Looking to buy my first RV/SUV (first 4 wheeled vehicle)

**ducatilover** · 12th May 2013, 14:00

Originally Posted by huff3r

Another vehicle to look at is maybe the RVR? Although I don't know much about them, but they are mitsubishi lancer based..

Generally quite troublesome cars, but parts are cheap.

Originally Posted by Matariki

Hmm... I'll have to work out how much each vehicle is (roughly) going to cost for me to run it (and thats looking at it gas wise).

Edit: Maths fun

I worked out how much its going to cost gas wise to run each vehicle per year based on the sort of driving I'm going to be doing on the road. https://www.energywise.govt.nz/

Estimated traveling in KMs per year: 27,112.8km (round off to 30,000km). All 2000 (as in the year) models.

Suzuki Vitara/Escudo (petrol, manual, 2000cc engine): $5040 per year.
Suzuki Grand Vitara (petrol, manual, 1590cc engine): $4800 per year.
Subaru Forester (petrol, manual, 2000cc engine): $5580 per year.
Toyota RAV4 (petrol, manual, 2000cc engine): $5400 per year.

Edit: Would also consider looking at station wagons too (providing they're 4wd).

If you're really set on 4WD, the Vitara is the best.
But, any of the small hatch/wagons I mentioned previously will be fine.
Or just buy a typical wagon, mid-90's Corolla etc
Our '96 Corolla average 7L/100km going from Eketahuna to Petone each day, and it has been stupidly reliable.
The Civic farm hack I drive, ratty old POS has been averaging 6L/100km going from Tauranga to Palmy, to Auckland and every-bloody-where else

can manage 5.8L/100km if you treat it far nicer than it deserves.

I would also take the fuel ratings on that site with a grain of salt.

**ducatilover** · 12th May 2013, 14:01

Originally Posted by neels

Thank god for that.

Don't panic yourself too much about the cost/life of 4wd tyres, I'm running 80/20 ATR tyres on my terrano, have replaced them twice in 110k's. A bit more expensive than car tyres, but to put it in perspective the last set cost me just under $900, a set of low profile 15" tyres for the wifes car was a bit under $800 so not a lot better.

And they don't wear out too fast if you treat it nice in 2wd.

**Matariki** · 9th June 2013, 12:26

Hmm... I was thinking about the Vitara, but then it hit me that I need to get a vehicle sooner than anticipated. My budget at the moment is $3000, providing I sell the TS (no, I won't be selling the TS at $3000) which I plan to do over the holidays. I was thinking about getting a Toyota Corolla. Any opinions on those?

**Madness** · 9th June 2013, 12:28

Originally Posted by Matariki

I was thinking about getting a Toyota Corolla. Any opinions on those?

Ground clearance on a Corolla is a lot less than something like a Vitara. Also, with most being FWD you'll need to keep your speed up when traversing rivers, etc.

**unstuck** · 9th June 2013, 12:35

Have taken a 4wd corolla station wagon over the Nevis before. Too low for any real off roading though. You should be able to pick up something like this for 3 grand, and you can camp in the sucker.

**Matariki** · 9th June 2013, 13:57

I didn't know that the Toyota Corolla came in 4wd, I thought they were 2wd vehicles.
Are there any particular models I should look for?

**unstuck** · 9th June 2013, 14:54

Not a fan of full time 4wd myself, more fuel, tire wear ect......... But something like this you should be able to find for 3-4 grand. Caldina,s are not bad either.

**leathel** · 9th June 2013, 15:07

high K's but cheapish

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used...-599621503.htm

I am not a mitsi fan... but

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used...-599621503.htm

or if you dont mind topping the oil up due to valve guides leaking oil in to the chamber

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used...-598905182.htm

**unstuck** · 9th June 2013, 15:42

Shit, I wouldnt mind getting that escudo myself, those go well off road. Just a wee bit thirsty on the road with the V6.

**Winston001** · 9th June 2013, 15:47

Originally Posted by unstuck

Have taken a 4wd corolla station wagon over the Nevis before. Too low for any real off roading though. You should be able to pick up something like this for 3 grand, and you can camp in the sucker.

Respect! Well done. I presume you didn't like that car lol. Actually didn't know there were 4wd Corollas.

**unstuck** · 9th June 2013, 15:55

Yep, toyota made a 4wd corolla from the mid 80,s to the mid 90,s. They also do the carib and caldina and corona in a 4wd versions.

And the Nevis is not to hard on a car if you take your time, unless the rivers are up, then it can be fun. Also done it in a kingswood and a hiace van with chains on in the snow, but that took a couple of days.

**ducatilover** · 9th June 2013, 16:05

Only common issues I know of with 4wd Corollas with the 4AFE are diff mounts and rear shock mounts, both easy and cheap to fix

Get one, it'll be cheap on the road and very reliable