4x4 Advice

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07-01-2026, 01:24 PM
Wild_Pursuit

4x4 Advice
Hello all and happy NY.

I'm hoping you can help me with some advice on a 4x4 to purchase for my family, so we can go a a few adventures.

If you can help....... thanks in advance :)

I'm looking for something I can use as a second vehicle, but can also take us on longer trips if required and do a bit of towing with (i.e. trailer and lightweight caravan). My main goal is to hit some of the braided river beds and high country around Canterbury and the South Island and drive up to a few of the huts for camping and hunting (e.g. Rangitata).

I've done some research, and the vehicles I'm currently looking at are:
- Prado diesel 70 series
- Parado diesel 90 series
- Pajero diesel 4th Gen
My budget is around 15K, + a bit extra for any mods I might need.

Any advice or thoughts you can offer would be most welcome.
07-01-2026, 03:42 PM
Flyblown

At that price point you need to be far more concerned about vehicle history and condition than brand. It's going to be 20-30 years old and high mileage and quite possibly pretty well flogged so getting it thoroughly inspected is the way to go.

It pays to remember that a lot of guys with this kind of vehicle will be well aware that something serious is likely to fail in the not too distant future, hence the reason for sale. To be brutally honest you need to save up some more money and get a younger vehicle.
08-01-2026, 07:23 AM
BushChook

Are you handy on the tools, or do you take your vehicles to a mechanic for repairs? If the latter, it could be a money pit for you.
Older diesels that are known to be reliable are currently still driving on 25+ year old parts that are due to fail in time.
Not to scare you from the idea but more so to prepare you.
South Island braided rivers put stress on vehicles.
08-01-2026, 10:38 AM
Wild_Pursuit

Thanks very much for the advice. I appreciate your input
10-01-2026, 04:57 PM
SpeightsDrinker

Really Look into the Mitsubishi Pajero with the 3.2l diesel, really good wagons for the money your wanting to spend - and good chance you’ll buy one that’s stock and well maintained without being abused off-road unlike the Toyotas.
10-01-2026, 10:55 PM
BushChook

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpeightsDrinker

Really Look into the Mitsubishi Pajero with the 3.2l diesel, really good wagons for the money your wanting to spend - and good chance you’ll buy one that’s stock and well maintained without being abused off-road unlike the Toyotas.

Just watch out for manual models at higher ks, the third gear is well known to have gear issues and jumping out of gear usually around the 300k mark