What cheap 4X4 automatic for green lane/daily.
Discussion
Jamaica said:
Moving to a two car garage one sportyy car and one car for camping/greenlaning/dailying.
Ideally it will be diesel for decent economy if possible, automatic due to disability.
I was thinking rav 4.
1.5k budget.
Rav4 is a perm4 with no low ratio box. I've got one, and it's capable on muddy tracks and across fields with the right tyres, but thats about it. Ideally it will be diesel for decent economy if possible, automatic due to disability.
I was thinking rav 4.
1.5k budget.
If you want something really capable, get something with a low ratio box, and lots of ground clearance. Mitsi shogun or similar.
You might be able to find a diesel Hilux Surf for that money. I've got a petrol version, they are great cars. I had a 1997 petrol Cherokee and that was good also. The diesel engine is supposed to be a dog though.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_t...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_t...
Edited by nsa on Wednesday 10th June 05:44
nsa said:
You might be able to find a diesel Hilux Surf for that money. I've got a petrol version, they are great cars. I had a 1997 petrol Cherokee and that was good also. The diesel engine is supposed to be a dog though.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_t...
Diesel XJ Cherokee is also manualhttps://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_t...
Edited by nsa on Wednesday 10th June 05:44
the cueball said:
Cherokee or Grand Cherokee
Cherokee and Grand Cherokee owner here.Where do I start? <sigh>
Firstly they are very different vehicles. The Cherokee is smaller, much better drive, comes in manual, but only has a basic 4WD system. It drives well, but it's smaller and much less good at towing if that's your thing, and is generally much more agricultural than the Grand. It does have hi and low ratio though, and a ladder chassis
The grand has a superb 4WD system, is comfortable, and well equipped. It is exclusively auto (2001 -), and is excellent for towing. Steering wheel is occasionally connected to the front wheels, but not always. The roll on corners is horrendous, and is enough to make even the most hardened sailors a little queasy.
What they do share is a complete lack of any form of mechanical or electrical reliability. I thought it was called a Grand, because every time it went to the workshop, it cost a Grand - alas, that was horribly optimistic, I think it's every time it goes out, it's a Grand.
On top of that, either are really really difficult to repair, with a complex wiring system, and very few wiring diagrams, or diagnostic equipment able to connect. I'm an auto sparks, and I'm really reluctant to engage with them. Hard to charge for the hours you tend to spend on it.
But I've just sold a Cherokee 2.5d that I was slightly sad to see go, and have a Grand I use for towing, and camping and strapping canoes to the roof and recoveries etc, to about 2500 miles a year. I don't like it very much though. (It was cheap though).
I'd like to swap it for a Hilux. - says it all really.
808 Estate said:
If you go the Hilux route, look for the 3l version. The 2.4 have a reputation of overheating and trashing the head.
The Vitara is also available as a V6.
2.4 is petrol, but yes it does eat heads. The Vitara is also available as a V6.
Interesting on the Cherokee not being reliable. I had one for seven years and can't remember it ever having a problem. I only sold it to get something nicer. I test drove the Grand and you're right, it didn't feel as nice as my XJ. I just assumed it was a bad example.
Test driver said:
For that budget a Jeep Grand Cherokee is by far the best option. The v8 with quadradrive is what you want, stick a 2” lift on it and some decent mud tyres and you won’t go far wrong.
Forget the diesels unless doing big mileage, you can also get lpg converted V8’s if you look around.
As he said.... but Id argue for the diesel. I had mine 7 years, and if your OK with your own spanner work they can be a decent bet. If your paying someone then they get expensive.Forget the diesels unless doing big mileage, you can also get lpg converted V8’s if you look around.
The common problems are known and can be prevented with decent maintenance.
Just my 2p worth
Surely a Discovery 1 200 or 300tdi is the obvious choice in the UK?
Yes, they rot, but so do most things. The mechanics are cheap to fix, no Disco 2 electrics or TD5 issues, and you can make them capable off road for not much.
I like the look of Jeeps, but the few I've known have been as unreliable and expensive to fix as some on this thread have said. And the petrols are about as economical as my V8 Range Rover
Yes, they rot, but so do most things. The mechanics are cheap to fix, no Disco 2 electrics or TD5 issues, and you can make them capable off road for not much.
I like the look of Jeeps, but the few I've known have been as unreliable and expensive to fix as some on this thread have said. And the petrols are about as economical as my V8 Range Rover
My wife and I run Jeeps, we have had about 11 between us, from brand-new to older cars. Only one had a fault that required garage fixing, a sensor put the car into limp mode. All the others just needed regular servicing and a few replacement parts on the older ones. Currently I have a 4.7 V8 WK from 2005 and she has a 2002 Cherokee 3.7. Both going well.
Gonna subscribe to this as was just about to ask virtually the same question tonight. A friend and I are looking for another shooting vehicle suitable for accessing ploughed fields and grassed land/ green lanes. An old reliable snotter is perfect as the car has to carry loads of mucky kit and occasional dead vermin etc.
Currently we have a 190k diesel 300tdi but it's gradually falling to pieces around the engine and box. It's had all the usual issues with Windows failing, dodgy electrics, leaks from sunroof and other areas. It's served us well enough but rot is getting a grip.
2-3k budget ideally and something with plenty of clearance or lift kit and low ratio box ideal.
Currently we have a 190k diesel 300tdi but it's gradually falling to pieces around the engine and box. It's had all the usual issues with Windows failing, dodgy electrics, leaks from sunroof and other areas. It's served us well enough but rot is getting a grip.
2-3k budget ideally and something with plenty of clearance or lift kit and low ratio box ideal.
bearman68 said:
the cueball said:
Cherokee or Grand Cherokee
Cherokee and Grand Cherokee owner here.Where do I start? <sigh>
Firstly they are very different vehicles.
My current WJ, at 110k has been perfect thanks all the same.
I’m interested how you decided I know nothing about them though?? Lol
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