What vehicle

[Aerosan]

Hallo all our flying friends

I have a question, and I’m sure I’m going to get a million opinions and that is exactly what I’m after

Ok here is my situation; I currently have a 2.8 4X4 TD Colt that I use to go play at the coast, diving etc. I recently bought a Conqueror Commander caravan and will therefore have to sleep this thing down to the coast from now on. I’m not so sure that my beloved Colt will do the trick. Firstly I will be going at it at around 90kph, AT BEST

So now I’m looking at something that can get me and my lump of steel, or caravan if you want, down to the coast and all the way through Mozambique next year at a reasonable speed without having a 3km stretch of cars behind me at ever uphill. I was looking at a couple of vehicles in the below R200k price range (so 2004 and up) all 4x4 double cab. These would include the Ford Ranger 3l, Jeep Cherokee CRD, Mazda or what do you think will be a good towing vehicle that will not frustrate the crap out of me

So who is up for a bit of debate of mine is better than yours

Cheers Sanna boesman

[Brian]

Whatever you buy, just dont tow in fifth gear. It cost me a gearbox on my Defender and it seems to be the feeling all around.
Good luck with your shopping, a couple of tough decisions in that price range.
By the way, the commander is an awesome caravan

[Aerosan]

Hi Brian

Yip the fifth gear thing is one of the reasons Im thinking of going automatic. A friend uses the Jeep Cherokee limited Auto and he recons its an awsome experience. You can also tow at normal speeds
As for the commander, its just what we as a family wanted. I do not think that it will be evreyones cup of tea but we loved the tent thing, and stil do, but the time to erect camp and to break down is the reason we went looking. I didnt want to sleep in a box and the fold out tend was the thing for me.

Nou ja

Cheers Sanna

[nicow]

Look at Mahindra.I tow my Exclusive and Penta with my Mahindras,and can't complain.

[Grumpy]

Keep your 90kph Colt and use it. !!!
For the occasional trip to the coast drive when roads are not too busy, like early morning etc. Make the trip slow and part of the holiday. (If there are some okes behind you pull over let them pass.) and save the R200k. VAT, Registration, License, Insurance, unsure 2nd hand, etc etc.

[bryan]

Good advice Grumpy. Why buy someone elses problems when you know your own and can save the money for the holiday!
Bryan
ZU BFR

[nicow]

My Scorpio and Exclusive...

[Biggles]

Just a quick observation. Once you have had a double cab you will miss it if you move to a stationwagon. (Unless you regularly sit in the back seat!!!)

Try the SA 4x4 community forum. http://www.4x4community.co.za A wealth of info, do a search rather than post the question. That question has been asked a gazzilion times and there are plenty of posts on the topic of what 4x4. Or if you want to feel good about the Mitsu, post in the Mitsu section where the Mitsu owners have formed a support group

[RV4ker (RIP)]

Second the Mahindra choice. I bought one a while back (I could have bought 2 and had change from cost of previous litre eater) and I have never had any shit - 96'000kms. Service is cheap and they do it in the time they say they will. Cheap workhorse. If you looking for fancy then look elsewhere... We have towed a Sprite Scenic and Beach Buggy 6 up down to Plett and fuel was better than the VX with just me in it... . Got to 110kmh at stages and I rekon could have gone to 130 but the wind plays havoc with a long trek like that.....

If it were me I would kep the Colt. Had one (before foreman rolled it at 4am "sober"). Lekka. 90kph is only a problem through the Karoo when the nothingness is interupted only so often by more nothingness........

[Aerosan]

Hell thanx guys I have had the same responce from everyone that I spoke to. And to be honest I knew it before I wrote the post The Colt runs very well the motor I redid 6 months or so ago, next I would like to get the drive chain checked out. BUT who can be trusted with this task I hyave some trust issues when it comes to garages etc. There is nothing wrong but I believe in prevention

So the next question is then is there any suggestions for a transmission place? Nothing is broken but I would like to place in new rubbers, seals etc. Otherwise Ill have to get a manual for the 4x4 transmissions and so on.

Thanx once again

Cheers guys

[wiskeyfoxtrot]

The thing with gearboxes is that once you open them and "fiddle " around you WILL always have leaks etc afterwards! If it aint broke DONT fix it.... its simple. Have seen on many gearbox overhauls that have more problems after the fix than before.

Most gearboxes only need the rear tailhousing seal replace IF its leaking oil and vey little else.
Mabey drain and replace the oil in the box, make sure you put in the correct spec oil.

Just my 2c

Save your money and spend it on FLYING.

Later

[JvTonder]

Agree if it is not broken don't fix it, but if you had to and you were in PTA you could go to AutoBox.

[Massimo]

Sell the caravan and you wont have any problems

[Tailspin]

No Don't Sell it.
Biggest mistake i ever made was to sell my small Camper. Still wanna Kick my own ass

[Aerosan]

Thanx guys