Thread: New Gadget Mobile

I need to replace the Safari and am tossing up what I should buy. Safari/Cruiser Auto/Manual.

The old Safari has gone west and that was a semi break from Toyota for me having driven and owned Toyotas since getting my license in 1980. There is still one here too. I do a lot of heavy towing, recovering quite a few 4x4 vehicles and the transporter and truck get borrowed a lot to move vehicles and farm machinery all over the south Island; 4x4's, Holdens, Duncan drill, ... It will need to be one of the two listed as they are really the only two that will be strong enough short of getting my HT and a truck. Also needs to be reasonably competent off road.

The Safari:

Pros:
Very strong drive train and engine, though under powered.
Fantastic LSD's.
Strong low heavy chassis which is good for towing.
No cam belt.
Excellent suspension.
Strong Auto.
Excellent stability on slopes.

Cons:
Prone to rust between double roof layers due to condensation.
Ground clearance not the best off road without a lift.
Auto kicks down and loose speed on road going up slight gradient.


Cruiser:
Pros:
Toyota badge.
Good ground clearance.
Roomier cab.
...

Cons:
Earlier diffs not as strong.
Cam belts.
....



Auto/Manual

The earlier Safari had a weak manual gearbox. Autos are strong from what I've heard and common in competition trucks. Have found the auto very good going through soft stuff and up hill, but doesn't hold the vehicle going down. The manual is excellent for long steep descents (the one in the van is anyway) and accelerates better between 60-100km/h.

What input do you have?