Daily driver/tourer

[Matthew]

It's time I got another car, something that will be my daily plus be capable enough to use for touring. It needs to be compact with four doors, auto and have low range. Preferably <100k km and a 2000 model or newer.

Has anyone got any suggestions of what to look at, the only two that really seem to fit are GV's of around 2000 and Pajero io's. I'm thinking the GV.

Is there any obvious vehicle that I have overlooked?

Matt

[robsjimny]

What price range do you have

[Matthew]

Thought I had included that. Would prefer to spend ~$12k plus a bit extra for tyres if they are needed.

[gwagensteve]

I'm reluctant to recommend this, but a Discovery? Might be a touch pre-2000, but meets all the criteria and would be a far better tourer than a GV or IO.

Steve.

[neofitou]

I would go the SWB version of a proper Pajero like mine over an io or even a GV, but we need a 4 door (apparently).
The 1 and only issue I have the the Paj is that its too big. my old SWB Pajero was fantastic apart from the astron motors I kept killing till I spent proper money on it.
I did crack a head on my current one at about 300,000 and did a full reco (not cheap) its now like new.

I could stick a good set of tyres on and live happily ever after but "we" want smaller now, eventually when the debit is paid off I will probably get a GV or even an SX4 AWD.

[Matthew]

Sorry for the slow response, went away for the weekend.

I'm reluctant to recommend this, but a Discovery? Might be a touch pre-2000, but meets all the criteria and would be a far better tourer than a GV or IO.

Steve.

I've only driven one diesel disco but wasn't a fan of it, as a tourer I think I would like it but it seemed too cumbersome and truck like for a daily, perhaps it was just the one that I drove though. Although I want to do some touring I'm not planning on anything longer than a week within the next two years and as I spend a lot of time driving in the CBD I would rather something narrower than the discos 200+cm.

Ive decided against the iO , but how bad would a GV be for mild touring?

I would go the SWB version of a proper Pajero like mine over an io or even a GV,

A shorty Pajero is something I hadn't thought of, perhaps I should give one a drive, although I really would prefer four doors, it makes it so much easier for strapping animal cages in the backseat.


Matt

[Jonno]

animal cages...?

Why not get a ute? There are some decent 4wd dual cabs that would do the job for that price. Then animals can go in the tray along with anything else you dont want inside the cab (fuel, gas, etc)

[gwagensteve]

I'd also be searching for a late model Hilux surf (4 door 4Runner) The last of the gen 3 hilux shape run the 1KZ diesel, and id you get an SSR-G you get a Recaro interior and lots of bells and whistles.

Whilst these cars are older than a GV, they are much heavier duty, have very good support, and are nice and compact.

I'm not anti GV, I just don't think they are the best car for the job.

Steve.

[Matthew]

I hadn't thought of the hilux surf, that sounds like a really good idea.
What year is the last of the Gen 3?

[neofitou]

Back seat folds forward in the Paj and locks and there are tie downs, if you dont go a ute would still be handy as there is plent of room. I used to fit about 15 computers in mine.
Actually, I used to take the seat out and turn it around and go to the drive in with the back door open, that was pretty sweet.