Small to medium 4x4s

[Pretender]

I am looking at getting a 4WD to enable me to launch and retrieve my boat from beaches and slippery ramps. The VN just spins away on some occasions.
I wish to spend around $2000 and I'm just looking for any advice from those that may have owned or do own one of the following vehicles. Actual 4WD bush driving ability is not important as it is just to launch the boat. I also may drive it to work (108km a day) if needed.

Commonly found under $2000:
Subaru
Sierra
MQ Patrol SWB - Diesel
Jackaroo
Tercel
Niva
Rodeo
Pajero SWB -Petrol or Diesel
Blizzard/Rocky (79 - 83)

Under $2000 on occasion (May be in rough condition bodywise):
Corolla SR5 AWD
Liteace van
Rocky - Petrol or diesel (83 on)
Landcruiser - Diesel
Hilux
Courier

Thanks for any and all advice

[Bax]

What type of subaru are you talking about? I think you want something with a bit more torque then usual, how big is your boat?

I drive a 1.3 sierra on a regular basis and I don't rate them that high in the power dept, a huge amount of people wouldn't go past them when it comes to 4wding, and on road they're a nice little car and don't consume much fuel or space, but like I've said the 1.3l isn't handy, maybe the gearing would help you out - I can't say.

The patrol should eat it up, old beasts I really like the look of them, you can pick them up fairly cheap too considering.. No real driving experience in a patrol, not a diesel anyway.

The Rodeo should be be fairly good for it aswell, they're not full of power but they seem to have a bit more range with the revs in most other 4wd's that I've driven, they're not a huge car, unless you made them of course, 4wd is there, more room to carry extra boating eqip. Mind you the boat would have enough space to store anyway.

Haven't driven an old Hilux. I hear lots of good things about the old couriers. That's what I wanted to get a little while back but couldn't find any cheap enough.
And the rest of them I don't know enough about.. Except for the landcruiser, would easily accommodate your towing needs. But apart from that it’s a big stupid ass tank of a car, too big and heavy for their own good sometimes.

And that probably doesn't help much at all.

[Pretender]

Cheers Bax
A Sierra would be fine to tow my boat as I towed it with a friends Barina very easily on a number of occasions. My boat is a fibreglass 15ft half cabin that doesn't weigh too much. Not sure of the exact weight.

Sierras, the rescue vehicle for all major 4WD competitions in the 90s as they were the only vehicle that could be almost 100% guaranteed to get through all obstacles and pull others out.

L Series Subaru, 1.8 60kW

[Bax]

I'm somewhat soft for the old sierra's. I was never really a fan until I had the chance to drive on daily for the past year.

If it was my own however, I'd be investing in some sort of engine upgrade, whether it be through minor work, different carby, efi, the 1.6 engine, charged or blown etc.

Apart from that I can't fault them, they are easy to work on, they look beasty, cheap to run. And if it will easily tow your boat, it's won my vote.

Might want to invest in an aftermarket clutch. I'm not sure whether its my gf's sloppy left foot or the car itself, but it seems to be the only thing that’s failing.

[ENV5]

niva i bought 2 for $400 and made one good one so now i have a few parts laying around lol and only $118 for 3 months to register 1.8ltr twin cam, 5 speed box and a diff locker

[Pretender]

niva i bought 2 for $400 and made one good one so now i have a few parts laying around lol and only $118 for 3 months to register 1.8ltr twin cam, 5 speed box and a diff locker

What brand of motor is installed in your Niva?

I have heard the stories of dodgy electrics, gearboxes, brakes and motors but have never seen a Niva fitted with a different motor. I wondered why it was not a common thing, thinking perhaps it was because they were initially cheap.
As far as I know the Niva is as tough as nails in the body and driveline (not including the motor) and is a very capable 4WD so would seem ideal for a transplant.
I would welcome any tips you may have as I have always had a soft spot for the Niva. Some would say my head is the soft spot.
I see Nivas advertised for less than $1000 just about every week. Might be a nice project for me.

[ENV5]

the motor came out of a fiat 132 the ladas did originally come out with the 1.6ltr 4 speed the wiring is abit of a headache but i wll get a vn commodore fuse holder and i may also run some new wires

[Troyziee]

u didnt have a suzuki vitara in ur list :P tuff lil cars,

and u can chuck a swift gti turbo in2 em no worries, my mate had 1 on 33" muddies, looked tuff, that was until he rolled it, flyin through a roundabout and nearly killed himself, buttttt besides that there a top lil car and theyd b cheap as now (think his was '92/93 model)

[andyman]

get a hilux around a 1984 to 1988, we had a 84 model for about 6 years and changed the oil twice, never broke down and used very little oil, was a fantastic ute, they are really are great and wont let you down

[Pretender]

cheers guys
Vitaras are still too much and only the 83 and older Hiluxs occasional come in under my limit, but I look at both each week just in case.
There are many Sierras running around with the GTI motor installed but I have not heard of a Vitara.

[badaz]

I had an 81 model Hi-lux for a number of years it was a great 4wd it was a 2l petrol with extractors 2/5 inch zorst> Drove it from Geelong to Darwin in 3 days pulling a 6*4 trailer with my road bike on the back did not miss a beat. Plus had great time out bush in it to only sold it because had 2 kids and only 2 seats. Lots of boat owners up there have them for there boats

[Pretender]

I got offered an 86 single cab Hilux with brand new tyres and airconditioning for $1500. A Car Dealer I know is having it traded on a Cherokee and offered $1500 for it.
He said he doesn't care if he sells it to me for $1500 as overall he makes nearly $5000 on a sale he expected to make only $3500. As he said he gets $1500 for nothing as I would have to clean it.
I really want it but I need four seats as my wife's car is out of action for at least two months.
Oh well, I'll see what I can work out.