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General => General Discussion => Topic started by: Paul (SA) on January 18, 2013, 07:20:07 PM

Title: Buying a second hand 4wd...things I am learning.
Post by: Paul (SA) on January 18, 2013, 07:20:07 PM
I am in the market for a new rig and looking around the web I have discovered the following.....

Men never drive 4wd. They are only driven by ladies to pick up kids from schools.

4wd only ever have one owner....ever.

Even though it has a tow bar and electric brakes fitted, it has never towed.

Most people hardly ever drive their 4wd and it spends most days in the garage.

WA has craploads of 4wd. And for some reason they have all never been off road........much.

Will update as I learn more.....

Title: Re: Buying a second hand 4wd...things I am learning.
Post by: Top.ender on January 18, 2013, 07:28:29 PM
I am in the market for a new rig and looking around the web I have discovered the following.....

Men never drive 4wd. They are only driven by ladies to pick up kids from schools.

4wd only ever have one owner....ever.

Even though it has a tow bar and electric brakes fitted, it has never towed.

Most people hardly ever drive their 4wd and it spends most days in the garage.

WA has craploads of 4wd. And for some reason they have all never been off road........much.

Will update as I learn more.....
:cup: :cup: :cup:
Title: Buying a second hand 4wd...things I am learning.
Post by: britts on January 18, 2013, 07:43:45 PM
Do you know what you're looking for?
Title: Re: Buying a second hand 4wd...things I am learning.
Post by: markymark on January 18, 2013, 08:18:04 PM
I am in the market for a new rig and looking around the web I have discovered the following.....

Men never drive 4wd. They are only driven by ladies to pick up kids from schools.

4wd only ever have one owner....ever.

Even though it has a tow bar and electric brakes fitted, it has never towed.

Most people hardly ever drive their 4wd and it spends most days in the garage.

WA has craploads of 4wd. And for some reason they have all never been off road........much.

Will update as I learn more.....

and lots of kms are "highway/country" kms!
Title: Re: Buying a second hand 4wd...things I am learning.
Post by: Nomad on January 18, 2013, 08:29:44 PM
ANd most ave never been on the beach until you rub all the sand out from under the front mudguard.   :cheers:
Title: Re: Buying a second hand 4wd...things I am learning.
Post by: briann532 on January 18, 2013, 08:53:30 PM
I'm selling mine................... ;D ;D ;D ;D

One lady owner. ALWAYS been off road.

Yes its actually the wifes car, but the beast has seen its fair share of tracks around the country.
It will be sad to see her go, but she's 9 years old now and of course right when I've got her just the way I like, its time to sell and start all over again :'( :'( :'( :'(

Mines seen plenty of off road and a hell of a lot of dirt, but whoever buys it will be onto a winner. :cup:

(I'm not selling it here so don't accuse me of trying to upsell of the like!!! :police: )

Its been serviced every 10,000k's, oil dropped every 5,000.
It has it scars, but its been well maintained and runs like a dream. I've been meticulous about everything on it and it has just about everything you could ask for.

Now as I said, I'm not trying to sell it here. (trade in allready all worked out and its more than fair.)
I'm just trying to make a point that just because a cars been off road or set up for 4wdíng doesn't mean its been thrashed.
I depend on mine to get me to where I want and back safely. Usually quite remote and occasionally alone, so reliability was paramount.

Just look for the right one and make sure you meet the owner. You usually get a feel for the person.
If it doesn't feel right, it probably isn't.

In regards to your original post, I must admit, its quite hilarious what lengths people will BS to.
And as far as women only driving them....................
My missus is the only person who can reach 5th gear before the end of my street (small cul de sac) and when asked about "that noise"Oh that...........It goes away when you turn the radio up.......
 >:D >:D >:D >:D
Sorry ladies, just having having a cheap shot, while I can get away with it.

Cheers
Brian

Title: Re: Buying a second hand 4wd...things I am learning.
Post by: Paul (SA) on January 19, 2013, 06:06:11 AM
Do you know what you're looking for?

I am looking for a Prado or Pajero around $30k to $40k.
Title: Re: Buying a second hand 4wd...things I am learning.
Post by: Kalebjarrod on January 19, 2013, 06:12:10 AM
A dedicated 4wd owner has far more respect for his rig than a "company car" or a fleet vehicle etc etc

Title: Re: Buying a second hand 4wd...things I am learning.
Post by: GeoffA on January 19, 2013, 06:35:10 AM
......"well looked after".......

......"regularly serviced"......

......"my pride and joy"......

.....all mean nothing, but seem to get a good run in the ads......

 :cheers:
Title: Buying a second hand 4wd...things I am learning.
Post by: shakey55 on January 19, 2013, 07:01:32 AM

If your ape minding that money you will pick up a good one.

I'm not sure were you live but you'll even pick up a good patrol with 4.2 turbo diesel.

This is an example and they are are one of the best off road.

No it's not mine, but I do own one. Happy hunting.

http://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/details/NISSAN-PATROL-13557152


'shakey'
Title: Re: Buying a second hand 4wd...things I am learning.
Post by: Paul (SA) on January 19, 2013, 07:12:49 AM
Thanks shakey....

I am finding it amusing reading through all the comments on the various websites.....
Title: Re: Buying a second hand 4wd...things I am learning.
Post by: kylarama on January 19, 2013, 07:17:02 AM
I'd hold out until you find one that looks like an ARB showroom, owned by an old lady who only drove it to church on Sundays....

Plenty around, they're usally the ones shod with 35" mud tyres. >:D

Good luck sorting the chaff from the wheat.
Title: Re: Buying a second hand 4wd...things I am learning.
Post by: prodigyrf on January 19, 2013, 08:13:07 AM
I am looking for a Prado or Pajero around $30k to $40k.

Well given your intro comments I know my bookkeeper wanted to sell/trade his 09 Pajero to get a new Toorak tractor because he can. It's a top of the line diesel Paj he bought new for $75k I think and wanted $45k to trade it in with 45k on the clock recently.

Now it is one that would only have been on the dirt at the boat ramps over Yorke Peninsula where he takes his boat fishing a handful of times a year and that's the reason he owns one. He'll get the ally bull bar, towbar, 12V socket in the back and whatever's going when he buys a new one and if it so much as squeaks he'll be back worrying the life out of the dealer service centre. He's also a JP and a drug test witness for the AFL, Tour Down Under (and the Olympics), etc so he can't tell you any fibs even if he wanted to  :angel:

It's the old story, you say you only wanted to spend $40k but if I'm any judge his used 4WDs would have you digging in your pocket that bit harder for the obvious. I've got to see him again for the quarterly BAS and if you're interested give me a buzz and I'll put you in touch with him if it's still for sale, but only if you're serious.
Title: Re: Buying a second hand 4wd...things I am learning.
Post by: Paul (SA) on January 19, 2013, 05:49:37 PM
Took the wifey out to a Toyota and Mitsubishi dealer today to test drive a new prado and Pajero.

I did this so I have a good baseline on what the latest features are and what I will be compromising on a second hand rig.

I loved the prado, the wife preferred the Pajero.....groan!

In sum, The Pajero felt like a true off road 4wd and didn't make any apologies for it. The prado felt like it was trying to appease city drivers as much as those heading off road. Both had their pluses and minuses.

Anyway these are my views, I.e. I am not trying to start a war between owners. I will add more later, kinda as a blog for my own reference as well as the fact it may help someone else too later on.

Cheers, Paul.



Title: Re: Buying a second hand 4wd...things I am learning.
Post by: GUEY on January 19, 2013, 06:58:49 PM
Must also add...

First to see will buy
Best in town
Hurry won't last
Rare as hens teeth
One of a kind
Best we've seen
Immaculate condition

Title: Re: Buying a second hand 4wd...things I am learning.
Post by: Paul (SA) on January 19, 2013, 07:08:49 PM
Must also add...

First to see will buy
Best in town
Hurry won't last
Rare as hens teeth
One of a kind
Best we've seen
Immaculate condition

Also, for some strange reason I have learned that a lot of sellers need to go overseas urgently.

As well as this for many people, the sale of their 4wd is most reluctant.
Title: Re: Buying a second hand 4wd...things I am learning.
Post by: 02-SR5 on January 19, 2013, 07:09:35 PM
Took the wifey out to a Toyota and Mitsubishi dealer today to test drive a new prado and Pajero.

I did this so I have a good baseline on what the latest features are and what I will be compromising on a second hand rig.

I loved the prado, the wife preferred the Pajero.....groan!

In sum, The Pajero felt like a true off road 4wd and didn't make any apologies for it. The prado felt like it was trying to appease city drivers as much as those heading off road. Both had their pluses and minuses.

Anyway these are my views, I.e. I am not trying to start a war between owners. I will add more later, kinda as a blog for my own reference as well as the fact it may help someone else too later on.

Cheers, Paul.

Mate,

You can't go wrong with either.

I would with the one that will give you the best deal. Remember, Toyota will have better resale value.
Title: Re: Buying a second hand 4wd...things I am learning.
Post by: crackacoldie on January 19, 2013, 07:56:40 PM
Mate,

You can't go wrong with either.

I would with the one that will give you the best deal. Remember, Toyota will have better resale value.

I'd agree with this Paul,  Heiny on the forum has a Pajero that he loves.  I had previously given them very little credability as a 4wd, from past experiences, however the newer ones seem to have picked up the game again.

 :cheers: Cracka
Title: Re: Buying a second hand 4wd...things I am learning.
Post by: brickiematt on January 19, 2013, 10:57:36 PM
We've just started the same thing Paul. There is a lot of crap to wade through out there!
Found one car today, listed on two separate sites.
One site, the seller claims it is his vehicle, bought to tour Australia, but is selling as he now wants a ute. Fair enough.
The other site, he claims it is his fathers car who is going O/S, needs to sell quickly as dad needs the cash blah blah blah....
This is the same car, same seller, same location.
Doesn't make the job of finding a decent used car any easier when half of what you read is bull, and the other half's all sh1t!
Title: Re: Buying a second hand 4wd...things I am learning.
Post by: Bird on January 19, 2013, 11:13:54 PM
Quote from: brickiematt
The other site, he claims it is his fathers car who is going O/S,
Im surprised theres anyone left in aussie with all the owners going overseas these days...
Title: Re: Buying a second hand 4wd...things I am learning.
Post by: evolution on January 19, 2013, 11:31:18 PM
Im surprised theres anyone left in aussie with all the owners going overseas these days...

Didn't you hear the latest news mate?
It's now legislation to send two Aussies overseas for every boat person that comes into Australian territory, irrespective of whether they get status or not. >:D

Cheers
Evo

Title: Buying a second hand 4wd...things I am learning.
Post by: dazzler on January 20, 2013, 08:19:47 AM
Didn't you hear the latest news mate?
It's now legislation to send two Aussies overseas for every boat person that comes into Australian territory, irrespective of whether they get status or not. >:D

Cheers
Evo

Just bogans hopefully.  :)
Title: Re: Buying a second hand 4wd...things I am learning.
Post by: prodigyrf on January 20, 2013, 08:35:49 AM
Then there's the ad on Carsales for a hot price and poor single mum must sell to pay the mortgage. Car is pictured from different angles in the street with pics of the inside and under the bonnet, etc and when you make email contact only, it's an even cheaper cash offer to pay a sum to the official looking Carsales invoice attached and they'll deliver it to you on appro with 10 days to change your mind and get your money back that Carsales hold in trust.

Huh! I didn't know Carsales acted like Paypal nowadays but a quick check of the website shows it's a scam and if it's too good to be true it is dummy. So I report it and the ad disappears, only to bob up a couple of days later. Exactly the same ad and pics but different suburb, only this time the owner is one of our finest off for a tour of Afghanistan and must sell. How could any true Aussie resist? Just beware of the Taliban and their IEDs-
http://www.accc.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/288383/fromItemId/815972/quickLinkId/815426/whichType/org (http://www.accc.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/288383/fromItemId/815972/quickLinkId/815426/whichType/org)
Title: Re: Buying a second hand 4wd...things I am learning.
Post by: prodigyrf on January 20, 2013, 08:44:25 AM
Just bogans hopefully.  :)
Nah, put me down for Greens, lawyers and other sundry bleeding hearts  :'(
Title: Re: Buying a second hand 4wd...things I am learning.
Post by: lilstookie on January 20, 2013, 08:53:37 AM
We are also in the market for a Better 4wd than our Current Holden Jackaroo. We are travelling at the moment and the Jackaroo is now had enough of towing. Its not set up for real offroad and we would like something a bit more off road orientated so we can get to those places we see in the magazines.

We have been looking at a Landcruiser 80 series,100 series or 105 series in a petrol.
I see alot of cars with 33" muddies and a 3" lift but never been offroad, which has alot to say for the state of our roads......
As much as a car with diff locks,liftkits,snorkel and all the good stuff then I would anticipate its been used for the purpose intended.
We have decided to buy a car in our pricerange as close to stock as possible. We will then upgrade it the way we want and hopefully it will be flogged within in inch of its life by us.

We have a smaller price range and would prefer petrol.
Longer service intervals, cheaper to service ( I can do most things petrol).

Its a bit tricky buying second hand.
Our Jackaroo was purchased 5 years ago with 270,000 as a 2nd car runabout, it became our main car and has served us VERY VERY well with no mechanical issues (other than when we let HOLDEN do a major service) and for $8000 at the time we have certainly got our pound of flesh from it.

I wanted a Pajero DiD but the wife says its too small and you dont see many in the desert........

Good luck with your search.
Title: Re: Buying a second hand 4wd...things I am learning.
Post by: achjimmy on January 20, 2013, 09:46:41 AM
Shameless Plug

http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=26565.0 (http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=26565.0)

Lady owner (wife half share)
Never towed ( anything but van)
Driven only on Sunday's ( four wheel driving)
Owner going overseas (all the time, but I return)
Never been on sand (actually true)
Always serviced including oil at halfs (also true)
One of a kind (well its my one)

Can't go wrong with either Paj or Prado, forget resale your buying secondhand, so you reap the benefit of lower Pajero resale plus Pajero warranty longer so you may benefit there.

Good luck
Title: Re: Buying a second hand 4wd...things I am learning.
Post by: dazzler on January 20, 2013, 12:00:06 PM
I am looking for a Prado or Pajero around $30k to $40k.

6sp manual Prado petrol.  Use the fact its petrol against them though in the long run it works out even with prado as the petrol is not that far off the diesel and you dont have the injector D4D problems.

Paj is diesel only really as the petrol is a boat anchor.

Have fun.
Title: Re: Buying a second hand 4wd...things I am learning.
Post by: prodigyrf on January 20, 2013, 01:50:29 PM
By the way the bookkeeper has the late 09 Paj and supposedly their diesel motors are better than the previous model ones?? What's the lowdown on that as I wouldn't have a clue about yer Toorak tractors as I'm a Suzayco man with enough change for old wanker add-ons, gizmos and gadgets to keep it all up under $30k. Plus the missus can drive the Suzy bit to work and actually parallel park the thing. $40k just for a thirsty tug she can't park  ???
Yo'all need to get with the program-
Title: Re: Buying a second hand 4wd...things I am learning.
Post by: prodigyrf on January 20, 2013, 02:46:46 PM
OK to be completely fair it's had 2 lil ol lady owners but neither of them has towed with it or taken it off-road. Honest, without a word of a lie  :angel:
Title: Re: Buying a second hand 4wd...things I am learning.
Post by: prodigyrf on January 24, 2013, 09:31:08 AM
Yes well the truth and nothing but the truth can leave a whole lot to be desired without the whole truth and yours truly behind the wheel occasionally. Bought the schmick 3 yr old Suzy with only 35k on the clock for $15500  from a very nice lady professor who had promised herself her first new car when she gained a professorship and then 3 yrs later decided to take up an attractive OS appointment. Hopefully she doesn't lurk on Myswag to see her precious new car now.

Had a chuckle over the bil (he who shouldn't be let within a bull's roar of anything mechanical and Gawdelp anyone inheriting his used hand grenades) when I showed up with a Hayman Reese hitch sticking through the cutout in the plastic bumper. Aww you should have got the genuine one with the removable tab from underneath sez he because it's best for resale if they don't know you've towed with it. I had a wry smile thinking these cars in my hands are good for 10 yrs and 250k no worries and any residual value in 7 or 8 years will be a bonus. That goes for $12750 worth of used 03 Dove and I'll have had enough of windups by then no doubt.

Different strokes for different folks and there's only 2 of us nowadays so the back foldover seats are out and hanging in the shed which is much more convenient storage wise.  I don't need my book-keepers new to 3 yr old Paj rate of depreciation to work certain things out either.

I'm learning a few things about these Toorak tractors too. Apart from the daughter's boyfriend just dropping $4k on a new turbo for his recent purchase of a 140000km Landrover Discovery he bought used (he likes towing big boats), I must confess to being a bit puzzled at the paranoia on Myswag over picking up a bad tank of diesel. That's until I discovered some home truths about Toyota's common rail diesel technology. Nice to have that extra power and better economy over the lad's 1KZ-TE motor in his AWD LWB Hiace sparky van, but it's all in vain if they go bang clunk with bad diesel. $9-$10kays worth eh? That's a lot of diesel worth chaps and I'm sticking with the good professor's Mighty Mouse and 12.2L/100k petrol average on the road.

I can see now how yo'all need to be mighty circumspect about the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth though ;)