So you have $20,000 saved up to purchase a used four-wheel drive, I’m stoked for you. That’s a nice amount of change put aside to buy a used bargain, just begging for your transformation into your ideal touring vehicle.
Sure, the used car market has changed in recent years. Especially the four-wheel drive space. In saying that, prices are far more reasonable than they were this time last year. Don’t let your budget deter you. Do your research, look at a few examples, and be patient. You got this!
So to help the process along, here’s what we’d be looking at if we had $20,000 to spend. Hopefully, you’ll grab your pride and joy a little cheaper too, so there is some money left over in the kitty for modifications and mechanical repairs.
120 Series Prado
Comfortable, practical, and reliable – these are the first three words that come to mind when thinking about the 120 Prado. The fourth word is boring. There’s nothing wrong with boring cars though, that just means they are built for a purpose.
The purpose of the 120 Prado is to transport a family around, on-and-off road. Which is why they have gained the tag of being Soccer Mum Cars. They are so good at family duties, so wear this badge with honour if you own one or are thinking about buying one.
There are two main engines available, as per the N70 HiLux. There’s the 3.0L turbo diesel and the 4.0L petrol engine. I’ve owned both, these days I’d stick with the petrol motor. There’s less to go wrong, servicing is cheaper and they make great power. Just at the expense of thirst, but it’s not as bad as you’d think.
Early 120 Prados also had came with the 1KZ turbo-diesel motor, but these aren’t as common. The 2.7 3RZ petrol motor was also an option, but again not as popular as the bigger V6.
Put in a 50mm lift, some all-terrain tyres, and your own touring touches, and you’ll have a family tourer that will go most places in comfort.
Pros
- Super reliable
- Comfortable to daily drive or tour long distances in
- Parts and knowledge everywhere
Cons
- They are boring, but it’s a car not an action movie – get over it
- Turbo-diesel engines need regular injector changes
- Everyone will assume you have five kids
Mitsubishi NT Pajero
If you need a nice family touring wagon, there’s plenty going for the 3.2L turbo-diesel-powered Mitsubishi Pajero. Bang-for-buck they are really hard to beat as a daily driver/family tourer.
The fully independent suspension might not flex as well as a Patrol or LandCruiser, but it makes up for this with excellent on-road dynamics. They are great to drive on unsealed roads as well.
Inside the NT Pajero is as comfortable as a lounge chair, and you don’t hear many bad things said about them mechanically. Thanks to the revered 3.2L turbo diesel engine, which is a super popular powerplant.
It makes great power and has been proven to be reliable too. Just make sure you check the timing chain guide and tensioner at the 100,000-kilometre mark as there have been reports of complete timing belt failures. These parts are cheap and easy to replace, so make sure your potential future Pajero has had the work done, or you ask your mechanic to do so before hitting the road.
Pros
- You can tell mates your 4×4 is rally-inspired
- Solid engine performance
- On-road handling and dynamics
Cons
- All independent suspension doesn’t offer much suspension travel
- Reports of interior rattles
- Reports of timing chain guide and tensioner failures due to lack of servicing
Nissan GU Patrol
GU Patrols are one of the most solid four-wheel drives ever made. They are strong driveline-wise, easy to work on, and capable off-road. GUs are also everywhere, meaning just like the N70 HiLux, parts, and knowledge are abundant for the GU Patrol platform.
There are several engines available in the GU Patrol. With a sub $20k budget, you’ll be most likely looking at TB45 or ZD30s which will be available for this money. I’d think you’d be struggling to find a more desirable TD42 or a TB48 powered GU Patrol for under $20,000 that isn’t rallied hard.
RD28-powered GU Patrols would also be in this price range. Some people say they are a good thing, but my personal opinion is that’s just too small of a motor to push a heavy GU Wagon. I’m more than happy to be proven wrong though, as I know some of you have had a great run out of the lil RD28.
The thing I love about GUs, is there are so many of them on the road. This means the GU platform will be supported throughout my lifetime. There are even companies out there that specialise in engine conversions, or ute conversions on GUs.
I’d buy one, do it up for touring, and if the engine went pop – would look at doing a V8 swap. Or chop it into a ute. Whatever I felt like really. GU Patrols are the perfect blank canvas, thanks to the strong chassis and driveline.
Pros
- Strong driveline
- Parts availability is excellent
- The sky is the limit modifications wise
Cons
- Thirsty yet slow TB45 petrol engine
- Reliability questions on the RD28 and ZD30 engines
- You’ll have to grow a mullet by law (some could view this as a pro)
105 Series LandCruiser
If you don’t mind visiting your local petrol station and need a big four-wheel drive wagon with proper off-road ability – you need a 105 Series LandCruiser. For under $20,000, you’ll be able to snap up a 4.5L straight six-cylinder petrol-powered version. They are more reliable than the sun, but they use more fuel than… um, the sun.
Budget around 20L/100km, unloaded, and you’ll be in the right head space when you receive slightly better figures. In saying that, when loaded or towing, 30L/100km could be closer to the mark.
The 105 Series could also be had with the naturally aspirated 1HZ diesel motor. It’s also incredibly reliable, but it’s a real slog to drive daily. Many have had luck turbocharging them for more power, while others have melted holes in pistons, and bank accounts. Finding a diesel version for this price point will be harder than the petrol version, but they do exist for under $20,000. Drive them both, and see what you think. If the 1HZ is too slow for your driving style, you’ll be better off with the petrol model.
They are a large full-sized wagon, with coil springs on all four corners and solid axles front and rear. The perfect recipe for off-road domination. Just watch that weak front diff centre.
Pros
- Known reliability with easy access to spare parts
- Off-road ability is strong thanks to solid axles and coil springs
- Plenty of space inside for a large family
Cons
- Thirsty petrol engine
- Slow naturally aspirated diesel engine
- Weak front diff centre
N70 Toyota HiLux
There’s such a strong following in this country for the mighty N70 HiLux, there’s nothing you can’t do to them. Parts are on the shelf at every automotive store, and the knowledge to fix and maintain them is everywhere.
Many people are getting big power figures out of the 3.0L 1KD-FTV 4-cylinder turbo-diesel engine. Or you can stick with the reliable albeit slightly thirsty 1GR-FE 4.0L V6 petrol motor – it’s a sweet runner with heaps of grunt.
Some owners are even going as far as performing solid axle swaps. Others are just happy to tour around with a set of all-terrains and a mild lift. The sky is the limit.
They are a fairly basic no-frills style automobile, that’s for sure. I’d be investing in some diff locks if you want to drive technical terrain. Otherwise, they offer a brilliant platform to modify into your dream off-roader. I should know, I own my dream N70 HiLux with a camper on the back. It’s for sale too (pictured), if anyone is interested hit me up.
Pros
- Parts and knowledge everywhere
- Easily upgradeable
- Proven overall reliability
Cons
- Will need diff locks to drive technical terrain
- My engine went bang at 275,000km – it cost $8000 for a new motor
- Make sure the injectors are replaced at scheduled intervals, and change the oil every 5000-10,000km
