts headache then? Pathfinder parts will all be Spanish built models so that rules out any part problems. Your comment relates more to the problems with Navara pets than the Pathfinder. You have to know where a Navara is built get the right parts.

            You’d better clarify your suggestion of a Navara then to only mean the Thai built ones - the base model RX. All the STX Navaras, and probably the ST too are Spain built.

            Heads and head gaskets are an issue I guess, but theres plenty of them on the roads so probably not a lot riskier than some others. Like said above, don’t let it overheat.

          • brendanm on 27/05/2021 - 19:33

            @thesilverstarman: The yd25s are the same in the Spain and Thai versions. They only change with the 140kw version. They only do heads when people overheat them.

            • thesilverstarman on 29/05/2021 - 11:37

              @brendanm: And yet they are not the same. Different parts, from filters to timing chains etc.

              • brendanm on 29/05/2021 - 12:14

                @thesilverstarman: The engines themselves are the same. Who cares if filters are different, not like they aren't common, you can get parts for Spain or Thai easily. Afaik chains are identical Spain vs Thai, until you get to 140kw version, where it may change, as the head is completely different.

    • Helenn on 27/05/2021 - 19:03
      +1

      Thank-you this is really helpful. I keep reading mixed things about jeeps, some people say they are brilliant and some models seem to be very capable 4wds.. but then everyone else tells me word for word what you said which is very sad. I really appreciate the list of other models to consider!! My brother has an Amarok and loves it. I would not have even looked at a rexton!

    • fozzie on 02/06/2021 - 16:37

      Silverstarman, we are looking to upgrade our manual Kia cerato to an auto SUV (5-6 years old max with max 100km). My search is narrowing down to Kia Sportage, Toyota RAV4 or Mazda Cx5. We have been able to find some around $19k. Which one would you purchase? It’s just basic 2wd for all of them as we don’t need to go off-road. Mostly city driving.

  • ShortyX on 26/05/2021 - 09:39
    +2

    MN Triton would be worth a look. At the $25k budget, the MQ might be too expensive.

    I have a 2018 MQ GLS and it's quite good for a runabout (smooth enough ride, pretty good on fuel, smaller turning circle than other utes) and is good for beach driving. I don't like canopies so ours is just a style side tray to give room to carry big loads if needed. It has a sports bar which I like for looks but it gets in the way sometimes. It also has a soft tonneau cover but a sliding cover with a lock would be handy.

    The Super Select 4WD system is great - you can run 4WD (unlocked diff) on wet or slippery surfaces.

    carsales search - Tritons under $25k within 100km of 4000 - sorted by kms low to high

    • ShortyX on 26/05/2021 - 10:51
      +1

      Alternatively, wait until prices come down a bit.

    • Helenn on 27/05/2021 - 19:09

      Can I ask what you don't like about canopies? Is it just needing to fit stuff into defined space rather than open? I'm pretty sure a suv would suit my needs better but it would be good to be about to throw my wet mud dog in the back rather than the back seat 🤣 he personally prefers the front seat tbh

      • ShortyX on 27/05/2021 - 19:42

        Yeah, the restriction of the dimensions of the canopy. Our dogs love riding in the tray. What other needs do you have that the SUV would be suitable for?

  • Darayus on 26/05/2021 - 09:47
    -4

    What about Mahindra, its a reliable Indian pickup and they QLD farmers loves this vehicle.

    • ShortyX on 26/05/2021 - 10:04
      +1

      QLD farmers loves this vehicle

      How so? 🤔

    • brendanm on 26/05/2021 - 10:23
      +3

      Why do you keep shilling this crap?

      • tonyjzx on 27/05/2021 - 12:21
        +3

        I N D I A S T R O N G

        • brendanm on 27/05/2021 - 15:50
          +2

          Superpower by 2020!

    • Helenn on 27/05/2021 - 19:11

      I'll look but I live in Qld and have never heard to this brand.. not that that means anything, live in the city now 🙂

  • bazingaa on 26/05/2021 - 10:06
    +2

    used Triton ?

  • Drakesy on 26/05/2021 - 11:33
    +1

    Wait a year to go camping, it'll be cheaper when new cars have come back into the market and pushed the trade in prices back down.

    Else get a Pajero as they're largely unaffected by covid tax.

    Any Toyota is going to be a money pit in covid depreciation.

    • Helenn on 27/05/2021 - 19:20

      Guess so.. I can still camp in my Barina in the meantime, it's a bit of a tardis and I have developed high level tetris packing skills 😅 would like to be able to reliably drive teens and friends around and carry bikes, kayaks etc but this can wait

  • brendanm on 27/05/2021 - 19:34

    What is your idea of fuel efficient?

    • Helenn on 27/05/2021 - 19:45

      Jeep is 7.5l/100km. Under 9 I guess ideally. Realise it is dependent on a lot of things. Just know people who don't like to drive theirs around because it costs so much in fuel so they end up with town car and weekend car and I would just prefer best of both worlds.
      I can possibly increase budget to 30k if needed.. looks like I will have another year to save.

      • brendanm on 28/05/2021 - 06:37
        +2

        Jeep is 7.5l/100km

        It won't do that in real life, none of them do what's on the sticker.

        If you do 20,000km a year (higher than average), that's 2000L of fuel at 10l/100km. At $1.30 thats $2600.

        At 8l/100km that's 1600l, and $2080. Not even 600 bucks difference over a year. There are more important things to focus on.

        I used to be a car mechanic, don't buy a jeep. They are crap, and parts are very expensive.

      • Euphemistic on 28/05/2021 - 09:08

        With your budget I’d be expecting around 10/100km round town, down to high 7’s on highway without much load. Older cheaper vehicles use more. 4wds are big and thirsty, they move a lot of weight and have the aerodynamics of house bricks.

  • Helenn on 27/05/2021 - 19:40

    What is the max KMs you would consider? For a diesel assuming regular services

    • Euphemistic on 28/05/2021 - 09:06

      How long do you plan to keep it? How reliable does it need to be? What is your risk aversion?

      IMO 100k is pretty reliable. 150k start to show niggles, 200k body wear and tear gets serious, suspension components start to need replacing, mechanical problems can occur.

      More than 200 and you want to be mechanically savvy, even if you don’t do your own repairs, can work with a mechanic to solve issues. Over 200k you need to be prepared for the odd breakdown and not having the vehicle for a few days if something goes wrong.

      • Euphemistic on 28/05/2021 - 10:34

        Extra: we have 2 vehicles at around 170k. One is 5y older. The older one is looking a bit rough and definitely has some niggles but overall runs well. The newer is in good nick, more reliable mechanically and less worn looking. Drivers seat is showing wear on the edge though.

        Not selling either soon unless we win lottery.

  • Euphemistic on 28/05/2021 - 12:20
    +2

    General tips for buying a used over and above mechanical inspections:
    - Try to pick one that doesn’t have ‘all the fruit’. Ie something that has had a hard time in the bush. Lots of 4wds get fitted up and never used off road though so check for bush damage. Also remember that all the accessories will eat into your payload. Bull bar, steps, roof basket, drawers etc will add 2-300kg.
    - Watch for bush pinstripes and undercarriage damage, non highway tyres for signs of off road usage.
    - Buying from older people with a towbar and brake controller fitted probably means it’s been dragging a couple of tonnes around half its life so ha had more strain on the drivetrain. City cars don’t have more stop start driving but less likely to be towing a lot. Check the sellers backyard for a caravan or big boat. We looked at two and chose the one that didn’t have any wear on the towball, the other one also had mud up underneath the skid trays- signs of off road and towing.
    - Check for signs of beach use. Fishing rod holders, sand in nooks and crannies, from a beach fishing area.

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