4x4 for weekend trips?

Ldeppierre on 24/01/2022 - 09:58
Last edited 24/01/2022 - 10:10

Hi there,
In 2021 we enjoyed campings for the first time (we're french and that's not something we were used to). We camped in various places all around NSW, but In 2022 we want to go further and camp in the most beautiful places available. Unfortunately, most of them are restricted to 4x4 (beach etc …) so we'd like to sell our car (Tesla Model 3 which isn't suitable for offroad obviously…) for something else.

I've been looking around for a 4x4 but I can't find anything suitable for our needs. We were thinking of putting a fancy tent on the roof, but our parking clearance is 2.2m.

In short, here are our 'requirements':
- height must be 2.2 maximum including roof rack, rooftop tent (apparently around 30cm)
- 4x4 for weekend camping trips (we only need to reach the camping spot, we don't care about 4x4 driving).
- small size, we are always 2, we want to include maybe a fridge and that's pretty much it. I'm not a huge fan of the huge 4x4 I see all around Sydney. I feel like they are going to the far edge of the country lol.
- I would prefer something old, yet RELIABLE. We don't need a car for commuting (we both have only a 20mins walk to the office), so this is a weekend car only, is it possible to find something around 20/30k?

Is there a cheap option? Like an ugly car no one wants but decent for 4x4? :D Is there something like an offroad kit that I could fit on a 'regular' car (yet 4x4) that would turn them into a 'good' 4x4?
I know many of you have a long experience of camping, so thanks in advance for your kind help <3

Automotive

Comments

  • jackary on 24/01/2022 - 10:15
    +9

    A new Suzuki Jimny? I know it doesn’t tick the old box, but it’ll be reliable, will hold its value, great off road for 2, excellent on the beach etc etc

    • pharkurnell on 24/01/2022 - 11:03
      +1

      Isnt there an 12-18mth waiting list?

    • wombat81 on 24/01/2022 - 11:18
      +2

      There's no way you're getting a RTT onto one of these and keeping it under 2.2m.

      • [Deactivated] on 24/01/2022 - 16:29

        Roof loading probably will rule that out too. Otherwise a good option for what needs.

  • enzioFirenze on 24/01/2022 - 10:22
    +4

    Yup, I agree with Suzuki Jimny, failing that, you could go for an older Grand Vitara as well. They are small but proper 4x4 with low range as well

  • Tovers93 on 24/01/2022 - 10:30
    +11

    If the roads aren't likely to be too rough (needing higher ground clearance), perhaps a Subaru Outback or Forrester might fit the bill? Lower, cheaper, smaller

    • brendanm on 24/01/2022 - 10:43
      +2

      This, probably the only things that will actually go off-road, but will still fit the height.

    • wombat81 on 24/01/2022 - 11:21

      Not great in soft sand and Op talked about beach driving.

      • Presence on 24/01/2022 - 14:58

        Subarus absolutely excel in soft sand! They just need a bash plate, let the tyres down and they will fly.

        • wombat81 on 24/01/2022 - 15:02
          +1

          the lack of clearance is the issue. Anytime they have to drive in ruts they bottom out straight away.

  • deppierre on 24/01/2022 - 10:32

    Ohh thanks for your quick suggestions! Really appreciated it, I'll check this out!

    • Cobber870 on 24/01/2022 - 10:39
      +2

      Other option may be a ute - the rooftop tent can be mounted on a rack in the tray so it sits level with the roofline. Would recommend a space/dual cab for putting luggage in the cab if going this option. MN Triton may suit? Hilux of the same era will be expensive.

      However most 'old' utes will have 100K plus km.

      The other suggestion above will be more comfortable, handle better, etc.

  • Euphemistic on 24/01/2022 - 10:57
    +2

    Unfortunately 4x4 are in high demand so you are unlikely to find a cheap one, even ugly ducklings.

    As above, a grand Vitara sounds like a decent option. I’ve seen them around $10k for 10yo. A properly driven Forester will go a fair way off road as well. Neither of these vehicles are hardcore off roadwrs but generally considered capable and reliable. If ta about getting to acamping spot they are pretty good. If it’s about testing the vehicle on the toughest tracks you need to look elsewhere.

    One problem with a roof top tent is that once you arrive, you are either stuck without transport or have to pack up your house every time you need to go get milk. You might be better off with a quick erect tent. My brother did a trip around Aus, half way around he sold his roof top tent so they could set up a base camp and do day trips.

    • deppierre on 24/01/2022 - 11:23

      I see, we could afford a fancy brand-new 4x4, it's just that I find it stupid to throw money through the window for a car we'll use only over the weekend just to reach a nice camping spot (but again, many of them does say '4x4 only'), so it's really frustrating and I try to balance everything.

      I agree with the inconvenience of the rooftop tent, but most of the time we just settle somewhere and don't move at all. Also, I found appealing to have a nice large bed roof tent that seems to be more comfortable that my shitty ground tent :D

      • Euphemistic on 24/01/2022 - 13:49

        New 4x4 can be even more difficult to get. Enquires about a couple over the weekend and both said 9month wait times.

  • Xistn on 24/01/2022 - 10:57

    Larda, the end.

    • Muzeeb on 24/01/2022 - 11:20
      +1

      Lada, the real name.

      • deppierre on 24/01/2022 - 11:25

        yeah, If I remember correctly it's still a thing in Europe and pretty popular (I think), but I guess Aussies are too fancy people for such a low-cost market :D

        • Muzeeb on 24/01/2022 - 11:29

          I think they are owned by Renault now.

          The Niva was pretty awesome.

  • wombat81 on 24/01/2022 - 11:16
    +3

    To suit your height requirements, the only way you'll get a roof top tent under 2.2m is to get a 4x4 ute and mount the tent above the tray so it's no taller that the roof of the car. Like this kind of idea: https://www.utemaster.com.au/assets/Uploads/Mounting-a-Roof-… Personally I'm not a fan of roof top tents because once you're setup, you have to pack everything up again if you want to go for a drive for the day. Perhaps a large double swag or two single swags might be an alternative?

    I'd recommend a dual cab ute, even for 2 of you, that way you can store/carry gear in the back seat and keep it out of the weather. As someone else said, decent 2nd hand 4x4s are in demand at the moment. But here are some under $30k that might be worth looking at:
    https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2013-toyota-hilux-s…
    https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2015-mitsubishi-tri…
    https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2012-mazda-bt-50-xt…
    https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2009-toyota-hilux-s…
    https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2014-mitsubishi-tri…

    In terms of reliability, Toyota is the only way to go, in my experience.

    Hope that helps.

    • deppierre on 24/01/2022 - 11:29
      +1

      Thanks! To be honest, I was also thinking about this setup, but the idea of driving a ute is still a big deal to me (and my partner). For us a car is 5 doors, 4 wheels, so maybe I need more time to accept this new reality :D

      • Muzeeb on 24/01/2022 - 11:30

        Don't people camp in France?

        Also, your English is really good. How long have you been using English?

        • deppierre on 24/01/2022 - 11:37
          +3

          Not exactly, to give you an idea the European 'camping' culture is more like what you see in a Holiday Park here (the pool, the bar, the restaurant, etc … very family-oriented). There are beaches but it's a very popular destination, it's over-packed with people everywhere, everything is concrete, ugly etc … and there is nothing like national park camping for example.

          edit: haha thanks for your comment <3! I'm glad to hear that as someone who just started speaking English about 2 years ago (when we arrived in Australia basically!)

      • daleroy1234 on 24/01/2022 - 15:34

        A dual can ute is your best bet for your requirements. It's no different to driving a car and super versatile.

        Another option is to buy a Double swag like this one. They are comfy enough to sleep two in (I do it all the time with my missus) and easy enough to set up and pack up. They go on sale for $180 quite often. https://www.4wdsupacentre.com.au/1m-height-big-70mm-mattress…

        If you do go the roof top tent, I recommend a hardshell one. Much easier to setup than a soft one.

    • philme on 24/01/2022 - 11:55

      Alternative to this is a tub rack which is generally significantly cheaper than a utelid and it means you can still access whatever you have in the tub. But yeah covid tax is in full swing for dual cab utes. I paid 38k brand new for my 2018 Navara, I reckon i can put it up for 40k and it will sell within a day.

      • wombat81 on 24/01/2022 - 11:56

        Yep, tub rack would work too. I actually thought the photo I linked was a tub rack. Didn't look closely enough.

  • Nugs on 24/01/2022 - 12:14
    +4

    ugly "4x4" that sleeps two = Delica
    no need for tent if fit a floor with mattress above wheel arches, storage below
    https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/mitsubishi/delica/new-south…
    .

    • deppierre on 24/01/2022 - 13:21

      that's right! I found out this one for example https://japaneseauto.com.au/buy/2004-mitsubishi-delica-examp… which seems to have everything we need, thanks for the idea Nugs!

    • dogboy on 24/01/2022 - 15:44

      As much as I like Jimnys, a Delica seems like it fits your needs a lot better.

    • miwahni on 25/01/2022 - 23:17

      How easy is it to remove the rear seats and turn it into a camper, do you know? I need something I can throw my kayak into and a mattress in the back just for weekends away. Delica hadn't come across my radar as I've been searching for vans.

  • inherentchoice on 24/01/2022 - 13:48

    Landcruiser Prado. Should be able to get an old one around $5k. Might be too tall though?

    Otherwise get an early 2000s Kia Sportage. They are 4x4 with low range and cheap if you can find one.

    https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2005-kia-sportage-a…

    Old Sorento also have 'proper' 4x4.

    But as others have said, an Outback or Forester would be good too with their Subaru AWD.

    • Euphemistic on 24/01/2022 - 13:51
      +7

      $5k Prado? It’ll have a million kms on it or have been for a swim.

      • inherentchoice on 24/01/2022 - 13:54

        Just sold mine about that. Well, traded it for a $7k car. Was a regretful sale! Kms only 320,000.

        I actually bought it for $2500 unregistered in 2019, but it needed $1000 work.

        • Euphemistic on 24/01/2022 - 14:14
          +3

          Traded it for $5k? Probably could have sold it for $10k.

          • inherentchoice on 24/01/2022 - 15:43

            @Euphemistic: Trust me I tried to sell for that much since May 2020 until Jan 2021. It's not diesel or V6, was only 4 cylinder petrol 2.7L. 2000 model 21 years old.

    • dogboy on 24/01/2022 - 15:45

      $5k Prado? Hahaha. Maybe get one of the ones with the busted turbos for that.

      • inherentchoice on 24/01/2022 - 15:48

        I tried selling mine for $7k for 8 months, but there are others out there for $5k. In QLD at least. Old though, and not diesel or V6. Best offer I could get was $5700.

  • thirtysixd on 24/01/2022 - 16:16

    pajero, four runner (hilux) or challenger

    theres few more options if you want a ute

    edit: just realised you consider 20-30k cheap for a weekender?
    my options were in the sub 5k bracket

    • deppierre on 24/01/2022 - 16:56

      hahaha, yeah I mean I gonna sell my Tesla for 60kish so I was excepting to reinvest half of that for our weekend camping car (if that make sense), but the cheaper the better! When you don't commute, neither have kids, and you live close to everything, you really don't need a car :D

      • thirtysixd on 24/01/2022 - 20:35

        I re-read

        Delica maybe?

        Most of the modern 4wds are pretty similar but patrols and landcruisers are selling at a premium (I think too high tbh)

        I think for utes navara is best value
        wagon challengers

  • [Deactivated] on 24/01/2022 - 16:29

    Maserati Levante https://www.drive.com.au/news/maserati-levante-driver-gets-b…

    • deppierre on 24/01/2022 - 16:57

      haha, excellent story, thanks for sharing!

  • redvaldez on 24/01/2022 - 17:10

    I would avoid Forester, Outback, XTrail etc. They are good cars - they will be far nicer on road than any 4WD that you'll be looking at - and they do fine for some off road duties. But off roading can be unpredictable: a beach that you have no problems with in one of these cars may be inaccessible next time you are there. They may do fine on an average beach, but what about rutted access tracks, chewed up exits off the beach, big washouts on the beach, etc. I don't see the point in buying a 4WD unless you need it, but for you I feel you need one.

    The Jimnys are cool, but they need to be worked pretty hard - I think they sit in about 3500 rpm at 110km/h - so if you are doing long distance touring, I probably wouldn't buy one. Your usual Challenger/Pajero Sport/Pajero/Fortuner/Prado would be the go. If you decide on a Vitara (which are a good car btw), make sure its one of the earlier models as the current Vitaras are SUV not 4WD.

    If you have two carparking spaces, you could consider a used camper trailer for $5k instead of a roof top tent. Even at 2.1-2.2 metres you will struggle going to a lot of buildings around a capital city. My old 4WD was 2.1 metres and I was constantly worrying about where it'd fit.

    • deppierre on 24/01/2022 - 17:46

      thanks for your input! The idea of having a trailer is a bit scaring tbh. I don't feel like I'm willing to commit up to this point. Regarding offroading my goal is basically to reach the campground, do you think this would require a full out 4x4? (I don't have any experience since I've never been able to go there :D).

      • Euphemistic on 24/01/2022 - 20:47

        do you think this would require a full out 4x4?

        That really depends on the campground. I would imagine most would have some form of access road that is used for maitnenance and so will have decent access. They will designate a road 4wd only for 2 reasons. Slippery (low grip) surface or high clearance required, normally for erosion humps on the roads. Slippery may only be when it’s wet. Deeply rutted roads are not common for regularly used areas. I wouldn’t be surprised if most campground access roads are accessible by 2wd vehicles most of the time but they put 4wd only to keep out people who have no idea how to drive.

        • deppierre on 24/01/2022 - 23:06

          really helpful, thanks!

      • redvaldez on 25/01/2022 - 09:18

        I don't live in NSW and so I'm not familiar with where you might be looking at going. I've done a bit of beach driving and camping around south east Queensland though, and I wouldn't do it without a proper 4WD. My mates and I all own modest 4WDs for that reason - we aren't looking for hugely technical 4WDing, but we want to explore and camp in different places.

    • thirtysixd on 24/01/2022 - 20:41
      +1

      haha foresters are actually really good on sand + with a lift will have more clearance than a stock 4wd

      I have one that we use as a farm car.
      It can go everywhere than our 4wds go it just breaks easier (has been used to pull out actual 4wds multiple times).

  • WT on 25/01/2022 - 11:02

    2.2m rules out anything lifted but will have a lot of stock height 4x4 to choose from.

    Forrester or SWB paj but it also depends on the roof top tent. You may even get away with an outback or allroad

    You need to decide budget, ground clearance, height of tent or you can just punch your budget into carsales and search

    Also, I wouldnt discount a full size, some trips you might want to go away for longer and need more room

  • jrowls on 25/01/2022 - 13:19
    +1

    Rooftop tents are not as good as you think. I would do some research about why they might be good or bad.

    If it was me, I'd get the lowest kms, best condition Subaru Outback or Forester I could find (you can get a nice one with leather seats etc too which will be 1000000 times comfier than a 'real' 4x4 on the highway where you spend most of your time) and spend a couple grand on a lift kit.

    I say this to everyone who talks about 4x4ing who isn't an expert - you will run out of talent before a Subaru with a lift kit will run out of talent.

    Next step is a swag or hiking tent in the back. Easy.

    If you want to go away for more than a weekend, people do some pretty intense setups out of the back of them. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKB8RaVsIyg

  • Cliche Guevara on 25/01/2022 - 16:26

    You're French - so 2CV is the answer!

  • Out24q on 25/01/2022 - 23:25

    How about a Mitsubishi Delica?

  • robertwt7 on 31/01/2022 - 13:16

    what are you guys thinking of Rav4 AWD? i'm new to 4x4 so not sure if that's a good idea but it's not mentioned anywhere here :/

    • wombat81 on 31/01/2022 - 16:07
      +1

      Good car but not suitable off road.

    • Euphemistic on 31/01/2022 - 16:08

      It’s a marketing departments AWD. Sends drive to the back wheels when it’s too late. It’s OK for gravel roads and has a little extra clearance, but it’s not for off road work.

      • robertwt7 on 31/01/2022 - 19:32

        ah right, isn't it always AWD? there's just no switch in the car like 4x4?

        • wombat81 on 31/01/2022 - 20:15

          AWDs always send drive to the wheel with least resistance.

        • Euphemistic on 31/01/2022 - 21:55

          Correct. Most modern AWD SUVs (Subaru are the notable exception) are front wheel drive with a system that detects slip and sends drive to the back wheels when needed. Unfortunately it’s normally too late and the system doesn’t really help all that much.

          Some Outlander and Xtrail models have an off road mode that sends drive to the rear wheels more consistently, but it’s still not a great system in slippery conditions.

  • nephilim on 31/01/2022 - 16:23

    Suzuki S-Cross?
    Devalue like crazy

    • deppierre on 31/01/2022 - 20:39

      I'll check this out, thanks for your suggestion!

  • CaptainHoltisDad on 31/01/2022 - 16:35

    If you are committed to a RTT, don't get a Jimny. Suzuki does not quote an official roof rating (some say ~30-40kg), subtract 10kg for the weight of the roof racks…you're not going to find a RTT that light. Not saying that you can't mount one, but it will impact road handling and might make it illegal/unroadworthy.

    Most dual cabs are pretty big (length-wise anyway), so they may not fit your size category. You may need something like a ute or 'proper' 4WD if you want to go beach driving tho (Prado, Landcruiser, Patrol, etc..) - don't forget to grab an air compressor and some MaxTrax too.

    I've been to a few amazing campsites around NSW that are easily accessible by 2WD, personally I'd go for a Prado or Subaru Forester. The Forester + RTT will fit under your height requirements and should get you to plenty of places.

    • deppierre on 31/01/2022 - 20:38

      awesome! Thanks for your help! It's true that many times I heard good things about Subaru Forester, but there are tons of different models/versions. Like you should I look up for the last iteration or do you think this older model here is suitable? https://www.cstatic-images.com/stock/900x600/237098.jpg

      • Euphemistic on 31/01/2022 - 22:05

        I had the model before that. Same basic shape, but different headlights. Was a good little wagon. I didn’t really give it any off road testing, but I’ve seen quite a few on the beach in person and there’s plenty of YouTube clips of them doing silly things off road.

        One thing to note is that many owners believe that the automatic is better than manual off road despite not having any low range. The low range in a manual is not very low and not great for really slow controlled manoeuvres. Depends what you want, I just prefer driving a manual.

        In looking at a compact vehicle for a new driver am considering a Forester. I’d probably pick the 2009ish model, slightly newer, basically the same drivetrain. The cheap ones with 200k on them are around $7-8k. Maybe go for one that has 100-150k km on it if your budget is a bit healthier.

  • deppierre on 01/02/2022 - 09:31

    Guys, do you think something like a Kluger would be good enough to reach my camping spots?
    It has a lot of space (camping trips needs a lot of stuff, and if I could include my piano, that would be awesome :D), also the height is only ~1755mm (so I could put a tent on top of it), since its not a proper 4x4, the price is really cheap (like this one: https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2012-toyota-kluger-…) yet is "AWD" good enough to run on unsealed roads? (again, I'm not interested in beach driving)

    Thanks!

    • wombat81 on 01/02/2022 - 10:15

      Yes, totally fine for unsealed roads. Clearance isn't great, though, so you wouldn't want to be on rutted tracks or sand tracks. Definitely in the same category as a Forrester. Just be aware that there are lots of 2WD Klugers around so double check that you're buying an AWD model. A significant number of owners probably assume they have an AWD when they don't.

      • deppierre on 01/02/2022 - 10:19

        gotcha, thanks for the advice Wombat! :)

        • Euphemistic on 01/02/2022 - 12:00

          They are a little bit thirsty being a V6 petrol. But Toyota quality and likely good resale value should you decide it isn’t AWD enough for what you want. Carefully driven it’ll likely go to most campsites. Apparently it has a full time AWD system sending 50% of power front and back adjusting as required. That’s a lot better than on demand AWD like CRV etc that are front wheel drive unless slip detected.

          • deppierre on 01/02/2022 - 13:44

            @Euphemistic: yeah, I feel like it's a sweet spot, I like the idea of starting with something reasonable before fully committing with a massive 4x4 :)
            Thanks for your sharing your expertise, really appreciated it!

            • Euphemistic on 01/02/2022 - 14:14

              @deppierre: Expertise might be a bit of a stretch!

              The key to driving a vehicle in challenging terrain (for that vehicle) is to know the limits and admit defeat BEFORE you come unstuck.

  • bobolo on 02/02/2022 - 20:01
    -1

    Nissan Patrol and make sure you get a patrolhub sticker for more off road abilities

    • wombat81 on 03/02/2022 - 00:36
      +1

      And a DILLIGAF sticker

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