4x4 vehicles express you opinion!

[Mooreyfiveo]

A lot of stuff to keep you busy here Harry, but a few important points to take from the last few posts.

Check the weight of your boat! Especially if you load it up with camping gear etc. I think the TJ tows 750kg unbraked and 900kg with brakes.

I'm pretty sure rod holders on the bull bar are unroadworthy (when empty), but I think you can buy some now that bolt on/off pretty quick, and when you're on your Ps you don't want any undue attention from the cops.

Hard top/Soft top/No top - if someone wants to get into your car they will! Roof/door/window/locks only stop the honest people.

I have a soft top for summer and hard top for winter, not for heating purposes but for better vision with rain (if we ever get any) and frost during winter you have the wiper and demister on the hardtop and the side windows stay clearer too.

As far as the TJ being a "different type of car - not made for daily driving" not many 4bees are, especially older ones in your price bracket. I'm not denying the purpose it was designed for but I find it a great daily driver compared to other cars I have had. And given that you have not really driven anything yet you would probably find you get used to it very quickly.

Good to hear from another Vic! If you want to come check out my TJ before you start shopping you're more than welcome. With only minor mods it will give you some idea what can be done on a tight budget and a bit of patience.

[bikemat]

Originally Posted by Mooreyfiveo

As far as the TJ being a "different type of car - not made for daily driving" not many 4bees are, especially older ones in your price bracket. I'm not denying the purpose it was designed for but I find it a great daily driver compared to other cars I have had. And given that you have not really driven anything yet you would probably find you get used to it very quickly.

yeah, i was coming directly out of a mazda mx6 for my first fourby, so that probably was part of the reason i got that impression!

[harryoner]

Thanks for the offer 'Mooreyfiveo' i'll keep that in mind, but as i said i don't want to torture myself too much yet because as soon as i get in your TJ i'll probably go and mortgage the family house to buy one! I don't know why anyone would complain about a 4wd handling like a 4wd i want a car to go off road, i would prefer to endure a little discomfort city driving so that i could make it home when i hit the trails.

As previously mentioned the only 4wd's i have driven are Toyota's, i have racked up a few miles in a mates 4Runner and a mates hilux! From what i have experienced these cars lack sufficient power both on and off road. Other than that i don't think a Mercedes sedan really qualifies as experience for driving off road. Really my point is i would be quite dissapointed if i bought a TJ and it didn't feel like an off road cars. Although i really like the XJ's they also have that city 'SUV' type appeal to me, i know they're very capable but they can come across as a rich boys toy if not completely modded!

Thanks HArry