Modern 4x4 Wagon

[ENYXR]

Partner doesn't need a car anymore so looking at getting rid of both cars and into a 4x4 wagon which I will be using for daily duties and the odd trip on the weekends.

Budget is 20ish but happy to stretch it for the right car, currently have a 2010 Challenger and a 2008 3.0 Patrol in my sights does anyone have any opinions on either of those?

[shifted]

If I recall the 3L Patrol's aren't ideal - can't recall which model specifically so I could be incorrect.

Partner & I are still looking at a Rav4 when the opportunity arises (2010-2012, 4x4 model, 16-20k appears possible). Though she is interested to look at an X-Trail also.

[ENYXR]

As far as I'm aware 07 onward is when they brought in the CRD 3L which while still not perfect it improved them a lot, so far the Challenger is on the top of the list due to better fuel economy and less truck-like for the partner when she needs to take it out.
Just not sure if I'll miss the 4x4 capability that the Patrol has.

[Passage GT]

The zd30 patrols are actually great off road, you don't notice how gutless they are in low range... but towing or overtaking etc they're painful, it's kind of luck of the draw on fuel use too, some use ridiculous amounts and others bugger all...
If you're not going to do hardcore off roading I'd look at a Pajero or something like that, more than capable for general off road duties, more power, lighter, handle better, better on fuel etc.
This coming from a die hard nissan man.

[ENYXR]

The zd30 patrols are actually great off road, you don't notice how gutless they are in low range... but towing or overtaking etc they're painful, it's kind of luck of the draw on fuel use too, some use ridiculous amounts and others bugger all...
If you're not going to do hardcore off roading I'd look at a Pajero or something like that, more than capable for general off road duties, more power, lighter, handle better, better on fuel etc.
This coming from a die hard nissan man.

I have test driven a zd30 Patrol and didn't mind it at all. Going to go test drive a Challenger tomorrow night, haven't really heard a bad thing about them as of yet and have read it'll go almost anywhere with a lift and some better tyres.
Similar pricing between them it seems just the mitsi is a heap better on fuel and I can only assume a bit nicer for daily duties with the smaller size.

[DanWA]

Brother went looking at Challenger's for his wife and ended up with a Pajero so +1 for Pajero

Keeps mrs happy cause still like soccer mum's car but can still do everything offroad

[strubaru]

after test driving quite a few Patrols I ended up getting a Petrol Pajero, so happy with it, 2" lift with 33's and its great off road & awesome daily driver

[shifted]

Actually drove a Pajero up north last month - fantastic car. Definitely worth the look at.

[Ko[R]uPt]

Pajero or Prado.

[Rb_sil]

if looking at pajeros make sure you look into service costs altho they might drive great for a short period most of them have EGR issues related to lower manifolds getting blocked with shit/carbon and they need tappet adjustment every 40,000 and its like a 6 hour job...

[ENYXR]

Guess I'll be adding the Pajero to the list then
If I was to buy a Prado within my price range it'd have to be a 1kz one or a flogged 1kd and if I were to get a 1kz I'd rather just spent a third of my budget and go a Surf.

[strubaru]

if looking at pajeros make sure you look into service costs altho they might drive great for a short period most of them have EGR issues related to lower manifolds getting blocked with shit/carbon and they need tappet adjustment every 40,000 and its like a 6 hour job...

yeah only on the diesels tho ;)

with the petrol v6 model check if timing belt/spark plugs/rocker cover seals have been done, these is the most expensive service items

[ENYXR]

Signed myself up for a 2010 Challenger, not sure if that was the last model with the factory diff lock but I also test drove a MY11 which didn't have a diff lock and although lower kms was in much worse condition and was a lot more sluggish on the road.
Taking delivery on Saturday hopefully will be able to get it out somewhere this weekend and see how capable they really are.

[ENYXR]

Missing the comforts of my Liberty but enjoying the convenience of a 4x4 I'm now considering an L322 Range Rover or similar.
Have always been told to avoid like the plague but would like to hear anyone else's experiences or opinions?

Not interested in Sports or Evoques or anything like that nor am I interested in the V8 models, T/D only.

[31-EVO]

Prado is the easiest pick of the bunch.
If you had the dosh, the Isuzu MUX is actually a damn nice rig, little bit unrefined motor wise, but reliable as.

[ENYXR]

Prado is the easiest pick of the bunch.
If you had the dosh, the Isuzu MUX is actually a damn nice rig, little bit unrefined motor wise, but reliable as.

Already getting about in a Dual-Cab-Turned-Wagon-Spec with my Mitsi Challenger so mostly keen to upgrade into something with some more creature comforts.
Upon doing some more research in the hour or so since I made this decision though I think I'll just be keeping the Challenger, doing some sound deadening and possibly some comfier seats.

[31-EVO]

Seat upgrade in my Jeep was the best thing I ever did, sound deadening is something I never considered.
The challenger isn't a bad car at all, just a bad stigma with the diesel .

[ENYXR]

Seat upgrade in my Jeep was the best thing I ever did, sound deadening is something I never considered.
The challenger isn't a bad car at all, just a bad stigma with the diesel .

Challenger has been great and the diesel has gone above and beyond my expectations.
Tired of all the little rattles and missing the lazy automatic though hahaha

[skinkis]

Went through my Jeep with Dynamat and Dynaliner, made quite a big difference, especially under 70kph, after that, the boxy shape and the muddies still take out their right.
Was still worth it though, so would recommend giving it a whirl. Small investment for a good result.