A variation on a what 4x4 thread

A variation on a what 4x4 thread

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downthepub

Original Poster:

1,373 posts

208 months

Friday 30th April 2010
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G'day,

Time for a variation on a what 4x4 thread, more a can-check-my-working thread to make sure I've not missed out anything obvious, rather than a plaintive wot?

I've been going to RTVs with a keen mate at the local off-road club (hello BORDC) since August of last year working up to competively driving my mates Defender 90 at the last event. Well, I've now caught the bug, and now moving on from my beloved '89 BMW 635CSi and replacing it with a suitable 4x4. Quite simply my requirements are for a moderately competitive vehicle in the standard classes but with the emphasis on fun - not looking for an all round winner but something that won't disgrace itself. Coupled with that is the ability for the very occasional long run and to be fairly wife friendly (that rules out Defenders smile).

Budget wise, looking at £3K for vehicle + off road mods like underbody protection + aggressive tyres (and lift kits if money prevails).

Prefer auto petrol, but appreciate that there are advantages to manual diesels, especially in terms of controlling steep descents. Vehicle will be garaged, and got just over 6' of headroom.

After reading and talking to knowledgeable folks my shortlist is effectively down to the following:
Jeep Cherokee XJ - 4.0l with LPG or TD, but I'd prefer the petrol.
Jeep Grand Cherokee - coils all round but a big bigger than the XJ. Expensive for bits.
Range Rover Classic - either LPG V8 or TD.

Appreciate that Defenders and Jimnys should be on my radar, but the Defenders are difficult to live with and my manliness is too insecure to warrant driving a Jimny biggrin

Any thoughts, anything I'm missing?

Edited by downthepub on Friday 30th April 20:37

downthepub

Original Poster:

1,373 posts

208 months

Saturday 1st May 2010
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C Lee Farquar said:
downthepub said:
G'day,

Vehicle will be garaged, and got just over 6' of headroom.
Which rules out a Defender or Disco.
Just been out to measure the garage with a bit more precision and the total height is 6' 3", which does indeed rule out Discoverys and Defenders, and RR Classics with 2"+ lifts.

downthepub

Original Poster:

1,373 posts

208 months

Monday 24th May 2010
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Well, done the deed now. Bought an XJ at the week, 1997 4.0l (was cheap so did without the LPG conversion), now the modifying begins. smile