More 4x4 than off road

[Stubby Pete]

Hi guys, I'm looking for some advice on buying a 4x4.

I really like the look of the Hi Lux Surf (pre Gen 3) and the prices are pretty good too. I've heard some bad things about the 2.4 TD engine but the 3.0 TD is apparently fairly bullet proof.

I've just seen a three door surf for sale, never seen one before.

Questions-
Is the 3.0 engine much better than the 2.4?
What should I look out for?
Is the 3 door justifiably more expensive and does it have the same wheelbase and parts?
Would I be better off with a disco or something else?

Any information would be greatly appreciated, many thanks in advance to you all.

[Bill]

I've not looked hard but I've never heard of a 3 door Surf.

Anyway, apart from potential parts availability problems it should be a good buy although the independent front sus and leaf sprung rear will mean it's not as good off or on road* as the Disco.




*At least when unladen.



ETA Not tempted by a Ben & Kev special?

Edited by Bill on Tuesday 22 September 07:46

[Stubby Pete]

Bill said:

Not tempted by a Ben & Kev special?

See a 3 Door Surf here.

[bigblock]

I have had both the 2.4 and the 3.0 in my "works" fleet. The 3.0 is far superior on road to the 2.4 and also manages better fuel consumption. If I remember correctly the models from '93 onwards are the better buy. They are not particularly great off road and suffer from poor overhangs especialy with a towbar, but make good work horses. My employees were particularly impressed by the all singing and dancing hifi systems and Recaro type seats.

[antond]

I agree with bigblock. Dont bother with the 2.4. They need hammering to get more than 50mph or if pulling need flooring so wear & tear is high & consumption poor.
Have you looked at a shogun sport? No relation to the Shogun, Based on the L200 pick up chasis.

[JVaughan]

remember reading in a mag a few years ago the shogun sports werent much cop and were more of a compromise than anything outstanding. also issues with Manufacturers recommended towing figures and "real life"

[Stubby Pete]

antond said:

I agree with bigblock. Dont bother with the 2.4. They need hammering to get more than 50mph or if pulling need flooring so wear & tear is high & consumption poor.
Have you looked at a shogun sport? No relation to the Shogun, Based on the L200 pick up chasis.

Shogun Sport is a similar looking truck but I was only looking at spending £1,500 - £2,000.

[normalbloke]

Paddy_N_Murphy said:

Isuzu Trooper ?
3.0TD, pretty tough - there are some Recall issues, but all to this day happily handle by Isuzu.
Not at all Ghey....

I wouldn't touch a 3.0td Trooper with yours sir!Isuszu were pretty shameful when it came to not honouring warranties in the UK with these engines "dieselling" on engine oil.I believe( and it may be horsepoo) that this was a major factor in it's demise in the UK.

[normalbloke]

No problem, interesting to hear that.Sadly 2 people who had the 3.0 that I knew certainly did not have that level of service from a very local to me Main Stealer.It has been enough to make them avoid the Isuzu brand for the forseeable.

[muddy1983]

i know that your looking for the surf but have you looked at the land rover discoveries that you could get for you money. you might be able to get a 300tdi for that type of money, but me personally would go for the 200 tdi. ive had 2 of them and both are great off road and will pull almost nething thst you hitch up behind them. this is my personall view though.
a couple of my mates started out with the surf and switched over to the green oval aswell.
have a look round as they say at the moment its a buyers market so there will be plenty of vehicles out the for you whatever you choose to buy
daz

[antond]

My dad has had an Isuzu Trooper 3.1T for about 15 yrs 2nd hand. Only problem at 90,000mls was a failed front transfer box, cost about £400 to fix. Still going strong.

[normalbloke]

The older 3.1 was a different kettle of fish.I too had one and it was faultless for the time and 60k miles I had it for.

[Rum Runner]

3.1 Troopers where well known for oil pump failure.