I've heard they're pretty good too. I'd still take a Toyota over a Nissan any day though, just for build quality.

Me too... And there's the new 200 series due in 5-6 months that looks like being an awesome bit of kit...

With the new V8 diesel?

That well predates my involvement. Format is a bit more formal from the sounds off it, but you still have squaddies trying to get everywhere in first low locked at max revs

On topic:
The older discovery and defenders are easy for maintenece, though not sure of parts prices in Oz. The 200tdi and 300tdi engines are superb bits of kit, my car over here is on 210k miles and still goes really nice. Body is rusting to buggery, but that problem won't exist in Oz.
I am biased, but for a car to just take off road to really quite difficult terrain the discovery and defender are cracking motors. For Oz distances Discovery is the better bet, I do about 400 miles a week in mine and it's the best car I've had for comfort and driver stress reduction.

I'm bringing a defender 90 across when we come, I know it will be a little small for Oz distances, but there is only me and the wife and we can always bung a trailer on the back.

Yup... It's slightly bigger in all dimensions apparently and this is meant to make a significant difference inside... a feeling of much more space... not that the 100 series is small mind you...! There's also the 180 litre fuel tank that'll be useful without going after market and the specially developed suspension (from somewhere in WA I believe). The new engine is producing *much* more power and torque than the old one and with better fuel economy... It'll be a cracker and I'm saving my pennies already to see if I can swap my 100 series in the new year...

That's why I like the Prado - 180 litres in 2 tanks.

You could whip one out and replace it with LPG and still have about 90 litres for regular petrol as well. Economy and range.

Twin Turbo

dreamer

Well we have a Nissan Patrol and we been off road in it quite a bit!! Have to say wasnt our first choice as we wanted a Toyota Prado, but couldnt find one in our price range and we were desperate for a car at the time!!

Ours is diesel and coming up for 3 years old, and at first it felt like a tank driving it, now I can manovere it like a Mini!!

Highly recommend!!

I am biased, but for a car to just take off road to really quite difficult terrain the discovery and defender are cracking motors. For Oz distances Discovery is the better bet, I do about 400 miles a week in mine and it's the best car I've had for comfort and driver stress reduction.

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Defender absolutely no good for distance. Also when I drive one I have to have the window open due to no shoulder room.
Discovery good for thrashing (bits fall of) but gates on gear change seem too close together.

did you know titus shambles has hit the high road!!!!!! come on the toon!!! we are going to buy a second hand patrol when we get over $10000 buget for one should be alright for graft and play! if the arabs use them and they do along with landcruisers there good enough for a geordie!!!

We considered a Patrol but with 3 kids we want a lap/sash belt in the middle back seat for safety. The Patrol doesn't have this.

This is one of the reasons that I went for the Nissan Navara. The Toyota Hilux does not have this too.

The good thing about the Prado is that it is a good off road choice and a comfy on road vehicle. The Patrols while excellent offroad have a somewhat hard agricultural feel on road but maybe that is just me.