after the demise of yet another budget 4 x 4, i could really do with a reliable car. if such a thing actually exists. my confidence has taken rather a battering over the last three years, as has my wallet.
i'm looking for a 4 x 4, preferably commercial (lower tax) and relatively low mileage (realistic, tho: 60-80k). doesn't have to be a looker, but well serviced and good runner is a must. must be a proper 4 x 4 suitable for off-road use and able to carry a canoe (ie roof rack or able to fit one). jacked up to hell and effectively un-saleable on a forecourt is fine by me. just must, must, must be reliable. sure you get the idea.
budget? zero, to be honest :lol: but realistically £2500 to £5000?
bad to worse: got a replacement engine for the jimny. that's goosed too :x
now i'm £1000 out of pocket (had to pay labour to get it swapped) and i still don't have a car. and now my budget is definitely zero......
looks like the reiff stravaig may be on the rocks (if you'll pardon the dreadful pun)
Hi Dave, I saw this..... OK so it's quite well run in now but they have a good reputation, its cheap and you could put the canoe IN it http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201307288037166/usedcars/postcode/iv274sx?logcode=kp (http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201307288037166/usedcars/postcode/iv274sx?logcode=kp)
cheers Paul! that's actually exactly the sort of thing i was looking for :8). i'd need to have an "engine man" with me whilst checking it out tho'....
Any of the Japanese ones will be reliable, though the Jimny is seriously under powered. My favourite was my Mitsubishi Shogun Sport, I had the Warrior with leather interior, one of my favourite cars, just very thirsty to run.
If you can find one the Hi-lux is the best on the market.
Nissan Terrano/ Ford Maverick - get a good private one for up to to £1000 - check online but most of them have the right pump to safely run on 1/3 used veggie oil, gives you 60mpg.
cheers folks! may have finally solved the problem (albeit by throwing around some money i don't have and via one no-good chancer.. long story).
i've ended up with a shogun sport with fsh and 80k on the clock. funnily enough, not much thirstier than my jimny and cheaper to insure! and it got up the lecht in top the other day without missing a beat. jimny would've been racing in second.
just as a matter of interest, if anyone wants a really nice jimny soft top, minus an engine......
Are Jimny's collectable? I new a guy who had four of them covered over at the rear of his house. He was an antique dealer and they were there for years. They are all gone now :)
You could ask on this forum to see if anyone is interested.
http://www.bigjimny.com/index.php/forum/11-for-sale-and-wanted/48016-2001-jimny-jlx-for-sale-spares-of-repair (http://www.bigjimny.com/index.php/forum/11-for-sale-and-wanted/48016-2001-jimny-jlx-for-sale-spares-of-repair)