Looking for a 4x4 - have no idea what I'm looking at. Help!

[Tank]

Ive decided to buy a 4x4 as I have access to land for shooting that needs one.

So will be doing 'real' off roading - not just going over a kerb to grab a flat white.

Im not looking at spending huge amounts as its only for shits and giggles - needs to be road legal as I will use it to tow the boat and beach launchings.

BUT - I have no idea what is good and what is not. I know Toyotas are well thought of (not the Rav4's), as are those little Suzuki's and early land rovers.

I dont mind swinging a spanner - in fact its a fun way to spend a evening.

So - looking for advise - what should I look for? What should I avoid? What accessories help (snorkel etc) and what are just a waste?

and like biking - I have access to a mentor (who is out of the country at the mo) to actually teach me how to drive the thing properly.

[Ixion]

Nissan Safari/Patrol (same thing) is the gold standard. Not cheap, but

[FROSTY:Me]

Ok dude if its for shits n giggles then a Suzuki Jimini or escudo is your best bang for buck. Its kinda like buying a KDX200 as a first trailee.Reliable easy to sort and lotsa guys been there seen that done that. If you're more of a Big four stroke rider kinda guy then I'd say an old 3 door landcruiser will do well.

[Ixion]

It's surprising how well those Suzukis can cope offroad, I had a chance to try one a while ago, and I was impressed. Nothing heroic, but ordinary bush stuff it did very well. Not going to be up to towing anything heavy though.

[Edbear]

Nissan Safari/Patrol (same thing) is the gold standard. Not cheap, but

Yep, virtually indestructible, but may be a bit bigger than you need depending on the size boat you've got. The Suzuki Vitara is a "proper" 4 x 4 and deservedly popular. Early Landy's are fetching good money now if they are in good enough condition to consider.

[Ixion]

The early (= 'real') Landrovers were tough as army boots, but their top speed was very low by todays standards. Tow anything anywhere (within reason) , but only maybe 70kphish. The Jeep Wrangler is a lot better than the poofy Cherokee things would make you suppose. Depends if you need room for family and such.

[kevfromcoro]

Nissan Safari/Patrol (same thing) is the gold standard. Not cheap, but

as he said.. nisssan or toyota.... great 4x4s....
the suzuki is a great is good too..
go any where those things

[neels]

If you're looking for reasonably cheap, reasonably reliable, and reasonably capable off road then a Nissan Terrano might be an option. Will get you most places you want to go, parts are cheap, and not bad for towing as long as you're not in a hurry.

[Laava]

Possum Shooting? You will have to get a ute, not an SUV. Utes seem to have unbelievable resale as well. Esp Nissan /Toyota but you are going to spend more money than you think to get a reliable road legal one!

[Ixion]

.. Nissan Terrano might be an option. ..

Rust.

[Cloggy]

If you want tough as nails and indestructible, go Nissan Safari / Patrol like other people have already mentioned.
If you need a ute and tough, the Hilux takes some beating.
Small and economical? Only one choice, a wee Suzuki.
Middle of the road? Nissan Navara or Hilux Surf.
Land Rovers? I am an avid Land Rover fan and have only just sold my Discovery. But I wouldn't recommend a Land Rover to anyone especially someone just getting into 4x4. They are quirky and weak in the driveline in stock out of the box form. However with a bit of money spent on the driveline the Range Rover / Discovery is an awesome off-road vehicle with poor electrics. They have Lucas three position switches, dim, flicker and off.
On top of all the choices you need to make there is also the question of diesel versus petrol. If you can see yourself in lots of water or mud, go diesel. If you're more on steep hilly farm terrain or on soft sandy beaches, fuel injected petrol power is the only way to go (carburetors suck on steep terrain).

[SMOKEU]

A mate of mine has a SWB Escudo. It's quite good offroad, and it's very economical to run if you own an oil refinery, otherwise the fuel bill will leave you in tears. It goes through about 14L/100km around town when driven sedately, even with its standard 1.6L engine with an auto box. He's taken it to a Suzuki (car) mechanic, and a few other mechanics and no one can work out why it's so thirsty (for a small 4 cylinder engine with weak performance).

[gilly]

If you're going shooting you'll need a ute - dead ducks, dead dear, dead pigs etc make hell of a mess which is gross inside a vehicle - and the dog makes a bloody great muddy mess.

I've got an Izuzu Mu. It may be little but being diesel its got some grunt and is fun offroad.

[JimO]

i vote for a hilux....a proper one not a surf

[neels]

Rust.

Where?

(Other than in the double skin rear floor in early ones)