help, what 4x4 is best

[kevin_5078846]

hi, just returning to caravanning after 10+yrs, looking to buy a abbey spectrum twin axle 5 berth 1996 model,need help due to large family and a budget of 5k,what 4x4 would be best for pulling and a decent fuel return,looking at lwb 2.5 & 2.8 diesel shogun's ,land rover disco's & freelander,2.5d cherekee jeep & anything else you can think of your input would be greatfully recieved.

 

[colin(bridgend)]

Hi Kevin - I have been towing for a few years with a Daihatsu Fourtrack - TDI, 1998 model. Paid

 

[Stephen1956]

KZN185 series 3 Toyota Hilux Surf Auto 1996 on 90% Landcrusier 100% reliable

 

[CliveV]

Hi Kevin - most things Japanese will be well built and reliable but as Colin says - whatch out for good service history and general tidyness. Many 4x4's have had a hard life and you do not want to pick up a "bargain" only find its knackerred.

Trouble with 4x4's is that there is a lot more transmission bits and pieces that need servicing - usually only regular oil changes but if not done new transfer boxes and/or axles come expensive.

If you have not had a 4x4 before you ought to buy a magazine to see whata available - there are four dedicated Land Rover Mags -all are good as well as a couple who cover all types of 4x4. Some of these mags carry regular "What to look for" when buying reviews in their classified sections and so should be useful.

And that is an interesting point. There is a huge Land Rover enhusiast population out there and you may find this something you would enjoy. Similar clubs exist for the Trooper and Shogun for example but nothing like the Land Rover clubs.

In general apart from the normal is it bent? - does it have rust, has it been regularly serviced, you need to be aware of the "extra bits" you get with a 4x4:-

Generaly the engine drives a "normal" manual or auto box - but then there is a second gearbox called the Transfer Box that allows low range and Diff Lock to be used. From the Transfer box there is two prop shafts - one front, one rear that goes to the front and rear axles.

A good test when test driving it is to take your foot of the throttle, then after a second or so put your foot down again quite hard. If there is a loud "clunk" or judder or "twitch" in its road manners - just walk away. It needs new suspension bushes as well as a transmission overhall that could be many hundreds of

 

[DavidW1]

Hi Kevin,

 

[kevin_5078846]

Hi Kevin - most things Japanese will be well built and reliable but as Colin says - whatch out for good service history and general tidyness. Many 4x4's have had a hard life and you do not want to pick up a "bargain" only find its knackerred.

Trouble with 4x4's is that there is a lot more transmission bits and pieces that need servicing - usually only regular oil changes but if not done new transfer boxes and/or axles come expensive.

If you have not had a 4x4 before you ought to buy a magazine to see whata available - there are four dedicated Land Rover Mags -all are good as well as a couple who cover all types of 4x4. Some of these mags carry regular "What to look for" when buying reviews in their classified sections and so should be useful.

And that is an interesting point. There is a huge Land Rover enhusiast population out there and you may find this something you would enjoy. Similar clubs exist for the Trooper and Shogun for example but nothing like the Land Rover clubs.

In general apart from the normal is it bent? - does it have rust, has it been regularly serviced, you need to be aware of the "extra bits" you get with a 4x4:-

Generaly the engine drives a "normal" manual or auto box - but then there is a second gearbox called the Transfer Box that allows low range and Diff Lock to be used. From the Transfer box there is two prop shafts - one front, one rear that goes to the front and rear axles.

A good test when test driving it is to take your foot of the throttle, then after a second or so put your foot down again quite hard. If there is a loud "clunk" or judder or "twitch" in its road manners - just walk away. It needs new suspension bushes as well as a transmission overhall that could be many hundreds of

 

[trevor123]

Hi Kevin, Welcome back to caravaning, we have a Daihatsu Fourtrax 2.8 TDX our it 13 years olds still going strong ,very good engine, we had few van in our time pulled by our Fourtrax< Shame they stop making them, because we would buy a other one, The other 4x4 I would go for next is the Nissan Terrano 2.7 or 3.0 engine Diesel because I like the heavy kerbweight, Most med 4x4 are fine for towing but the kerbweight not heavy enough, I like to be under the 85% rule, to be on the safe side, Good Luck with the 4x4. Happy Caravaning, Trevor