First 4x4 assistance

[CycloneN]

Hi Everyone,
I am a new member of the forum and I want to buy a 4x4. I have a budget of $17K and want to use it to take my partner and my dog Camping. I want to put a pop up tent at the top. This car will be my daily drive. It would roughly be taken camping once a week, the rest would be short trips to work and the gym and back home.
I really like the Prados but I have never owned one and not sure how many K's is too many as it seems to me I can't use the same criteria as if I was buying an everyday Sedan. I would like some assistance and guidance incase I am looking in the wrong place or what to have in mind.

I am located in Brisbane and my time frame for this is within the next month or so.

Thank you in advance

 

[Colly18]

As you will see here in various other similar inquiries, now isn't the best time to be a buyer in the s/h 4X4 market.
However, I'll lead the replies and suggest rather than a wagon, a 4X4 dual cab ute with a canopy is a more practical option for camping (and quite functional as a daily driver in most circumstances). There are plenty of options out there that will suit, but if you plan to hold onto the vehicle for a while, travel remotely, and add accessories to it; then maybe go for a more popular/recognized brand (Ford, Holden, Nissan, Toyota if you can afford one, etc.). If you are a good vehicle DIY'er (or prepared to learn) then that opens up options to look at various other vehicles. (Example=I once owned a Ssangyong Actyon Sports Dual Cab Ute and it was a great vehicle. But with limited recognition and dealer support within Australia, one had to, on occasions, be prepared to wait a few days for parts to arrive by air from o/s.) Automatic transmission is what I'd opt for and you probably haven't an option other than diesel fueled.
I have again, yet again!, been revisiting the idea of a rooftop tent. And yet again I have discounted the idea. TBH a quick erect dome tent and a swag wins hands down i.m.o., in terms of fast touring friendly setup, budget and weight. I've been doing this camping and touring stuff for over 50 years and as an old bloke (who can still enjoy rolling out the swag) this is where I've landed on these issues.
Good luck sorting out what will work for you.
A.D.
P.S. our dog goes in the tub/canopy along with the fridge, second battery and whatever else camping gear fits in there. Second spare wheel and solar panel goes on the roof.

 

[CycloneN]

As you will see here in various other similar inquiries, now isn't the best time to be a buyer in the s/h 4X4 market.
However, I'll lead the replies and suggest rather than a wagon, a 4X4 dual cab ute with a canopy is a more practical option for camping (and quite functional as a daily driver in most circumstances). There are plenty of options out there that will suit, but if you plan to hold onto the vehicle for a while, travel remotely, and add accessories to it; then maybe go for a more popular/recognized brand (Ford, Holden, Nissan, Toyota if you can afford one, etc.). If you are a good vehicle DIY'er (or prepared to learn) then that opens up options to look at various other vehicles. (Example=I once owned a Ssangyong Actyon Sports Dual Cab Ute and it was a great vehicle. But with limited recognition and dealer support within Australia, one had to, on occasions, be prepared to wait a few days for parts to arrive by air from o/s.) Automatic transmission is what I'd opt for and you probably haven't an option other than diesel fueled.
I have again, yet again!, been revisiting the idea of a rooftop tent. And yet again I have discounted the idea. TBH a quick erect dome tent and a swag wins hands down i.m.o., in terms of fast touring friendly setup, budget and weight. I've been doing this camping and touring stuff for over 50 years and as an old bloke (who can still enjoy rolling out the swag) this is where I've landed on these issues.
Good luck sorting out what will work for you.
A.D.
P.S. our dog goes in the tub/canopy along with the fridge, second battery and whatever else camping gear fits in there. Second spare wheel and solar panel goes on the roof.

Hi Colly18 Thank you a ton for that information, I am not too aware on why it isn't a good time to buy 4x4's? What has caused this to be the current condition? Can you share some info about this?
I would need an auto either way as I am not too skilled with Manual, I really like the look of the prado, however not sure what else I can buy of good quality, Wether that is a wagon or a dual cab) with 17k

I am planning on owning the car for about 5 years.

 

[Lost1?]

Isuzu D Max, Mazda BT50, Ford Ranger, Holden Colorado are all good prospects in the dual cab ute space. I would caution being in a rush to buy something. Take your time to find what you want. I live in Melbourne. Big city, you would think I would find something pretty easily. It took me 4 months to find a low mileage ute that hadn't done any serious off road work in good nick. I ended up buying the right ute from Mildura. It was the family shopping trolley after the previous owner decided he needed a van for work, not a ute.

COVID has created an unforeseen supply and demand issue. So car prices are up right now. I could sell my ute for about $5K more than I paid 3 1/2 years ago. So prices are up by a bit. Have a bit of a think about what you want to do with your vehicle. Weekend camping with a dog and the better half is what you have identified. Maybe carry some stuff that makes camping comfortable. What sort of terrain will you be traversing? Will it be graded dirt roads and ashphalt, or do you want to get into remote locations to escape the rat race and people? For the latter you will need to do mods to the vehicle to make it more capable. For the price you are talking you should find something reliable in reasonable condition. Keep asking questions and write down what you want to use the vehicle for. Beats buying something that doesn't fit the bill. Good luck.

 

[CycloneN]

Isuzu D Max, Mazda BT50, Ford Ranger, Holden Colorado are all good prospects in the dual cab ute space. I would caution being in a rush to buy something. Take your time to find what you want. I live in Melbourne. Big city, you would think I would find something pretty easily. It took me 4 months to find a low mileage ute that hadn't done any serious off road work in good nick. I ended up buying the right ute from Mildura. It was the family shopping trolley after the previous owner decided he needed a van for work, not a ute.

COVID has created an unforeseen supply and demand issue. So car prices are up right now. I could sell my ute for about $5K more than I paid 3 1/2 years ago. So prices are up by a bit. Have a bit of a think about what you want to do with your vehicle. Weekend camping with a dog and the better half is what you have identified. Maybe carry some stuff that makes camping comfortable. What sort of terrain will you be traversing? Will it be graded dirt roads and ashphalt, or do you want to get into remote locations to escape the rat race and people? For the latter you will need to do mods to the vehicle to make it more capable. For the price you are talking you should find something reliable in reasonable condition. Keep asking questions and write down what you want to use the vehicle for. Beats buying something that doesn't fit the bill. Good luck.

Hi Lost1

Thank you for that fantastic reply, thank you for clarifying the issue with used cars at the moment.

As you say the best exercise at the moment is taking my time and keep refining what I want the vehicle for. As of now, yes the ocasional getaway in the weekend and after that maybe explore a bit more secluded areas. My current vehicle wouldn't be able to get us to the latter part.

I will take all of this info and advice to mind, I can't be thankful enough of the I formation you have shared, thank you

I wanted to carry a top tent and camp for a night initially so it should be something that can carry that on the top. Dual cab is more favourable option at the moment. I hope this price hike goes or settles soon