$1000 4wd to launch/retrieve a boat

[AdrianLR]

Looking for something that our boys can use to launch a 2t ski boat from the shore on a lake. Our place is lake frontage so no reg is ok. Gets muddy but not steep. Needs to be drivable between place of purchase and our place with a VicRoads permit.

I've narrowed it down to XJ Jeep Cherokee, Land Rover Disco, Ford Courier or Mazda Bravo (finding a 4wd one is difficult) and have seen a few in the 1,000 to 1,200 range but the Jeeps went quickly.

Open to suggestions (and offers).

[oldblade]

you can get some bargains on grays online

We  just got a Rav4 not of grays for our property for $1000.00 and i love it best car we own  bang for buck goes anywhere

[Marcus73]

I've have heard that the Courier / Bravo have fairly fragile manual gearboxes,so I'd be a bit cautious if it's going to be dragging a boat out.


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[AdrianLR]

you can get some bargains on grays online

There are a couple of interesting cheapies. A Suzuki Vitara V6 and a Pathfinder. Engine turns over in both but that's it as far as the mechanical condition goes. I've only been to the Manheim ones where you can't test drive. Assuming Grays is the same so is it a pure gamble you don't end up with a complete dud?

[AdrianLR]

I've have heard that the Courier / Bravo have fairly fragile manual gearboxes,so I'd be a bit cautious if it's going to be dragging a boat out.


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Thanks. Very good to know.

[HEM19X]

Have you thought about an old tractor.. OK would need to transport it but stacks of grunt for pulling out the boat.

[Hookie]

Have you thought about an old tractor.. OK would need to transport it but stacks of grunt for pulling out the boat.

That's what I came to say. Much less chance of getting it bogged too.

[Watty2975]

We bought an old Range Rover for $1200 a few years ago for towing the boat in and out and short trips to house. Was a great little thing for what we wanted.

[Jeepers Creepers]

That's what I came to say. Much less chance of getting it bogged too.

Same here.... an old tractor would be the go. Easy to work on, go forever.

[Rumpig]

Have you thought about an old tractor.. OK would need to transport it but stacks of grunt for pulling out the boat.

plenty of pro fishos on Fraser and Straddie islands think the same thing I have noticed.

[AdrianLR]

Ok, so a tractor. A quick look on Gumtree has anything that isn't "collectable" at over $5k. A front bucket would be handy so could spend a bit more than a thousand but not 5.

There are probably other places than Gumtree to look.

How do I know if it's a good one?

Would the little Kubotas & Massey Fergs be big enough?

[oldblade]

We just bought a New Holland tractor and it's brilliant but it's 30k not 1k

If they break they can be expensive to fix hence I bought new 

[Mace]

A reasonable MF 35 petrol will cost you anything from $3500 upwards for just the bare tractor.

30 - 40 hp tractors will easily tow 2T due to combination of low range gear ratios, final drive and large rear wheel.  If you do go this way make sure tyres have plenty of tread as they can be quite a few $$

https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-farming-vehicles/massey+ferguson+35/k0c21134

[Bird]

http://www.martinevansauctions.com/saturday-2nd-june-2018---melton.html

No idea how these auctions go.. but might be worth checking.

[Beachman]

Quick look on Gumtree and found this cheap 4WD's for under $1300

https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/geelong/cars-vans-utes/2000-mitsubishi-challenger-4wd/1184994825 

https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/braybrook/cars-vans-utes/nissan-pathfinder-1997-auto/1183936784

[AdrianLR]

Quick look on Gumtree and found this cheap 4WD's for under $1300

https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/geelong/cars-vans-utes/2000-mitsubishi-challenger-4wd/1184994825 

https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/braybrook/cars-vans-utes/nissan-pathfinder-1997-auto/1183936784

Thanks. Saw the Pathy (transmission shot) but missed the Challenger. Will follow that one up.

[AdrianLR]

http://www.martinevansauctions.com/saturday-2nd-june-2018---melton.html

No idea how these auctions go.. but might be worth checking.

Thanks Bird.

The answer to how much is probably a lot plus transport based on some sales on eBay. Cute cab.

[Bird]

Thanks Bird.

The answer to how much is probably a lot plus transport based on some sales on eBay. Cute cab.

I liked it
LOVE some of the toolboxes up for auction!!!!! That Snapon thing is MONSTEROUS

[tryagain]

Don't know exactly where you are, where you need to take it but here is another one.

https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/patchewollock/cars-vans-utes/jeep-grand-cherokee-wagon-limited-4x4-2003/1184452296

[AdrianLR]

Don't know exactly where you are, where you need to take it but here is another one.

https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/patchewollock/cars-vans-utes/jeep-grand-cherokee-wagon-limited-4x4-2003/1184452296

I'm in inner Melbourne and going to Eildon.

Got that one on watch. Front end/brakes noise for a 500km plus drive were a worry. A good option otherwise.

[Paddler Ed]

Put it up to $2k, and there's a few more options, some with some rego to cash in:
https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-cars-vans-utes/eildon-shepparton/c18320l3001904r50?price=__2000.00

[Bill]

Could always rent a car trailer to haul it home on if no rego...
Bill

[tryagain]

and going to Eildon.

So it's goin to Bonnie Doon (or near enough) https://youtu.be/PAy_e2Egt6E?t=28s 

[Jeepers Creepers]

If ya not going to register it, buy an old falcon or holden ute or 1 tonner

6 cyl auto would haul most things, oxy off the rear quarters/or remove the tray and bash some dirty big 4wd tyres under its bum.

[GBC]

If you don't have a ramp or a solid base I'd be looking at a ramp trailer and winch setup rather than a vehicle. Lake banks at less than 100% are notorious car eaters.