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Just to stir things up. I have driven many 4wd's under many conditions. Oil-gas exploration around Aus and NZ, gold-base metals exploration in Western Aus and in coal mines and leases here (also in China). I have an old Series 80 Turbo diesel landcruiser. The cruisers have become my favourite but after reading this thread last week i thought i would ask at the garage where i get it serviced. When i worked at a local open cut coal mine (8million tonnes per year) they did all our services (still do) and i got to know the owner. I asked last Thursday what he thought the best 4wd was, he pointed at a 100series landcruiser diesel and said for resale and parts, reliability, they were the go. I would also lump the big diesel Nissan Patrol pretty close too. The Landrovers don't cut it (sorry guys, but been there, done that, walked too bloody far when they let me down). Nor will the smaller engine Patrols. For outback and mine conditions the big Toyotas and Nissans last and last. The gear boxes on the big Nissans are huge and better than the cruiseres IMHO. I have seen chassis break and rust through (in coal mines), i have had the awful jack on a County 110 Landrover collapse! (Kangaroo jacks are the go). I had a tie rod come off with a 190ton (empty) haul truck coming downhill at me! I stepped out when i could get over and stop, and nearly stepped on the tie rod! Scared the living daylights out of me. My boss (then Technical Services Manager) was driving the truck, so he missed his chance! We used to drive the big trucks when short of personnel and at crib times, lots of fun driving 350+ tons! Never, ever buy a used 4wd from a coal mine! And forget all the fancy extras for rough going (traction control, abs etc).

The Landcruiser and to a large extent the Patrols can be serviced just about anywhere, you can easily get parts and there's often a wrecked one or two around to cannibalise if necessary. The hiluxes are pretty good, but can be a little light on bulldust filled corrugated roads - i totally lost control of one west of Longreach but the wide road meant i didn't run off and roll. Of course you could (and did) do that with any 4wd.

For a town or near town vehicle, take your pick. For the outback anywhere, i've made my mind up!
Love to hear from more of those in the N.T. who get around up there a bit.

Cheers, Chris

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