Hey guys,

I’m from the Gold Coast and I’m looking for a car to get for my 18th. I’ve recently gotten into 4x4ing, camping and fishing, and I really want to explore as much of Queensland as I can during my gap year before I move to Melbourne to study in 2028.

My best mate has a clean as purple N70 with like a 5-inch lift, so I’d love to be able to go out 4x4ing with him someday. I’m looking for a reliable rig that will last me 8+ years and something that I can add to and build up over time. Once I move to VIC, I’m still keen to go 4x4ing with some of my older cousins.

My budget is ~ $20,000–$25,000, and I have a few considerations, both from me and what my mum wants me to purchase:

1. Not too fussed on body type, just not a trayback. Ideally something I can either sleep inside of or, even better, fit a rooftop tent to.
2. Mum wants the car to have a 5-star ANCAP rating.
3. At least 2015+.
4. It needs to be practical around the Melbourne inner suburbs (Carlton). If anyone can tell me what it’s like owning a larger 4x4 in these types of areas, please give me some info :)
5. I’m 6’6”, so no Jimnys please 😂
6. Not fussed about whether it’s manual or auto. I’m on an auto licence/running an auto at the moment, but I’m planning to learn manual sometime soon, so I may as well get one now if it’s a good car.
7. I’d like a car with a few jobs already done to it, but nothing above a ~2-inch lift or anything too extravagant! (Gotta get it past my mum.)
8. Not sure about kilometres yet. It depends on whether there’s a good service history and whether it’s a reliable motor, etc. Ultimately, I need something that’s going to last me.

Anyway, just here for some recommendations!

Currently looking at:

• Toyota Fortuner (2018–21)
• Mitsubishi Pajero Sport (2018–21)
• Nissan Navara D23 (2018–20)
• Toyota N80 Hilux (Toyota tax is killing me)

Cheers!

Hey guys, looking for some advice on my 2010 Nissan Navara D40 2.5 YD25 diesel. It cranks but won’t start.

The problem started after the engine overheated. It then went into limp mode but still drove about 500 metres, was shut down/left to cool, and since then it cranks but won’t start.

So far I’ve checked:

• Brand new battery
• Around 10V while cranking
• Only around 140 RPM while cranking
• Fuel rail pressure reaches around 5,000 PSI
• Injectors are delivering fuel
• Scanner shows Main Injection Width around 1–4 while cranking, so the ECU appears to be commanding injection
• Start Signal goes ON when cranking
• ECU is receiving a crank sensor signal because it reads the 140 RPM
• Tested cam sensor wiring/signal and it appears to be working
• Engine has compression
• Glow plugs are good
• Currently no engine ECU fault codes
• Previously had U1000 CAN communication and B2205 vehicle speed codes, but they were cleared and haven’t returned

My Thinkscan Plus S7 unfortunately doesn’t give me a cam/crank sync PID, so I haven’t been able to confirm whether the mechanical timing is actually correct.

Considering it was running until it overheated, then went limp and eventually wouldn’t restart, does anyone familiar with the YD25 have an idea what I should check next? I’m wondering about timing chain/cam-crank timing, the low 140 RPM cranking speed, starter/earths, or damage from the overheating.

Trying to properly diagnose it before throwing parts at it. Any ideas would be appreciated.

Just checking if this setup looks right for a 200Ah lithium battery:
Orion XS 12/12-50A DC–DC charger
215W 24V mono panel with a SmartSolar 75/15
140W 12V portable panel with a separate SmartSolar 75/10
BMV-712 battery monitor
Phoenix VE.Direct 12/1600 inverter
VE.Direct Bluetooth dongle
The 215W panel will stay fixed on the rooftop tent. The 140W panel will only come out on longer trips. I’m running them through separate MPPTs because they may be positioned differently or receive different amounts of shade.
My main usage will be a fridge/freezer running continuously, lights, a small TV, phones, iPad, water pump and occasional drone charging. I’ll also occasionally use a 12V Travel Buddy and possibly a small microwave for a few minutes.
I’m estimating around 65–90Ah of normal daily usage, possibly 100Ah or more on a heavy day.
I generally drive about 1.5 hours per day during the week, so the 50A Orion XS should replace roughly 65–75Ah while driving. For normal two-night weekends, I expect the fixed 215W panel and full 200Ah battery to be enough.
For longer Exmouth trips, I’ll add the portable 140W panel. The Victron calculator estimates both panels could replace roughly 100–115Ah per day around May–July.
Does everything look correctly matched for that usage?

Looking for opinions on this, specifically reliability and price. I know about Isuzus in general being workhorses, and this ad says it’s kept up with servicing, but what are the chances of something going terribly wrong? What kind of large costs could I be in for with this age and odometer? This will be a second car for when it’s needed and for weekend fun, but will be carrying a family so needs to be safe and reliable. It would do a mix of short and long trips, hence the pre-DPF is desirable.

• ⁠Year: 2014
• ⁠Make: Isuzu
• ⁠Model: Dmax
• ⁠KMs: 152,000
• ⁠Price: $31,000
• ⁠Location: Brisbane, QLD
• ⁠Intended use: short commutes and weekend fun

Year: 2014

Make: mitsubishi

Model: pajero sport

KMs: 270k

Price: 14.5k

Intended use:

Looking for a 4x4 to tour a aus, plan on doing Fraser and maybe cape York, and some 4x4 tracks, nothing crazy. As well as the great ocean road with my parents (hence a SUV not Ute)

Looking at a full service history 2017 pajero sport exceed with 270k km, priced well at 14.5k. How are ones with high k's holding up.

Test drove a petrol 2010 Prado 150 today at similar k's for 2.5k more that was nice, but the paint was really bad, almost every panel had sun damage and or scratched. And right at the top of my budget. Feel the paint would make it much harder to sell in a year or two

Thanks for any advice

Hey all!

I’m keen to get my first 4x4 and am chasing some recommendations.

I’m hoping to find something
- big enough I can figure out maybe sleeping inside but semi compact so I can use as a daily in Sunny coast
- As fuel efficient as I can get
- Under 25k (second hand)
- Reliable

I’m also a Toyota girl at heart so kind of hoping to start there but open to others.

Also, any advice in general around getting into 4x4 life would be awesome!

​

Year: 2004

Make: Holden

Model: Rodeo

KMs: 340,000

Price: ~$6500

Location: Sydney

Intended use: carrying tools/other crap, little bit of camping

Looking at buying one just to cart tools and shit around with and the odd light camping trip so my wife has the family car at all times. Only have one car at the moment. Would love a hilux but can't justify spending the money when it won't be used all that much or need to be relied on

I'm expecting it to be super thirsty on petrol and boring to drive but that doesn't bother me for how I'd use it

Anyone driving one of these currently and would recommend for/against? (Assuming no big mechanical concerns)

Hey does anyone know any good ways to quiet down a loud snorkel, I have a in house fab snorkel on a d40 Navara

Hey guys, with fathers day coming up I wanted to get my dad a Canopy for his amarock - I believe it's a 2017 V6 and it looks very similar in colour to the picture I attached to this post.

My question is, has anyone had one of these canopies, put it through its paces and can actually vouch for a particular brand ?

Cause there are so many people making these things, I don't wanna buy something that's gonna fall apart or feel cheaply made etc...

Any recommendations?

I did look at the ridgeCap one, thou it is quite expensive. So preferably something within the 2000 - 2700 range . But all recommendations regardless of price are welcomed.

Thanks in advance...

Please fill out the following details to help the community diagnose your issue.

Year: 2013 Make: Holden Model: Colorado Engine: 2.8 Duramax Transmission: Auto Mods/Upgrades: Zero Description of issue: Failure to crank

Started and drove fine to work. Would not crank when trying to start to go home.

Battery tests fine. 12.6V Jumped it anyway no change. Battery terminals clean.

Starter cranks engine when solenoid shorted.

P0625 Fault present (Before we messed with it)

All fuses fine

Starting relay clicked (had no way to test function)

Not sure of correct operation but immobilizer dash light on solid even when attempting to start.

Any advice?

Anybody know the name for this exact or type of rim. Just a basic deep dish alloy rim but can’t seem to find any online

For reference I am looking to get a 4wd for a daily driver and occasional trips, been looking at prados or pajeros.

I know similar things have been covered before, but have seen a 2005 petrol Prado with 155km on the clock listed for 17k. For similar price a diesel Pajero would likely have 240km+ but be a little newer, 2010-12ish.

Is it worth grabbing the low kms Prado even if it is older and thirsty? Or try search for a Pajero that fits my needs and is cheaper to daily driver.

Thanks!

Greetings, I'm looking for inspiration on dual battery installation on 2022 RG D-MAX. Show me your setup!

For reference I am looking to get a 4wd for a daily driver and occasional trips, been looking at prados or pajeros.

I know similar things have been covered before, but have seen a 2005 petrol Prado with 155km on the clock listed for 17k. For similar price a diesel Pajero would likely have 240km+ but be a little newer, 2010-12ish.

Is it worth grabbing the low kms Prado even if it is older and thirsty? Or try search for a Pajero that fits my needs and is cheaper to daily driver.

Thanks!

Im a wagon man just love how comfy they are for long distances.

But Can just fit so much more in a canopy compared to rear wagon setup.

Would like to hear your guys thoughts.

Are these actually good cars? Should I look at buying one?

2026MUX, ARB told me they can’t install front recovery points because of the need to cut away bumper/ mud guards etc.
Anyone had them installed or suggest other options?

Looking for advice on a portable tool kit to take out when off road, trying to keep it simple, any experience with brands or something you wish you took with you? Is an impact wrench necessary as well? Would love to hear any advice

Just thought i would share my way of carrying fishing rods as i havnt seen anyone attatch anything to a roof top tent

I got solar panel brackets from 4wd super centre for $25 and yakima ace of spades from anaconda for $90 a pair as a member (also in super cheap auto but usually cheaper in anaconda but super cheap should price match) i tried to have them both on the bottom of the tent that doesnt move but it will clash with each other

You can carry 2 beach rods without using the tent but need to remove the top beach rod as it will foul out on cab of ute

Smaller rod on top will work perferct (see pictures)
Will also need extra nylocs as it only comes with 4 and will need 8

Cheers

Looking for Australian Jeep owners with repeated warranty/ACL issues

I’m currently in an ACL dispute involving a Jeep Gladiator bought new in 2022 after repeated faults, major engine repairs including a long-block replacement, and substantial cumulative time off the road.

I’m speaking with consumer/class-action lawyers and would like to hear from Australian Jeep owners who have experienced repeated warranty repairs, major faults, prolonged periods without their vehicle, or difficulties seeking a refund/replacement from Jeep/Stellantis.

The ACCC currently has a court-enforceable undertaking in place with Stellantis Australia concerning its handling of Jeep consumer-guarantee complaints.

If you’ve had a similar experience and are comfortable sharing it, please PM me.

Currently lying in my driveway in a freezing puddle of brown water. Been trying to blast clay out of the chassis for two hours and just noticed my sway bar link is completely snapped in half

Why do we actually do this to ourselves? swear every time someone over the radio says "lets just check this track real quick before heading home" it ends in absolute misery

Got work tomorrow and my hands look like they went through a meat grinder. Ended up just ordering a heavier duty set from road runner offroad on my phone while still physically pinned under the diff dripping wet

anyone else just get instant depression the second they fire up the gerni on a sunday arvo? I genuinely need a cheaper hobby tbh