Which 4x4?

[Pretender]

OK, I have two vehicles to choose from if I get the money by Thursday.

1. 1992 4Runner, 2.4 petrol/gas(2 year old conversion), Motor rebuilt in 04, 5 spd, A/C, P/str, CD, Towbar, 50% tyres, owner painted car himself in black that is now peeling and faded and gearbox will not go into reverse. Could take 30 minutes to fix the gearbox or at worst install the one in my brother's shed. My brother is also a spraypainter. Price $1950

2. 1985 Range Rover, 3.5 litre V8, 4 door, Petrol/Gas (5 yr old conversion), 5 spd, P/str, A/c (needs gas), Towbar, Brand new tyres, Faded paint, no rust, sagging rooflining, Motor rebuilt in 04, Sounds great. Price $2000

Which way should I go?

[Matt_vp]

go the rangie

[MikesVT]

How much are you looking at spending?

oppss... just saw the prices..

Ermm.... out of the two... I'd say the range rover

[Pretender]

100% Rangie so far. I am leaning that way as I can just get in and drive,the 4Runner is a real bargain though. 92 4Runners range in price from $7000 - $10000 but that does not matter if I'm keeping the car.

[MasterOfReality]

I'd get the 4Runner.

That Range Rover is gonna cost you a fortune in maintanance, and it has a woeful reputation for reliability. Remember the phrase buy british, buy bad? Just check out the 4x4 forums or pick up a used car buyers guide and see for yourself. From what I remember, the electrics are the biggest issues.

I was looking at a 1992 version a couple of years back, and the amount of **** that went wrong with it on the test drive was enough to convince me to steer clear.

[ChargedVX]

Do Not !!! buy the Range Rover
Unless you just want to drive on sealed roads
The only good point for a Rangie in the bush is 4 wheel independant suspension.
The first time you show one of these a little rough terrain you will be going home with no front diff operating
Then $2500 later you will think "ah well it's a new diff let's go 4wding and bammo $2500 more
Trust me I'm talking from experience.
Aswell as that any aftermarket gear you want fitted ie: lift kits ect: will cost you more and regardless of how much you spend it's still only a $2000 Range Rover
Mine owed me over $20 k and struggled to sell it for $3000

[cxcxcxvcvcvc]

can we still post links to you tube ect or is that against the rules now as i have an awesome link to a 4x4 short!

[VNexecutive]

rangie = crap

go the four runner. rangies are the second most likely 4wd to set fire to themselves, right after jeeps ROFL

[Pretender]

I have had a lot of previous experience myself with Range Rovers and Land Rovers over the years. Electrics were woeful until sorted but an 85 model would certainly have them sorted by now (you would hope ).
Front diffs are no weaker than most other 4x4s.
Just about any 4x4 will break the front diff if you put power on with one front wheel in the air to drive over an obstacle and let it come down and hit the ground spinning. This sort of damage is very common with new 4x4 drivers and many Hilux owners know all about this. Patrols and Landcruisers are said to have the strongest standard front diffs (debatable).
The Buick based 3.5 is reliable enough but must be serviced and have the oil changed regularly. Parts can be sourced cheaply through anyone but a Rover Dealer. Obviously coolant use is essential as well.
Holden V8s fit very well and are a cheap and easy conversion if ever needed.
As of yesterday I have been leaning more toward the 4Runner anyway.

It doesn't look like I'll have the money by Thursday so I probably will be considering different cars next week anyway.

[Lumps of cheese]

I'd spend a bit extra if you can and get a diesel for a start.
In my line of work my brother and i run the rodeos and have never had a problem with them.
You can pick early models up pretty right these days, i know the ones you mention are on gas but they are still pretty hard on fue.