The Best Daily Car and 4WD

samfisher5986 on 10/06/2020 - 10:17
Last edited 10/06/2020 - 10:17

I want to upgrade from my 2004 Mazda 2 hatchback and get something bigger, and the ability to go to 4WD only camping areas (Fraser and Moreton would be great)

The problem is finding something that I'll enjoy driving to work every day, but does a good job when I go camping (Which is so far only twice a year)

I'm planning to spend 15-25k, at the moment I'm set on the 2015 Mitsubishi Challenger so far.

My main worries are fuel consumption (9.8L/100km) and comfort in my daily drive to work.

So far my research has told me:

Smaller 4WD's like the Suzuki's are not a good choice due to having smaller or equal space to my mazda 2 hatchback.

Keeping my Mazda 2 and renting is not a good idea as renting a 4WD for a long weekend at fraser is $1000+

Having two cars is not worth it due to the costs of rego/insurance etc.

What do you guys think? I like to be frugal but it seems in this scenario I have to compromise to some degree.

Automotive

Comments

- - - - samfisher5986 on 11/06/2020 - 11:41
        
        -1
        
        @MechEng: Conflicting information as to everyone has their own opinion as to the best solution. Some people are suggesting a 2WD and renting a 4WD for example.
        
        Full time 4WD does sound nice for driving in the rain in my daily drive, but I guess not super common. Its a shame it doesn't have a 2WD switcher.
        
        whooah1979 on 11/06/2020 - 12:37
        
        +1
        
        @samfisher5986:
        
        why are you suggesting a 9.2L/100km Petrol 4WD? Thats large 4WD territory.
        
        That isn't in large 4wd territory. A Kluger does more than that and it's not even a 4wd.
        
        samfisher5986 on 11/06/2020 - 13:13
        
        @whooah1979: The mitsubishi challenger is 9.8L/100km which to me is a large car based on storage space anyway.
        
        MechEng on 11/06/2020 - 13:19
        
        @samfisher5986: I highly doubt that consumption figure.
        The PS does about that with a better engine, 8 gears and lighter body.
        AS someone mention it, go and do some test drives…
        
        samfisher5986 on 11/06/2020 - 13:25
        
        @MechEng: I don't see why, if you see what the challenger is based on, and the engine size, its quite reasonable.
        
        As I said before, I'm not going to attempt to do test drives of various manufacturers and types of cars to see who is lying more then others as there are way too many variables for me to start making assumptions on small test drives.
        
        Its better to assume they are all bending reality and make a decision based on that.
        
        Of course if anyone has any sources that Mitsubishi in particular are faking their fuel consumption, that would be good to see.
        
        Whats the PS?
        
        I am planning some test drives, but definitely not for determining fuel usage accuracy across brands.
        
        MechEng on 11/06/2020 - 13:33
        
        @samfisher5986: No body is sayng that Mitsubishi is faking the fuel consumption figures, but it wouldn't be unheard of…
        
        However, fuel consumption tests are carried out under ideal circumstances, high tyre pressure no load, no airconditioning and most importantly no traffic, even on city tests.
        
        My car has a combined fuel economy of 8L/100Km. I've not seen that on normal driving conditions. Absolutely only when driving in the highway. Reported highway economy however is 7/100. I'll achieve that only on my wildest dreams.
        
        PS = Pajero Sport
        
        samfisher5986 on 11/06/2020 - 13:34
        
        -1
        
        @MechEng: I completely agree and I think thats well established.
        
        My point is that I'd rather trust every company testing in ideal circumstances and comparing that, compared to me testing out three cars in different situations and making wrong assumptions about which one has better fuel usage.
        
        Ah I just noticed you mentioned you drive the Pajero Sport
        
        How does yours drive? Maybe I can just wait until next year and pick one up cheaper if I'm lucky.
        
        MechEng on 11/06/2020 - 13:40
        
        @samfisher5986: I think you'll need to wait for more than a year to pick up a Pajero Sport on your budget.
        Great car though.
        
        samfisher5986 on 11/06/2020 - 13:41
        
        @MechEng: For a car like that I might extend to 25k, which still might be asking too much hard to know.
        
        MechEng on 11/06/2020 - 13:43
        
        +1
        
        @samfisher5986: The absolutely cheapest I can see in Carsales in QLD is a GLX for 26,200, soo why not…
        
        MechEng on 11/06/2020 - 14:00
        
        +1
        
        @samfisher5986: let me know what you get. good luck
        
        samfisher5986 on 11/06/2020 - 14:02
        
        @MechEng: Thanks for the help.
        
        Euphemistic on 11/06/2020 - 14:31
        
        @samfisher5986: A Pajero Sport is just a new generation Challenger. That is, a Triton with a wagon body.
        
        FWIW both my 2007 Navara and our 2011 Pathfinder, both 2.5l TD do around 10l/100km urban and high 8s on the highway. The Pathfinder barely cracked 10 doing 100km/h towing a small caravan with kayaks in the roof. I measure the Navara and use the computer on the Pathfinder so the Challenger could fairly easily net you close to the figures, depends how you drive.
        
        [Deactivated] on 23/06/2020 - 02:30
        
        +1
        
        @MechEng: "My car has a combined fuel economy of 8L/100Km. I've not seen that on normal driving conditions. Absolutely only when driving in the highway. Reported highway economy however is 7/100. I'll achieve that only on my wildest dreams."
        
        Turn your air conditioning off (that gives me the extra to get to the rated figure anyway).
        
        MechEng on 23/06/2020 - 08:13
        
        @[Deactivated]: Yes, I know, the fuel economy testing is ridiculous, no aircon, remove spare tyre and tools, mats, and pump tyres to road bike levels!
        However it is useful to compare cars as the economy will be somehow proportional.
        
        whooah1979 on 11/06/2020 - 14:03
        
        @samfisher5986: Is 9.8l what you get on your trip computer?
        
        whooah1979 on 11/06/2020 - 12:33
        
        +2
        
        @samfisher5986: Spackbace used to sell Suzuki for a living. You can trust them to tell you what it can't do.
        
        whooah1979 on 11/06/2020 - 12:29
        
        @samfisher5986: Can the Viatra 2015 lock the diff?
        
        MechEng on 11/06/2020 - 12:30
        
        +2
        
        @whooah1979: No.
        Central diff lock only available on the Grand Vitara.
apsilon on 10/06/2020 - 10:43

+4

I'm going the other way. After dailying a 4WD for the last 14 years I'm over it and going back to a car as my daily. If you have to have a 4WD and the amount of time you spend offroad is minimal and you're not looking at doing extreme offroading I say look at a Pajero. Has the most car like handling and comfort IMO but is still capable offroad.
- samfisher5986 on 10/06/2020 - 10:46
  
  My main issue with things like the Pajero is that I'll be stuck with an old model which is a little disappointing after forking out 20k and having to drive it every day.
  - apsilon on 10/06/2020 - 16:01
    
    +4
    
    Isn't having a slightly older model that ticks all the boxes better than a newer model that has compromises such as being not as good offroad or not as comfortable on road?
wombat81 on 10/06/2020 - 10:51

Something like a Prado would be a good choice. Still reasonable to drive around town and would do Fraser/Moreton easily. They hold value better than most 4x4s, so you'd be looking at an older model. Still a good choice, though, if you can find one with relatively low Kms.

I wouldn't be buying a Mitsubishi 4x4. All memes aside, they aren't as reliable as other makes. The last thing you want is a broken 4x4 on Fraser with a recovery cost in the thousands.
- MrKnowItAll on 10/06/2020 - 15:18
  
  +6
  
  My paj is 16 years old and at 340k has never left me stranded anywhere, the worst I've had happen is a rear diff leak which was easily resolved under warranty and hasn't returned since. It drives smoothly and the 3.8L V6 has ample power to get it moving, whilst we don't do extreme offroading it's done the Mundaring powerline track 10+ times and holds it own offroad.
  I think the old adage of "look after your equipment and it will look after you" is very true when it comes to cars. With regular maintenance just about any vehicle will go a long way (obviously apart from manufacturing defects like VW had with their golf / jetta range).
  
  Please don't pass up looking at a particular brand / model simply because of memes and poor owner understanding / care.
  - wombat81 on 10/06/2020 - 21:58
    
    I'm sorry mate, but one example of a car not breaking down is hardly a good enough sample size.
    
    I've traveled in many 4x4 areas in Australia. Cape York, Fraser, the Kimberly, Cape Leveque, the Pilbara and countless others.
    
    The vehicles I've come across most with major failures are the ones i listed. It's not just a list of vehicles i don't like.
    
    I'm sure there's someone out there with an old Great Wall X240 that's still going strong, but that didn't mean it's a good car.
  - CocaKoala on 11/06/2020 - 16:22
    
    With regular maintenance just about any vehicle will go a long way (obviously apart from manufacturing defects like VW had with their golf / jetta range).
    
    Yup, with some cars like the VWs you're specifying, there will be a whole lot of "look after your equipment" and a lot less of the equipment looking after you in return. :-)
GG57 on 10/06/2020 - 10:52

+21

I think you pretty much said it yourself:
"…camping (Which is so far only twice a year)…renting a 4WD for a long weekend at fraser is $1000+…Having two cars is not worth it due to the costs of rego/insurance etc"

In my view, having a comfortable/economical car for the 48 weeks of the year that you work, and renting a specialist vehicle for those rare weeks when you go on holiday, seems to be the economical answer. You would make up for those rental costs pretty quickly.
- samfisher5986 on 10/06/2020 - 11:00
  
  I'm confused if you are for or against..
  
  A few $1000 fraser/moreton trips would offset the additional cost of a a 2WD and renting making it worth it wouldn't it?
  - GG57 on 10/06/2020 - 11:50
    
    +9
    
    I'm confused; I didn't think there was a for or against question.
    
    A couple of $1,000 trips per year does not come anywhere near the costs associated with purchasing, maintenance, rego/insurance etc., of a second car.
    Buy something for the majority of your vehicle use, not for the exceptions.
    - samfisher5986 on 10/06/2020 - 11:54
      
      +1
      
      I'm more confused now! haha
      
      I want a 4WD and daily driver car all in one, so I will save those extra costs.
      
      I'm thinking its a good choice as I'll save on those $1000's on renting a 4WD to fraser combined with a new 2WD for daily driving.
      - GG57 on 10/06/2020 - 13:20
        
        +5
        
        @samfisher5986: In my view, get a car with lower running costs, more comfort, etc., for the majority of your use.
        
        I don't know why anyone would buy a 4WD for two off-road trips of the year, or one trip to the ski-fields, or whatever.
        
        samfisher5986 on 10/06/2020 - 13:22
        
        @GG57: I guess because the alternative is simply never going to those places which is a huge shame.
        
        GG57 on 10/06/2020 - 13:28
        
        +2
        
        @samfisher5986: Not at all; just hire a special purpose vehicle that is relevant to that special trip, and hand it back at the end.
        
        samfisher5986 on 10/06/2020 - 13:30
        
        +1
        
        @GG57: Yes, and at $1000+ per long weekend, it would be ridiculously expensive…
        
        GG57 on 10/06/2020 - 14:24
        
        +12
        
        @samfisher5986: With respect, your mind is made up.
        
        samfisher5986 on 10/06/2020 - 14:40
        
        -1
        
        @GG57: Not exactly.
        
        My mind is made up that I want to go to great places like Fraser or Moreton.
        
        I just don't know the most frugal way to do it, hence the thread for different car suggestions etc.
        
        GG57 on 10/06/2020 - 14:57
        
        +5
        
        @samfisher5986: Ok, focussing on costs alone (i.e. not comfort etc.) have you had a look at this?
        https://www.racq.com.au/cars-and-driving/cars/owning-and-mai…
        
        Putting aside the age of your current car, I think your Mazda 2 would be classed in the Light Car Class. Annual running costs showing in the range of $6k to <$8k.
        
        Scroll down to the All-Terrain SUV Class; annual running costs showing in the range of $12.5k to <$15k.
        
        I'm not doing the maths for you.
        
        smartazz104 on 10/06/2020 - 16:56
        
        +4
        
        @samfisher5986: You're prepared to spend up to 25K; that's 13 long weekends at twice a year so that's a bit over 6 years, plus you don't have to deal with this 4WD for the rest of the year.
        
        PVA on 10/06/2020 - 16:57
        
        @samfisher5986: No.
        You’d keep your Mazda and not have to spend $25000 on a 4WD. That’s a lot of renting over many years.
        
        samfisher5986 on 10/06/2020 - 20:01
        
        -2
        
        @PVA: I think a lot of people here are making some wrong assumptions.
        
        If I'm buying another car I'm not going to be buying a small car, it will be medium with plenty of space as my Mazda 2 has a surprising amount of space compared to many cars.
        
        So while you definitely have some good points, you can't compare a small manual car to a large 4WD because I want something bigger and better anyway.
        
        The main question is if I should spend 20k on a 2WD/AWD for lower running costs or 20k on a 4WD and be able to go offroad properly.
        
        doncarajo on 10/06/2020 - 21:32
        
        +3
        
        @samfisher5986: The reason you are having issues with your decision is that your budget is too small. You want a capable 4WD that's not too old and good as a daily driver but want to spend only $20k. Good luck.
        
        saltypete on 11/06/2020 - 08:54
        
        +4
        
        @samfisher5986: Sam fisher the problem is physics. If you want to go to places that need a proper 4wd, that’s what you need to buy. It will have 2 diffs, a transfer case, drivetrain and suspension to deal with it all and an engine powerful enough to send it along a filthy, sandy, muddy track, and up a dune. And it will sit high because it needs ground clearance.
        None of these things equate to a frugal daily city driver. You make a choice. If 4wd is important to you, accept its limitations and enjoy. If it’s secondary, so be it, buy the daily driver, maybe an AWD that will give you a bit of extra traction on a firm but muddy track.
        You can’t have both. Particularly with a $25 k budget.
        Why not keep your Mazda and buy an older 4wd as a project type weekender? There are some good older platforms out there you will find if you do some research.
        
        samfisher5986 on 11/06/2020 - 08:57
        
        -3
        
        @saltypete: Because the maths clearly say that buying a second car is easily way more expensive when you add rego, insurance and servicing.
        
        saltypete on 11/06/2020 - 09:02
        
        +3
        
        @samfisher5986: Time, cost, quality. You can pick any two, but can’t have all tree. You can’t escape this - You need to be realistic and make a choice.
        
        GG57 on 11/06/2020 - 08:56
        
        +2
        
        @samfisher5986: The purchase price is only part of the costs.
        Use the RACQ comparison guide, and if you can make it stack up, then ask this audience which 4WD you should get.
- ferguscan on 11/06/2020 - 20:05
  
  +1
  
  This. I have a 4WD and love it and go to Fraser regularly. But that island will be hell on your car (especially if you drive at "fun" speeds on the inland tracks). Can cost you a bunch in wear and tear.
  
  Unless you're going 4WD a lot more than twice a year, I would just rent.
netjock on 10/06/2020 - 10:54

+2

does a good job when I go camping (Which is so far only twice a year)

Throw fuel economy out the door + there is no such thing as a 4WD that is a joy to drive (compared to say a sedan / sports car) for something that happens twice a year? Back go back to the drawing board.
- samfisher5986 on 10/06/2020 - 11:02
  
  Thats 2 times a year with my Mazda 2 hatchback.
  
  Having a 4WD gives me a lot more possibilities, and I think would be good for road trips as well.
Nugs on 10/06/2020 - 10:57

+3

"renting a 4WD for a long weekend at fraser is $1000+"
Have you estimated the additional running costs of a '4wd' compared to Mazda 2? Fuel would likely double.

Seasonal rego for a dedicated 4wd? Then can go big tyres etc without ongoing high cost, low daily enjoyment.

As mentioned above, a do it all would be a Subaru. Have seen older models with both suspension and body lifts.
Maybe can get diff locks too?
- samfisher5986 on 10/06/2020 - 11:04
  
  The fuel cost is about 50% higher. But keep in mind that most cars I get will be higher then the 6.6L my current mazda 2 has.
  
  The problem with having an occasional 4WD is the insurance/rego, even seasonal, servicing and storage.
  
  I don't think the Subaru is suitable as its AWD?
bhubb18 on 10/06/2020 - 10:59

Challengers are good, but really not great on fuel. I would also not recommend and outback / forester if you're wanting to do much serious off roading, if its just to dabble in it, they're good though. Plenty of options for lifts etc.

Our challenger is great, the size is good as its not as big as a Pajero etc, but still carries a whole lot of stuff for camping
- samfisher5986 on 10/06/2020 - 11:05
  
  Which year challenger do you have?
  
  Do you use it for daily driving?
  - bhubb18 on 10/06/2020 - 11:12
    
    '15 Challenger, and I also have a '00 outback
    
    The challenger is my Girlfriends daily, but it doesn't end up getting driven THAT often since she works pretty close, and parking is expensive haha.
    We've done a number of camping trips in it, and have done a few mods to it (suspension lift, 33" tires etc). Around town it probably gets like ~15L/100km, highway is ~10L/100km, however this was closer to ~13 and ~8.5 before the tires and lift too. They're reasonably reliable, they have a few known issues (overheating due to faulty engine construction, Mitsubishi will cover this though), and they're a bit rough around the edges compared to a prado etc.
    Off road they are very capable
    
    A prado definitely drives nicer, but they also feel huge comparatively, and you'll probably be getting a petrol one for the same price as a Challenger, and they're REALLY bad on fuel
    - samfisher5986 on 10/06/2020 - 11:15
      
      Do Mitsubishi cover those faults outside of their warranty?
      - bhubb18 on 10/06/2020 - 11:22
        
        +1
        
        @samfisher5986: Kind of. We bought our challenger with ~160k kms, but the previous owner had the engine replaced outside of warranty for kms, but still under warranty for age.
        
        As far as I know, as long as the problem is identified as faulty manufacturing they should cover it. Different dealerships will make it harder though
        
        MechEng on 11/06/2020 - 08:07
        
        +1
        
        @bhubb18: This is something you need to consider when chosing your car.
        There is no issue on not driving a diesel every day, but when you do, Diesels like to be driven for a fair amount of time. So, turning on your car, driving 10 min to work and turning it off, will in the long damage the engine. Not saying that this is the case of bhubb's girlfriend, but it may.
        If you drive like that get yourself a petrol, you'll spend more on fuel but you'll save in maintenance.
        in terms of warranty if it is a defect it is cover under Australian Consumer Law. I would expect a car like the Challenget to last more than 200,000 km.
        Cheers
Caped Baldy on 10/06/2020 - 11:06

+1

I've got a Forester which is using around 11L/100km. You should weigh up the cost of rental with increased running costs for a larger and 4wd vehicle
- samfisher5986 on 10/06/2020 - 11:07
  
  The way I see it, if I go to Fraser twice I've already saved $2000+ on rental fees as well as a lot more freedom/convenience.
  - [Deactivated] on 10/06/2020 - 12:20
    
    +1
    
    You can’t take a Forester to Fraser. It has a CVT for a start. That’s not going to cut it on soft sand.
    - biozet on 12/06/2020 - 09:06
      
      Im always taking my hot hatch to fraser
    - Euphemistic on 12/06/2020 - 13:05
      
      Depends on the forester. Newer ones have CBT. Last Christmas I saw a first gen forester having a ball on the beach. It did require a lot of ‘momentum’ to get it off the beach over the soft sand to the ramp but it was there. Quite a few ‘real’ 4wds we’re stuck getting off the beach too where the forester made it through.
abb on 10/06/2020 - 11:08

+4

I just checked a car rental place on the sunshine coast (dunno where you are but that's roughly mid-way between Moreton and Fraser Islands), it's $110/day for a Toyota Landcruiser.

Seems like hiring for holidays is the way to go. What am I missing?
- samfisher5986 on 10/06/2020 - 11:08
  
  +5
  
  Most 4WD rental places say you can't use it offroad, or you can't use it on fraser/moreton, etc.
  
  Thats why the ones that do allow it are very expensive.
  - abb on 10/06/2020 - 11:14
    
    +3
    
    Ahh. Thrifty lists "mine spec" vehicles for hire, which I had assumed would allow off-road, but on reading their terms it seems you're right, you're only allowed dirt roads and no islands (except a very short list).
    
    In fact it's against their terms to drive a hire car from Brisbane to Sydney on the Pacific Highway!
    (Dumaresq Island is not on the permitted list - https://goo.gl/maps/9x6aYtuYfY7PRUiD6 )
    - samfisher5986 on 10/06/2020 - 11:18
      
      Thats what I mean, its too restrictive and with the terms and conditions at those fraser rental places I"m pretty sure I'll get stung with costs or paying excess for minor things which will just make it that much more expensive.
[Deactivated] on 10/06/2020 - 11:18

+1

Diesel Outback with manual and dual range gearbox, lift kit from the Aussie guy who manufactures Subaru lift kits. Done.

Plenty of power, luxury, comfort, off road ability. Heeeeeaps of space. Will drive better onroad than any real suv.
- samfisher5986 on 10/06/2020 - 11:19
  
  Which car is this exactly? Is it 4WD?
  - [Deactivated] on 10/06/2020 - 11:24
    
    +1
    
    Subaru Outback premium mate! Probably around 2010-2017, $20-30k for a low kms one. Very good AWD system.
    
    Unless you're aiming to do stuff that you need a crazily modded Patrol or Landcruiser for (which would be a garbage daily anyway), an Outback with a lift kit will get you anywhere you want to go in this country.
    
    Oh also, fuel economy. Small diesel engine. Smaller car than a giant SUV. I've road tripped in them and maintained around 6.0L/100km.
    - bhubb18 on 10/06/2020 - 11:33
      
      +2
      
      Except they've effectively got 3 open(ish) diffs, and plenty of potential issues with DPF / EGR system etc, unless you do a good amount of highway driving, and the big advantage of a Subaru is that they're lightweight - by the time you load them up, you've lost a lot of that advantage
      - [Deactivated] on 10/06/2020 - 11:36
        
        @bhubb18: I am aware of the diff situation but computers sort you out well enough for 99% of cases these days. Check out videos of lifted Outbacks doing stuff. Extremely capable.
        
        I think the advantage of being lightweight carries on regardless of being loaded up as you'd be loading up any vehicle a similar amount? Adding 200kg of gear adds 200kg to whatever your starting point is.
    - samfisher5986 on 10/06/2020 - 11:34
      
      +1
      
      Sounds very good, but a quick google seems to suggest that AWD's are banned at places like Stradbroke beaches, and more bans seem to be coming soon for places like bribie etc.
      - [Deactivated] on 10/06/2020 - 11:38
        
        +1
        
        @samfisher5986: Oh fair enough, well I'd probably look at a Jimny and a roof box then. Every other big 4wd is going to really hurt as a daily.
        
        In terms of ones that I've driven though I'd likely pick an Isuzu MUX for being indestructible or a Toyota Fortuner for being pretty comfy and pretty indestructible.
        
        spackbace on 10/06/2020 - 11:41
        
        @[Deactivated]: Unfortunately Fortuner is too new, looking at $30k or so for one with semi-decent kms
        
        [Deactivated] on 10/06/2020 - 11:47
        
        @spackbace: Oh true, I hadn't actually seen that bit of the OP.
        
        My parents have one, and though it's a great car it did have some fit and finish issues that took a while to sort out.
Hybroid on 10/06/2020 - 11:22

+6

FJ Cruiser (baby Prado) for 4WD camping. It's brilliantly capable offroading, fun to drive and keeps it's value really well. Pretty comfortable with a decent 268hp 4L V6 engine and cheap servicing and parts (shared with Prado). Also extremely moddable with large range of aftermarket parts.

However, quite barebones with no luxuries or tech really. Which helps it's simplicity and reliability I suppose.
- [Deactivated] on 10/06/2020 - 11:25
  
  +1
  
  Conveniently left out fuel economy which was one of OP's concerns about a Challenger, which has far better economy than an FJ. Wouldn't dream of dailying something as archaic and thirsty as that.
  - Hybroid on 10/06/2020 - 11:27
    
    +1
    
    Fair point. I don't really monitor fuel spend on a 160L tank as it's not a concern for me, so not sure how it fares real world to provide anecdotal view.
    - [Deactivated] on 10/06/2020 - 11:30
      
      +2
      
      Different use cases I suppose! claimed combined fuel economy is 11.4L/100km. Absolutely shocking. especially if OP is dailying it, will much worse in the city.
      - apptrack on 10/06/2020 - 17:13
        
        +1
        
        @[Deactivated]: Mate had one and it used 17L/100km towing and 14L on highway..
        
        [Deactivated] on 10/06/2020 - 17:20
        
        @apptrack: (profanity) me haha that is super poor. The brigade supporting big petrol engines are hilarious. No place for them in 99.9% of cases.
        
        apptrack on 10/06/2020 - 22:01
        
        +1
        
        @[Deactivated]: Don't get me wrong it's an incredible car but they should've made a diesel option for those people that do want to roadtrip with it.
        
        [Deactivated] on 10/06/2020 - 23:15
        
        @apptrack: 100%, haven't heard a bad thing about its capabilities but man. That's thirsty.
  - 91rs on 11/06/2020 - 11:42
    
    +1
    
    You can't have economy and everything else OP wants.
    I have an FJ, amazing car offroad and does fine on road or when travelling.
    Its pay to play for all of this.
    
    Do you (OP) want capability off-road or do you want it to be great for your city driving? You can't have everything especially with such a low budget.
    - samfisher5986 on 11/06/2020 - 12:02
      
      Something in the middle, probably.
      
      Thats why the Mitsubishi Challenger was my first idea.
spackbace on 10/06/2020 - 11:29

+1

Can you drive a stick? Only 3 diesel GVs around the country, that's damn low mileage. Swap the head unit for a modern deck with Carplay/AA and you'll be good for years!

Honestly, it's hard not to recommend a Grand Vitara for the capabilities it offers. I've worked for Suzuki and I know how capable these things are, but also how reliable they are. Yes, the 4-speed auto will drink fuel (10-11L/100km daily real-world), but it's also all a weighing up of options. I'd rather off-set a bit more fuel use, rather than have to repair 50-million things.

The other option would be a Pajero, but those things are surprisingly small inside (skinny), but do offer the 4wd abilities.
- samfisher5986 on 10/06/2020 - 11:33
  
  I currently do drive manual but want to move to automatic, which also comes with higher fuel consumption anyway.
  
  Are you suggesting that the Mitsubishi Challenger is unreliable compared to the Suzuki Grand Vitara?
  - spackbace on 10/06/2020 - 11:36
    
    Just echoing comments on the Challenger, but I'm not talking from real-world ownership experience. There's plenty of forums to have a read of known issues between the cars.
    
    I just know of the GV reliability, and this is from someone who now works for Toyota ;)
    
    But also at the end of the day it'll depend on the fit-out of the car. A/T tyres are a must to start with.
    
    Watch some Youtube vids of the various cars you're looking at, what they're capable of and what they have done to them, and decide from there. Sometimes you'll be surprised (Jimny, for example, is an absolute mountain goat!)
    - MechEng on 11/06/2020 - 08:01
      
      I second the GV option for you.
      If you move from a Mazda 2 to anything you'll be spending more on fuel…
      I had a GV before, a 2.4L $ cyl Petrol (manual), and honestly it was a tank, unstopable with A/T tyres. The only thing I wish I did was the lift kit. As standard you just need to look well where you getting as the car is lower than most 4WDs.
      The fuel consumption on the Vitara was about 11L/100km daily driving (as high as 14 if you get stuck in traffic). On the road was as low as 8.8L/100km.
      The other thing you need to look is the category of the vehicle, it has to be MC, otherwise your insurance may not cover you for damages when 4wding.
      I have Pajero Sport now, which is the evolution of the Challenger. It is an excellent capable 4WD, much more comfortable. The fuel consumption is about 9/100 in normal driving, and to be honest does not change that much on the road (may be 8/100). The challenger is way more unrefined than the PS, with a lot of hard plastics inside, thus the lower price. Appart from that the challenger is very capable, but you need to make sure you maintain it properly.
      I hope this helps
      - samfisher5986 on 11/06/2020 - 08:56
        
        +1
        
        @MechEng: If I'm going to move from 6.6L/100km to 9.2L/100km, with little extra or same space as my mazda 2.
        
        Wouldn't I be better off with a larger vehicle at 9.8L/100km?
        
        spackbace on 11/06/2020 - 11:06
        
        @samfisher5986: It all depends on use-case scenario. Diesels don't like short trips (as has been mentioned earlier in the post), so it depends on how far your trip to work is for 90% of the driving. If it's short trips, it's not great for a diesel car as they need longer runs.
        
        samfisher5986 on 11/06/2020 - 11:08
        
        @spackbace: My trip to work is 30 minutes.
        
        spackbace on 11/06/2020 - 11:33
        
        @samfisher5986: Stop-start? Highway? Etc
        
        91rs on 11/06/2020 - 11:50
        
        @samfisher5986: You're unlikely getting those numbers already, then look at off road consumption (double it at times) and fuel consumption needs to go out the window to some extent as a qualifier, as will many other 4x4 related costs.
        You're asking for things that aren't possible for the budget.
        You're gonna need more space, if you're going camping and need to take food, water, tent, clothes, recovery gear etc
        That's before throwing kids in (if you have any) or friends that want to come along.
        
        samfisher5986 on 11/06/2020 - 11:51
        
        @91rs: I already go Camping and fit everything in, but I'd love more room. Thats why I'm worried about some of these smaller 4WD's.
        
        91rs on 11/06/2020 - 12:08
        
        @samfisher5986: Not sure about the Vitara off hand but roof racks \ roof platform. Gives you the space when you need it. Just remember the COG changes.
        I've got a platform on mine which is mostly used when camping or going offroad.
        
        samfisher5986 on 11/06/2020 - 12:08
        
        @91rs: I was definitely considering planning that, maybe a roof pod for when I go camping.
inherentchoice on 10/06/2020 - 11:55

+1

renting a 4WD for a long weekend at fraser is $1000+

I got a beat up 4x4 (2000 Prado) in QLD that I rented to a mate cheap, for half of Rainbow 4x4 hire rates. I don't really use it much so maybe can rent it to others who are trustworthy.
- samfisher5986 on 10/06/2020 - 11:59
  
  Thats really awesome, I wish this sort of thing was more available.
  
  But then I can understand why, people would rent them and abuse them, drive them in salt water, etc.
  - inherentchoice on 10/06/2020 - 12:02
    
    He put a post on Facebook asking friends "Anyone got a 4x4 I can borrow? Will pay $$$".
    
    Obviously risks for both parties but he is a Pastor's kid who I've known for ages haha.
- PVA on 10/06/2020 - 17:02
  
  +1
  
  Put it on camplify for those rental money.

The Best Daily Car and 4WD

Comments

New Forum Topics