what 4x4/what to look out for (please)

[Pacman1978]

Hello, lomg time reader (8 years or so?) First time poster!

Without writing a 10000 word essay I dearly would be ever great fully in debt to the forums vast knowledge! (That's the arse kissing out the way)

I'm wanting to have a bash at running my own little business, jet washing driveways, wheelie bins, painting decorating, gardening and the likes of that general handyman stuff.

I don't want a van or mpv, I am thinking along the lines of a LWB trooper (lotus bighorn in BRG please!) Frontera 'B' , monterey (same as a troop ı know)

Sub 1k at least 18mpg would be nice (petrol only, plus a manual box) 1995 or later. Folding or removable seats for van like loadability.

I am n staying well away from anything green and oval at this price point it'll cost the purchase price in welding!

Would also be used at weekends going to North Wales for camping adventures with my children (x3) I am hoping to earn enough pennies to pay myself through uni to realise my long term dream of becoming an "addiction counselor"

I am no spanner monkey but keen to learn so as long as its relatively reliable I don't mind some diy spannering. (I've owned a fronty LWB 2.2 'A' so I understand handling and anything remotely faster than paint drying is to be expected)

Any recommendations and what should I be looking for? (Buy on condition obviously but shed buying can still be fun no?)

Thankyou for any help and apologies for any spellage errors (and no Mr 300 I nor need nor want a 2 door yank 60's coupe!)

[geeks]

Welcome don't expect much loves for fronties here however I have owned five and love them. For that price look at the 3.2 V6 B plenty of poke and torque, 20+mpg manuals are harder to find but there are plenty. Stay away from the 2.2 petrol B they make rover head gaskets look reliable! A 2/3" lift and some decent all terrains and it will be unstoppable on the lanes.

[TLandCruiser]

Could look at a Toyota Land Cruiser Colorado/prado with the petrol v6, very reliable and quite big too

[IroningMan]

TLandCruiser said:

Could look at a Toyota Land Cruiser Colorado/prado with the petrol v6, very reliable and quite big too

Not sub £1k, surely?

[TLandCruiser]

Nope, I missed that bit

[richs2891]

Nissan Terrano or Mitsubishi Shogun / Pajero ?

[300bhp/ton]

Sub £1k really won't give you much choice tbh. And most petrols will likely be auto's, unless they are the small petrol option, in which case you may find the diesel version would go just as well.

Also limiting it to 1995 or later seems an odd requirement and one that will obviously reduce your pickings.


As for what 4x4, I guess it depends how big you need it to be, along with how capable.


LWB Vitara's are still compact and good all rounder. But maybe still too small.

Likewise the Jeep Cherokee XJ is a great buy at this price. But the 4.0 litre is auto only in UK spec. The 2.5 petrol is ok, but honestly I'd rather the 4.0 with an auto box. The diesel is ok, but gets a bad rep with HG issues, although probably ins't anywhere near as bad as the internet suggests.

The larger ZJ Grand Cherokee is also worth looking at too, but again a manual petrol might be a tall order.


Freelanders are good vehicles, so might be worth considering, but they are more Mk2 Focus sized.

If it's load area you need, then a Disco 1 is probably the best bet, although maybe up the budget a little. They have a tall roof line, which will make a world of different if you are putting large items in it.

[TLandCruiser]

You could look at buying a grand Cherokee 4.0 or 4.7 from the auction for sub 1k including fee's, depends if you want to take a risk or if your capable of repairing any issues.

[sim16v]

I've ran sub £1k Grand Cherokees, a ZJ then a WJ, for the last few years.

Both LPG so equivalent of 30+mpg, and reliable, but both autos.

[RumRunner]

Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.0 petrol 5door up to 2006.
Great vehicle cheap handle o.k, quick enough, easy to maintain, cheap to run and likely to get something half decent at that buget.