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Does my Bum look big in this?

Submitted: Tuesday, Mar 04, 2008 at 12:49

Paul & Debbie

Article Overview - Buying a 4WD
This article focuses on the major considerations when choosing a 4WD vehicle for the purpose of travelling and camping. View Full Article...
Hallo,

I would like to introduce ourselves to this forum.

We are Debbie & Paul from Sydney and love travelling and camping.

We are motor bike riders and have a lot of fun going out with our mates from the Ulysses Club.

Now we have decided to move up a step so that we can travel dirt tracks and not spoil someone else's week end by letting them pull us out of a bog.

We are not quite ready for a big Landcruiser, and so here comes my question: Which would be the smallest 4WD that could carry a roof tent, 2 Old Farts, a water bottle and some wine?

And if this question has been done to death, please be gentle with me. Deep down inside I am very sensitive.

Thank you.

Paul

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AnswerID: 290741   Submitted: Tuesday, Mar 04, 2008 at 12:59

stefan P (Penrith NSW) replied:

Welcome and G'day

Any of the mid size ones would be a good start

IE Pajero, Prado, Jackaroo, Jeep

Can't comment on them except the jackaroo as my Sister has one. A 2003 V6 Auto...Goes like stink, can swallow their camping gear, capable, reliable and very underrated. Hence makes FANTASTIC value as a used car buy. It has been everywhere the Patrols and cruisers go and sometimes done it with less fuss.

Cheers Stefan
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FollowupID: 556146   Submitted: Tuesday, Mar 04, 2008 at 13:06

Paul & Debbie posted:

Thank you, Stefan,

The Jackaroo is a Holden, isn't it? I remember this car, because the rear door is hinged on the wrong side, for driving and parking on the right side of raod (wouldn't matter much in the bush I guess).

Who is the actual maufacturer?

Paul


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FollowupID: 556148   Submitted: Tuesday, Mar 04, 2008 at 13:12

stefan P (Penrith NSW) posted:

Well Izuzu make it as well as the rodeo, sold under the Holden badge. And they all fall under the GM family, makes sense!!!

Their large rear door swings to the kerb where as mine on the patrol swings to the road. But as you always have to open the small one first can't see much drama which way they swing.

Cheers Stefan

P.S What do you ride??
I sold my TT600R Belgarda to help finance the Patrol.......should never have sold it :(:( I really miss the old thumper
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FollowupID: 556151   Submitted: Tuesday, Mar 04, 2008 at 13:25

Moose posted:

If you want an opinion on your bum you'll have to post another image because I can't see it in the one provided :-)

If you're looking for new then forget Jackaroo - no longer available.

Suggest you check with the manufacturers of rooftop tents as to what they reckon they'll fit on.

It may be more a question of which vehicle will handle where you want to go. What is your definition of "dirt tracks"?

Cheers from the Moose
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FollowupID: 556152   Submitted: Tuesday, Mar 04, 2008 at 13:25

Paul & Debbie posted:

Never sell a bike unless you REALLY have to.

We have a Honda Deauville. The smallest Tourer available. Our son has a Honda 250F, and I have just sold my Postie Bike. I need the space in the garage.

Thanks for the tips.

Paul



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FollowupID: 556158   Submitted: Tuesday, Mar 04, 2008 at 13:31

stefan P (Penrith NSW) posted:

Postie bike!!....i ride one for a living....Logged up WAY too many KM/S on the 'ol red rocket LOL

Good Luck with the car hunting

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FollowupID: 556160   Submitted: Tuesday, Mar 04, 2008 at 13:36

Paul & Debbie posted:

Hi Moose,

a quick explanation of my understanding of "dirt track".

In January we went as far as Cooktown in FNQ. Yes, in the wet. With our Mazda 6. We could not even take the coast road from Cape Tribulation.

That sort of road is what I mean. Once we are a bit more experienced, older and not necessarily wiser, we would want to take tracks like The Gunbarrel. But then we would probably need a more capable car.

I see this more like an apprenticeship.

Paul


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FollowupID: 556163   Submitted: Tuesday, Mar 04, 2008 at 13:46

Moose posted:

Paul
Most 4WDs, including many of the "soft roaders" (a term applied to vehicles which generally are less capable off road due to factors such as ground clearance - some don't have low range etc) will probably do what you want.
As I said check with the tent maker and see which need to be eliminated. Then it's a matter of doing the rounds of the car yards.
Cheers from the Moose
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AnswerID: 290745   Submitted: Tuesday, Mar 04, 2008 at 13:12

Mr Pointyhead replied:

Diesel Wrangler or a Landrover 90 (Still Available on special order from L/R) ?
Reply 2 of 14
FollowupID: 556153   Submitted: Tuesday, Mar 04, 2008 at 13:27

Paul & Debbie posted:

Hi Pointyhead,

what is L/R?

Paul


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FollowupID: 556165   Submitted: Tuesday, Mar 04, 2008 at 13:48

Mr Pointyhead posted:

L/R = Landrover
FollowUp 2 of 6
FollowupID: 556171   Submitted: Tuesday, Mar 04, 2008 at 14:19

Paul & Debbie posted:

As I said. I see it more like an apprenticeship. Thank you.

Paul

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FollowupID: 556208   Submitted: Tuesday, Mar 04, 2008 at 18:22

Bonz (Vic) posted:

L/R is also Left Rusting (usually on the side of the road) :0)

I would agree however with a diesel vehicle as they are much more economical than a petrol 4x4.

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FollowupID: 556287   Submitted: Wednesday, Mar 05, 2008 at 08:11

Redback posted:

There alloy Geoff,

your Patrol handgranaded yet??
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FollowupID: 556624   Submitted: Thursday, Mar 06, 2008 at 20:30

Bonz (Vic) posted:

hahah Baz nope its still going stronger than ever and probably have anew exhaust this time next month.

Alloy oxidises doesn't it but that didn't start with a R?

As you know almost 95% of Landrovers made are still on the road, the other 5% made it back home......

How r you guys doing up there?

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AnswerID: 290749   Submitted: Tuesday, Mar 04, 2008 at 13:32

Nick R (VIC) replied:

smallest would have to be a suzuki sierra wouldn't it??? not sure about the roof tent fitting but if the roof bars were long enough.........
haha
Nick
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FollowupID: 556161   Submitted: Tuesday, Mar 04, 2008 at 13:39

Paul & Debbie posted:

Hi Nick,

but then again the car would fit into the tent, I guess?

Paul


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AnswerID: 290752   Submitted: Tuesday, Mar 04, 2008 at 13:47

Member - Vince B (NSW) replied:

Welcome Paul & Debbie.
We have a friends in our 4wd club who are also members of the local Ulysses Club. The trouble is now they get more enjoyment on the bike runs!!
You can't go past a diesel pajero or jackeroo for your touring needs.(In my opinion).
Regards.
Vince
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FollowupID: 556169   Submitted: Tuesday, Mar 04, 2008 at 14:11

Paul & Debbie posted:

Hi Vince,

before I asked this question, the Pajero was one of my favourites. I don't even know why. I just needed experienced opinions.

Debbie bought her Mazda 6 because she liked the colour so much and the 10 Bose speaker system.

Yes, the Ulysses are a great bunch. We also used to be members of the Porsche Club of NSW. Well, what can I say? We had more fun on the bike runs!

Paul


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FollowUp 1 of 3
FollowupID: 556182   Submitted: Tuesday, Mar 04, 2008 at 15:47

Moose posted:

Your question was "which would be the smallest 4WD that ...". The Pajero would definitely not be the smallest.
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FollowupID: 556194   Submitted: Tuesday, Mar 04, 2008 at 16:35

Member - Willie , Sydney. posted:

I have two friends with diesel Prados and they have gone through thousands of miles of deserts etc without missing a beat - and they do not guzzle too much fuel . The auto is the one to , get as the manual is a bit of a dog to drive .

Willie .

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AnswerID: 290782   Submitted: Tuesday, Mar 04, 2008 at 16:51

Member -Dodger replied:

Paul
It really is a simple exercise just join your local 4wd club then go on an outing with them and look at their gear. It will really open up your horizons and no you do not need a 4wd to join a club just enthusiasm .

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AnswerID: 290785   Submitted: Tuesday, Mar 04, 2008 at 17:10

Steve63 replied:

Not sure you want too small. You mention some wine, we usually take 4 doz red away with us. A fridge allows for a more gormet menu if you are out of the way a bit. With a bit of thought can have you eating like a king for a few weeks. BUT you need the space for the gear. We used to have a Jackaroo 3.5 V6 petrol. Went like the clappers, handled well, reasonable amount of storage space. We used to get to places and we would get very odd looks from the Landcruiser/Patrol groups. They are a very capable vehicle but required some skill to get them to some of the tougher places. They also float which was handy once or twice :-) . Jackaroo is clasified as a medium sized 4wd. The small end tend to be suzi's and you may have issues re roof load limits. If you want a roof top tent the roof attachment needs to be able to carry the combined weight of yourselves and the tent plus a bit extra for movement. A Prado or Padjero would be a good option as well.

Steve
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AnswerID: 290798   Submitted: Tuesday, Mar 04, 2008 at 18:16

PradOz replied:

Every time I travelled I always saw Landcruisers, Nissans and Prados. Rarely seen a Pajero (or Jackaroo) actually really only seen them when i was travelling with a brother as he had a Pajero then. He actually had a new one every model change so he had quite a few over the years. In the end when he had no support from Mitsubishi for warranty on their latest new model Pajero he traded it in on a Prado and swore never to go back. Now he cannot understand why he hesitated to buy a Prado in the first place. Normally comes down to cash when buying new as they do give some extras for less cash, but were not flash on the support from dealer or head office. (a long storey) Anyway I have a 2000 series Prado and love it to bits. It is now on LPG as well as petrol and is a cheap conversion to do if you stick to that vintage rather than newer which escalates in price rather quickly. I dont get to use mine now due to a bad back injury so it will probably never go off road again (short of a miracle) which is a pity seeing it has only just clocked up 110,000kms. If you are local you can check it out to see if it is too big for your plans. Not sure what you could get for what you state you need re roof etc - maybe a suzuki?? or are they too small? Where-abouts in Sydney r u - I am in the south west. Check out the 4wd shows when they come up and ask heaps of questions. cheers mick
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AnswerID: 290802   Submitted: Tuesday, Mar 04, 2008 at 18:32

Bonz (Vic) replied:

I would say a Prado or Pajero turbo diesel would fit your bill also.

These are not the BIG 4WD but will do what you need and also develop as you develop into a Gunbarrel traveller.

Also would say get in touch with a local 4x4 club OR even better, come along to a ExplorOz gathering and pick peoples brains, even in your Mazda 6 (which incidentally is one of my fav cars) you'd be welcomed and be able to look over many a vehicle and ask questions galore.

All the best

GWBonz

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AnswerID: 290804   Submitted: Tuesday, Mar 04, 2008 at 18:37

Member - Brian (Gold Coast) replied:

Hi Paul & Debbie....
I have recently bought myself a Honda VT750C..... lovely bike to ride!!!!

But enough about me..... in the mid range of 4X4's.... I would suggest looking at a Prado or a Pajero... either one will take you where you want to go... and I second the idea of a diesel.

The MOST important thing, when you get your fourby..... do a course on how to use it as soon as you can. Most clubs will have access to a Driver Awareness Program.... (Our club hosts a DAP every month for new members... it is a pre-requisite to joining in on club trips!)

There is more to 4WD'ing than slipping the little stick into 4 Low!!

Let us know how you get on..... and welcome to the club!!!!

Cheers

Brian

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Reply 9 of 14
AnswerID: 290832   Submitted: Tuesday, Mar 04, 2008 at 21:08

Member - Scoof (SA) replied:

yep your bum looks huge in that..

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AnswerID: 290837   Submitted: Tuesday, Mar 04, 2008 at 21:22

Hairy (NT) replied:

Gday,
I didn't read all the reply's properly so if its already been said..Ignore this one.
A big 4wd will get you out of more trouble than it will get you into (within reason) Id personally go a Landcruiser or (as much as it hurts to say) a Nissan. What about a tray top?
As for your bum...never ask a question you don't want answered!
But it doesn't mater what you travel on as long as your doing it Disgracefully!!!!

Good luck
Cheers

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AnswerID: 290861   Submitted: Wednesday, Mar 05, 2008 at 07:11

Kiwi & "Mahindra" replied:

what bike you guys ride??? My dad is in the Ulysses Club, lives in Nowra, has ex coppa bike done up...lights and all that off and put the panea's on, top box etc.....

Id go a short wheel base something, (if that hasnt been mentioned already...havent read the replys yet....)

Anyway, Have a good one....!!

Laura
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Reply 12 of 14
AnswerID: 290872   Submitted: Wednesday, Mar 05, 2008 at 08:44

deserter replied:

Dunno what your budget is bit if you can afford it - get the new Prado D4D auto diesel. Great great car.
Reply 13 of 14
AnswerID: 290986   Submitted: Wednesday, Mar 05, 2008 at 19:13

Members - Chris/Lindsay (VIC) replied:

Welcome!!! We are also motorcyclists{hubby, me pillion] in Christian club in Vic and love 4wding too. If you can still manage a roof tent your not really old farts. I refuse to have one. We have an oz tent instead which means only hubby has to climb onto the roof. I'm not going to suggest which vehicle except to say you may want to carry toilet paper and the odd cheese sandwich as well so don't go too small. Cheers, christine.
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