Contact Overland Solutions for all your custom modifications and setup for overland travel.

Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > 4 wheels > 4WD Overland Tech

4WD Overland Tech GENERIC 4WD / 4 wheel TECH discussions and info that is valid for ALL brands. See brand specific forums.
With more than 58 destinations worldwide, Edelweiss Bike Travel is Number 1 in guided motorcycle tours!

Visit Matt Savage for VIAIR compressors, Air Lift Helper Springs, Tyre Levers, Chris Scott's Books & DVDs, KC Daylighters, Allisport Intercoolers, Overland Preparation and lots more!

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 9 Jun 2008
Alexlebrit's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: West London
Posts: 860
Best 4x4x5 - what would you recommend?

I thought I'd pick people's brains a bit if that's OK. I'm looking for a 4x4 which will comfortably cope with five people (2 adults & 3 teens) and all their assorted junk. I'll admit it's not for serious long distance touring, but more for long weekend camping trips and also general day-to-day use in Finland. Oh and I won't be buying new, it'll be over 3 years old so that I can bring it in as "removal goods" and avoid the tax.

I'm wondering about a crew-cab 4 door pick up, maybe the indestructible Toyota Hilux, as that way it should have plenty of space for bikes, and camping gear etc, and it'll cope with my fiancée's wood-buying too (she's a cabinet maker), but a decent sized "station wagon" could be OK.

Oh and sorry US readers, but it has to be available in Europe.
__________________
Happiness has 125 cc
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 10 Jun 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Ghana
Posts: 289
I would have a serious look at a 3yr old Nissan Pathfinder. Roomy, comfortable, economical, and go well. Very powerful 2.5 litre diesel. I reckon it is a car that is often overlooked! Your teens might bet a bit cramped up on the back bench of a double cab. You can always get a cheap trailer for the wood and a rack for the bikes. The pathfinder is certainly decent sized.
Check out the size of the boot:
Used Nissan Pathfinder 2.5 dCi 171 Aventura 5dr Auto Estate 2006, 12,000 miles, £10,900 in , for sale - exchangeandmart.co.uk
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 11 Jun 2008
Alexlebrit's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: West London
Posts: 860
Oddly enough we were considering the Navarra, which as far as I know it the pick-up version of the same vehicle.

There is another reason for a pick-up and it's all to do with VAT (shhhhh)
__________________
Happiness has 125 cc
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 11 Jun 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Horncastle,Lincolnshire,UK
Posts: 220
The Navarra isn't quite the pick-up version of the Pathfinder; like the Surf was the estate version of the Hi lux. The back axle on the Navarra is solid whereas that on the Pathfinder is independent rear suspension. The front on the Navarra is torsion bar (at least in my 4 year old one) but I'm not sure if that's carried over to the Pathfinder. Actually there is rather more room in the load area on a Navarra than the Pathfinder but the rear leg room in the Navarra is very restricted; much better in the new model though. The advantage of the pick up is that you don't hear all the stuff in the back rattling about. Great for stocking up on booze in France as a result!

Q
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 30 Jun 2008
Runner's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 302
Navara / Pathfinder

Navaras have limited offroad ability when loaded. I had to drag one out of the desert with my Defender a couple of years ago - it just couldnt cope.
I roadtested a Pathfinder 18 months ago for a 4x4 mag and found it massively thirsty - high-revving diesel linked to an autobox - scary fuel consumption but no grunt as a reward. Supposedly the V6 is a better engine but its scarce in the UK and Europe.

Also the "traction control" didnt - it was slithery, skiddy and neurotic, even on muddy farm tracks. Id avoid them - my two penn'orth.

Family truck? Defender, Disco or Landcruiser? Too obvious?
__________________
'91 LR 110 Def/Disco hybrid "Elsa"
Bring me the horizon....
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Anyone recommend a tent? gilghana1 4WD Overland Tech 11 26 Feb 2010 18:00
Footwear - what do you recommend? Alexlebrit 4WD Overland Tech 6 16 Aug 2007 08:26
Big Gun Exhaust - do not recommend! Camus Equipment Reviews 12 14 Jan 2007 18:31
Can anyone recommend a 4x4 driving Course CornishDeity 4WD Overland Tech 7 29 Nov 2006 04:39
Recommend shops in CA Forsellini Kawasaki 0 6 Jul 2006 01:25


All times are GMT +1. The time now is 10:42.