Hi once again and merry xmas to all.
I would like to ask all you guys which 4wd you drive and whether they came upto your expectations and why.I (not wanting to lash out with my hard earned super)am looking at buying a Ssangyong Musso.Is there anyone out there  with one ,would love to hear of your experiances before I take the plunge.
Cheers

Don't know what happened thee, try again.



-- Edited by Peter_n_Margaret at 14:49, 2007-12-24

Only getting a piece of the post???????
 
Hi Mecca.
Out 4x4 is a motorhome, so not quite what you are after, but I will comment.....Actually, I think I have voiced these views on this forum before, but here I go again....

Have a look at what they who live and drive in the bush drive (station people, and miners) and why?
(I'll guess at the numbers, so they won't be right, but the order of magnitude will).

< 1% - "Other" (this includes your first choice).
< 5% - Patrols, Landrovers.
10% - 100 Series 'Cruisers (the 'town' car).
20% - HiLux (the light weight runabout).
65% - 75/78 Series 'Cruisers (the work horses).

Why the numbers became like they are is historical I think. I doubt if the 'Cruisers are much better than the Patrols, for instance.
What is significant is that EVERYONE in the bush knows how to fix a Toyota, and you can buy a new set of springs (or whatever) from the local shop, if there is not an old set out the back of the workshop!

Tyre availability, parts availability, skills, experience.....there is not much choice!

Cheers,
Peter.

Thanks for the comments Pete,like you say the true nomads who live life in the bush would be lost without the hilux and cruisers,however I don't think I would be doing any real hard bush-bashing (the other half would'nt let me) so being a wannabe at the moment am thinking of a somewhat cheaper 4x4.Dont think the wife or myself could live for extended periods in a motor-home but that may change?.So I am thinking of starting with a van ( with shower/toilets ha ha ) OW ( just got my ears clipped again)and who knows what to pull it. I own a 2003 4cyl Camry @ 60Klm rated at 1200Kg and also have a Commodore VR rated at 2300Kg but getting on in age now. The reason I am looking at a Ssangyong Musso ( definately not because of their looks) is that by all accounts and from what I have read is that they are underated , seem to have all the bells and whistles,3.2 Ltr petrol or 2.7 diesel and apart from inherant probs seem good enough for a starter like me. So all you Ssangyong owners who are also reading this post ( both of you) please reply with your thoughts.

He's been,He's been ----------------------------- ho ho ho Merry Xmas everybody.

Not sure about Pete n Margaret's comments about Toyotas. Everyone in the bush might know how to fix the old ones but no-one can fix the new ones unless you have all the right equipment required to just about open the bonnet on modern vehicles. In general the only people who have that are the service agents and I would agree there are plenty of Toyota agents out there. I have a Jeep Cherokee (2005) and am very happy with it but am aware that there are very few dealers across Australia compared with Toyota but the vehicle suits us and wouldn't change so its all about what you want from a vehicle really.

Lots of truth in those comments too hefi.We were looking at a cherokee when we first had the first inclings of life on the road,so any comments on your vehicle would be most welcome.By all accounts from what I have read on this forum I would be well advised to have a look first at all options and check out some of the nomads out there.
In a couple of days we intend to set off towards Hervey Bay area to have a look at possibly retiring there,so should have a good oppertunity.That is unless the parks are full to capacity with families.Maybe should leave it till Feb but I think Queenslanders still on school hols.Stiil theres only two of us so should find somewhere.Will be able to give our 2003 camry a long tryout too.
Have a great Xmas

Have done heaps of Km's around the place, and as yet haven't seen one requiring assistance...I believe all modern vehicles are GOOD..just the servicing, good fuel / oils / and drive within it's limit's are a key factor. I'd be looking for a 4x2 Turbo Diesel with a LSD. Will do your task well, less weight not dragging another diff etc for a free ride. How many forumites really use 4WD with a van? Only those who venture into 4x4 areas and have the proper equipment. 'Horses for Courses & Courses for Horses' Just my humble opinion...guess it makes me a target..ha ha ha Good luck with your choices..either way, you'll have a great time. Cheers

We have recently bought a KIa Sorento diesel, and cannot praise it enough. It had loads of pulling power for our dual axle 17'5 foot van, gives us good ecoonomy, and had all the bells and whistles that we want. I did a VERY thorough comparison and we found the Kia Sorento to be the best value for money, and generally about $10 - 20,000 cheaper than anything comparable. The Wheels magazine gave them a good write up to apparently, but i haven't seen that. Spoke to two couple in Mildura a few weeks ago who had the peterol Sorentos, one with 100,000 on the clock, and they are wrapt in them. They were also 4WD members and said they performed exceptionally well in the rough stuff and often better than other much more expensive vehicles.

Thanks for reply Grizzly,good to see someone has seen the Mussos around.The OZ and UK user sites are full of praise for this make,just cant understand why they are not more popular when you consider the cost of LC,Patrols,Rangerovers as they seem capable of the same performance if not better( and they depreciate quicker too--bonus).Keep those eyes open !.
Cheers

Kia fan eh Bruce,I have heard good reports too of the Sorrento.Dont think (want) my budget too stretch for a new vehicle though.I have always bought a 3-4yr old to try and get best value(depreciation scares me to death - ha ha).Always good to know how new vehicles have stood the test of time too IMHO.Will have a good look at the brand though.Makes you wonder what is on the cards for CHINA imports too,Ive heard they will soon be landing normal(if thats the correct word)saloons in OZ for about 1/3 of the price.Imagine going into Bunnings for your next car "I'll have an OZITO 4 x 4 please,and dont forget the 3 day warranty".  Ha Ha
Cheers