Best 4WD for a big lap, towing a trailer. 40k Budget

[ChrisWandering]

Im new to owning a "proper" 4WD and am looking to do a big lap with the family in the next few years, with a few warm up trips before hand.
We'd be looking something that could get us around a few trails, but nothing too crazy; with a few features and a bit of comfort. We plan on picking up a camper trailer to tow, probably a forward fold so would need something that will handle that extra ball weight.
Since we're on a budget, Ive been trying to find things with a few accessories and mods already installed (bull bars, etc), so far Ive found things like:
2012+/- Patrols
2017+/- Pajeros
2017+/- Pajero Sports (not many of these with accessories)
Ive definitely noticed that low km Prado's and any other toyotas are probably out of that price range.

So my question is are there any other makes and models I should look at, what are the pros and cons of them and are there any accessories I should try and get used or else stay away from and do myself.

Cheers for the help!

 

[smitty_r51]

2010+Nissan pathfinder (140kw)are a good tourer for a family. Make sure an auto has had the transmission sorted to stop the milkshake issues and one that age you probably want the timing chain and turbo checking.

Will save yourself some coin over the patrols and they were much nicer to drive on road or dirt and only struggled on the serious rock hopping. If you can score the v6 they were superb

 

[discomatt]

Pajero or early Disco 4 with a 2.7, bin the air suspension and get normal springs and struts would be my options for the budget

 

[Colly18]

IMO for a family thinking about a few camping trips and 'a big lap' I'd be looking at dual cab 4X4 utes with a canopy. Appropriately spec'd modern utes have plenty of comfort, 4X4 capability, good old leaf spring rear suspension that will handle the heavier ball weight of a forward-fold camper and heaps of stroage capacity (which I'll say you will need). Plenty of s/h market options - late model Mazda BT50, Ford Ranger, Holden Colorado. You might even be able to go new, depending on your budget? BTW I've had a Toyota Landcruiser and a Landrover Discovery - great cars but for camping with a family I'd go the dual cab ute.

 

[Albynsw]

@Colly18 makes a good point. You can’t beat a dual cab ute for storage ability although they do lose out somewhat to a wagon on ride quality and back seat legroom but this is definitely the way I would go
Another aspect is you will most likely get a much newer and lower K ute for your money than you will in the wagon options

 

[boobook]

Pajero, or the Pathy isnt a bad suggestion.

 

[cam04]

Another vote twin cab. There’s a reason they are so popular. My rear travels better on the corrugations than the front. Loaded up they ride great. And you can actually fit gear in them. $40k is a brand new ssanyong musso or possibly triton. There is zero chance I would recommend the yank built cvt pathfinder to anybody - ever. Especially for towing and touring. Unless the other option was a Captiva.

 

[smitty_r51]

Another vote twin cab. There’s a reason they are so popular. My rear travels better on the corrugations than the front. Loaded up they ride great. And you can actually fit gear in them. $40k is a brand new ssanyong musso or possibly triton. There is zero chance I would recommend the yank built cvt pathfinder to anybody - ever. Especially for towing and touring. Unless the other option was a Captiva.

I meant the proper pathfinder, R51

absolutely avoid the fatfinder they used the name on

 

[ChrisWandering]

Cheers for the responses. How do dual cabs go for width? We'd be looking at sticking up to 3 car seats in the back.

 

[cam04]

Cheers for the responses. How do dual cabs go for width? We'd be looking at sticking up to 3 car seats in the back.

Good - not 200 cruiser good, but good enough. The ssanyong I mentioned is actually one of the few twin cabs built on a cut down wagon so they have one of the best back rows in the business.

 

[ChrisWandering]

Good - not 200 cruiser good, but good enough. The ssanyong I mentioned is actually one of the few twin cabs built on a cut down wagon so they have one of the best back rows in the business.

Can't say Ive heard much at all about Ssanyong's, how are they for reliability?

 

[cam04]

Can't say Ive heard much at all about Ssanyong's, how are they for reliability?

New car with 7 years warranty. Check the product review ratings - as good as any other brand. If I had that budget that’s what I’d be test driving and researching. Most of the running gear is common to other brands. Aisin 6 speed auto box etc.