Which car?

[Kyle101]

Hi all,

I am in the market for a new(er) 4x4 for around $7500... Any opinions on what to get would be great.

At the moment I have in mind:

- Subaru forester gx 2000 model
- Mazda tribute 2001 model
- Ford escape 2001 model

Also forgot to add that I'm an 18 yo male, so 4 cyl is preferable for insurance purposes

[flmthrwr]

Go the Subaru out of that lot.

When I worked for a manufacturer we had a Mazda for an evaluation program. Chief engineer sent it out of the proving ground so no-one would get hurt in it.
"Serious stability issues" was the reason. No-one else got to drive it.

[T Curve]

Originally Posted by Kyle101

Hi all,

I am in the market for a new(er) 4x4 for around $7500... Any opinions on what to get would be great.

At the moment I have in mind:

- Subaru forester gx 2000 model
- Mazda tribute 2001 model
- Ford escape 2001 model

Also forgot to add that I'm an 18 yo male, so 4 cyl is preferable for insurance purposes

Mate,
I don't know much about the Mazda or the Ford but I know a lot of people who own or have owned Subarus and everyone has been very complimentary about their economy and reliability.

[Macgruber]

What about a toyota hilux?
You could pick one up at the auctions for under your budget, awesome car

[bjpk]

all those mentioned cars are softroaders.
forresters are good but have a very average low range though.
not very economical due to a 2ltr single cam engine and awd.
fairly bullet proof though watch out for the head gaskets as they leak, in saying that they dont usually run ruff because of it. they just leak oil. and 99percent of them do it once they have hit 100k. also check for wheel bearing noise also very common. all in all a good vehicle but i woulnt use one as a four wheel drive.

[bmacd]

Mate,
The Mazda, and Ford are pretty much the same car. Ford owns Mazda
As others have said the Subaru is a pick of that bunch. But...

Looking at something like a 2x4 twin cab ute will be cheaper on insurance as it is registered as a commercial vehicle. all utes, and most 4x4's fall under this category.

Anything V6 will be fairly thirsty, but chalk and cheese in power compared to older diesel engines.

Main thing is to test as many cars you can and see what feels best to you.

Good luck with it.

[Sprinter]

What did you want to use it for? Towing? Dirt roads? More actual 4wding?

[one kay gee]

4wd ?

Ba Xr6 !!!

[tweedz]

Go the Subaru. You've seen how well mine tows the poly.

[Track 'em down]

none of the ones you have suggested

I'd get a GQ Patrol short wheel base

[Willfish]

Hi kyle101. I have had a 2000 model forester manual, good car and no problems, also had Tribute 2003 model - Mazda and Ford are same vehicle, auto gearbox is english ford product and is c##p, ours cracked at 65K, local mechanic knew of several others that did same, and Mazda wouldnt contribute to $7k repair, even though websites and mechanic told us it was a common problem. Will never buy another Mazda, ever!!. We also had a Jackaroo a few years ago, absolutely bullet proof, great towing vehicle and saw a bit of rough road and sand. Cheap to buy, good to drive, we had 2.3litre 4 cylinder (later model 2.6 is nearly same engine), we did 160k, sold it about 8 years ago, and it is still running around the local area. Hope this helps.

[MangroveMick]

Originally Posted by Track 'em down

none of the ones you have suggested

I'd get a GQ Patrol short wheel base

+1

[JIM1]

ute ok? triton, hilux, courier, all 4cly and good solid rides, not the most comfy but they will go on for a long time. easy to get parts and they have a simple dash so you can put in your stezza easy:P. hub locks, nice and simple, less crap to break! awd is pretty poor, and usually cant sellect a "low" ratio. I take my mums crv and that has some posi track awd system and it struggles as soon as it hits sand, Go for a propper 4wd!

[Tassiebream]

Originally Posted by MangroveMick

+1

Just make sure it is not petrol,boy did my chew through it

[Tassiebream]

Originally Posted by Track 'em down
none of the ones you have suggested

I'd get a GQ Patrol short wheel base
Just make sure its not petrol.
THis post was suppose to be included in the last one